Process for the production of fine chemicals

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a process for the production of fine chemicals in a microorganism, a plant cell, a plant, a plant tissue or in one or more parts thereof. The present invention relates further to a process for the control of the production of fine chemicals in a microorganism, a plant cell, a plant, a plant tissue or in one or more parts thereof. The invention furthermore relates to nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, nucleic acid constructs, vectors, antisense molecules, antibodies, host cells, plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material, plants, microorganisms as well as agricultural compositions and to their use.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The instant application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/644,015, which is a continuation-in-part application of International Patent Application No. PCT/EP 2005/007080, filed Jun. 29, 2005 and of International Patent Application No. PCT/EP 2005/013673, filed Dec. 19, 2005, and claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/801,017, filed May 17, 2006. International Patent Application No. PCT/EP 2005/007080 and International Patent Application No. PCT/EP 2005/013673 claim the benefit of European Application No. 04030101.2, filed Dec. 18, 2004, European Application No. 04106931.1, filed Dec. 17, 2005, European Application No. 04030391.9, filed Dec. 22, 2004, European Application No. 05100166.7, filed Jan. 10, 2005, European Application No. 05103449.4, filed Apr. 22, 2005, European Application No. 04107024.4, filed Dec. 23, 2004, European Application No. 04030100.4, filed Dec. 18, 2004, European Application No. 05101970.1, filed Mar. 14, 2005, European Application No. 04107025.1, filed Dec. 28, 2004, European Application No. 05104781.9, filed May 27, 2005, European Application No. 05100704.5, filed Jan. 26, 2005, European Application No. 05103283.7, filed Apr. 22, 2005, European Application No. 05103455.1, filed Apr. 22, 2005, European Application No. 05103164.9, filed Apr. 20, 2005, European Application No. 05103428.8, filed Apr. 27, 2005, European Application No. 05104479.0, filed May 25, 2005, European Application No. 05104496.4, filed May 25, 2005, European Application No. 05105001.1, filed Jun. 6, 2005, European Application No. 05104874.2, filed Jun. 3, 2005, European Application No. 05105345.2, filed Jun. 10, 2005, European Application No. 05104630.8, filed May 30, 2005, European Application No. 05104761.1, filed Jun. 1, 2005, European Application No. 05104811.4, filed Jun. 2, 2005, European Application No. 05104818.9, filed Jun. 2, 2005, European Application No. 05105021.9, filed Jun. 8, 2005, European Application No. 05105028.4, filed Jun. 8, 2005, European Application No. 05105136.5, filed Jun. 13, 2005, European Application No. 05105993.9, filed Jun. 27, 2005, European Application No. 05105508.5, filed Jun. 21, 2005, European Application No. 05105575.4, filed Jun. 22, 2005, European Application No. 05105510.1, filed Jun. 21, 2005, European Application No. 05105401.3, filed Jun. 17, 2005, European Application No. 05105405.4, filed Jun. 17, 2005, European Application No. 05105992.1, filed Jun. 27, 2005, European Application No. 05105570.5, filed Jun. 22, 2005, European Application No. 05105406.2, filed Jun. 17, 2005, European Application No. 05105624.0, filed Jun. 23, 2005, European Application No. 05105643.0, filed Jun. 23, 2005, and European Application No. 05105571.3, filed Jun. 22, 2005. Additionally, International Patent Application PCT/EP 2005/007080 also claims benefit to European Application No. 04015608.5, filed Jul. 2, 2004, European Application No. 04016615.9, filed Jul. 15, 2004, European Application No. 04018543.1, filed Aug. 5, 2004, European Application No. 04105689.6, filed Aug. 23, 2004, European Application No. 04105535.1, filed Aug. 27, 2004, European Application No. 04026008.5, filed Nov. 3, 2004, European Application No. 04026007.7, filed Nov. 3, 2004, European Application No. 04026057.2, filed Nov. 4, 2004, European Application No. 04026056.4, filed Nov. 4, 2004, European Application No. 04028670.0, filed Dec. 3, 2004, and European Application No. 04028671.8, filed Dec. 3, 2004. The entire content of the above-referenced patent applications are incorporated herein by this reference in their entirety.

[0001.0.0.0] The present invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical in a microorgansm, a plant cell, a plant, a plant tissue or in one or more parts thereof. The invention furthermore relates to nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, nucleic acid constructs, vectors, antisense molecules, antibodies, host cells, plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material, plants, microorganisms as well as agricultural compositions and to their use.

SUBMISSION ON COMPACT DISC

The contents of the following submission on compact discs are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: two copies of the Sequence Listing (COPY 1 and COPY 2) and a computer readable form copy of the Sequence Listing (CRF COPY), all on compact disc, each containing: file name: date recorded: Sep. 20, 2011, size: .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a vector map of vector EG073qcz (SEQ ID NO: 68240).

FIG. 2 depicts a vector map of vector EG065qcz (SEQ ID NO: 68241).

FIG. 3 depicts a vector map of the binary vector for corn transformation pMME0607 (SEQ ID NO: 68242).

FIG. 4A-F depicts the sequences of SEQ ID NO: 68240, SEQ ID NO: 68241, and SEQ ID NO: 68242.

[0002.0.0.0] Amino acids are used in many branches of industry, including the food, animal feed, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Amino acids such as D,L-methionine, L-lysine or L-threonine are used in the animal feed industry. The essential amino acids valine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, threonine, methionine, tyrosine, phenylalanine and tryptophan are particularly important for the nutrition of humans and a number of livestock species. Glycine, L-methionine and tryptophan are all used in the pharmaceutical industry. Glutamine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, histidine, arginine, proline, serine and alanine are used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. Threonine, tryptophan and D,L-methionine are widely used feed additives (Leuchtenberger, W. (1996) Amino acids—technical production and use, pp. 466-502 in Rehm et al., (Ed.) Biotechnology vol. 6, chapter 14a, VCH Weinheim). Moreover, amino acids are suitable for the chemical industry as precursors for the synthesis of synthetic amino acids and proteins, such as N-acetylcysteine, S-carboxymethyl-L-cysteine, (S)-5-hydroxytryptophan and other substances described in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, vol. A2, pp. 57-97, VCH Weinheim, 1985.

[0003.0.0.0] Over one million tons of amino acids are currently produced annually; their market value amounts to over 2.5 billion US dollars. They are currently produced by four competing processes: Extraction from protein hydrolysates, for example L-cystine, L-leucine or L-tyrosine, chemical synthesis, for example of D-, L-methionine, conversion of chemical precursors in an enzyme or cell reactor, for example L-phenylalanine, and fermentative production by growing, on an industrial scale, bacteria which have been developed to produce and secrete large amounts of the desired molecule in question. An organism, which is particularly suitable for this purpose is Corynebacterium glutamicum, which is used for example for the production of L-lysine or L-glutamic acid. Other amino acids which are produced by fermentation are, for example, L-threonine, L-tryptophan, L-aspartic acid and L-phenylalanine.

[0004.0.0.0] The biosynthesis of the natural amino acids in organisms capable of producing them, for example bacteria, has been characterized thoroughly; for a review of the bacterial amino acid biosynthesis and its regulation, see Umbarger, H. E. (1978) Ann. Rev. Biochem. 47: 533-606.

[0005.0.0.0] It is known that amino acids are produced by fermentation of strains of coryneform bacteria, in particular Corynebacterium glutamicum. Due to their great importance, the production processes are constantly being improved. Process improvements can relate to measures regarding technical aspects of the fermentation, such as, for example, stirring and oxygen supply, or the nutrient media composition, such as, for example, the sugar concentration during fermentation, or to the work-up to give the product, for example by ion exchange chromatography, or to the intrinsic performance properties of the microorganism itself. Bacteria from other genera such as Escherichia or Bacillus are also used for the production of amino acids. A number of mutant strains, which produce an assortment of desirable compounds from the group of the sulfur-containing fine chemicals, have been developed via strain selection. The performance properties of said microorganisms are improved with respect to the production of a particular molecule by applying methods of mutagenesis, selection and mutant selection. Methods for the production of methionine have also been developed. In this manner, strains are obtained which are, for example, resistant to antimetabolites, such as, for example, the methionine analogues α-methylmethionine, ethionine, norleucine, N-acetylnorleucine, S-trifluoromethylhomocysteine, 2-amino-5-heprenoitic acid, selenomethionine, methionine sulfoximine, methoxine, 1-aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acid or which are auxotrophic for metabolites with regulatory importance and which produce sulfur-containing fine chemicals such as, for example, L-methionine. However, such processes developed for the production of methionine have the disadvantage that their yields are too low for being economically exploitable and that they are therefore not yet competitive with regard to chemical synthesis.

[0006.0.0.0] Zeh (Plant Physiol., Vol. 127, 2001: 792-802) describes increasing the methionine content in potato plants by inhibiting threonine synthase by what is known as antisense technology. This leads to a reduced threonine synthase activity without the threonine content in the plant being reduced. This technology is highly complex; the enzymatic activity must be inhibited in a very differentiated manner since otherwise auxotrophism for the amino acid occurs and the plant will no longer grow.

[0007.0.0.0] U.S. Pat. No. 5,589,616 teaches the production of higher amounts of amino acids in plants by overexpressing a monocot storage protein in dicots. WO 96/38574, WO 97/07665, WO 97/28247, U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,878, U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,993 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,670,635 are following this approach. That means in all the aforementioned intellectual property rights different proteins or polypeptides are expressed in plants. Said proteins or polypeptides should function as amino acid sinks. Other methods for increasing amino acids such as lysine are disclosed in WO 95/15392, WO 96/38574, WO 89/11789 or WO 93/19190. In this cases special enzymes in the amino acid biosynthetic pathway such as the diphydrodipicolinic acid synthase are deregulated. This leads to an increase in the production of lysine in the different plants. Another approach to increase the level of amino acids in plants is disclosed in EP-A-0 271 408. EP-A-0 271 408 teaches the mutagenesis of plant and selection afterwards with inhibitors of certain enzymes of amino acid biosynthetic pathway.

[0008.0.0.0] Methods of recombinant DNA technology have also been used for some years to improve Corynebacterium strains producing L-amino acids by amplifying individual amino acid biosynthesis genes and investigating the effect on amino acid production.

[0009.0.0.0] As described above, the essential amino acids are necessary for humans and many mammals, for example for livestock. L-methionine is important as methyl group donor for the biosynthesis of, for example, choline, creatine, adrenaline, bases and RNA and DNA, histidine, and for the transmethylation following the formation of S-adenosylmethionine or as a sulfhydryl group donor for the formation of cysteine. Moreover, L-methionine appears to have a positive effect in depression.

[0010.0.0.0] Improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the food-and-feed industry. This is necessary since, for example, certain amino acids, which occur in plants are limited with regard to the supply of mammals. Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible an amino acid profile since a great excess of an amino acid above a specific concentration in the food has no further positive effect on the utilization of the food since other amino acids suddenly become limiting. A further increase in quality is only possible via addition of further amino acids, which are limiting under these conditions. The targeted addition of the limiting amino acid in the form of synthetic products must be carried out with extreme caution in order to avoid amino acid imbalance. For example, the addition of an essential amino acid stimulates protein digestion, which may cause deficiency situations for the second or third limiting amino acid, in particular. In feeding experiments, for example casein feeding experiments, the additional provision of methionine, which is limiting in casein, has revealed the fatty degeneration of liver, which could only be alleviated after the additional provision of tryptophan.

[0011.0.0.0] To ensure a high quality of foods and animal feeds, it is therefore necessary to add a plurality of amino acids in a balanced manner to suit the organism.

[0012.0.0.0] It is an object of the present invention to develop an inexpensive process for the synthesis of L-methionine. L-methionine is with lysine or threonine (depending on the organism) one of the two amino acids which are most frequently limiting

[0013.0.0.0] It was now found that this object is achieved by providing the process according to the invention described herein and the embodiments characterized in the claims.

[0014.0.0.0] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is methionine Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “methadone”. Further, in another embodiment the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to compositions of fine chemicals comprising methionine.

[0015.0.0.0] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means L-methionine. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means methionine, preferably L-methionine, its salts, ester or amids in free form or bound to proteins. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means L-methionine in free form or its salts or bound to proteins. In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” and the term “the respective fine chemical” mean at least one chemical compound with an activity of the above mentioned fine chemical.

[0016.0.0.0] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more         YLR375W, YBL015w, YER173w, YOR084w and/or b1829 and/or b4232,         b0464, b1343, b2414, and/or b2762 protein(s) or of a protein         having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid         molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5         and/or lines 334 to 338 in a non-human organism or in one or         more parts thereof and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of the fine chemical, thus, methionine or a fine         chemicals comprising methionine, in said organism.         Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the         production of a fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3,     lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or having the sequence of a     polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I,     column 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, in a non-human     organism in one or more parts thereof and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of the fine chemical, in particular methionine.

[0016.1.0.0] ./.

[0017.0.0.0] Comprises/comprising and grammatical variations thereof when used in this specification are to be taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof, but not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. The term “Table I” used in this specification is to be taken to specify the content of Table I A and Table I B. The term “Table II” used in this specification is to be taken to specify the content of Table II A and Table II B. The term “Table I A” used in this specification is to be taken to specify the content of Table I A. The term “Table I B” used in this specification is to be taken to specify the content of Table I B. The term “Table II A” used in this specification is to be taken to specify the content of Table II A. The term “Table II B” used in this specification is to be taken to specify the content of Table II B. In one preferred embodiment, the term “Table I” means Table I B. In one preferred embodiment, the term “Table II” means Table II B.

[0018.0.0.0] Preferably, this process further comprises the step of recovering the fine chemical, which is synthesized by the organism from the organism and/or from the culture medium used for the growth or maintenance of the organism. The term “recovering” means the isolation of the fine chemical in different purities, that means on the one hand harvesting of the biological material, which contains the fine chemical without further purification and on the other hand purities of the fine chemical between 5% and 100% purity, preferred purities are in the range of 10% and 99%. In one embodiment, the purities are 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 99%.

[0019.0.0.0] Advantageously the process for the production of the fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the fine chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0020.0.0.0] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of at least one of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein(s) indicated in Table II, Column 3, lines 1 to 4 and/or at least one of the Escherichia coli K12 protein(s) indicated in Table II, Column 3, line 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the methionine content of the transformed plants.

[0021.0.0.0] In accordance with the invention, the term “organism” as understood herein relates always to a non-human organism, in particular to an animal or plant organism or to a microorganism. Further, the term “animal” as understood herein relates always to a non-human animal.

In accordance with the invention it is known to the skilled that anionic compounds such as acids are present in aqueous solutions in an equilibrium between the acid and its salts according to the pH present in the respective compartment of the cell or organism and the pK of the acid. Depending on the strength of the acid (pK) and the pH the salt or the free acid are predominant. Thus, the term “the fine chemical”, the term “the respective fine chemical”, or the term “acid” or the use of a denomination referring to a neutralized anionic compound relates to the anionic form as well as the neutralised status of that compound according to the milieu of the aqueous solution in which they are present.

[0022.0.0.0] The sequence of YLR375w from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Johnston, Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 87-90, 1997, and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being “involved in pre-tRNA slicing and in uptake of branched-chain amino acids; YLR375wp”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product “involved in pre-tRNA slicing and in uptake of branched-chain amino skids” from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of methionine, in particular for increasing the amount of methionine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YBL015w from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and in Feldmann, EMBO J., 13, 5795-5809, 1994 and its activity is being defined as an “Mannose-containing glycoprotein which binds concanavalin A; Ach1p”. In another reference, the activity is described as “acetyl-CoA hydrolase”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “Mannose-containing glycoprotein which binds concanavalin A; Ach1p” from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of methionin, in particular for increasing the amount of methionine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “Acetyl-CoA hydrolase” from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of methionin, in particular for increasing the amount of methionine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YER173w from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dietrich, Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 78-81, 1997, and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as an “Checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints; subunit of a clamp loader that loads Rad17p-Mec3p-Dc1p onto DNA, homolog of the human and S. pompe Rad17 protein; Rad24p”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “Checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints” or its “subunit of a clamp loader that loads Rad17p-Mec3p-Dc1p onto DNA” or a Rad24p from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a Rad17 protein or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of methionin, in particular for increasing the amount of methionine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YOR084w from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon, Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 98-102, 1997, and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as a putative lipase of the peroxisomal matrix. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a putative lipase of the peroxisomal matrix” from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of methionin, in particular for increasing the amount of methionine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1829 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a heat shock protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “heat shock protein” from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of methionin, in particular for increasing the amount of methionine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a htpX heat shock protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. Homologs are also for example the htpX heat shock protein is also annotated as having a protease activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protease, preferably of a heat shock protease, more preferred of a htpX protease or its homolog is increased for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of methionin, in particular for increasing the amount of methionine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0464 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a “transcriptional repressor for multidrug efflux pump (TetR/AcrR family)”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “transcriptional repressor for multidrug efflux pump (TetR/AcrR family)” from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of methionine, in particular for increasing the amount of methionine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein of the superfamily “probable transcription repressor mtrr”, is increased or generated, preferably having activity in transcriptional control and/or DNA binding, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. Accordingly, in one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a “transcriptional repressor for multidrug efflux pump (TetR/AcrR family)” or its homolog is increased for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of methionine, in particular for increasing the amount of methionine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1343 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as an ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of an “ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA” from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of methionine, in particular for increasing the amount of methionine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein having an activity in rRNA processing or translation is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. Accordingly, in one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA or its homolog is increased for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of methionine, in particular for increasing the amount of methionine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2414 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, PLP-dependent enzyme. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, PLP-dependent enzyme” from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of methionine, in particular for increasing the amount of methionine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein of the superfamily “threonine dehydratase”, preferably having an activity in amino acid biosynthesis, biosynthesis of the cysteine-aromatic group, degradation of amino acids of the cysteine-aromatic group, nitrogen and sulfur utilization biosynthesis of the aspartate family, degradation of amino acids of the aspartate group, biosynthesis of sulfuric acid and L-cysteine derivatives, biosynthesis of secondary products derived from primary amino acids, biosynthesis of secondary products derived from glycine, L-serine and L-alanine, pyridoxal phosphate binding, more preferred having an “subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, PLP-dependent enzyme”-activity is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. Accordingly, in one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a “subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, PLP-dependent enzyme” or its homolog is increased for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of methionine, in particular for increasing the amount of methionine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2762 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) reductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) reductase” from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of methionine, in particular for increasing the amount of methionine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein of the superfamily “3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate reductase”, preferably having an activity in biosynthesis of cysteine, nitrogen and sulfur utilization, amino acid biosynthesis more preferred having an “3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) reductase”-activity is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. Accordingly, in one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a “3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) reductase” or its homolog is increased for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of methionine, in particular for increasing the amount of methionine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. The sequence of b4232 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase” from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of methionine, in particular for increasing the amount of methionine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein of the superfamily “fructose-bisphosphatase”, preferably having an activity in C-compound and carbohydrate metabolism, C-compound and carbohydrate utilization, energy, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, plastid, photosynthesis, more preferred having an “fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase”-activity, is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. Accordingly, in one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a “fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase” or its homolog is increased for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of methionine, in particular for increasing the amount of methionine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the fine chemical amount or content. Further, in the present invention, the term “homologue” relates to the sequence of an organism having the highest sequence homology to the herein mentioned or listed sequences of all expressed sequences of said organism.

However, the person skilled in the art knows, that, preferably, the homologue has said the—fine-chemical-increasing activity and, if known, the same biological function or activity in the organism as at least one of the protein(s) indicated in Table I, Column 3, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, e.g. having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule comprising the sequence indicated in indicated in Table I, Column 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

In one embodiment, the homolog of any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, lines 1 to 4 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms and being derived from an Eukaryot. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 4 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in an organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof and being derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 4 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof and being derived from Ascomycota. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 4 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 4 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of the a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 4 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms, and being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Escherichia. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 4 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 1 to 4 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycetes.

[0023.1.0.0] Homologs of the polypeptides polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 4 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules polypeptide indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 1 to 4 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 1 to 4.

Homologs of the polypeptides polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules polypeptide indicated in Table I, column 7, line 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0024.0.0.0] Further homologs of are described herein below.

[0025.0.0.0] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein of the invention”, or of a protein as used in the invention, e.g. a protein having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased methionine, preferably L-methionine level in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism. In a preferred embodiment, the protein or polypeptide has the above-mentioned additional activities of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338. During the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, i.e. if it has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to an any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 4 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, line 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 of E. coli K12.

[0025.1.0.0] In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the organism in which it is expressed. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0025.2.0.0] In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary close to the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 and is expressed in an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the origin organism. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums whereas origin and the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 are derived from the same families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0026.0.0.0] The terms “increased”, “rose”, “extended”, “enhanced”, “improved” or “amplified” relate to a corresponding change of a property in an organism, a part of an organism such as a tissue, seed, root, leave, flower etc. or in a cell and are interchangeable. Preferably, the overall activity in the volume is increased or enhanced in cases if the increase or enhancement is related to the increase or enhancement of an activity of a gene product, independent whether the amount of gene product or the specific activity of the gene product or both is increased or enhanced or whether the amount, stability or translation efficacy of the nucleic acid sequence or gene encoding for the gene product is increased or enhanced. The terms “reduction”, “decrease” or “deletion” relate to a corresponding change of a property in an organism, a part of an organism such as a tissue, seed, root, leave, flower etc. or in a cell. Preferably, the overall activity in the volume is reduced, decreased or deleted in cases if the reduction, decrease or deletion is related to the reduction, decrease or deletion of an activity of a gene product, independent whether the amount of gene product or the specific activity of the gene product or both is reduced, decreased or deleted or whether the amount, stability or translation efficacy of the nucleic acid sequence or gene encoding for the gene product is reduced, decreased or deleted.

[0027.0.0.0] The terms “increase” or “decrease” relate to a corresponding change of a property an organism or in a part of an organism, such as a tissue, seed, root, leave, flower etc. or in a cell. Preferably, the overall activity in the volume is increased in cases the increase relates to the increase of an activity of a gene product, independent whether the amount of gene product or the specific activity of the gene product or both is increased or generated or whether the amount, stability or translation efficacy of the nucleic acid sequence or gene encoding for the gene product is increased.

[0028.0.0.0] Under “change of a property” it is understood that the activity, expression level or amount of a gene product or the metabolite content is changed in a specific volume relative to a corresponding volume of a control, reference or wild type, including the de novo creation of the activity or expression.

[0029.0.0.0] The terms “increase” or “decrease” include the change or the modulation of said property in only parts of the subject of the present invention, for example, the modification can be found in compartment of a cell, like a organelle, or in a part of a plant, like tissue, seed, root, leave, flower etc. but is not detectable if the overall subject, i.e. complete cell or plant, is tested. Preferably, the increase or decrease is found cellular, thus the term “increase of an activity” or “increase of a metabolite content” relates to the cellular increase compared to the wild type cell. However, the terms increase or decrease as used herein also include the change or modulation of a property in the whole organism as mentioned.

[0030.0.0.0] Accordingly, the term “increase” or “decrease” means that the specific activity of an enzyme, preferably the amount of a compound or metabolite, e.g. of a polypeptide, a nucleic acid molecule or of the respective fine chemical of the invention or an encoding mRNA or DNA, can be increased or decreased in a volume.

[0031.0.0.0] The terms “wild type”, “control” or “reference” are exchangeable and can be a cell or a part of organisms such as an organelle or a tissue, or an organism, in particular a microorganism or a plant, which was not modified or treated according to the herein described process according to the invention. Accordingly, the cell or a part of organisms such as an organelle or a tissue, or an organism, in particular a microorganism or a plant used as wild type, control or reference corresponds to the cell, organism or part thereof as much as possible and is in any other property but in the result of the process of the invention as identical to the subject matter of the invention as possible. Thus, the wild type, control, or reference is treated identically or as identical as possible, saying that only conditions or properties might be different which do not influence the quality of the tested property.

[0032.0.0.0] Preferably, any comparison is carried out under analogous conditions. The term “analogous conditions” means that all conditions such as, for example, culture or growing conditions, assay conditions (such as buffer composition, temperature, substrates, pathogen strain, concentrations and the like) are kept identical between the experiments to be compared.

[0033.0.0.0] The “reference”, “control”, or “wild type” is preferably a subject, e.g. an organelle, a cell, a tissue, an organism, in particular a plant or a microorganism, which was not modified or treated according to the herein described process of the invention and is in any other property as similar to the subject matter of the invention as possible. The reference, control, or wild type is in its genome, transcriptome, proteome or meta-bolome as similar as possible to the subject of the present invention. Preferably, the term “reference-” “control-” or “wild type-”-organelle, •cell, •tissue or -organism, in particular plant or microorganism, relates to an organelle, cell, tissue or organism, in particular plant or microorganism, which is nearly genetically identical to the organelle, cell, tissue or organism, in particular microorganism or plant, of the present invention or a part thereof preferably 95%, more preferred are 98%, even more preferred are 99.00%, in particular 99.10%, 99.30%, 99.50%, 99.70%, 99.90%, 99.99%, 99, 999% or more. Most preferable the “reference”, “control”, or “wild type” is a subject, e.g. an organelle, a cell, a tissue, an organism, which is genetically identical to the organism, cell or organelle used according to the process of the invention except that the responsible or activity conferring nucleic acid molecules or the gene product encoded by them are amended, manipulated, exchanged or introduced according to the inventive process.

[0034.0.0.0] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention. E.g., it differs by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, its biochemical or genetical causes and therefore shows the increased amount of the fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.0] In case, a control, reference or wild type differing from the subject of the present invention only by not being subject of the process of the invention can not be provided, a control, reference or wild type can be an organism in which the cause for the modulation of an activity conferring the increase of the fine chemical or expression of the nucleic acid molecule as described herein has been switched back or off, e.g. by knocking out the expression of responsible gene product, e.g. by antisense inhibition, by inactivation of an activator or agonist, by activation of an inhibitor or antagonist, by inhibition through adding inhibitory antibodies, by adding active compounds as e.g. hormones, by introducing negative dominant mutants, etc. A gene production can for example be knocked out by introducing inactivating point mutations, which lead to an enzymatic activity inhibition or a destabilization or an inhibition of the ability to bind to cofactors etc.

[0036.0.0.0] Accordingly, preferred reference subject is the starting subject of the present process of the invention. Preferably, the reference and the subject matter of the invention are compared after standardization and normalization, e.g. to the amount of total RNA, DNA, or Protein or activity or expression of reference genes, like housekeeping genes, such as ubiquitin, actin or ribosomal proteins.

[0037.0.0.0] A series of mechanisms exists via which a modification of a protein, e.g. the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention can directly or indirectly affect the yield, production and/or production efficiency of the fine chemical.

[0038.0.0.0] For example, the molecule number or the specific activity of the polypeptide or the nucleic acid molecule may be increased. Larger amounts of the fine chemical can be produced if the polypeptide or the nucleic acid of the invention is expressed de novo in an organism lacking the activity of said protein. However, it is also possible to increase the expression of the gene which is naturally present in the organisms, for example by amplifying the number of gene(s), by modifying the regulation of the gene, or by increasing the stability of the corresponding mRNA or of the corresponding gene product encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, or by introducing homologous genes from other organisms which are differently regulated, e.g. not feedback sensitive.

[0039.0.0.0] This also applies analogously to the combined increased expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or its gene product with that of further enzymes or regulators of the biosynthesis pathways of the respective fine chemical, e.g. which are useful for the synthesis of the respective fine chemicals.

[0040.0.0.0] The increase, decrease or modulation according to this invention can be constitutive, e.g. due to a stable permanent transgenic expression or to a stable mutation in the corresponding endogenous gene encoding the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or to a modulation of the expression or of the behaviour of a gene conferring the expression of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, or transient, e.g. due to an transient transformation or temporary addition of a modulator such as a agonist or antagonist or inducible, e.g. after transformation with a inducible construct carrying the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention under control of a inducible promoter and adding the inducer, e.g. tetracycline or as described herein below.

[0041.0.0.0] The increase in activity of the polypeptide amounts in a cell, a tissue, a organelle, an organ or an organism or a part thereof preferably to at least 5%, preferably to at least 20% or at to least 50%, especially preferably to at least 70%, 80%, 90% or more, very especially preferably are to at least 200%, most preferably are to at least 500% or more in comparison to the control, reference or wild type.

[0042.0.0.0] The specific activity of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or of the polypeptide of the present invention can be tested as described in the examples. In particular, the expression of a protein in question in a cell, e.g. a plant cell or a microorganism and the detection of an increase the respective fine chemical level in comparison to a control is an easy test and can be performed as described in the state of the art.

[0043.0.0.0] The term “increase” includes, that a compound or an activity is introduced into a cell de novo or that the compound or the activity has not been detectable before, in other words it is “generated”.

[0044.0.0.0] Accordingly, in the following, the term “increasing” also comprises the term “generating” or “stimulating”. The increased activity manifests itself in an increase of the fine chemical.

[0045.0.0.0] In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLR375W or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 1, is increased; preferably, an increase of the fine chemical between 110% and 300% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBL015w or an acetyl-CoA hydrolase, or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 2, is increased; preferably, the increase of the fine chemical between 110% and 300% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER173w or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 3, e.g. a checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pychtene checkpoints; subunit of a clamp loader that loads Rad17p-Mec3p-Ddc1p onto DNA or Rad24p or its homologs, e.g. the human or S. pombe Rad17 is increased; preferably, the increase of the fine chemical between 110% and 200% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR084w or an putative Lipase of the peroxisomal matrix or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 4, is increased; preferably, the increase of the fine chemical between 110% and 350% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1829 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 5, is increased, e.g. the activity of a protease is increased, preferably, the activity of a heat shock protein is increased, more preferred the activity of a htpX protein or its homolog is increased; preferably, the increase of the fine chemical between 110% and 400% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4232 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 338, is increased, e.g. the activity of a fructose-bisphosphatase-superfamily-protein is increased, preferably, the activity a protein involved in C-compound and carbohydrate metabolism, C-compound and carbohydrate utilization, ENERGY, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, plastid, and/or photosynthesis is increased, more preferred the activity of a fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase or its homolog is increased. Preferably, the increase of the fine chemical around 20% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0464 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 334, is increased, e.g. the activity of a probable transcription repressor mtrr superfamily-protein is increased, preferably, the activity a protein involved in transcriptional control, and/or DNA binding is increased, more preferred the activity of a transcriptional repressor for multidrug efflux pump (TetR/AcrR family) or its homolog is increased preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical around between 35% and 366% or more is conferred. In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1343 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 335, is increased, e.g. the activity of a protein involved in rRNA processing and/or translation is increased, preferred the activity of a ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA or its homolog is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical around between 38% and 51% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2414 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 336, is increased, e.g. the activity of a protein of the threonine dehydratase-superfamily is increased preferably the activity of a protein involved in amino acid biosynthesis, biosynthesis of the cysteine-aromatic group, degradation of amino acids of the cysteine-aromatic group, nitrogen and sulfur utilizationbiosynthesis of the aspartate family, degradation of amino acids of the aspartate group, biosynthesis of sulfuric acid and L-cysteine derivatives, biosynthesis of secondary products derived from primary amino acids, biosynthesis of secondary products derived from glycine, L-serine and L-alanine, pyridoxal phosphate binding is increased, preferred the activity of a subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, PLP-dependent enzyme or its homolog is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical around between 37% and 75% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2762 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 337, is increased, e.g. the activity of a 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate reductase-superfamily-protein is increased, preferably, the activity a protein involved in C-compound and carbohydrate metabolism, C-compound and carbohydrate utilization, ENERGY, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, plastid, and/or photosynthesis is increased, more preferred the activity of a fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase or its homolog is increased. Preferably, the increase of the fine chemical around 20% or more is conferred.

[0046.0.0.0] In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLR375W or its homologs is increased, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical and of shikimic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBL015w or its homologs, e.g. an Ach1p, is increased, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical and of a further amino acid, e.g. alanine is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER173w or its homologs, e.g. a checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pychtene checkpoints; subunit of a clamp loader that loads Rad17p-Mec3p-Ddc1p onto DNA or Rad24p or its homologs, e.g. the human or S. pombe Rad17 is increased, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical and of a further amino acid, e.g. leucine, is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR084w or a putative lipase of the peroxisomal matrix or its homologs is increased, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical and of beta-sitosterol is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1829 or its homologs is increased, e.g. the activity of a protease is increased, preferably, the activity of a heat shock protein is increased, more preferred the activity of a htpX protein or its homolog is increased, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical and of a further amino acid, e.g. phenylalanine, is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0464 or its homologs is increased, e.g. the activity of a transcriptional repressor for multidrug efflux pump (TetR/AcrR family) or its homolog is increased, preferably in an increase of the fine chemical and of a further amino acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1343 or its homologs is increased, e.g. the activity of a ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA is increased or its homolog is increased, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical and of a further amino acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2414 or its homologs is increased, e.g. the activity of a subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, PLP-dependent enzyme is increased.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2762 or its homologs is increased, e.g. the activity of a 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) reductase or its homolog is increased, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical and of a further amino acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4232 or its homologs is increased, e.g. the activity of a ructose-1,6-bisphosphatase or its homolog is increased, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical and of a further amino acid is conferred.

[0047.0.0.0] In this context, the respective fine chemical amount in a cell, preferably in a tissue, more preferred in a organism as a plant or a microorganism or part thereof, is increased by 3% or more, especially preferably are 10% or more, very especially preferably are more than 30% and most preferably are 70% or more, such as 100%, 300% or 500%.

[0048.0.0.0] The respective fine chemical can be contained in the organism either in its free form and/or bound to proteins or polypeptides or mixtures thereof. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the amount of the free form in a cell, preferably in a tissue, more preferred in a organism as a plant or a microorganism or part thereof, is increased by 3% or more, especially preferably are 10% or more, very especially preferably are more than 30% and most preferably are 70% or more, such as 100%, 300% or 500%. Accordingly, in an other embodiment, the amount of the bound the respective fine chemical in a cell, preferably in a tissue, more preferred in a organism as a plant or a microorganism or part thereof, is increased by 3% or more, especially preferably are 10% or more, very especially preferably are more than 30% and most preferably are 70% or more, such as 100%, 300% or 500%.

[0049.0.0.0] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of a polypeptides comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, line 1 to 5 or lines 334 to 338 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 1 to 5 or lines 334 to 338 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide which is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 1 to 5 or lines 334 to 338 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.0.0] For the purposes of the present invention, the terms “L-methionine”, “methionine”, “homocysteine”, “S-adenosylmethionine” and “threonine” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, methionine hydrochloride or methionine sulfate. Preferably the terms methionine or threonine are intended to encompass the terms L-methionine or L-threonine.

[0051.0.0.0] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the respective fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free chemical free or bound, e.g. fine chemical compositions. Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of various fine chemicals, e.g. comprising further distinct amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, hormones, sugars, lipids, etc. can be produced.

[0052.0.0.0] The term “expression” refers to the transcription and/or translation of a codogenic gene segment or gene. As a rule, the resulting product is an mRNA or a protein. However, expression products can also include functional RNAs such as, for example, antisense, nucleic acids, tRNAs, snRNAs, rRNAs, RNAi, siRNA, ribozymes etc. Expression may be systemic, local or temporal, for example limited to certain cell types, tissues organs or time periods.

[0053.0.0.0] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps:

-   -   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of         a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention         or of the polypeptid of the invention or the nucleic acid         molecule or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention,         e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 5 or lines 334 to         338 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II,         columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 or lines 334 to 338, having         herein-mentioned the fine chemical-increasing activity;     -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a         protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or         the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention,         e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 5 or lines 334 to         338 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II,         columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 or lines 334 to 338, or of a mRNA         encoding the polypeptide of the present invention having         herein-mentioned methionine increasing activity;     -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the         increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid         molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present         invention or the nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide used in         the method of the invention, having herein-mentioned methionine         increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of         a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, line 1 to 5 or         lines 334 to 338, or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in         Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 1 to 5 or lines 334 to 338, or         decreasing the inhibitory regulation of the polypeptide of the         invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the         invention;     -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or         artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a         protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded         by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic         acid molecule used in the method of the invention or of the         polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the         method of the invention having herein-mentioned methionine         increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of         a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, line 1 to 5 or         lines 334 to 338, or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in         Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 1 to 5 or lines 334 to 338,;     -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased         expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of         the present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention         having herein-mentioned methionine increasing activity, e.g. of         a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in         Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 5 or lines 334 to 338, or its         homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or         7, lines 1 to 5 or lines 334 to 338, by adding one or more         exogenous inducing factors to the organism or parts thereof;     -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring         the increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic         acid molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the         present invention, having herein-mentioned methionine increasing         activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein         as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 5 or lines 334 to         338, or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II,         columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 or lines 334 to 338;     -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased         expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide         encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the         nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or the         polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the         method of the invention having herein-mentioned methionine         increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of         a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 5 or         lines 334 to 338, or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in         Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 or lines 334 to 338;     -   h) Increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the         polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the         method of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having an activity         of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, line 1 to 5 or         lines 334 to 338, or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in         Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 1 to 5 or lines 334 to 338, by         adding positive expression or removing negative expression         elements, e.g. homologous recombination can be used to either         introduce positive regulatory elements like for plants the 35S         enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor elements form         regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods can be used         to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity of         positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced         in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be         identified in which the positive elements have be integrated         near to a gene of the invention, the expression of which is         thereby enhanced;     -   i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,         that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein         of the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example         microorganisms or plants can be grown under a higher temperature         regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock proteins,         e.g. the heat shock protein of the invention, which can lead an         enhanced the fine chemical production; and/or     -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the         proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized         resources and breeding them into the target organisms, e.g. the         elite crops.

[0054.0.0.0] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of methionine after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0055.0.0.0] In general, the amount of mRNA or polypeptide in a cell or a compartment of a organism correlates with the amount of encoded protein and thus with the overall activity of the encoded protein in said volume. Said correlation is not always linear, the activity in the volume is dependent on the stability of the molecules or the presence of activating or inhibiting co-factors. Further, product and educt inhibitions of enzymes are well known and described in Textbooks, e.g. Stryer, Biochemistry.

[0056.0.0.0] In general, the amount of mRNA, polynucleotide or nucleic acid molecule in a cell or a compartment of an organism correlates with the amount of encoded protein and thus with the overall activity of the encoded protein in said volume. Said correlation is not always linear, the activity in the volume is dependent on the stability of the molecules, the degradation of the molecules or the presence of activating or inhibiting co-factors. Further, product and educt inhibitions of enzymes are well known, e.g. Zinser et al. “Enzyminhibitoren”/Enzyme inhibitors”.

[0057.0.0.0] The activity of the abovementioned proteins and/or polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention can be increased in various ways. For example, the activity in an organism or in a part thereof, like a cell, is increased via increasing the gene product number, e.g. by increasing the expression rate, like introducing a stronger promoter, or by increasing the stability of the mRNA expressed, thus increasing the translation rate, and/or increasing the stability of the gene product, thus reducing the proteins decayed. Further, the activity or turnover of enzymes can be influenced in such a way that a reduction or increase of the reaction rate or a modification (reduction or increase) of the affinity to the substrate results, is reached. A mutation in the catalytic centre of an polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, e.g. as enzyme, can modulate the turn over rate of the enzyme, e.g. a knock out of an essential amino acid can lead to a reduced or completely knock out activity of the enzyme, or the deletion or mutation of regulator binding sites can reduce a negative regulation like a feedback inhibition (or a substrate inhibition, if the substrate level is also increased). The specific activity of an enzyme of the present invention can be increased such that the turn over rate is increased or the binding of a co-factor is improved. Improving the stability of the encoding mRNA or the protein can also increase the activity of a gene product. The stimulation of the activity is also under the scope of the term “increased activity”.

[0058.0.0.0] Moreover, the regulation of the abovementioned nucleic acid sequences may be modified so that gene expression is increased. This can be achieved advantageously by means of heterologous regulatory sequences or by modifying, for example mutating, the natural regulatory sequences which are present. The advantageous methods may also be combined with each other.

[0059.0.0.0] In general, an activity of a gene product in an organism or part thereof, in particular in a plant cell, a plant, or a plant tissue or a part thereof or in a microorganism can be increased by increasing the amount of the specific encoding mRNA or the corresponding protein in said organism or part thereof. “Amount of protein or mRNA” is understood as meaning the molecule number of polypeptides or mRNA molecules in an organism, a tissue, a cell, or a cell compartment. “Increase” in the amount of a protein means the quantitative increase of the molecule number of said protein in an organism, a tissue, a cell or a cell compartment or part thereof—for example by one of the methods described herein below—in comparison to a wild type, control or reference.

[0060.0.0.0] The increase in molecule number amounts preferably to at least 1%, preferably to more than 10%, more preferably to 30% or more, especially preferably to 50%, 70% or more, very especially preferably to 100%, most preferably to 500% or more. However, a de novo expression is also regarded as subject of the present invention.

[0061.0.0.0] A modification, i.e. an increase or decrease, can be caused by endogenous or exogenous factors. For example, an increase in activity in an organism or a part thereof can be caused by adding a gene product or a precursor or an activator or an agonist to the media or nutrition or can be caused by introducing said subjects into a organism, transient or stable.

[0062.0.0.0] In one embodiment the increase in the amount of the fine chemical in the organism or a part thereof, e.g. in a cell, a tissue, a organ, an organelle etc., is achieved by increasing the endogenous level of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention. Accordingly, in an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention relates to a process wherein the gene copy number of a gene encoding the polynucleotide or nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention as herein described is increased. Further, the endogenous level of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention as described can for example be increased by modifying the transcriptional or translational regulation of the polypeptide.

[0063.0.0.0] In one embodiment the amount of the fine chemical in the organism or part thereof can be increase by targeted or random mutagenesis of the endogenous genes of the invention. For example homologous recombination can be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor elements form regulatory regions. In addition gene conversion like methods described by Kochevenko and Willmitzer (Plant Physiol. 2003 May; 132(1): 174-84) and citations therein can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity of positive regulatory elements.

Furthermore positive elements can be randomly introduced in (plant) genomes by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be screened for, in which the positive elements has be integrated near to a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby enhanced. The activation of plant genes by random integrations of enhancer elements has been described by Hayashi et al., 1992 (Science 258:1350-1353) or Weigel et al., 2000 (Plant Physiol. 122, 1003-1013) and others citied therein. Reverse genetic strategies to identify insertions (which eventually carrying the activation elements) near in genes of interest have been described for various cases e.g. Krysan et al., 1999 (Plant Cell 1999, 11, 2283-2290); Sessions et al., 2002 (Plant Cell 2002, 14, 2985-2994); Young et al., 2001, (Plant Physiol. 2001, 125, 513-518); Koprek et al., 2000 (Plant J. 2000, 24, 253-263); Jeon et al., 2000 (Plant J. 2000, 22, 561-570); Tissier et al., 1999 (Plant Cell 1999, 11, 1841-1852); Speulmann et al., 1999 (Plant Cell 1999, 11, 1853-1866). Briefly material from all plants of a large T-DNA or transposon mutagenized plant population is harvested and genomic DNA prepared. Then the genomic DNA is pooled following specific architectures as described for example in Krysan et al., 1999 (Plant Cell 1999, 11, 2283-2290). Pools of genomics DNAs are then screened by specific multiplex PCR reactions detecting the combination of the insertional mutagen (e.g. T-DNA or Transposon) and the gene of interest. Therefore PCR reactions are run on the DNA pools with specific combinations of T-DNA or transposon border primers and gene specific primers. General rules for primer design can again be taken from Krysan et al., 1999 (Plant Cell 1999, 11, 2283-2290) Rescreening of lower levels DNA pools lead to the identification of individual plants in which the gene of interest is disrupted by the insertional mutagen. The enhancement of positive regulatory elements or the disruption or weaking of negative regulatory elements can also be achieved through common mutagenesis techniques: The production of chemically or radiation mutated populations is a common technique and known to the skilled worker. Methods for plants are described by Koorneef et al. 1982 and the citations therein and by Lightner and Caspar in “Methods in Molecular Biology” Vol 82. These techniques usually induce pointmutations that can be identified in any known gene using methods such as tilling (Colbert et al. 2001).

Accordingly, the expression level can be increased if the endogenous genes encoding a polypeptide conferring an increased expression of the polypeptide of the present invention, in particular genes comprising the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, are modified via homologous recombination, tilling approaches or gene conversion

[0064.0.0.0] Regulatory sequences can be operatively linked to the coding region of an endogenous protein and control its transcription and translation or the stability or decay of the encoding mRNA or the expressed protein. In order to modify and control the expression, promoter, UTRs, splicing sites, processing signals, polyadenylation sites, terminators, enhancers, repressors, post transcriptional or posttranslational modification sites can be changed, added or amended for example, the activation of plant genes by random integrations of enhancer elements has been described by Hayashi et al., 1992 (Science 258:1350-1353) or Weigel et al., 2000 (Plant Physiol. 122, 1003-1013) and others citied therein. For example, the expression level of the endogenous protein can be modulated by replacing the endogenous promoter with a stronger transgenic promoter or by replacing the endogenous 3′UTR with a 3′UTR, which provides more stability without amending the coding region. Further, the transcriptional regulation can be modulated by introduction of an artificial transcription factor as described in the examples. Alternative promoters, terminators and UTR are described below.

[0065.0.0.0] The activation of an endogenous polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increase of expression or activity can also be increased by introducing a synthetic transcription factor, which binds close to the coding region of an endogenous polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention- or used in the process of the invention or its endogenous homolog-encoding gene and the synthetic transcription factor activates its transcription. A chimeric zinc finger protein can be construed, which comprises a specific DNA-binding domain and an activation domain as e.g. the VP16 domain of Herpes Simplex virus. The specific binding domain can bind to the regulatory region of the endogenous protein coding region. The expression of the chimeric transcription factor in a organism, in particular in a plant, leads to a specific expression of an endogenous polypeptid of the invention or used in the process of the invention, in particular a plant homolog thereof, see e.g. in WO01/52620, Oriz, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2002, Vol. 99, 13290 or Guan, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2002, Vol. 99, 13296.

[0066.0.0.0] In one further embodiment of the process according to the invention, organisms are used in which one of the abovementioned genes, or one of the abovementioned nucleic acids, is mutated in a way that the activity of the encoded gene products is less influenced by cellular factors, or not at all, in comparison with the unmutated proteins. For example, well known regulation mechanism of enzymic activity are substrate inhibition or feed back regulation mechanisms. Ways and techniques for the introduction of substitutions, deletions and additions of one or more bases, nucleotides or amino acids of a corresponding sequence are described herein below in the corresponding paragraphs and the references listed there, e.g. in Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning, Cold Spring Habour, N.Y., 1989. The person skilled in the art will be able to identify regulation domains and binding sites of regulators by comparing the sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the expression product thereof with the state of the art by computer software means which comprise algorithms for the identifying of binding sites and regulation domains or by introducing into a nucleic acid molecule or in a protein systematically mutations and assaying for those mutations which will lead to an increased specific activity or an increased activity per volume, in particular per cell.

[0067.0.0.0] It is therefore advantageously to express in an organism a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or a polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention derived from a evolutionary distantly related organism, as e.g. using a prokaryotic gene in an eukaryotic host, as in these cases the regulation mechanism of the host cell may not weaken the activity (cellular or specific) of the gene or its expression product

[0068.0.0.0] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of the amino acids is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.0] Less influence on the regulation of a gene or its gene product is understood as meaning a reduced regulation of the enzymatic activity leading to an increased specific or cellular activity of the gene or its product. An increase of the enzymatic activity is understood as meaning an enzymatic activity, which is increased by at least 10%, advantageously at least 20, 30 or 40%, especially advantageously by at least 50, 60 or 70% in comparison with the starting organism. This leads to an increased productivity of the desired respective fine chemical(s).

[0070.0.0.0] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention as described below, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolites composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous amino acid composition comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) respective fine chemicals, in particular amino acids, likewise the fine chemical.

[0071.0.0.0] Preferably the composition further comprises higher amounts of metabolites positively affecting or lower amounts of metabolites negatively affecting the nutrition or health of animals or humans provided with said compositions or organisms of the invention or parts thereof. Likewise, the number or activity of further genes which are required for the import or export of nutrients or metabolites, including amino acids or its precursors, required for the cell's biosynthesis of amino acids may be increased so that the concentration of necessary or relevant precursors, cofactors or intermediates within the cell(s) or within the corresponding storage compartments is increased. Owing to the increased or novel generated activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or owing to the increased number of nucleic acid sequences of the invention and/or to the modulation of further genes which are involved in the biosynthesis of the amino acids, e.g. by increasing the activity of enzymes synthesizing precursors or by destroying the activity of one or more genes which are involved in the breakdown of the amino acids, it is possible to increase the yield, production and/or production efficiency of amino acids in the host organism, such as the plants or the microorganisms.

[0072.0.0.0] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous sulfur-containing compounds, which contain at least one sulfur atom bound covalently. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to methionine, homocysteine, S-adenosylmethionine, cysteine, advantageously methionine and S-adenosylmethionine.

[0073.0.0.0] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process which comprises:

-   a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a     non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue     or a plant; -   b) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or the     polypeptide used in the method of the invention or a homolog     thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 1 to 5,     or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     the present invention and described below, i.e. conferring an     increase of the respective fine chemical in the organism, preferably     in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a     plant or animal tissue or a plant, -   c) growing the organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human     animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant,     under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine     chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant     cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and -   d) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or     bound the respective fine chemical and, optionally further free     and/or bound amino acids synthesized by the organism, the     microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the     plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.0.0] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound the respective fine chemical or the free and bound the fine chemical but as option it is also possible to produce, recover and, if desired isolate, other free or/and bound amino acids, in particular lysine. Galili et al., Transgenic Res., 200, 9, 2, 137-144 describes that the heterologous expression of a bacterial gene for the amino acid biosynthesis confers the increase of free as well as of protein-bound amino acids.

[0075.0.0.0] After the above-described increasing (which as defined above also encompasses the generating of an activity in an organism, i.e. a de novo activity), for example after the introduction and the expression of the nucleic acid molecules of the invention or described in the methods or processes according to the invention, the organism according to the invention, advantageously, a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant, plant or animal tissue or plant or animal cell, is grown and subsequently harvested.

[0076.0.0.0] Suitable organisms or host organisms (transgenic organism) for the nucleic acid molecule used according to the invention and for the inventive process, the nucleic acid construct or the vector (both as described below) are, in principle, all organisms which are capable of synthesizing the respective fine chemical, and which are suitable for the activation, introduction or stimulation genes. Examples which may be mentioned are plants, microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, yeasts, alga or diatom, transgenic or obtained by site directed mutagenesis or random mutagenesis combined with specific selection procedures. Preferred organisms are those which are naturally capable of synthesizing the respective fine chemical in substantial amounts, like fungi, yeasts, bactria or plants. In principle, transgenic animals, for example Caenorhabditis elegans, are also suitable as host organisms.

[0077.0.0.0] In the event that the transgenic organism is a microorganism, such as a eukaryotic organism, for example a fungus, an alga, diatom or a yeast in particular a fungus, alga, diatom or yeast selected from the families Chaetomiaceae, Choanephoraceae, Cryptococcaceae, Gun ninghamellaceae, Demetiaceae, Moniliaceae, Mortierellaceae, Mucoraceae, Pythiaceae, Sacharomycetaceae, Saprolegniaceae, Schizosacharomycetaceae, Sodariaceae, Sporobolomycetaceae Tuberculariaceae, Adelotheciaceae, Dinophyceae, Ditrichaceae or Prasinophyceae, or a prokaryotic organism, for example a bacterium or blue alga, in particular a bacterium from the families Actinomycetaceae, Bacillaceae, Brevibacteriaceae, Corynebacteriaceae, Enterobacteriacae, Gordoniaceae, Nocardiaceae, Micrococcaceae, Mycobacteriaceae, Pseudomonaceae, Rhizobiaceae or Streptomycetaceae, this microorganism is grown on a solid or in a liquid medium which is known to the skilled worker and suits the organism. After the growing phase, the organisms can be harvested.

[0078.0.0.0] The microorganisms or the recovered, and if desired isolated, respective fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications, for example according to the disclosures made in EP-B-0 533 039 or EP-A-0 615 693, which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. The fermentation broth or fermentation products can be purified in the customary manner by extraction and precipitation or via ion exchangers and other methods known to the person skilled in the art and described herein below. Products of these different work-up procedures are amino acids or amino acid compositions which still comprise fermentation broth and cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably between below 50% by weight.

[0079.0.0.0] Preferred microorganisms are selected from the group consisting of Chaetomiaceae such as the genera Chaetomium e.g. the species Chaetomidium fimeti; Choanephoraceae such as the genera Blakeslea, Choanephora e.g. the species Blakeslea trispora, Choanephora cucurbitarum or Choanephora infundibulifera var. cucurbitarum; Cryptococcaceae such as the genera Candida, Crytococcus, Rhodotorula, Torulopsis e.g. the species Candida albicans, Candida albomarginata, Candida antarctica, Candida bacarum, Candida bogoriensis, Candida boidinii, Candida bovina, Candida brumptii, Candida cacaoi, Candida cariosilignicola, Candida catenulata, Candida chalmersii, Candida ciferrii, Candida cylindracea, Candida edax, Candida ernobii, Candida famata, Candida freyschussii, Candida friedrichii, Candida glabrata, Candida guilliermondii, Candida haemulonii, Candida humicola, Candida inconspicua, Candida ingens, Candida intermedia, Candida kefyr, Candida krusei, Candida lactiscondensi, Candida lambica, Candida lipolyfica, Candida lusitaniae, Candida macedoniensis, Candida magnoliae, Candida membranaefaciens, Candida mesenterica, Candida multigemmis, Candida mycoderma, Candida nemodendra, Candida nitratophila, Candida norvegensis, Candida norvegica, Candida parapsilosis, Candida pelliculosa, Candida pe/tata, Candida pini, Candida pseudotropicalis, Candida pulcherrima, Candida punicea, Candida pustula, Candida ravautii, Candida reukaufii, Candida rugosa, Candida sake, Candida silvicola, Candida solani, Candida sp., Candida spandovensis, Candida succiphila, Candida tropicalis, Candida utilis, Candida valida, Candida versatilis, Candida vini, Candida zeylanoides, Cryptococcus albidus, Cryptococcus curvatus, Cryptococcus flavus, Cryptococcus humicola, Cryptococcus hungaricus, Cryptococcus kuetzingii, Cryptococcus laurentii, Cryptococcus macerans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus terreus, Cryptococcus uniguttulatus, Rhodotorula acheniorum, Rhodotorula bacarum, Rhodotorula bogoriensis, Rhodotorula flava, Rhodotorula glutinis, Rhodotorula macerans, Rhodotorula minuta, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Rhodotorula pilimanae, Rhodotorula pustula, Rhodotorula rubra, Rhodotorula tokyoensis, Torulopsis colliculosa, Torulopsis dattila or Torulopsis neoformans; Cunninghamellaceae such as the genera Cunninghamella e.g. the species Cunninghamella blakesleeana, Cunninghamella echinulata, Cunninghamella echinulata var. elegans, Cunninghamella elegans or Cunninghamella homothallica; Demetiaceae such as the genera Alternaria, Bipolaris, Cercospora, Chalara, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Exophilia, Helicosporium, Helminthosporium, Orbimyces, Philalophora, Pithomyces, Spilocaea, Thielaviopsis, Wangiella e.g. the species Curvularia affinis, Curvularia clavata, Curvularia fallax, Curvularia inaequalis, Curvularia indica, Curvularia lunata, Curvularia pallescens, Curvularia verruculosa or Helminthosporium sp.; Moniliaceae such as the genera Arthrobotrys, Aspergillus, Epidermophyton, Geotrichum, Gliocladium, Histoplasma, Microsporum, Monilia, Oedocephalum, Oidium, Penicillium, Trichoderma, Trichophyton, Thrichoteclum, Verticillium e.g. the species Aspergillus aculeatus, Aspergillus albus, Aspergillus alliaceus, Aspergillus asperescens, Aspergillus awamori, Aspergillus candidus, Aspergillus carbonarius, Aspergillus carneus, Aspergillus chevalieri, Aspergillus chevalieri var. intermedius, Aspergillus clavatus, Aspergillus ficuum, Aspergillus flavipes, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus foetidus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus giganteus, Aspergillus humicola, Aspergillus intermedius, Aspergillus japonicus, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus niveus, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus ostianus, Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus parasiticus var. globosus, Aspergillus penicillioides, Aspergillus phoenicis, Aspergillus rugulosus, Aspergillus sclerotiorum, Aspergillus sojae var. gymnosardae, Aspergillus sydowii, Aspergillus tamarii, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus terricola, Aspergillus toxicarius, Aspergillus unguis, Aspergillus ustus, Aspergillus versicolor, Aspergillus vitricolae, Aspergillus wentii, Penicillium adametzi, •Penicillium albicans, Penicillium arabicum, Penicillium arenicola, Penicillium argillaceum, Penicillium arvense, Penicillium asperosporum, •Penicillium aurantiogriseum, •Penicillium avellaneum, •Penicillium baamense, •Penicillium bacillisporum, •Penicillium brasilianum, •Penicillium brevicompactum, •Penicillium camemberti, •Penicillium canadense, •Penicillium canescens, •Penicillium caperatum, •Penicillium capsulatum, •Penicillium caseicolum, •Penicillium chrysogenum, •Penicillium citreonigrum, •Penicillium citrinum, •Penicillium claviforme, •Penicillium commune, •Penicillium corylophilum, •Penicillium corymbiferum, •Penicillium crustosum, •Penicillium cyclopium, •Penicillium daleae, •Penicillium decumbens, •Penicillium dierckxii, •Penicillium digitatum, •Penicillium digitatum var. latum, •Penicillium divaricatum, •Penicillium diversum, •Penicillium duclauxii, •Penicillium echinosporum, •Penicillium expansum, •Penicillium fellutanum, •Penicillium frequentans, •Penicillium funiculosum, •Penicillium glabrum, •Penicillium gladioli, •Penicillium griseofulvum, •Penicillium hirsutum, •Penicillium hispanicum, •Penicillium islandicum, •Penicillium italicum, •Penicillium italicum var. avellaneum, •Penicillium janczewskii, •Penicillium janthinellum, •Penicillium japonicum, •Penicillium lavendulum, •Penicillium lilacinum, •Penicillium lividum, •Penicillium martensii, •Penicillium megasporum, •Penicillium miczynskii, •Penicillium nalgiovense, •Penicillium nigricans, ••Penicillium notatum, •Penicillium ochrochloron, •Penicillium odoratum, •Penicillium oxalicum, •Penicillium paraherquei, •Penicillium patulum, •Penicillium pinophilum, •Penicillium piscarium, •Penicillium pseudostromaticum, •Penicillium puberulum, •Penicillium purpurogenum, •Penicillium raciborskii, •Penicillium roqueforti, •Penicillium rotundum, •Penicillium rubrum, •Penicillium sacculum, •Penicillium simplicissimum, •Penicillium sp., Penicillium spinulosum, Penicillium steckii, Penicillium stoloniferum, Penicillium striatisporum, Penicillium striatum, Penicillium tardum, Penicillium thomii, Penicillium turbatum, Penicillium variabile, Penicillium vermiculatum, Penicillium vermoesenii, Penicillium verrucosum, Penicillium verrucosum var. corymbiferum, Penicillium verrucosum var. cyclopium, Penicillium verruculosum, Penicillium vinaceum, Penicillium violaceum, Penicillium viridicatum, Penicillium vulpinum, Trichoderma hamatum, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma koningii, Trichoderma longibrachiatum, Trichoderma polysporum, Trichoderma reesei, Trichoderma virens or Trichoderma viride; Mortierellaceae such as the genera Mortierella e.g. the species Mortierella isabellina, Mortierella polycephala, Mortierella ramanniana, Mortierella vinacea or Mortierella zonata; Mucoraceae such as the genera Actinomucor, Mucor, Phycomyces, Rhizopus, Zygorhynchus e.g. the species Mucor amphibiorum, Mucor circinelloides f. circinelloides, Mucor circinelloides var. griseocyanus, Mucor flavus, Mucor fuscus, Mucor griseocyanus, Mucor heterosporus, Mucor hiemalis, Mucor hiemalis f. hiemalis, Mucor inaequisporus, Mucor indicus, Mucor javanicus, Mucor mucedo, Mucor mucilagineus, Mucor piriformis, Mucor plasmaticus, Mucor plumbeus, Mucor racemosus, Mucor racemosus f. racemosus, Mucor racemosus f. sphaerosporus, Mucor rouxianus, Mucor Mucor sinensis, Mucor sp., Mucor spinosus, Mucor tuberculisporus, Mucor variisporus, Mucor variosporus, Mucor wosnessenskii, Phycomyces blakesleeanus, Rhizopus achlamydosporus, Rhizopus arrhizus, Rhizopus chinensis, Rhizopus delemar, Rhizopus formosaensis, Rhizopus japonicus, Rhizopus javanicus, Rhizopus microsporus, Rhizopus microsporus var. chinensis, Rhizopus microsporus var. oligosporus, Rhizopus microsporus var. rhizopodiformis, Rhizopus nigricans, Rhizopus niveus, Rhizopus oligosporus, Rhizopus oryzae, Rhizopus pygmaeus, Rhizopus rhizopodiformis, Rhizopus semarangensis, Rhizopus sontii, Rhizopus stolonifer, Rhizopus thermosus, Rhizopus tonkinensis, Rhizopus tritici or Rhizopus usamii; Pythiaceae such as the genera Phytium, Phytophthora e.g. the species Pythium debaryanum, Pythium intermedium, Pythium irregulars, Pythium megalacanthum, Pythium paroecandrum, Pythium sylvaticum, Pythium ultimum, Phytophthora cactorum, Phytophthora cinnamomi, Phytophthora citricola, Phytophthora citrophthora, Phytophthora cryptogea, Phytophthora drechsieri, Phytophthora erythroseptica, Phytophthora lateralis, Phytophthora megasperma, Phytophthora nicotianae, Phytophthora nicotianae var. parasitica, Phytophthora palmivora, Phytophthora parasitica or Phytophthora syringae; Sacharomycetaceae such as the genera Hansenula, Pichia, Saccharomyces, Saccharomycodes, Yarrowia e.g. the species Hansenula anomala, Hansenula californica, Hansenula canadensis, Hansenula capsulata, Hansenula ciferrii, Hansenula glucozyma, Hansenula henricii, Hansenula hoistii, Hansenula minuta, Hansenula nonfermentans, Hansenula philodendri, Hansenula polymorpha, Hansenula saturnus, Hansenula subpelliculosa, Hansenula wickerhamii, Hansenula wingei, Pichia alcoholophila, Pichia angusta, Pichia anomala, Pichia bispora, Pichia burtonii, Pichia canadensis, Pichia capsulata, Pichia carsonii, Pichia cellobiosa, Pichia ciferrii, Pichia farinosa, Pichia fermentans, Pichia finiandica, Pichia glucozyma, Pichia guilliermondii, Pichia haplophila, Pichia henricii, Pichia holstii, Pichia jadinii, Pichia lindnerii, Pichia membranaefaciens, Pichia methanolica, Pichia minuta var. minuta, Pichia minuta var. nonfermentans, Pichia norvegensis, Pichia ohmeri, Pichia pastoris, Pichia philodendri, Pichia pini, Pichia polymorpha, Pichia quercuum, Pichia rhodanensis, Pichia sargentensis, Pichia stipitis, Pichia strasburgensis, Pichia subpelliculosa, Pichia toietana, Pichia trehalophila, Pichia vini, Pichia xylosa, Saccharomyces aceti, Saccharomyces bailii, Saccharomyces bayanus, Saccharomyces bisporus, Saccharomyces capensis, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. ellipsoideus, Saccharomyces chevalieri, Saccharomyces deibrueckii, Saccharomyces diastaticus, Saccharomyces drosophilarum, Saccharomyces eiegans, Saccharomyces ellipsoideus, Saccharomyces fermentati, Saccharomyces florentinus, Saccharomyces fragilis, Saccharomyces heterogenicus, Saccharomyces hienipiensis, Saccharomyces inusitatus, Saccharomyces italicus, Saccharomyces kluyveri, Saccharomyces krusei, Saccharomyces iactis, Saccharomyces marxianus, Saccharomyces microellipsoides, Saccharomyces montanus, Saccharomyces norbensis, Saccharomyces oieaceus, Saccharomyces paradoxus, Saccharomyces pastorianus, Saccharomyces pretoriensis, Saccharomyces rosei, Saccharomyces rouxii, Saccharomyces uvarum, Saccharomycodes ludwigii or Yarrowia lipolytica; Saprolegniaceae such as the genera Saprolegnia e.g. the species Saprolegnia ferax; Schizosacharomycetaceae such as the genera Schizosaccharomyces e.g. the species Schizosaccharomyces japonicus var. japonicus, Schizosaccharomyces japonicus var. versatilis, Schizosaccharomyces malidevorans, Schizosaccharomyces octosporus, Schizosaccharomyces pombe var. malidevorans or Schizosaccharomyces pombe var. pombe; Sodariaceae such as the genera Neurospora, Sordaria e.g. the species Neurospora africana, Neurospora crassa, Neurospora intermedia, Neurospora sitophila, Neurospora tetrasperma, Sordaria fimicola or Sordaria macrospora; Tuberculariaceae such as the genera Epicoccum, Fusarium, Myrothecium, Sphacelia, Starkeyomyces, Tubercularia e.g. the species Fusarium acuminatum, Fusarium anthophilum, Fusarium aquaeductuum, Fusarium aquaeductuum var. medium, Fusarium avenaceum, Fusarium buharicum, Fusarium camptoceras, Fusarium cerealis, Fusarium chlamydosporum, Fusarium ciliatum, Fusarium coccophilum, Fusarium coeruleum, Fusarium concolor, Fusarium crookwellense, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium dimerum, Fusarium diversisporum, Fusarium equiseti, Fusarium equiseti var. bullatum, Fusarium eumartii, Fusarium flocciferum, Fusarium fujikuroi, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium graminum, Fusarium heterosporum, Fusarium incamatum, Fusarium inflexum, Fusarium javanicum, Fusarium lateritium, Fusarium lateritium var. majus, Fusarium longipes, Fusarium melanochlorum, Fusarium merismoides, Fusarium merismoides var. chlamydosporale, Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarium moniliforme var. anthophilum, Fusarium moniliforme var. subglutinans, Fusarium nivale, Fusarium nivale var. majus, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. aechmeae, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. conglutinans, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cyclaminis, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. dianthi, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tracheiphilum, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tuberosi, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tulipae, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum, Fusarium pallidoroseum, Fusarium poae, Fusarium proliferatum, Fusarium proliferatum var. minus, Fusarium redolens, Fusarium redolens f. sp. dianthi, Fusarium reticulatum, Fusarium roseum, Fusarium sacchari var. elongatum, Fusarium sambucinum, Fusarium sambucinum var. coeruleum, Fusarium semitectum, Fusarium semitectum var. majus, Fusarium solani, Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi, Fusarium sporotrichioides, Fusarium sporotrichioides var. minus, Fusarium sublunatum, Fusarium succisae, Fusarium sulphureum, Fusarium tabacinum, Fusarium tricinctum, Fusarium udum, Fusarium ventricosum, Fusarium verticillioides, Fusarium xylarioides or Fusarium zonatum; Sporobolomycetaceae such as the genera Bullera, Sporobolomyces, Itersonilia e.g. the species Sporobolomyces holsaticus, Sporobolomyces odorus, Sporobolomyces puniceus, Sporobolomyces salmonicolor, Sporobolomyces singularis or Sporobolomyces tsugae; Adelotheciaceae such as the genera e.g. the species Physcomitrella patens; Dinophyceae such as the genera Crypthecodinium, Phaeodactylum e.g. the species Crypthecodinium cohnii or Phaeodactylum tricornutum; Ditrichaceae such as the genera Ceratodon, Pleuridium, Astomiopsis, Ditrichum, Philibertiella, Ceratodon, Distichium, Skottsbergia e.g. the species Ceratodon antarcticus, Ceratodon purpureus, Ceratodon purpureus ssp. convolutes or Ceratodon purpureus ssp. stenocarpus; Prasinophyceae such as the genera Nephroselmis, Prasinococcus, Scherffelia, Tetraselmis, Mantoniella, Ostreococcus e.g. the species Nephroselmis olivacea, Prasinococcus capsulatus, Scherffelia dubia, Tetraselmis chui, Tetraselmis suecica, Mantoniella squamata or Ostreococcus tauri; Actinomycetaceae such as the genera Actinomyces, Actinobaculum, Arcanobacterium, Mobiluncus e.g. the species Actinomyces bemardiae, Actinomyces bovis, Actinomyces bowdenii, Actinomyces canis, Actinomyces cardiffensis, Actinomyces catuli, Actinomyces coleocanis, Actinomyces denticolens, Actinomyces europaeus, Actinomyces funkei, Actinomyces georgiae, Actinomyces gerencseriae, Actinomyces hordeovulneris, Actinomyces howellii, Actinomyces humiferus, Actinomyces hyovaginalis, Actinomyces israelii, Actinomyces marimammalium, Actinomyces meyeri, Actinomyces naeslundii, Actinomyces nasicola, Actinomyces neuii subsp. anitratus, Actinomyces neuii subsp. neuii, Actinomyces odontolyticus, Actinomyces oricola, Actinomyces pyogenes, Actinomyces radicidentis, Actinomyces radingae, Actinomyces slackii, Actinomyces suimastitidis, Actinomyces suis, Actinomyces turicensis, Actinomyces urogenitalis, Actinomyces vaccimaxillae, Actinomyces viscosus, Actinobaculum schaalii, Actinobaculum suis, Actinobaculum urinale, Arcanobacterium bemardiae, Arcanobacterium haemolyticum, Arcanobacterium hippocoleae, Arcanobacterium phocae, Arcanobacterium pluranimalium, Arcanobacterium pyogenes, Mobiluncus curtisii subsp. curtisii Mobiluncus curtisii subsp. holmesii or Mobiluncus mulieris; Bacillaceae such as the genera Amphibacillus, Anoxybacillus, Bacillus, Exiguobacterium, Gracilibacillus, Holobacillus, Saccharococcus, Salibacillus, Virgibacillus e.g. the species Amphibacillus fermentum, Amphibacillus tropicus, Amphibacillus xylanus, Anoxybacillus flavithermus, Anoxybacillus gonensis, Anoxybacillus pushchinoensis, Bacillus acidocaldarius, Bacillus acidoterrestris, Bacillus aeolius, Bacillus agaradhaerens, Bacillus agri, Bacillus alcalophilus, Bacillus alginolyticus, Bacillus alvei, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus amylolyticus, Bacillus aneurinilyticus, Bacillus aquimaris, Bacillus arseniciselenatis, Bacillus atrophaeus, Bacillus azotofixans, Bacillus azotoformans, Bacillus badius, Bacillus barbaricus, Bacillus benzoevorans, Bacillus borstelensis, Bacillus brevis, Bacillus carboniphilus, Bacillus centrosporus, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus chitinolyticus, Bacillus chondroitinus, Bacillus choshinensis, Bacillus circulans, Bacillus clarkii, Bacillus clausii, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus cohnii, Bacillus curdlanolyticus, Bacillus cycloheptanicus, Bacillus decolorationis, Bacillus dipsosauri, Bacillus edaphicus, Bacillus ehimensis, Bacillus endophyticus, Bacillus fastidiosus, Bacillus firmus, Bacillus flexus, Bacillus formosus, Bacillus fumarioli, Bacillus funiculus, Bacillus fusiformis, Bacillus sphaericus subsp. fusiformis, Bacillus galactophilus, Bacillus globisporus, Bacillus globisporus subsp. marinus, Bacillus glucanolyticus, Bacillus gordonae, Bacillus halmapalus, Bacillus haloalkaliphilus, Bacillus halodenitrificans, Bacillus halodurans, Bacillus halophilus, Bacillus horikoshii, Bacillus horti, Bacillus infernos, Bacillus insolitus, Bacillus jeotgali, Bacillus kaustophilus, Bacillus kobensis, Bacillus krulwichiae, Bacillus laevolacticus, Bacillus larvae, Bacillus laterosporus, Bacillus lautus, Bacillus lentimorbus, Bacillus lentus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus luciferensis, Bacillus macerans, Bacillus macquariensis, Bacillus marinus, Bacillus marisflavi, Bacillus marismortui, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus methanolicus, Bacillus migulanus, Bacillus mojavensis, Bacillus mucilaginosus, Bacillus mycoides, Bacillus naganoensis, Bacillus nealsonii, Bacillus neidei, Bacillus niacini, Bacillus okuhidensis, Bacillus oleronius, Bacillus pabuli, Bacillus pallidus, Bacillus pantothenticus, Bacillus parabrevis, Bacillus pasteurii, Bacillus peoriae, Bacillus polymyxa, Bacillus popilliae, Bacillus pseudalcaliphilus, Bacillus pseudofirmus, Bacillus pseudomycoides, Bacillus psychrodurans, Bacillus psychrophilus, Bacillus psychrosaccharolyticus, Bacillus psychrotolerans, Bacillus pulvifaciens, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus pycnus, Bacillus reuszeri, Bacillus salexigens, Bacillus schlegelii, Bacillus selenitireducens, Bacillus silvestris, Bacillus simplex, Bacillus siralis, Bacillus smithii, Bacillus sonorensis, Bacillus sphaericus, Bacillus sporothermodurans, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Bacillus subterraneus, Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii, Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis, Bacillus thermantarcticus, Bacillus thermoaerophilus, Bacillus thermoamylovorans, Bacillus thermoantarcticus, Bacillus thermocatenulatus, Bacillus thermocloacae, Bacillus thermodenitrificans, Bacillus thermoglucosidasius, Bacillus thermoleovorans, Bacillus thermoruber, Bacillus thermosphaericus, Bacillus thiaminolyticus, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus tusciae, Bacillus validus, Bacillus vallismortis, Bacillus vedderi, Bacillus vulcani, Bacillus weihenstephanensis, Exiguobacterium acetylicum, Exiguobacterium antarcticum, Exiguobacterium aurantiacum, Exiguobacterium undae, Gracilibacillus dipsosauri, Gracilibacillus halotolerans, Halobacillus halophilus, Halobacillus karajensis, Halobacillus litoralis, Halobacillus salinus, Halobacillus trueperi, Saccharococcus caldoxylosilyticus, Saccharococcus thermophilus, Salibacillus marismortui, Salibacillus salexigens, Virgibacillus carmonensis, Virgibacillus marismortui, Virgibacillus necropolis, Virgibacillus pantothenticus, Virgibacillus picturae, Virgibacillus proomii or Virgibacillus salexigens, Brevibacteriaceae such as the genera Brevibacterium e.g. the species Brevibacterium acetylicum, Brevibacterium albidum, Brevibacterium ammoniagenes, Brevibacterium avium, Brevibacterium casei, Brevibacterium citreum, Brevibacterium divaricatum, Brevibacterium epidermidis, Brevibacterium fermentans, Brevibacterium frigoritolerans, Brevibacterium halotolerans, Brevibacterium imperiale, Brevibacterium incertum, Brevibacterium iodinum, Brevibacterium linens, Brevibacterium liquefaciens, Brevibacterium lutescens, Brevibacterium luteum, Brevibacterium lyticum, Brevibacterium mcbrellneri, Brevibacterium otitidis, Brevibacterium oxydans, Brevibacterium paucivorans, Brevibacterium protophormiae, Brevibacterium pusillum, Brevibacterium saperdae, Brevibacterium stationis, Brevibacterium testaceum or Brevibacterium vitaeruminis; Corynebacteriaceae such as the genera Corynebacterium e.g. the species Corynebacterium accolens, Corynebacterium afermentans subsp. afermentans, Corynebacterium afermentans subsp. lipophilum, Corynebacterium ammoniagenes, Corynebacterium amycolatum, Corynebacterium appendicis, Corynebacterium aquilae, Corynebacterium argentoratense, Corynebacterium atypicum, Corynebacterium aurimucosum, Corynebacterium auris, Corynebacterium auriscanis, Corynebacterium betae, Corynebacterium beticola, Corynebacterium bovis, Corynebacterium callunae, Corynebacterium camporealensis, Corynebacterium capitovis, Corynebacterium casei, Corynebacterium confusum, Corynebacterium coyleae, Corynebacterium cystitidis, Corynebacterium durum, Corynebacterium efficiens, Corynebacterium equi, Corynebacterium falsenii, Corynebacterium fascians, Corynebacterium felinum, Corynebacterium flaccumfaciens, Corynebacterium flavescens, Corynebacterium freneyi, Corynebacterium glaucum, Corynebacterium glucuronolyticum, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Corynebacterium Corynebacterium ilicis, Corynebacterium imitans, Corynebacterium insidiosum, Corynebacterium iranicum, Corynebacterium jeikeium, Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii, Corynebacterium kutscheri, Corynebacterium Ilium, Corynebacterium lipophiloflavum, Corynebacterium macginleyi, Corynebacterium mastitidis, Corynebacterium matruchotii, Corynebacterium michiganense, Corynebacterium michiganense subsp. tessellarius, Corynebacterium minutissimum, Corynebacterium mooreparkense, Corynebacterium mucifaciens, Corynebacterium mycetoides, Corynebacterium nebraskense, Corynebacterium oortii, Corynebacterium paurometabolum, Corynebacterium phocae, Corynebacterium pilosum, Corynebacterium poinsettiae, Corynebacterium propinquum, Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, Corynebacterium pyogenes, Corynebacterium rathayi, Corynebacterium renale, Corynebacterium riegelii, Corynebacterium seminale, Corynebacterium sepedonicum, Corynebacterium simulans, Corynebacterium singulare, Corynebacterium sphenisci, Corynebacterium spheniscorum, Corynebacterium striatum, Corynebacterium suicordis, Corynebacterium sundsvallense, Corynebacterium terpenotabidum, Corynebacterium testudinoris, Corynebacterium thomssenii, Corynebacterium tritici, Corynebacterium ulcerans, Corynebacterium urealyticum, Corynebacterium variabile, Corynebacterium vitaeruminis or Corynebacterium xerosis; Enterobacteriacae such as the genera Alterococcus, Arsenophonus, Brenneria, Buchnera, Budvicia, Buttiauxella, Calymmatobacterium, Cedecea, Citrobacter, Edwardsiella, Enterobacter, Erwinia, Escherichia, Ewingella, Hafnia, Klebsiella, Kluyvera, Leclercia, Leminorella, Moellerella, Morganella, Obesumbacterium, Pantoea, Pectobacterium, Photorhabdus, Plesiomonas, Pragia, Proteus, Providencia, Rahnella, Saccharobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, Serratia, Sodalis, Tatumella, Trabulsiella, Wigglesworthia, Xenorhabdus, Yersinia and Yokenella e.g. the species Arsenophonus nasoniae, Brenneria alni, Brenneria nigrifluens, Brenneria quercina, Brenneria rubrifaciens, Brenneria salicis, Budvicia aquatica, Buttiauxella agrestis, Buttiauxella brennerae, Buttiauxella ferragutiae, Buttiauxella gaviniae, Buttiauxella izardii, Buttiauxella noackiae, Buttiauxella warmboldiae, Cedecea davisae, Cedecea lapagei, Cedecea neteri, Citrobacter amalonaticus, Citrobacter diversus, Citrobacter freundii, Citrobacter genomospecies, Citrobacter gillenii, Citrobacter intermedium, Citrobacter koseri, Citrobacter murliniae, Citrobacter sp., Edwardsiella hoshinae, Edwardsiella ictaluri, Edwardsiella tarda, Erwinia alni, Erwinia amylovora, Erwinia ananatis, Erwinia aphidicola, Erwinia billingiae, Erwinia cacticida, Erwinia cancerogena, Erwinia camegieana, Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica, Erwinia carotovora subsp. betavasculorum, Erwinia carotovora subsp. odorifera, Erwinia carotovora subsp. wasabiae, Erwinia chrysanthemi, Erwinia cypripedii, Erwinia dissolvens, Erwinia herbicola, Erwinia mallotivora, Erwinia milletiae, Erwinia nigrifluens, Erwinia nimipressuralis, Erwinia persicina, Erwinia psidii, Erwinia pyrifoliae, Erwinia quercina, Erwinia rhapontici, Erwinia rubrifaciens, Erwinia salicis, Erwinia stewartii, Erwinia tracheiphila, Erwinia uredovora, Escherichia adecarboxylata, Escherichia anindolica, Escherichia aurescens, Escherichia blattae, Escherichia coli, Escherichia coli var. communior, Escherichia coli-mutabile, Escherichia fergusonii, Escherichia hermannii, Escherichia sp., Escherichia vulneris, Ewingella americana, Hafnia alvei, Klebsiella aerogenes, Klebsiella edwardsii subsp. atlantae, Klebsiella ornithinolytica, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella planticola, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae, Klebsiella sp., Klebsiella terrigena, Klebsiella trevisanii, Kluyvera ascorbata, Kluyvera citrophila, Kluyvera cochleae, Kluyvera cryocrescens, Kluyvera georgiana, Kluyvera noncitrophila, Kluyvera sp., Leclercia adecarboxylata, Leminorella grimontii, Leminorella richardii, Moellerella wisconsensis, Morganella morganii, Morganella morganii subsp. morganii, Morganella morganii subsp. Obesumbaterium proteus, Pantoea agglomerans, Pantoea ananatis, Pantoea citrea, Pantoea dispersa, Pantoea punctata, Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii, Pantoea terrea, Pectobacterium atrosepticum, Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. atrosepticum, Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, Pectobacterium chrysanthemi, Pectobacterium cypripedii, Photorhabdus asymbiotica, Photorhabdus luminescens, Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. akhurstii, Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. laumondii, Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. luminescens, Photorhabdus sp., Photorhabdus temperata, Plesiomonas shigelloides, Pragia fontium, Proteus hauseri, Proteus ichthyosmius, Proteus inconstans, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus morganii, Proteus myxofaciens, Proteus penneri, Proteus rettgeri, Proteus shigelloides, Proteus vulgaris, Providencia alcalifaciens, Providencia friedericiana, Providencia heimbachae, Providencia rettgeri, Providencia rustigianii, Providencia stuartii, Rahnella aquatilis, Salmonella abony, Salmonella arizonae, Salmonella bongori, Salmonella choleraesuis subsp. arizonae, Salmonella choleraesuis subsp. bongori, Salmonella choleraesuis subsp. cholereasuis, Salmonella choleraesuis subsp. diarizonae, Salmonella choleraesuis subsp. houtenae, Salmonella choleraesuis subsp. indica, Salmonella choleraesuis subsp. salamae, Salmonella daressalaam, Salmonella enterica subsp. houtenae, Salmonella enterica subsp. salamae, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella gallinarum, Salmonella heidelberg, Salmonella panama, Salmonella senftenberg, Salmonella typhimurium, Serratia entomophila, Serratia ficaria, Serratia fonticola, Serratia grimesii, Serratia liquefaciens, Serratia marcescens, Serratia marcescens subsp. marcescens, Serratia marinorubra, Serratia odorifera, Serratia plymouthensis, Serratia plymuthica, Serratia proteamaculans, Serratia proteamaculans subsp. quinovora, Serratia quinivorans, Serratia rubidaea, Shigella boydii, Shigella flexneri, Shigella paradysenteriae, Shigella sonnei, Tatumella ptyseos, Xenorhabdus beddingii, Xenorhabdus bovienii, Xenorhabdus luminescens, Xenorhabdus nematophila, Xenorhabdus nematophila subsp. beddingii, Xenorhabdus nematophila subsp. bovienii, Xenorhabdus nematophila subsp. poinarii or Xenorhabdus poinarii; Gordoniaceae such as the genera Gordonia, Skermania e.g. the species Gordonia aichiensis, Gordonia alkanivorans, Gordonia amarae, Gordonia amicalis, Gordonia bronchialis, Gordonia desulfuricans, Gordonia hirsuta, Gordonia hydrophobica, Gordonia namibiensis, Gordonia nitida, Gordonia paraffinivorans, Gordonia polyisoprenivorans, Gordonia rhizosphera, Gordonia rubripertincta, Gordonia sihwensis, Gordonia sinesedis, Gordonia sputi, Gordonia terrae or Gordonia westfalica; Micrococcaceae such as the genera Micrococcus, Arthrobacter, Kocuria, Nesterenkonia, Renibacterium, Rothia, Stomatococcus e.g. the species Micrococcus agilis, Micrococcus antarcticus, Micrococcus halobius, Micrococcus kristinae, Micrococcus luteus, Micrococcus lylae, Micrococcus nishinomiyaensis, Micrococcus roseus, Micrococcus sedentarius, Micrococcus varians, Arthrobacter agilis, Arthrobacter albus, Arthrobacter atrocyaneus, Arthrobacter aurescens, Arthrobacter chlorophenolicus, Arthrobacter citreus, Arthrobacter creatinolyticus, Arthrobacter crystallopoietes, Arthrobacter cumminsii, Arthrobacter duodecadis, Arthrobacter flavescens, Arthrobacter flavus, Arthrobacter gandavensis, Arthrobacter globiformis, Arthrobacter histidinolovorans, Arthrobacter ilicis, Arthrobacter koreensis, Arthrobacter luteolus, Arthrobacter methylotrophus, Arthrobacter mysorens, Arthrobacter nasiphocae, Arthrobacter nicotianae, Arthrobacter nicotinovorans, Arthrobacter oxydans, Arthrobacter pascens, Arthrobacter picolinophilus, Arthrobacter polychromogenes, Arthrobacter protophormiae, Arthrobacter psychrolactophilus, Arthrobacter radiotolerans, Arthrobacter ramosus, Arthrobacter rhombi, Arthrobacter roseus, Arthrobacter siderocapsulatus, Arthrobacter simplex, Arthrobacter sulfonivorans, Arthrobacter sulfureus, Arthrobacter terregens, Arthrobacter tumescens, Arthrobacter uratoxydans, Arthrobacter ureafaciens, Arthrobacter variabilis, Arthrobacter viscosus, Arthrobacter woluwensis, Kocuria erythromyxa, Kocuria kristinae, Kocuria palustris, Kocuria polaris, Kocuria rhizophila, Kocuria rosea, Kocuria varians, Nesterenkonia halobia, Nesterenkonia lacusekhoensis, Renibacterium salmoninarum, Rothia amarae, Rothia dentocariosa, Rothia mucilaginosa, Rothia nasimurium or Stomatococcus mucilaginosus; Mycobacteriaceae such as the genera Mycobacterium e.g. the species Mycobacterium africanum, Mycobacterium agri, Mycobacterium aichiense, Mycobacterium alvei, Mycobacterium asiaticum, Mycobacterium aurum, Mycobacterium austroafricanum, Mycobacterium bohemicum, Mycobacterium botniense, Mycobacterium brumae, Mycobacterium chelonae subsp. abscessus, Mycobacterium chitae, Mycobacterium chlorophenolicum, Mycobacterium chubuense, Mycobacterium confluentis, Mycobacterium cookii, Mycobacterium diemhoferi, Mycobacterium doricum, Mycobacterium duvalii, Mycobacterium fallax, Mycobacterium farcinogenes, Mycobacterium flavescens, Mycobacterium frederiksbergense, Mycobacterium gadium, Mycobacterium gilvum, Mycobacterium gordonae, Mycobacterium hassiacum, Mycobacterium hibemiae, Mycobacterium hodleri, Mycobacterium holsaticum, Mycobacterium komossense, Mycobacterium lacus, Mycobacterium madagascariense, Mycobacterium mageritense, Mycobacterium montefiorense, Mycobacterium moriokaense, Mycobacterium murale, Mycobacterium neoaurum, Mycobacterium nonchromogenicum, Mycobacterium obuense, Mycobacterium palustre, Mycobacterium parafortuitum, Mycobacterium peregrinum, Mycobacterium phlei, Mycobacterium pinnipedii, Mycobacterium poriferae, Mycobacterium pulveris, Mycobacterium rhodesiae, Mycobacterium shottsii, Mycobacterium sphagni, Mycobacterium terrae, Mycobacterium thermoresistibile, Mycobacterium tokaiense, Mycobacterium triviale, Mycobacterium tusciae or Mycobacterium vanbaalenii; Nocardiaceae such as the genera Nocardia, Rhodococcus e.g. the species Nocardia abscessus, Nocardia africana, Nocardia amarae, Nocardia asteroides, Nocardia autotrophica, Nocardia beijingensis, Nocardia brasiliensis, Nocardia brevicatena, Nocardia caishijiensis, Nocardia calcarea, Nocardia carnea, Nocardia cellulans, Nocardia cerradoensis, Nocardia coeliaca, Nocardia corynebacterioides, Nocardia crassostreae, Nocardia cummidelens, Nocardia cyriacigeorgica, Nocardia farcinica, Nocardia flavorosea, Nocardia fluminea, Nocardia globerula, Nocardia hydrocarbonoxydans, Nocardia ignorata, Nocardia mediterranei, Nocardia nova, Nocardia orientalis, Nocardia otitidis-caviarum, Nocardia otitidiscaviarum, Nocardia paucivorans, Nocardia petroleophila, Nocardia pinensis, Nocardia pseudobrasiliensis, Nocardia pseudovaccinii, Nocardia purls, Nocardia restricta, Nocardia rugosa, Nocardia salmonicida, Nocardia saturnea, Nocardia seriolae, Nocardia soli, Nocardia sulphurea, Nocardia transvalensis, Nocardia uniformis, Nocardia vaccinii, Nocardia veterana or Nocardia vinacea; Pseudomonaceae such as the genera Azomonas, Azotobacter, Cellvibrio, Chryseomonas, Flaviomonas, Lampropedia, Mesophilobacter, Morococcus, Oligella, Pseudomonas, Rhizobacter, Rugamonas, Serpens, Thermoleophilum, Xylophilus e.g. the species Azomonas agilis, Azomonas insignis, Azomonas macrocytogenes, Azotobacter agilis, Azotobacter agilis subsp. armeniae, Azotobacter armeniacus, Azotobacter beijerinckii, Azotobacter chroococcum, Azotobacter indicum, Azotobacter macrocytogenes, Azotobacter miscellum, Azotobacter nigricans subsp. nigricans, Azotobacter paspali, Azotobacter salinestris, Azotobacter sp., Azotobacter vinelandii, Flavimonas oryzihabitans, Mesophilobacter marinus, Oligella urethralis, Pseudomonas acidovorans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas agarici, Pseudomonas alcaligenes, Pseudomonas aminovorans, Pseudomonas amygdali, Pseudomonas andropogonis, Pseudomonas anguilliseptica, Pseudomonas antarctica, Pseudomonas antimicrobica, Pseudomonas antimycetica, Pseudomonas aptata, Pseudomonas arvilla, Pseudomonas asplenii, Pseudomonas atlantica, Pseudomonas atrofaciens, Pseudomonas aureofaciens, Pseudomonas avellanae, Pseudomonas azelaica, Pseudomonas azotocolligans, Pseudomonas balearica, Pseudomonas barkeri, Pseudomonas bathycetes, Pseudomonas beijerinckii, Pseudomonas brassicacearum, Pseudomonas brenneri, Pseudomonas butanovora, Pseudomonas carboxydoflava, Pseudomonas carboxydohydrogena, Pseudomonas carboxydovorans, Pseudomonas carrageenovora, Pseudomonas caryophylli, Pseudomonas cepacia, Pseudomonas chloritidismutans, Pseudomonas chlororaphis, Pseudomonas cichorii, Pseudomonas citronellolis, Pseudomonas cocovenenans, Pseudomonas compransoris, Pseudomonas congelans, Pseudomonas coronafaciens, Pseudomonas corrugata, Pseudomonas dacunhae, Pseudomonas delafieldii, Pseudomonas delphinii, Pseudomonas denitrificans, Pseudomonas desmolytica, Pseudomonas diminuta, Pseudomonas doudoroffii, Pseudomonas echinoides, Pseudomonas elongata, Pseudomonas extorquens, Pseudomonas extremorientalis, Pseudomonas facilis, Pseudomonas ficuserectae, Pseudomonas flava, Pseudomonas flavescens, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas fragi, Pseudomonas frederiksbergensis, Pseudomonas fulgida, Pseudomonas fuscovaginae, Pseudomonas gazotropha, Pseudomonas gladioli, Pseudomonas glathei, Pseudomonas glumae, Pseudomonas graminis, Pseudomonas halophila, Pseudomonas helianthi, Pseudomonas huttiensis, Pseudomonas hydrogenothermophila, Pseudomonas hydrogenovora, Pseudomonas indica, Pseudomonas indigofera, Pseudomonas iodinum, Pseudomonas kilonensis, Pseudomonas lachrymans, Pseudomonas lapsa, Pseudomonas lemoignei, Pseudomonas lemonnieri, Pseudomonas lundensis, Pseudomonas luteola, Pseudomonas maltophilia, Pseudomonas marginalis, Pseudomonas marginata, Pseudomonas marina, Pseudomonas meliae, Pseudomonas mendocina, Pseudomonas mesophilica, Pseudomonas mixta, Pseudomonas monteilii, Pseudomonas morsprunorum, Pseudomonas multivorans, Pseudomonas natriegens, Pseudomonas nautica, Pseudomonas nitroreducens, Pseudomonas oleovorans, Pseudomonas oryzihabitans, Pseudomonas ovalis, Pseudomonas oxalaticus, Pseudomonas palleronii, Pseudomonas paucimobilis, Pseudomonas phaseolicola, Pseudomonas phenazinium, Pseudomonas pickettii, Pseudomonas pisi, Pseudomonas plantarii, Pseudomonas plecoglossicida, Pseudomonas poae, Pseudomonas primulae, Pseudomonas proteolytica, Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes, Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes subsp. konjaci, Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes subsp. pseudoalcaligenes, Pseudomonas pseudoflava, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas putida var. naraensis, Pseudomonas putrefaciens, Pseudomonas pyrrocinia, Pseudomonas radiora, Pseudomonas reptilivora, Pseudomonas rhodesiae, Pseudomonas rhodos, Pseudomonas riboflavina, Pseudomonas rubescens, Pseudomonas rubrisubalbicans, Pseudomonas ruhlandii, Pseudomonas saccharophila, Pseudomonas savastanoi, Pseudomonas savastanoi pvar. glycinea, Pseudomonas savastanoi pvar. phaseolicola, Pseudomonas solanacearum, Pseudomonas sp., Pseudomonas spinosa, Pseudomonas stanieri, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Pseudomonas syringae, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. aptata, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. atrofaciens, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. coronafaciens, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. delphinii, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. glycinea, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. helianthi, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. lachrymans, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. lapsa, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. morsprunorum, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. phaseolicola, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. primulae, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. syringae, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. tabaci, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. tomato, Pseudomonas syringae subsp. glycinea, Pseudomonas syringae subsp. savastanoi, Pseudomonas syringae subsp. syringae, Pseudomonas syzygii, Pseudomonas tabaci, Pseudomonas taeniospiralis, Pseudomonas testosterone, Pseudomonas thermocarboxydovorans, Pseudomonas thermotolerans, Pseudomonas thivervalensis, Pseudomonas tomato, Pseudomonas trivialis, Pseudomonas veronii, Pseudomonas vesicularis, Pseudomonas viridiflava, Pseudomonas viscogena, Pseudomonas woodsii, Rhizobacter dauci, Rhizobacter daucus or Xylophilus ampelinus; Rhizobiaceae such as the genera Agrobacterium, Carbophilus, Chelatobacter, Ensifer, Rhizobium, Sinorhizobium e.g. the species Agrobacterium atlanticum, Agrobacterium ferrugineum, Agrobacterium gelatinovorum, Agrobacterium larrymoorei, Agrobacterium meteori, Agrobacterium radiobacter, Agrobacterium rhizogenes, Agrobacterium rubi, Agrobacterium stellulatum, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Agrobacterium vitis, Carbophilus carboxidus, Chelatobacter heintzii, Ensifer adhaerens, Ensifer arboris, Ensifer fredii, Ensifer kostiensis, Ensifer kummerowiae, Ensifer medicae, Ensifer meliloti, Ensifer saheli, Ensifer terangae, Ensifer xinjiangensis, Rhizobium ciceri Rhizobium etli, Rhizobium fredii, Rhizobium galegae, Rhizobium gallicum, Rhizobium giardinii, Rhizobium hainanense, Rhizobium huakuii, Rhizobium huautlense, Rhizobium indigoferae, Rhizobium japonicum, Rhizobium leguminosarum, Rhizobium loessense, Rhizobium loti, Rhizobium lupini, Rhizobium mediterraneum, Rhizobium meliloti, Rhizobium mongolense, Rhizobium phaseoli, Rhizobium radiobacter, Rhizobium rhizogenes, Rhizobium rubi, Rhizobium sullae, Rhizobium tianshanense, Rhizobium trifolii, Rhizobium tropici, Rhizobium undicola, Rhizobium vitis, Sinorhizobium adhaerens, Sinorhizobium arboris, Sinorhizobium fredii, Sinorhizobium kostiense, Sinorhizobium kummerowiae, Sinorhizobium medicae, Sinorhizobium meliloti, Sinorhizobium morelense, Sinorhizobium saheli or Sinorhizobium xinjiangense; Streptomycetaceae such as the genera Kitasatosprora, Streptomyces, Streptoverticillium e.g. the species Streptomyces abikoensis, Streptomyces aburaviensis, Streptomyces achromogenes subsp. achromogenes, Streptomyces achromogenes subsp. rubradiris, Streptomyces acid iscabies, Streptomyces acrimycini, Streptomyces aculeolatus, Streptomyces afghaniensis, Streptomyces alanosinicus, Streptomyces albaduncus, Streptomyces albiaxialis, Streptomyces albidochromogenes, Streptomyces albidoflavus, Streptomyces albireticuli, Streptomyces albofaciens, Streptomyces alboflavus, Streptomyces albogriseolus, Streptomyces albolongus, Streptomyces alboniger, Streptomyces albospinus, Streptomyces albosporeus subsp. albosporeus, Streptomyces albosporeus subsp. labilomyceticus, Streptomyces alboverticillatus, Streptomyces albovinaceus, Streptomyces alboviridis, Streptomyces albulus, Streptomyces albus subsp. albus, Streptomyces albus subsp. pathocidicus, Streptomyces almquistii, Streptomyces althioticus, Streptomyces amakusaensis, Streptomyces ambofaciens, Streptomyces aminophilus, Streptomyces anandii, Streptomyces anthocyanicus, Streptomyces antibioticus, Streptomyces antimycoticus, Streptomyces anulatus, Streptomyces arabicus, Streptomyces ardus, Streptomyces arenae, Streptomyces argenteolus, Streptomyces armeniacus, Streptomyces asiaticus, Streptomyces asterosporus, Streptomyces atratus, Streptomyces atroaurantiacus, Streptomyces atroolivaceus, Streptomyces atrovirens, Streptomyces aurantiacus, Streptomyces aurantiogriseus, Streptomyces aureocirculatus, Streptomyces aureofaciens, Streptomyces aureorectus, Streptomyces aureoversilis, Streptomyces aureoverticillatus, Streptomyces aureus, Streptomyces avellaneus, Streptomyces avermectinius, Streptomyces avermitilis, Streptomyces avidinii, Streptomyces azaticus, Streptomyces azureus, Streptomyces baamensis, Streptomyces bacillaris, Streptomyces badius, Streptomyces baldaccii, Streptomyces bambergiensis, Streptomyces beijiangensis, Streptomyces bellus, Streptomyces bikiniensis, Streptomyces biverticillatus, Streptomyces blastmyceticus, Streptomyces bluensis, Streptomyces bobili, Streptomyces bottropensis, Streptomyces brasiliensis, Streptomyces bungoensis, Streptomyces cacaoi subsp. asoensis, Streptomyces cacaoi subsp. cacaoi, Streptomyces caelestis, Streptomyces caeruleus, Streptomyces califomicus, Streptomyces calvus, Streptomyces canaries, Streptomyces candidus, Streptomyces canescens, Streptomyces cangkringensis, Streptomyces caniferus, Streptomyces canus, Streptomyces capillispiralis, Streptomyces capoamus, Streptomyces carpaticus, Streptomyces carpinensis, Streptomyces catenulae, Streptomyces caviscabies, Streptomyces cavourensis subsp. cavourensis, Streptomyces cavourensis subsp. washingtonensis, Streptomyces cellostaticus, Streptomyces celluloflavus, Streptomyces cellulolyticus, Streptomyces cellulosae, Streptomyces champavatii, Streptomyces chartreuses, Streptomyces chattanoogensis, Streptomyces chibaensis, Streptomyces chrestomyceticus, Streptomyces chromofuscus, Streptomyces chryseus, Streptomyces chrysomallus subsp. chrysomallus, Streptomyces chrysomallus subsp. fumigatus, Streptomyces cinereorectus, Streptomyces cinereoruber subsp. cinereoruber, Streptomyces cinereoruber subsp. fructofermentans, Streptomyces cinereospinus, Streptomyces cinereus, Streptomyces cinerochromogenes, Streptomyces cinnabarinus, Streptomyces cinnamonensis, Streptomyces cinnamoneus, Streptomyces cinnamoneus subsp. albosporus, Streptomyces cinnamoneus subsp. cinnamoneus, Streptomyces cinnamoneus subsp. lanosus, Streptomyces cinnamoneus subsp. sparsus, Streptomyces cirratus, Streptomyces ciscaucasicus, Streptomyces citreofluorescens, Streptomyces clavifer, Streptomyces clavuligerus, Streptomyces cochleatus, Streptomyces coelescens, Streptomyces coelicoflavus, Streptomyces coelicolor, Streptomyces coeruleoflavus, Streptomyces coeruleofuscus, Streptomyces coeruleoprunus, Streptomyces coeruleorubidus, Streptomyces coerulescens, Streptomyces collinus, Streptomyces colombiensis, Streptomyces corchorusii, Streptomyces costaricanus, Streptomyces cremeus, Streptomyces crystallinus, Streptomyces curacoi, Streptomyces cuspidosporus, Streptomyces cyaneofuscatus, Streptomyces cyaneus, Streptomyces cyanoalbus, Streptomyces cystargineus, Streptomyces daghestanicus, Streptomyces diastaticus subsp. ardesiacus, Streptomyces diastaticus subsp. diastaticus, Streptomyces diastatochromogenes, Streptomyces distallicus, Streptomyces djakartensis, Streptomyces durhamensis, Streptomyces echinatus, Streptomyces echinoruber, Streptomyces ederensis, Streptomyces ehimensis, Streptomyces endus, Streptomyces enissocaesilis, Streptomyces erumpens, Streptomyces erythraeus, Streptomyces erythrogriseus, Streptomyces eurocidicus, Streptomyces europaeiscabiei, Streptomyces eurythermus, Streptomyces exfoliates, Streptomyces felleus, Streptomyces fervens, Streptomyces fervens subsp. fervens, Streptomyces fervens subsp. melrosporus, Streptomyces filamentosus, Streptomyces filipinensis, Streptomyces fimbriatus, Streptomyces fimicarius, Streptomyces finlayi, Streptomyces flaveolus, Streptomyces flaveus, Streptomyces flavidofuscus, Streptomyces flavidovirens, Streptomyces flavisderoticus, Streptomyces flavofungini, Streptomyces flavofuscus, Streptomyces flavogriseus, Streptomyces flavopersicus, Streptomyces flavotricini, Streptomyces flavovariabilis, Streptomyces flavovirens, Streptomyces flavoviridis, Streptomyces flocculus, Streptomyces floridae, Streptomyces fluorescens, Streptomyces fradiae, Streptomyces fragilis, Streptomyces fulvissimus, Streptomyces fulvorobeus, Streptomyces fumanus, Streptomyces fumigatiscleroticus, Streptomyces galbus, Streptomyces galilaeus, Streptomyces gancidicus, Streptomyces gardneri, Streptomyces gelaticus, Streptomyces geysiriensis, Streptomyces ghanaensis, Streptomyces gibsonii, Streptomyces glaucescens, Streptomyces glaucosporus, Streptomyces glaucus, Streptomyces globisporus subsp. caucasicus, Streptomyces globisporus subsp. flavofuscus, Streptomyces globisporus subsp. globisporus, Streptomyces globosus, Streptomyces glomeratus, Streptomyces glomeroaurantiacus, Streptomyces gobitricini, Streptomyces goshikiensis, Streptomyces gougerotii, Streptomyces graminearus, Streptomyces graminofaciens, Streptomyces griseinus, Streptomyces griseoaurantiacus, Streptomyces griseobrunneus, Streptomyces griseocarneus, Streptomyces griseochromogenes, Streptomyces griseoflavus, Streptomyces griseofuscus, Streptomyces griseoincarnatus, Streptomyces griseoloalbus, Streptomyces griseolosporeus, Streptomyces griseolus, Streptomyces griseoluteus, Streptomyces griseomycini, Streptomyces griseoplanus, Streptomyces griseorubens, Streptomyces griseoruber, Streptomyces griseorubiginosus, Streptomyces griseosporeus, Streptomyces griseostramineus, Streptomyces griseoverticillatus, Streptomyces griseoviridis, Streptomyces griseus subsp. alpha, Streptomyces griseus subsp. cretosus, Streptomyces griseus subsp. griseus, Streptomyces griseus subsp. solvifaciens, Streptomyces hachijoensis, Streptomyces halstedii, Streptomyces hawaiiensis, Streptomyces heliomycini, Streptomyces helvaticus, Streptomyces herbaricolor, Streptomyces hiroshimensis, Streptomyces hirsutus, Streptomyces humidus, Streptomyces humiferus, Streptomyces hydrogenans, Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. angustmyceticus, Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. decoyicus, Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. glebosus, Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. hygroscopicus, Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. ossamyceticus, Streptomyces iakyrus, Streptomyces indiaensis, Streptomyces indigoferus, Streptomyces indonesiensis, Streptomyces intermedius, Streptomyces inusitatus, Streptomyces ipomoeae, Streptomyces janthinus, Streptomyces javensis, Streptomyces kanamyceticus, Streptomyces kashmirensis, Streptomyces kasugaensis, Streptomyces katrae, Streptomyces kentuckensis, Streptomyces kifunensis, Streptomyces kishiwadensis, Streptomyces kunmingensis, Streptomyces kurssanovii, Streptomyces labedae, Streptomyces laceyi, Streptomyces ladakanum, Streptomyces lanatus, Streptomyces lateritius, Streptomyces laurentii, Streptomyces lavendofoliae, Streptomyces lavendulae subsp. grasserius, Streptomyces lavendulae subsp. lavendulae, Streptomyces lavenduligriseus, Streptomyces lavendulocolor, Streptomyces levis, Streptomyces libani subsp. libani, Streptomyces libani subsp. rufus, Streptomyces lienomycini, Streptomyces lilacinus, Streptomyces limosus, Streptomyces lincolnensis, Streptomyces lipmanii, Streptomyces litmocidini, Streptomyces lomondensis, Streptomyces longisporoflavus, Streptomyces longispororuber, Streptomyces longisporus, Streptomyces longwoodensis, Streptomyces lucensis, Streptomyces luridiscabiei, Streptomyces luridus, Streptomyces lusitanus, Streptomyces luteireticuli, Streptomyces luteogriseus, Streptomyces luteosporeus, Streptomyces luteoverticillatus, Streptomyces lydicus, Streptomyces macrosporus, Streptomyces malachitofuscus, Streptomyces malachitospinus, Streptomyces malaysiensis, Streptomyces mashuensis, Streptomyces massasporeus, Streptomyces matensis, Streptomyces mauvecolor, Streptomyces mediocidicus, Streptomyces mediolani, Streptomyces megasporus, Streptomyces melanogenes, Streptomyces melanosporofaciens, Streptomyces mexicanus, Streptomyces michiganensis, Streptomyces microflavus, Streptomyces minutiscleroticus, Streptomyces mirabilis, Streptomyces misakiensis, Streptomyces misionensis, Streptomyces mobaraensis, Streptomyces monomycini, Streptomyces morookaensis, Streptomyces murinus, Streptomyces mutabilis, Streptomyces mutomycini, Streptomyces naganishii, Streptomyces narbonensis, Streptomyces nashvillensis, Streptomyces netropsis, Streptomyces neyagawaensis, Streptomyces niger, Streptomyces nigrescens, Streptomyces nigrifaciens, Streptomyces nitrosporeus, Streptomyces niveiciscabiei, Streptomyces niveoruber, Streptomyces niveus, Streptomyces noboritoensis, Streptomyces nodosus, Streptomyces nogalater, Streptomyces nojiriensis, Streptomyces noursei, Streptomyces novaecaesareae, Streptomyces ochraceisderoticus, Streptomyces odorifer, Streptomyces olivaceiscleroticus, Streptomyces olivaceoviridis, Streptomyces olivaceus, Streptomyces ofivochromogenes, Streptomyces olivomycini, Streptomyces olivoreticuli, Streptomyces olivoreticuli subsp. cellulophilus, Streptomyces olivoreticuli subsp. olivoreticuli, Streptomyces olivoverticillatus, Streptomyces olivoviridis, Streptomyces omiyaensis, Streptomyces orinoci, Streptomyces pactum, Streptomyces paracochleatus, Streptomyces paradoxus, Streptomyces parvisporogenes, Streptomyces parvulus, Streptomyces parvus, Streptomyces peucetius, Streptomyces phaeochromogenes, Streptomyces phaeofaciens, Streptomyces phaeopurpureus, Streptomyces phaeoviridis, Streptomyces phosalacineus, Streptomyces pilosus, Streptomyces platensis, Streptomyces plicatus, Streptomyces pluricolorescens, Streptomyces polychromogenes, Streptomyces poonensis, Streptomyces praecox, Streptomyces prasinopilosus, Streptomyces prasinosporus, Streptomyces prasinus, Streptomyces prunicolor, Streptomyces psammoticus, Streptomyces pseudoechinosporeus, Streptomyces pseudogriseolus, Streptomyces pseudovenezuelae, Streptomyces pulveraceus, Streptomyces puniceus, Streptomyces puniciscabiei, Streptomyces purpeofuscus, Streptomyces purpurascens, Streptomyces purpureus, Streptomyces purpurogeneiscleroticus, Streptomyces racemochromogenes, Streptomyces rameus, Streptomyces ramulosus, Streptomyces rangoonensis, Streptomyces recifensis, Streptomyces rectiverticillatus, Streptomyces rectiviolaceus, Streptomyces regensis, Streptomyces resistomycificus, Streptomyces reticuliscabiei, Streptomyces rhizosphaericus, Streptomyces rimosus subsp. paromomycinus, Streptomyces rimosus subsp. rimosus, Streptomyces rishiriensis, Streptomyces rochei, Streptomyces roseiscleroticus, Streptomyces roseodiastaticus, Streptomyces roseoflavus, Streptomyces roseofulvus, Streptomyces roseolilacinus, Streptomyces roseolus, Streptomyces roseosporus, Streptomyces roseoverticillatus, Streptomyces roseoviolaceus, Streptomyces roseoviridis, Streptomyces rubber, Streptomyces rubiginosohelvolus, Streptomyces rubiginosus, Streptomyces rubrogriseus, Streptomyces rutgersensis subsp. castelarensis, Streptomyces rutgersensis subsp. rutgersensis, Streptomyces salmonis, Streptomyces sampsonii, Streptomyces sanglieri, Streptomyces sannanensis, Streptomyces sapporonensis, Streptomyces scabiei, Streptomyces sclerotialus, Streptomyces scopiformis, Streptomyces seoulensis, Streptomyces septatus, Streptomyces setae, Streptomyces setonii, Streptomyces showdoensis, Streptomyces sindenensis, Streptomyces sioyaensis, Streptomyces somaliensis, Streptomyces sparsogenes, Streptomyces spectabilis, Streptomyces speibonae, Streptomyces speleomycini, Streptomyces spheroids, Streptomyces spinoverrucosus, Streptomyces spiralis, Streptomyces spiroverticillatus, Streptomyces spitsbergensis, Streptomyces sporocinereus, Streptomyces sporoclivatus, Streptomyces spororaveus, Streptomyces sporoverrucosus, Streptomyces stelliscabiei, Streptomyces stramineus, Streptomyces subrutilus, Streptomyces sulfonofaciens, Streptomyces sulphurous, Streptomyces syringium, Streptomyces tanashiensis, Streptomyces tauricus, Streptomyces tendae, Streptomyces termitum, Streptomyces thermoalcalitolerans, Streptomyces thermoautotrophicus, Streptomyces thermocarboxydovorans, Streptomyces thermocarboxydus, Streptomyces thermocoprophilus, Streptomyces thermodiastaticus, Streptomyces thermogriseus, Streptomyces thermolineatus, Streptomyces thermonitrificans, Streptomyces thermospinosisporus, Streptomyces thermoviolaceus subsp. apingens, Streptomyces thermoviolaceus subsp. thermoviolaceus, Streptomyces thermovulgaris, Streptomyces thioluteus, Streptomyces torulosus, Streptomyces toxytricini, Streptomyces tricolor, Streptomyces tubercidicus, Streptomyces tuirus, Streptomyces turgidiscabies, Streptomyces umbrinus, Streptomyces variabilis, Streptomyces variegates, Streptomyces varsoviensis, Streptomyces vastus, Streptomyces venezuelae, Streptomyces vinaceus, Streptomyces vinaceusdrappus, Streptomyces violaceochromogenes, Streptomyces violaceolatus, Streptomyces violaceorectus, Streptomyces violaceoruber, Streptomyces violaceorubidus, Streptomyces violaceus, Streptomyces violaceusniger, Streptomyces violarus, Streptomyces violascens, Streptomyces violatus, Streptomyces violens, Streptomyces virens, Streptomyces virginiae, Streptomyces viridiflavus, Streptomyces viridiviolaceus, Streptomyces viridobrunneus, Streptomyces viridochromogenes, Streptomyces viridodiastaticus, Streptomyces viridosporus, Streptomyces vitaminophileus, Streptomyces vitaminophilus, Streptomyces wedmorensis, Streptomyces werraensis, Streptomyces willmorei, Streptomyces xanthochromogenes, Streptomyces xanthocidicus, Streptomyces xantholiticus, Streptomyces xanthophaeus, Streptomyces yatensis, Streptomyces yerevanensis, Streptomyces yogyakartensis, Streptomyces yokosukanensis, Streptomyces yunnanensis, Streptomyces zaomyceticus, Streptoverticillium abikoense, Streptoverticillium albireticuli, Streptoverticillium alboverticillatum, Streptoverticillium album, Streptoverticillium ardum, Streptoverticillium aureoversale, Streptoverticillium aureoversile, Streptoverticillium baldaccii, Streptoverticillium biverticillatum, Streptoverticillium blastmyceticum, Streptoverticillium cinnamoneum subsp. albosporum, Streptomyces cinnamoneus subsp. albosporus, Streptoverticillium cinnamoneum subsp. cinnamoneum, Streptoverticillium cinnamoneum subsp. lanosum, Streptoverticillium cinnamoneum subsp. sparsum, Streptoverticillium distallicum, Streptoverticillium ehimense, Streptoverticillium eurocidicum, Streptoverticillium fervens subsp. fervens, Streptoverticillium fervens subsp. melrosporus, Streptoverticillium flavopersicum, Streptoverticillium griseocarneum, Streptoverticillium griseoverticillatum, Streptoverticillium hachijoense, Streptoverticillium hiroshimense, Streptoverticillium kashmirense, Streptoverticillium kentuckense, Streptoverticillium kishiwadense, Streptoverticillium ladakanum, Streptoverticillium lavenduligriseum, Streptoverticillium lilacinum, Streptoverticillium luteoverticillatum, Streptoverticillium mashuense, Streptoverticillium mobaraense, Streptoverticillium morookaense, Streptoverticillium netropsis, Streptoverticillium olivomycini, Streptomyces olivomycini, Streptoverticillium olivoreticuli subsp. cellulophilum, Streptoverticillium olivoreticuli subsp. olivoreticuli, Streptoverticillium olivoreticulum, Streptoverticillium olivoreticulum subsp. cellulophilum, Streptoverticillium olivoverticillatum, Streptoverticillium orinoci, Streptoverticillium parvisporogenes, Streptoverticillium parvisporogenum, Streptoverticillium rectiverticillatum, Streptoverticillium reticulum subsp. protomycicum, Streptoverticillium roseoverticillatum, Streptoverticillium salmonis, Streptoverticillium sapporonense, Streptoverticillium septatum, Streptoverticillium syringium, Streptoverticillium thioluteum, Streptoverticillium verticillium subsp. quantum, Streptoverticillium verticillium subsp. tsukushiense or Streptoverticillium viridoflavum.

[0080.0.0.0] Particular preferred strains are strains selected from the group consisting of Bacillaceae, Brevibacteriaceae, Corynebacteriaceae, Nocardiaceae, Mycobacteriaceae, Streptomycetaceae, Enterobacteriaceae such as Bacillus circulans, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus sp., Brevibacterium albidum, Brevibacterium album, Brevibacterium cerinum, Brevibacterium flavum, Brevibacterium glutamigenes, Brevibacterium iodinum, Brevibacterium ketoglutamicum, Brevibacterium lactofermentum, Brevibacterium linens, Brevibacterium roseum, Brevibacterium saccharolyticum, Brevibacterium sp., Corynebacterium acetoacidophilum, Corynebacterium acetoglutamicum, Corynebacterium ammoniagenes, Corynebacterium glutamicum (=Micrococcus glutamicum), Corynebacterium melassecola, Corynebacterium sp., Nocardia rhodochrous (Rhodococcus rhodochrous), Mycobacterium rhodochrous, Streptomyces lividans and Escherichia coli especially Escherichia coli K12.

[0081.0.0.0] In addition particular preferred strains are strains selected from the group consisting of Cryptococcaceae, Saccharomycetaceae, Schizosaccharo-mycetacease such as the genera Candida, Hansenula, Pichia, Saccharomyces and Schizosaccharomyces preferred are strains selected from the group consisting of the species Rhodotorula rubra, Rhodotorula glutinis, Rhodotorula graminis, Yarrowia lipolytica, Sporobolomyces salmonicolor, Sporobolomyces shibatanus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida boidinii, Candida bombicola, Candida cylindracea, Candida parapsilosis, Candida rugosa, Candida tropicalis, Pichia methanolica and Pichia pastoris.

[0082.0.0.0] Anacardiaceae such as the genera Pistacia, Mangifera, Anacardium e.g. the species Pistacia vera [pistachios, Pistazie], Mangifer indica [Mango] or Anacardium occidentale [Cashew]; Asteraceae such as the genera Calendula, Carthamus, Centaurea, Cichorium, Cynara, Helianthus, Lactuca, Locusta, Tagetes, Valeriana e.g. the species Calendula officinalis [Marigold], Carthamus tinctorius [safflower], Centaurea cyanus [cornflower], Cichorium intybus [blue daisy], Cynara scolymus [Artichoke], Helianthus annus [sunflower], Lactuca sativa, Lactuca crispa, Lactuca esculenta, Lactuca scariola L. ssp. sativa, Lactuca scariola L. var. integrata, Lactuca scariola L. var. integrifolia, Lactuca sativa subsp. romana, Locusta communis, Valeriana locusta [lettuce], Tagetes lucida, Tagetes erecta or Tagetes tenuifolia [Marigold]; Apiaceae such as the genera Daucus e.g. the species Daucus carota [carrot]; Betulaceae such as the genera Corylus e.g. the species Corylus avellana or Corylus colurna [hazelnut]; Boraginaceae such as the genera Borago e.g. the species Borago officinalis [borage]; Brassicaceae such as the genera Brassica, Melanosinapis, Sinapis, Arabadopsis e.g. the species Brassica napus, Brassica rapa ssp. [canola, oilseed rape, turnip rape], Sinapis arvensis Brassica juncea, Brassica juncea var. juncea, Brassica juncea var. crispifolia, Brassica juncea var. foliosa, Brassica nigra, Brassica sinapioides, Melanosinapis communis [mustard], Brassica oleracea [fodder beet] or Arabidopsis thaliana; Bromeliaceae such as the genera Anana, Bromelia e.g. the species Anana comosus, Ananas ananas or Bromelia comosa [pineapple]; Caricaceae such as the genera Carica e.g. the species Carica papaya [papaya]; Cannabaceae such as the genera Cannabis e.g. the species Cannabis sative [hemp], Convolvulaceae such as the genera Ipomea, Convolvulus e.g. the species Ipomoea batatus, Ipomoea pandurata, Convolvulus batatas, Convolvulus tiliaceus, Ipomoea fastigiata, Ipomoea tiliacea, Ipomoea triloba or Convolvulus panduratus [sweet potato, Man of the Earth, wild potato], Chenopodiaceae such as the genera Beta, i.e. the species Beta vulgaris, Beta vulgaris var. altissima, Beta vulgaris var. Vulgaris, Beta maritima, Beta vulgaris var. perennis, Beta vulgaris var. conditiva or Beta vulgaris var. esculenta [sugar beet]; Cucurbitaceae such as the genera Cucubita e.g. the species Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita mixta, Cucurbita pepo or Cucurbita moschata [pumpkin, squash]; Elaeagnaceae such as the genera Elaeagnus e.g. the species Olea europaea [olive]; Ericaceae such as the genera Kalmia e.g. the species Kalmia latifolia, Kalmia angustifolia, Kalmia microphylla, Kalmia polifolia, Kalmia occidentalis, Cistus chamaerhodendros or Kalmia lucida [American laurel, broad-leafed laurel, calico bush, spoon wood, sheep laurel, alpine laurel, bog laurel, western bog-laurel, swamp-laurel]; Euphorbiaceae such as the genera Manihot, Janipha, Jatropha, Ricinus e.g. the species Manihot utilissima, Janipha manihot, Jatropha manihot, Manihot aipil, Manihot dulcis, Manihot manihot, Manihot melanobasis, Manihot esculenta [manihot, arrowroot, tapioca, cassava] or Ricinus communis [castor bean, Castor Oil Bush, Castor Oil Plant, Palma Christi, Wonder Tree]; Fabaceae such as the genera Pisum, Albizia, Cathormion, Feuillea, Inga, Pithecolobium, Acacia, Mimosa, Medicajo, Glycine, Dolichos, Phaseolus, Soja e.g. the species Pisum sativum, Pisum arvense, Pisum humile [pea], Albizia berteriana, Albizia julibrissin, Albizia lebbeck, Acacia berteriana, Acacia littoralis, Albizia berteriana, Albizzia berteriana, Cathormion berteriana, Feuillea berteriana, Inga fragrans, Pithecellobium berterianum, Pithecellobium fragrans, Pithecolobium berterianum, Pseudalbizzia berteriana, Acacia julibrissin, Acacia nemu, Albizia nemu, Feuilleea julibrissin, Mimosa julibrissin, Mimosa speciosa, Sericanrda julibrissin, Acacia lebbeck, Acacia macrophylla, Albizia lebbek, Feuilleea lebbeck, Mimosa lebbeck, Mimosa speciosa [bastard logwood, silk tree, East Indian Walnut], Medicago sativa, Medicago falcata, Medicago varia [alfalfa] Glycine max Dolichos soja, Glycine gracilis, Glycine hispida, Phaseolus max, Soja hispida or Soja max [soybean]; Geraniaceae such as the genera Pelargonium, Cocos, Oleum e.g. the species Cocos nucifera, Pelargonium grossularioides or Oleum cocois [coconut]; Gramineae such as the genera Saccharum e.g. the species Saccharum officinarum; Juglandaceae such as the genera Juglans, Wallia e.g. the species Juglans regia, Juglans ailanthifolia, Juglans sieboldiana, Juglans cinerea, Wallia cinerea, Juglans bixbyi, Juglans californica, Juglans hindsii, Juglans intermedia, Juglans jamaicensis, Juglans major, Juglans microcarpa, Juglans nigra or Wallia nigra [walnut, black walnut, common walnut, persian walnut, white walnut, butternut, black walnut]; Lauraceae such as the genera Persea, Laurus e.g. the species laurel Laurus nobilis [bay, laurel, bay laurel, sweet bay], Persea americana Persea americana, Persea gratissima or Persea persea [avocado]; Leguminosae such as the genera Arachis e.g. the species Arachis hypogaea [peanut]; Linaceae such as the genera Linum, Adenolinum e.g. the species Linum usitatissimum, Linum humile, Linum austriacum, Linum bienne, Linum angustifolium, Linum catharticum, Linum flavum, Linum grandiflorum, Adenolinum grandiflorum, Linum lewisii, Linum narbonense, Linum perenne, Linum perenne var. lewisii, Linum pratense or Linum trigynum [flax, linseed]; Lythrarieae such as the genera Punica e.g. the species Punica granatum [pomegranate]; Malvaceae such as the genera Gossypium e.g. the species Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium barbadense, Gossypium herbaceum or Gossypium thurberi [cotton]; Musaceae such as the genera Musa e.g. the species Musa nana, Musa acuminata, Musa paradisiaca, Musa spp. [banana]; Onagraceae such as the genera Camissonia, Oenothera e.g. the species Oenothera biennis or Camissonia brevipes [primrose, evening primrose]; Palmae such as the genera Elacis e.g. the species Elacis guineensis [oil plam]; Papaveraceae such as the genera Papaver e.g. the species Papaver orientale, Papaver rhoeas, Papaver dubium [poppy, oriental poppy, corn poppy, field poppy, shirley poppies, field poppy, long-headed poppy, long-pod poppy]; Pedaliaceae such as the genera Sesamum e.g. the species Sesamum indicum [sesame]; Piperaceae such as the genera Piper, Artanthe, Peperomia, Steffensia e.g. the species Piper aduncum, Piper amalago, Piper angustifolium, Piper auritum, Piper betel, Piper cubeba, Piper longum, Piper nigrum, Piper retrofractum, Artanthe adunca, Artanthe elongata, Peperomia elongata, Piper elongatum, Steffensia elongata. [Cayenne pepper, wild pepper]; Poaceae such as the genera Hordeum, Secale, Avena, Sorghum, Andropogon, Holcus, Panicum, Oryza, Zea, Triticum e.g. the species Hordeum vulgare, Hordeum jubatum, Hordeum murinum, Hordeum secalinum, Hordeum distichon Hordeum aegiceras, Hordeum hexastichon, Hordeum hexastichum, Hordeum irregulare, Hordeum sativum, Hordeum secalinum [barley, pearl barley, foxtail barley, wall barley, meadow barley], Secale cereale [rye], Avena sativa, Avena fatua, Avena byzantina, Avena fatua var. sativa, Avena hybrida [oat], Sorghum bicolor, Sorghum halepense, Sorghum saccharatum, Sorghum vulgare, Andropogon drummondii, Holcus bicolor, Holcus sorghum, Sorghum aethiopicum, Sorghum arundinaceum, Sorghum caffrorum, Sorghum cernuum, Sorghum dochna, Sorghum drummondii, Sorghum durra, Sorghum guineense, Sorghum lanceolatum, Sorghum nervosum, Sorghum saccharatum, Sorghum subglabrescens, Sorghum verticilliflorum, Sorghum vulgare, Holcus halepensis, Sorghum miliaceum millet, Panicum militaceum [Sorghum, millet], Oryza sativa, Oryza latifolia [rice], Zea mays [corn, maize] Triticum aestivum, Triticum durum, Triticum turgidum, Triticum hybernum, Triticum macha, Triticum sativum or Triticum vulgare [wheat, bread wheat, common wheat], Proteaceae such as the genera Macadamia e.g. the species Macadamia intergrifolia [macadamia]; Rubiaceae such as the genera Coffea e.g. the species Cofea spp., Coffea arabica, Coffea canephora or Coffea liberica [coffee]; Scrophulariaceae such as the genera Verbascum e.g. the species Verbascum blattaria, Verbascum Verbascum densiflorum, Verbascum lagurus, Verbascum longifolium, Verbascum lychnitis, Verbascum nigrum, Verbascum olympicum, Verbascum phlomoides, Verbascum phoenicum, Verbascum pulverulentum or Verbascum thapsus [mullein, white moth mullein, nettle-leaved mullein, dense-flowered mullein, silver mullein, long-leaved mullein, white mullein, dark mullein, greek mullein, orange mullein, purple mullein, hoary mullein, great mullein]; Solanaceae such as the genera Capsicum, Nicotiana, Solanum, Lycopersicon e.g. the species Capsicum annuum, Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum, Capsicum frutescens [pepper], Capsicum annuum [paprika], Nicotiana tabacum, Nicotiana alata, Nicotiana attenuata, Nicotiana glauca, Nicotiana langsdorffii, Nicotiana obtusifolia, Nicotiana quadrivalvis, Nicotiana repanda, Nicotiana rustica, Nicotiana sylvestris [tobacco], Solanum tuberosum [potato], Solanum melongena [egg-plant] (Lycopersicon esculentum, Lycopersicon lycopersicum., Lycopersicon pyriforme, Solanum integrifolium or Solanum lycopersicum [tomato]; Sterculiaceae such as the genera Theobroma e.g. the species Theobroma cacao [cacao]; Theaceae such as the genera Camellia e.g. the species Camellia sinensis) [tea].

All abovementioned organisms can in princible also function as host organisms.

[0083.0.0.0] Particular preferred plants are plants selected from the group consisting of Asteraceae such as the genera Helianthus, Tagetes e.g. the species Helianthus annus [sunflower], Tagetes lucida, Tagetes erecta or Tagetes tenuifolia [Marigold], Brassicaceae such as the genera Brassica, Arabadopsis e.g. the species Brassica napus, Brassica rapa ssp. [canola, oilseed rape, turnip rape] or Arabidopsis thaliana. Fabaceae such as the genera Glycine e.g. the species Glycine max, Soja hispida or Soja max [soybean] (wobei ich nicht sicher bin, ob es Soja max uberhaupt gibt, die heiβt eigentlich Glycine max). Linaceae such as the genera Linum e.g. the species Linum usitatissimum, [flax, linseed]; Poaceae such as the genera Hordeum, Secale, Avena, Sorghum, Oryza, Zea, Triticum e.g. the species Hordeum vulgare [barley]; Secale cereale [rye], Avena sativa, Avena fatua, Avena byzantina, Avena fatua var. sativa, Avena hybrida [oat], Sorghum bicolor [Sorghum, millet], Oryza sativa, Oryza latifolia [rice], Zea mays [corn, maize] Triticum aestivum, Triticum durum, Triticum turgidum, Triticum hybernum, Triticum macha, Triticum sativum or Triticum vulgare [wheat, bread wheat, common wheat]; Solanaceae such as the genera Solanum, Lycopersicon e.g. the species Solanum tuberosum [potato], Lycopersicon esculentum, Lycopersicon lycopersicum., Lycopersicon pyriforme, Solanum integrifolium or Solanum lycopersicum [tomato].

[0084.0.0.0] All abovementioned organisms can in princible also function as host organisms.

[0085.0.0.0] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7,     lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, or a derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, or a     derivative thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.0] The use of the nucleic acid sequence according to the invention or of the nucleic acid construct according to the invention for the generation of transgenic plants is therefore also subject matter of the invention.

[0087.0.0.0] The respective fine chemical, which is synthesized in the organism, in particular the microorganism, the cell, the tissue or the plant, of the invention can be isolated if desired. Depending on the use of the respective fine chemical, different purities resulting from the purification may be advantageous as will be described herein below.

[0088.0.0.0] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose amino acid content is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for monogastric animals is limited by a few essential amino acids such as lysine, threonine or methionine.

[0088.1.0.0] In one embodiment, after an activity of a polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention has been increased or generated, or after the expression of a nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide according to the invention has been generated or increased, the transgenic plant generated can be grown on or in a nutrient medium or else in the soil and subsequently harvested.

[0089.0.0.0] The plants or parts thereof, e.g. the leaves, roots, flowers, and/or stems and/or other harvestable material as described below, can then be used directly as foodstuffs or animal feeds or else be further processed. Again, the amino acids can be purified further in the customary manner via extraction and precipitation or via ion exchangers and other methods known to the person skilled in the art and described herein below. Products which are suitable for various applications and which result from these different processing procedures are amino acids or amino acid compositions which can still comprise further plant components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably from below 90% by weight, especially preferably below 80% by weight. The plants can also advantageously be used directly without further processing, e.g. as feed or for extraction.

[0090.0.0.0] The chemically pure respective fine chemical or chemically pure compositions comprising the respective fine chemical may also be produced by the process described above. To this end, the respective fine chemical or the compositions are isolated in the known manner from an organism according to the invention, such as the microorganisms, non-human animal or the plants, and/or their culture medium in which or on which the organisms had been grown. These chemically pure respective fine chemical or said compositions are advantageous for applications in the field of the food industry, the cosmetics industry or the pharmaceutical industry.

[0091.0.0.0] Thus, the content of plant components and preferably also further impurities is as low as possible, and the abovementioned respective fine chemical is obtained in as pure form as possible. In these applications, the content of plant components advantageously amounts to less than 10%, preferably 1%, more preferably 0.1%, very especially preferably 0.01% or less.

[0092.0.0.0] Accordingly, the respective fine chemical produced by the present invention is at least 0.1% by weight pure, preferably more than 1% by weight pure, more preferred 10% by weight pure, even more preferred are more than 50, 60, 70 or 80% by weight purity, even more preferred are more than 90 weight-% purity, most preferred are 95% by weight, 99% by weight or more.

[0093.0.0.0] In this context, the amount of the respective fine chemical in a cell of the invention may be increased according to the process of the invention by at least a factor of 1.1, preferably at least a factor of 1.5; 2; or 5, especially preferably by at least a factor of 10 or 30, very especially preferably by at least a factor of 50, in comparison with the wild type, control or reference. Preferably, said increase is found a tissue, more preferred in an organism or in a harvestable part thereof.

[0094.0.0.0] In principle, the respective fine chemicals produced can be increased in two ways by the process according to the invention. The pool of free respective fine chemicals, in particular of the free respective fine chemical, and/or the content of protein-bound respective fine chemicals, in particular of the protein-bound respective fine chemical may advantageously be increased.

[0095.0.0.0] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of free amino acids in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the pure respective fine chemical.

[0096.0.0.0] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptid, which functions as a sink for the desired amino acid for example methionine, lysine or threonine in the organism is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,589,616, WO 96/38574, WO 97/07665, WO 97/28247, U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,878, U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,993 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,670,635). Galili et al., Transgenic Res. 2000 showed, that enhancing the synthesis of threonine by a feed back insensitive aspartate kinase did not lead only to in increase in free threonine but also in protein bound threonine.

[0097.0.0.0] In may also be advantageous to increase the content of the protein-bound respective fine chemical.

[0098.0.0.0] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical (methionine) and/or threonine are produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, are isolated. The production of further amino acids such as lysine and of amino acid mixtures by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.0.0] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned amino acids may accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, spray granulation or by other methods.

[0100.0.0.0] To purify an amino acid, a product-containing fermentation broth from which the biomass has been separated may be subjected to chromatography with a suitable resin such as ion exchange resin for example anion or cation exchange resin, hydrophobic resin or hydrophilic resin for example epoxy resin, polyurethane resin or polyacrylamid resin, or resin for separation according to the molecular weight of the compounds for example polyvinyl chloride homopolymer resin or resins composed for example of polymers of acrylic acid, crosslinked with polyalkenyl ethers or divinyl glycol such as Carbopol®, Pemulen® and Noveon®. If necessary these chromatography steps may be repeated using the same or other chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use. The purified product may be concentrated by filtration or ultrafiltration and stored at a temperature, which ensures the maximum stability of the product.

[0101.0.0.0] The identity and purity of the compound(s) isolated can be determined by prior-art techniques. They encompass high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assays or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are compiled in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11 27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19:67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Bd. A27, VCH Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michal, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 17.

[0102.0.0.0] Amino acids can for example be detected advantageously via HPLC separation in ethanolic extract as described by Geigenberger et al. (Plant Cell & Environ, 19, 1996: 43-55). Amino acids can be extracted with hot water. After filtration the extracts are diluted with water containing 20 mg/mL sodium acide. The separation and detection of the amino acids is performed using an anion exchange column and an electrochemical detector. Technical details can be taken from Y. Ding et al., 2002, Direct determination of free amino acids and sugars in green tea by anion-exchange chromatography with integrated pulsed amperometric detection, J Chromatogr A, (2002) 982; 237-244, or e.g. from Karchi et al., 1993, Plant J. 3: 721-727; Matthews M J, 1997 (Lysine, threonine and methionine biosynthesis. In BK Singh, ed, Plant Amino Acids: Biochemistry and Biotechnology. Dekker, New York, pp 205-225; H Hesse and R Hoefgen. (2003) Molecular aspects of methionine biosynthesis. TIPS 8(259-262.

[0103.0.0.0] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, or a fragment     thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the respective     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to -   (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table III, columns 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to     338, and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table IV,     columns 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, and conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0103.1.0.0] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338: In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0103.1.0.0] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338: In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0104.0.0.0] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338: In one embodiment, the nucleic 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0105.0.0.0] Unless otherwise specified, the terms “polynucleotides”, “nucleic acid” and “nucleic acid molecule” are interchangeably in the present context. Unless otherwise specified, the terms “peptide”, “polypeptide” and “protein” are interchangeably in the present context. The term “sequence” may relate to polynucleotides, nucleic acids, nucleic acid molecules, peptides, polypeptides and proteins, depending on the context in which the term “sequence” is used. The terms “gene(s)”, “polynucleotide”, “nucleic acid sequence”, “nucleotide sequence”, or “nucleic acid molecule(s)” as used herein refers to a polymeric form of nucleotides of any length, either ribonucleotides or deoxyribonucleotides. The terms refer only to the primary structure of the molecule.

[0106.0.0.0] Thus, The terms “gene(s)”, “polynucleotide”, “nucleic acid sequence”, “nucleotide sequence”, or “nucleic acid molecule(s)” as used herein include double- and single-stranded DNA and RNA. They also include known types of modifications, for example, methylation, “caps”, substitutions of one or more of the naturally occurring nucleotides with an analog. Preferably, the DNA or RNA sequence of the invention comprises a coding sequence encoding the herein defined polypeptide.

[0107.0.0.0] A “coding sequence” is a nucleotide sequence, which is transcribed into mRNA and/or translated into a polypeptide when placed under the control of appropriate regulatory sequences. The boundaries of the coding sequence are determined by a translation start codon at the 5′-terminus and a translation stop codon at the 3′-terminus. A coding sequence can include, but is not limited to mRNA, cDNA, recombinant nucleotide sequences or genomic DNA, while introns may be present as well under certain circumstances.

[0108.0.0.0] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from a amino acid sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or e.g. conferring a increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.0] In one embodiment, said sequences are cloned into nucleic acid constructs, either individually or in combination. These nucleic acid constructs enable an optimal synthesis of the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention.

[0110.0.0.0] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.0] Those, which must be mentioned, in particular in this context are general gene databases such as the EMBL database (Stoesser G. et al., Nucleic Acids Res 2001, Vol. 29, 17-21), the GenBank database (Benson D. A. et al., Nucleic Acids Res 2000, Vol. 28, 15-18), or the PIR database (Barker W. C. et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 1999, Vol. 27, 39-43). It is furthermore possible to use organism-specific gene databases for determining advantageous sequences, in the case of yeast for example advantageously the SGD database (Cherry J. M. et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 1998, Vol. 26, 73-80) or the MIPS database (Mewes H. W. et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 1999, Vol. 27, 44-48), in the case of E. coli the GenProtEC database (http://web.bham.ac.uk/bcm4ght6/res.html), and in the case of Arabidopsis the TAIR-database (Huela, E. et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 2001 Vol. 29(1), 102-5) or the MIPS database.

[0112.0.0.0] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table I, column 3, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 and 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 and conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0113.0.0.0] The nucleic acid sequence(s) used in the process for the production of the respective fine chemical in transgenic organisms originate advantageously from an eukaryote but may also originate from a prokaryote or an archebacterium, thus it can derived from e.g. a microorganism, an animal or a plant.

[0114.0.0.0] For the purposes of the invention, as a rule the plural is intended to encompass the singular and vice versa.

[0115.0.0.0] In order to improve the introduction of the nucleic acid sequences and the expression of the sequences in the transgenic organisms, which are used in the process, the nucleic acid sequences are incorporated into a nucleic acid construct and/or a vector. In addition to the herein described sequences which are used in the process according to the invention, further nucleic acid sequences, advantageously of biosynthesis genes of the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention, may additionally be present in the nucleic acid construct or in the vector and may be introduced into the organism together. However, these additional sequences may also be introduced into the organisms via other, separate nucleic acid constructs or vectors.

[0116.0.0.0] Using the herein mentioned cloning vectors and transformation methods such as those which are published and cited in: Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla.), chapter 6/7, pp. 71-119 (1993); F. F. White, Vectors for Gene Transfer in Higher Plants; in: Transgenic Plants, vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, Ed.: Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press, 1993, 15-38; B. Jenes et al., Techniques for Gene Transfer, in: Transgenic Plants, vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, Ed.: Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press (1993), 128-143; Potrykus, Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Molec. Biol. 42 (1991), 205-225)) and further cited below, the nucleic acids may be used for the recombinant modification of a wide range of organisms, in particular prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganisms or plants, so that they become a better and more efficient producer of the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention. This improved production, or production efficiency, of the respective fine chemical or products derived there from, such as modified proteins, can be brought about by a direct effect of the manipulation or by an indirect effect of this manipulation.

[0117.0.0.0] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention originates from a plant, such as a plant selected from the families Aceraceae, Anacardiaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Cactaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Nymphaeaceae, Papaveraceae, Rosaceae, Salicaceae, Solanaceae, Arecaceae, Bromeliaceae, Cyperaceae, Iridaceae, Liliaceae, Orchidaceae, Gentianaceae, Labiaceae, Magnoliaceae, Ranunculaceae, Carifolaceae, Rubiaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Ericaceae, Polygonaceae, Violaceae, Juncaceae or Poaceae and preferably from a plant selected from the group of the families Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Papaveraceae, Rosaceae, Solanaceae, Liliaceae or Poaceae. Preferred are crop plants and in particular plants mentioned herein above as host plants such as the families and genera mentioned above for example preferred the species Anacardium occidentale, Calendula officinalis, Carthamus tinctorius, Cichorium intybus, Cynara scolymus, Helianthus annus, Tagetes lucida, Tagetes erecta, Tagetes tenuifolia; Daucus carota; Corylus avellana, Corylus columa, Borago officinalis; Brassica napus, Brassica rapa ssp., Sinapis arvensis Brassica juncea, Brassica juncea var. juncea, Brassica juncea var. crispifolia, Brassica juncea var. foliosa, Brassica nigra, Brassica sinapioides, Melanosinapis communis, Brassica oleracea, Arabidopsis thaliana, Anana comosus, Ananas ananas, Bromelia comosa, Carica papaya, Cannabis sative, Ipomoea batatus, Ipomoea pandurata, Convolvulus batatas, Convolvulus tiliaceus, Ipomoea fastigiata, Ipomoea tiliacea, Ipomoea triloba, Convolvulus panduratus, Beta vulgaris, Beta vulgaris var. altissima, Beta vulgaris var. vulgaris, Beta maritima, Beta vulgaris var. perennis, Beta vulgaris var. conditiva, Beta vulgaris var. esculenta, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita mixta, Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita moschata, Olea europaea, Manihot utilissima, Janipha manihotJatropha manihot., Manihot aipil, Manihot dulcis, Manihot manihot, Manihot melanobasis, Manihot esculenta, Ricinus communis, Pisum sativum, Pisum arvense, Pisum humile, Medicago sativa, Medicago falcata, Medicago varia, Glycine max Dolichos soja, Glycine gracilis, Glycine hispida, Phaseolus max, Soja hispida, Soja max, Cocos nucifera, Pelargonium grossularioides, Oleum cocoas, Laurus nobilis, Persea americana, Arachis hypogaea, Linum usitatissimum, Linum humile, Linum austriacum, Linum bienne, Linum angustifolium, Linum catharticum, Linum flavum, Linum grandiflorum, Adenolinum grandiflorum, Linum lewisii, Linum narbonense, Linum perenne, Linum perenne var. lewisii, Linum pratense, Linum trigynum, Punica granatum, Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium barbadense, Gossypium herbaceum, Gossypium thurberi, Musa nana, Musa acuminata, Musa paradisiaca, Musa spp., Elaeis guineensis, Papaver orientale, Papaver rhoeas, Papaver dubium, Sesamum indicum, Piper aduncum, Piper amalago, Piper angustifolium, Piper auritum, Piper betel, Piper cubeba, Piper longum, Piper nigrum, Piper retrofractum, Artanthe adunca, Artanthe elongata, Peperomia elongata, Piper elongatum, Steffensia elongata, Hordeum vulgare, Hordeum jubatum, Hordeum murinum, Hordeum secalinum, Hordeum distichon Hordeum aegiceras, Hordeum hexastichon., Hordeum hexastichum, Hordeum irregulare, Hordeum sativum, Hordeum secalinum, Avena sativa, Avena fatua, Avena byzantina, Avena fatua var. sativa, Avena hybrida, Sorghum bicolor, Sorghum halepense, Sorghum saccharatum, Sorghum vulgare, Andropogon drummondii, Holcus bicolor, Holcus sorghum, Sorghum aethiopicum, Sorghum arundinaceum, Sorghum caffrorum, Sorghum cernuum, Sorghum dochna, Sorghum drummondii, Sorghum durra, Sorghum guineense, Sorghum lanceolatum, Sorghum nervosum, Sorghum saccharatum, Sorghum subglabrescens, Sorghum verticilliflorum, Sorghum vulgare, Holcus halepensis, Sorghum miliaceum millet, Panicum militaceum, Zea mays, Triticum aestivum, Triticum durum, Triticum turgidum, Triticum hybernum, Triticum macha, Triticum sativum or Triticum vulgare, Cofea spp., Coffea arabica, Coffea canephora, Coffea liberica, Capsicum annuum, Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum, Capsicum frutescens, Capsicum annuum, Nicotiana tabacum, Solanum tuberosum, Solanum melongena, Lycopersicon esculentum, Lycopersicon lycopersicum., Lycopersicon pyriforme, Solanum integrifolium, Solanum lycopersicum Theobroma cacao or Camellia sinensis.

[0118.0.0.0] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule sequence originates advantageously from a microorganism as mentioned above under host organism such as a fungus for example the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium or Claviceps or from yeasts such as the genera Pichia, Torulopsis, Hansenula, Schizosaccharomyces, Candida, Rhodotorula or Saccharomyces, very especially advantageously from the yeast of the family Saccharomycetaceae, such as the advantageous genus Saccharomyces and the very advantageous genus and species Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the production of the respective fine chemical in microorganims.

[0119.0.0.0] The skilled worker knows other suitable sources for the production of respective fine chemicals, which present also useful nucleic acid molecule sources. They include in general all prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells, preferably unicellular microorganisms, such as fungi like the genus Claviceps or Aspergillus or gram-positive bacteria such as the genera Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Micrococcus, Brevibacterium, Rhodococcus, Nocardia, Caseobacter or Arthrobacter or gram-negative bacteria such as the genera Escherichia, Flavobacterium or Salmonella, or yeasts such as the genera Rhodotorula, Hansenula or Candida.

[0120.0.0.0] Production strains which are especially advantageously selected in the process according to the invention are microorganisms selected from the group of the families Actinomycetaceae, Bacillaceae, Brevibacteriaceae, Corynebacteriaceae, Enterobacteriacae, Gordoniaceae, Micrococcaceae, Mycobacteriaceae, Nocardiaceae, Pseudomonaceae, Rhizobiaceae, Streptomycetaceae, Chaetomiaceae, Choanephoraceae, Cryptococcaceae, Cunninghamellaceae, Demetiaceae, Moniliaceae, Mortierellaceae, Mucoraceae, Pythiaceae, Sacharomycetaceae, Saprolegniaceae, Schizosacharomycetaceae, Sodariaceae, Sporobolomycetaceae, Tuberculariaceae, Adelotheciaceae, Dinophyceae, Ditrichaceae and Prasinophyceaeor of the genera and species consisting of Hansenula anomala, Candida utilis, Claviceps purpurea, Bacillus circulans, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus sp., Brevibacterium albidum, Brevibacterium album, Brevibacterium cerinum, Brevibacterium flavum, Brevibacterium glutamigenes, Brevibacterium iodinum, Brevibacterium ketoglutamicum, Brevibacterium lactofermentum, Brevibacterium linens, Brevibacterium roseum, Brevibacterium saccharolyticum, Brevibacterium sp., Corynebacterium acetoacidophilum, Corynebacterium acetoglutamicum, Corynebacterium ammoniagenes, Corynebacterium glutamicum (=Micrococcus glutamicum), Corynebacterium melassecola, Corynebacterium sp. or Escherichia coli, specifically Escherichia coli K12 and its described strains.

[0121.0.0.0] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity.

[0122.0.0.0] In the process according to the invention nucleic acid sequences can be used, which, if appropriate, contain synthetic, non-natural or modified nucleotide bases, which can be incorporated into DNA or RNA. Said synthetic, non-natural or modified bases can for example increase the stability of the nucleic acid molecule outside or inside a cell. The nucleic acid molecules of the invention can contain the same modifications as aforementioned.

[0123.0.0.0] As used in the present context the term “nucleic acid molecule” may also encompass the untranslated sequence located at the 3′ and at the 5′ end of the coding gene region, for example at least 500, preferably 200, especially preferably 100, nucleotides of the sequence upstream of the 5′ end of the coding region and at least 100, preferably 50, especially preferably 20, nucleotides of the sequence downstream of the 3′ end of the coding gene region. It is often advantageous only to choose the coding region for cloning and expression purposes.

[0124.0.0.0] Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process according to the invention or the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is an isolated nucleic acid molecule.

[0125.0.0.0] An “isolated” polynucleotide or nucleic acid molecule is separated from other polynucleotides or nucleic acid molecules, which are present in the natural source of the nucleic acid molecule. An isolated nucleic acid molecule may be a chromosomal fragment of several kb, or preferably, a molecule only comprising the coding region of the gene. Accordingly, an isolated nucleic acid molecule of the invention may comprise chromosomal regions, which are adjacent 5′ and 3′ or further adjacent chromosomal regions, but preferably comprises no such sequences which naturally flank the nucleic acid molecule sequence in the genomic or chromosomal context in the organism from which the nucleic acid molecule originates (for example sequences which are adjacent to the regions encoding the 5′- and 3′-UTRs of the nucleic acid molecule). In various embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule used in the process according to the invention may, for example comprise less than approximately 5 kb, 4 kb, 3 kb, 2 kb, 1 kb, 0.5 kb or 0.1 kb nucleotide sequences which naturally flank the nucleic acid molecule in the genomic DNA of the cell from which the nucleic acid molecule originates.

[0126.0.0.0] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process, for example the polynucleotides of the invention or of a part thereof can be isolated using molecular-biological standard techniques and the sequence information provided herein. Also, for example a homologous sequence or homologous, conserved sequence regions at the DNA or amino acid level can be identified with the aid of comparison algorithms. The former can be used as hybridization probes under standard hybridization techniques (for example those described in Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual. 2nd Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1989) for isolating further nucleic acid sequences useful in this process.

[0127.0.0.0] A nucleic acid molecule encompassing a complete sequence of the nucleic acid molecules used in the process, for example the polynucleotide of the invention, or a part thereof may additionally be isolated by polymerase chain reaction, oligonucleotide primers based on this sequence or on parts thereof being used. For example, a nucleic acid molecule comprising the complete sequence or part thereof can be isolated by polymerase chain reaction using oligonucleotide primers which have been generated on the basis of this sequence for example, mRNA can be isolated from cells (for example by means of the guanidinium thiocyanate extraction method of Chirgwin et al. (1979) Biochemistry 18:5294-5299) and cDNA can be generated by means of reverse transcriptase (for example Moloney MLV reverse transcriptase, available from Gibco/BRL, Bethesda, Md., or AMV reverse transcriptase, obtainable from Seikagaku America, Inc., St. Petersburg, Fla).

[0128.0.0.0] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table III, columns 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or the sequences derived from sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0129.0.0.0] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid sequence in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequences indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 are derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.0.0] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing its expression or activity or further functional homologs of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention from other organisms.

[0131.0.0.0] These fragments can then be utilized as hybridization probe for isolating the complete gene sequence. As an alternative, the missing 5′ and 3′ sequences can be isolated by means of RACE-PCR (rapid amplification of cDNA ends). A nucleic acid molecule according to the invention can be amplified using cDNA or, as an alternative, genomic DNA as template and suitable oligonucleotide primers, following standard PCR amplification techniques. The nucleic acid molecule amplified thus can be cloned into a suitable vector and characterized by means of DNA sequence analysis. Oligonucleotides, which correspond to one of the nucleic acid molecules used in the process, can be generated by standard synthesis methods, for example using an automatic DNA synthesizer.

[0132.0.0.0] Nucleic acid molecules which are advantageously for the process according to the invention can be isolated based on their homology to the nucleic acid molecules disclosed herein using the sequences or part thereof as hybridization probe and following standard hybridization techniques under stringent hybridization conditions. In this context, it is possible to use, for example, isolated nucleic acid molecules of at least 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60 or more nucleotides, preferably of at least 15, 20 or 25 nucleotides in length which hybridize under stringent conditions with the above-described nucleic acid molecules, in particular with those which encompass a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention or encoding a protein used in the invention or of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention. Nucleic acid molecules with 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides may also be used.

[0133.0.0.0] The term “homology” means that the respective nucleic acid molecules or encoded proteins are functionally and/or structurally equivalent. The nucleic acid molecules that are homologous to the nucleic acid molecules described above and that are derivatives of said nucleic acid molecules are, for example, variations of said nucleic acid molecules which represent modifications having the same biological function, in particular encoding proteins with the same or substantially the same biological function. They may be naturally occurring variations, such as sequences from other plant varieties or species, or mutations. These mutations may occur naturally or may be obtained by mutagenesis techniques. The allelic variations may be naturally occurring allelic variants as well as synthetically produced or genetically engineered variants. Structurally equivalents can, for example, be identified by testing the binding of said polypeptide to antibodies or computer based predictions. Structurally equivalent have the similar immunological characteristic, e.g. comprise similar epitopes.

[0134.0.0.0] By “hybridizing” it is meant that such nucleic acid molecules hybridize under conventional hybridization conditions, preferably under stringent conditions such as described by, e.g., Sambrook (Molecular Cloning; A Laboratory Manual, 2nd Edition, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1989)) or in Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, N. Y. (1989), 6.3.1-6.3.6.

[0135.0.0.0] According to the invention, DNA as well as RNA molecules of the nucleic acid of the invention can be used as probes. Further, as template for the identification of functional homologues Northern blot assays as well as Southern blot assays can be performed. The Northern blot assay advantageously provides further information about the expressed gene product: e.g. expression pattern, occurrence of processing steps, like splicing and capping, etc. The Southern blot assay provides additional information about the chromosomal localization and organization of the gene encoding the nucleic acid molecule of the invention.

[0136.0.0.0] A preferred, nonlimiting example of stringent hydridization conditions are hybridizations in 6× sodium chloride/sodium citrate (=SSC) at approximately 45° C., followed by one or more wash steps in 0.2×SSC, 0.1% SDS at 50 to 65° C., for example at 50° C., 55° C. or 60° C. The skilled worker knows that these hybridization conditions differ as a function of the type of the nucleic acid and, for example when organic solvents are present, with regard to the temperature and concentration of the buffer. The temperature under “standard hybridization conditions” differs for example as a function of the type of the nucleic acid between 42° C. and 58° C., preferably between 45° C. and 50° C. in an aqueous buffer with a concentration of 0.1× 0.5×, 1×, 2×, 3×, 4× or 5×SSC (pH 7.2). If organic solvent(s) is/are present in the abovementioned buffer, for example 50% formamide, the temperature under standard conditions is approximately 40° C., 42° C. or 45° C. The hybridization conditions for DNA:DNA hybrids are preferably for example 0.1×SSC and 20° C., 25° C., 30° C., 35° C., 40° C. or 45° C., preferably between 30° C. and 45° C. The hybridization conditions for DNA:RNA hybrids are preferably for example 0.1×SSC and 30° C., 35° C., 40° C., 45° C., 50° C. or 55° C., preferably between 45° C. and 55° C. The abovementioned hybridization temperatures are determined for example for a nucleic acid approximately 100 bp (=base pairs) in length and a G+C content of 50% in the absence of formamide. The skilled worker knows to determine the hybridization conditions required with the aid of textbooks, for example the ones mentioned above, or from the following textbooks: Sambrook et al., “Molecular Cloning”, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1989; Hames and Higgins (Ed.) 1985, “Nucleic Acids Hybridization: A Practical Approach”, IRL Press at Oxford University Press, Oxford; Brown (Ed.) 1991, “Essential Molecular Biology: A Practical Approach”, IRL Press at Oxford University Press, Oxford.

[0137.0.0.0] A further example of one such stringent hybridization condition is hybridization at 4×SSC at 65° C., followed by a washing in 0.1×SSC at 65° C. for one hour. Alternatively, an exemplary stringent hybridization condition is in 50 formamide, 4×SSC at 42° C. Further, the conditions during the wash step can be selected from the range of conditions delimited by low-stringency conditions (approximately 2×SSC at 50° C.) and high-stringency conditions (approximately 0.2×SSC at 50° C., preferably at 65° C.) (20×SSC: 0.3M sodium citrate, 3M NaCl, pH 7.0). In addition, the temperature during the wash step can be raised from low-stringency conditions at room temperature, approximately 22° C., to higher-stringency conditions at approximately 65° C. Both of the parameters salt concentration and temperature can be varied simultaneously, or else one of the two parameters can be kept constant while only the other is varied. Denaturants, for example formamide or SDS, may also be employed during the hybridization. In the presence of 50% formamide, hybridization is preferably effected at 42° C. Relevant factors like i) length of treatment, ii) salt conditions, iii) detergent conditions, iv) competitor DNAs, v) temperature and vi) probe selection can be combined case by case so that not all possibilities can be mentioned herein.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, Northern blots are prehybridized with Rothi-Hybri-Quick buffer (Roth, Karlsruhe) at 68° C. for 2 h. Hybridization with radioactive labelled probe is done overnight at 68° C. Subsequent washing steps are performed at 68° C. with 1×SSC.

For Southern blot assays the membrane is prehybridized with Rothi-Hybri-Quick buffer (Roth, Karlsruhe) at 68° C. for 2 h. The hybridization with radioactive labelled probe is conducted over night at 68° C. Subsequently the hybridization buffer is discarded and the filter shortly washed using 2×SSC; 0.1% SDS. After discarding the washing buffer new 2×SSC; 0.1% SDS buffer is added and incubated at 68° C. for 15 minutes. This washing step is performed twice followed by an additional washing step using 1×SSC; 0.1% SDS at 68° C. for 10 min.

[0138.0.0.0] Some further examples of conditions for DNA hybridization (Southern blot assays) and wash step are shown herein below:

-   (1) Hybridization conditions can be selected, for example, from the     following conditions: -   a) 4×SSC at 65° C., -   b) 6×SSC at 45° C., -   c) 6×SSC, 100 mg/ml denatured fragmented fish sperm DNA at 68° C., -   d) 6×SSC, 0.5% SDS, 100 mg/ml denatured salmon sperm DNA at 68° C., -   e) 6×SSC, 0.5% SDS, 100 mg/ml denatured fragmented salmon sperm DNA,     50% formamide at 42° C., -   f) 50% formamide, 4×SSC at 42° C., -   g) 50% (vol/vol) formamide, 0.1% bovine serum albumin, 0.1% Ficoll,     0.1% polyvinylpyrrolidone, 50 mM sodium phosphate buffer pH 6.5, 750     mM NaCl, 75 mM sodium citrate at 42° C., -   h) 2× or 4×SSC at 50° C. (low-stringency condition), or -   i) 30 to 40% formamide, 2× or 4×SSC at 42° C. (low-stringency     condition). -   (2) Wash steps can be selected, for example, from the following     conditions: -   a) 0.015 M NaCl/0.0015 M sodium citrate/0.1% SDS at 50° C. -   b) 0.1×SSC at 65° C. -   c) 0.1×SSC, 0.5% SDS at 68° C. -   d) 0.1×SSC, 0.5% SDS, 50% formamide at 42° C. -   e) 0.2×SSC, 0.1% SDS at 42° C. -   f) 2×SSC at 65° C. (low-stringency condition).

[0139.0.0.0] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to a sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the methionine increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.0] Further, some applications have to be performed at low stringency hybridisation conditions, without any consequences for the specificity of the hybridisation. For example, a Southern blot analysis of total DNA could be probed with a nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and washed at low stringency (55° C. in 2×SSPE0.1% SDS). The hybridisation analysis could reveal a simple pattern of only genes encoding polypeptides of the present invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. having herein-mentioned activity of increasing the respective fine chemical. A further example of such low-stringent hybridization conditions is 4×SSC at 50° C. or hybridization with 30 to 40% formamide at 42° C. Such molecules comprise those which are fragments, analogues or derivatives of the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention and differ, for example, by way of amino acid and/or nucleotide deletion(s), insertion(s), substitution (s), addition(s) and/or recombination (s) or any other modification(s) known in the art either alone or in combination from the above-described amino acid sequences or their underlying nucleotide sequence(s). However, it is preferred to use high stringency hybridisation conditions.

[0141.0.0.0] Hybridization should advantageously be carried out with fragments of at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 or 40 bp, advantageously at least 50, 60, 70 or 80 bp, preferably at least 90, 100 or 110 bp. Most preferably are fragments of at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 bp. Preferably are also hybridizations with at least 100 bp or 200, very especially preferably at least 400 bp in length. In an especially preferred embodiment, the hybridization should be carried out with the entire nucleic acid sequence with conditions described above.

[0142.0.0.0] The terms “fragment”, “fragment of a sequence” or “part of a sequence” mean a truncated sequence of the original sequence referred to. The truncated sequence (nucleic acid or protein sequence) can vary widely in length; the minimum size being a sequence of sufficient size to provide a sequence with at least a comparable function and/or activity of the original sequence referred to or hybridising with the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention under stringent conditions, while the maximum size is not critical. In some applications, the maximum size usually is not substantially greater than that required to provide the desired activity and/or function(s) of the original sequence.

[0143.0.0.0] Typically, the truncated amino acid sequence will range from about 5 to about 310 amino acids in length. More typically, however, the sequence will be a maximum of about 250 amino acids in length, preferably a maximum of about 200 or 100 amino acids. It is usually desirable to select sequences of at least about 10, 12 or 15 amino acids, up to a maximum of about 20 or 25 amino acids.

[0144.0.0.0] The term “epitope” relates to specific immunoreactive sites within an antigen, also known as antigenic determinates. These epitopes can be a linear array of monomers in a polymeric composition—such as amino acids in a protein—or consist of or comprise a more complex secondary or tertiary structure. Those of skill will recognize that immunogens (i.e., substances capable of eliciting an immune response) are antigens; however, some antigen, such as haptens, are not immunogens but may be made immunogenic by coupling to a carrier molecule. The term “antigen” includes references to a substance to which an antibody can be generated and/or to which the antibody is specifically immunoreactive.

[0145.0.0.0] In one embodiment the present invention relates to a epitope of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention and conferring above mentioned activity, preferably conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical.

[0146.0.0.0] The term “one or several amino acids” relates to at least one amino acid but not more than that number of amino acids, which would result in a homology of below 50% identity. Preferably, the identity is more than 70% or 80%, more preferred are 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, even more preferred are 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity.

[0147.0.0.0] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.0.0] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, or a functional portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular has the—fine-chemical-increasing activity after increasing its activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequence or its homologs.

[0149.0.0.0] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridises, preferably hybridises under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity and as indicated in indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0149.1.0.0] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table II B, columns 3, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0150.0.0.0] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of methionine if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide sequence of the invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338. Preferred is Table II B, columns 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0151.0.0.0] Primer sets are interchangeable. The person skilled in the art knows to combine said primers to result in the desired product, e.g. in a full-length clone or a partial sequence. Probes based on the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the present invention can be used to detect transcripts or genomic sequences encoding the same or homologous proteins. The probe can further comprise a label group attached thereto, e.g. the label group can be a radioisotope, a fluorescent compound, an enzyme, or an enzyme co-factor. Such probes can be used as a part of a genomic marker test kit for identifying cells which express an polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the present invention, such as by measuring a level of an encoding nucleic acid molecule in a sample of cells, e.g., detecting mRNA levels or determining, whether a genomic gene comprising the sequence of the polynucleotide of the invention or used in the processes of the present invention has been mutated or deleted.

[0152.0.0.0] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular a methionine increasing activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.0.0] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0154.0.0.0] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.0] Portions of proteins encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention are preferably biologically active, preferably having above-mentioned annotated activity, e.g. conferring a increase the respective fine chemical after increase of activity.

[0156.0.0.0] As mentioned herein, the term “biologically active portion” is intended to include a portion, e.g., a domain/motif, that confers increase of the respective fine chemical or has an immunological activity such that it is binds to an antibody binding specifically to the polypeptide of the present invention or a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention for producing the respective fine chemical;

[0157.0.0.0] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptides comprising the consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or their functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, a consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338. Preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0158.0.0.0] In addition, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that DNA sequence polymorphisms that lead to changes in the amino acid sequences may exist within a population. Such genetic polymorphism in the gene encoding the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or comprising the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention may exist among individuals within a population due to natural variation.

[0159.0.0.0] As used herein, the terms “gene” and “recombinant gene” refer to nucleic acid molecules comprising an open reading frame encoding the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or comprising the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or encoding the polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, preferably from a crop plant or from a microorganism useful for the production of respective fine chemicals, in particular for the production of the respective fine chemical. Such natural variations can typically result in 1-5% variance in the nucleotide sequence of the gene. Any and all such nucleotide variations and resulting amino acid polymorphisms in genes encoding a polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or comprising a the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention that are the result of natural variation and that do not alter the functional activity as described are intended to be within the scope of the invention.

[0160.0.0.0] Nucleic acid molecules corresponding to natural variants homologues of a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, which can also be a cDNA, can be isolated based on their homology to the nucleic acid molecules disclosed herein using the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, or a portion thereof, as a hybridization probe according to standard hybridization techniques under stringent hybridization conditions.

[0161.0.0.0] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.0] The term “hybridizes under stringent conditions” is defined above. In one embodiment, the term “hybridizes under stringent conditions” is intended to describe conditions for hybridization and washing under which nucleotide sequences at least 30%, 40%, 50% or 65% identical to each other typically remain hybridized to each other. Preferably, the conditions are such that sequences at least about 70%, more preferably at least about 75% or 80%, and even more preferably at least about 85%, 90% or 95% or more identical to each other typically remain hybridized to each other.

[0163.0.0.0] Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the respective fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of an protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.0] In addition to naturally-occurring variants of the sequences of the polypeptide or nucleic acid molecule of the invention as well as of the polypeptide or nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention that may exist in the population, the skilled artisan will further appreciate that changes can be introduced by mutation into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the present invention, thereby leading to changes in the amino acid sequence of the encoded said polypeptide, without altering the functional ability of the polypeptide, preferably not decreasing said activity.

[0165.0.0.0] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0166.0.0.0] A “non-essential” amino acid residue is a residue that can be altered from the wild-type sequence of one without altering the activity of said polypeptide, whereas an “essential” amino acid residue is required for an activity as mentioned above, e.g. leading to an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism after an increase of activity of the polypeptide. Other amino acid residues, however, (e.g., those that are not conserved or only semi-conserved in the domain having said activity) may not be essential for activity and thus are likely to be amenable to alteration without altering said activity.

[0167.0.0.0] Further, a person skilled in the art knows that the codon usage between organism can differ. Therefore, he may adapt the codon usage in the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention to the usage of the organism in which the polynucleotide or polypeptide is expressed.

[0168.0.0.0] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0169.0.0.0] To determine the percentage homology (=identity) of two amino acid sequences or of two nucleic acid molecules, the sequences are written one underneath the other for an optimal comparison (for example gaps may be inserted into the sequence of a protein or of a nucleic acid in order to generate an optimal alignment with the other protein or the other nucleic acid).

[0170.0.0.0] The amino acid residues or nucleic acid molecules at the corresponding amino acid positions or nucleotide positions are then compared. If a position in one sequence is occupied by the same amino acid residue or the same nucleic acid molecule as the corresponding position in the other sequence, the molecules are homologous at this position (i.e. amino acid or nucleic acid “homology” as used in the present context corresponds to amino acid or nucleic acid “identity”. The percentage homology between the two sequences is a function of the number of identical positions shared by the sequences (i.e. % homology=number of identical positions/total number of positions×100). The terms “homology” and “identity” are thus to be considered as synonyms.

[0171.0.0.0] For the determination of the percentage homology (=identity) of two or more amino acids or of two or more nucleotide sequences several computer software programs have been developed. The homology of two or more sequences can be calculated with for example the software fasta, which presently has been used in the version fasta 3 (W. R. Pearson and D. J. Lipman (1988), Improved Tools for Biological Sequence Comparison. PNAS 85:2444-2448; W. R. Pearson (1990) Rapid and Sensitive Sequence Comparison with FASTP and FASTA, Methods in Enzymology 183:63-98; W. R. Pearson and D. J. Lipman (1988) Improved Tools for Biological Sequence Comparison. PNAS 85:2444-2448; W. R. Pearson (1990); Rapid and Sensitive Sequence Comparison with FASTP and FASTA Methods in Enzymology 183:63-98). Another useful program for the calculation of homologies of different sequences is the standard blast program, which is included in the Biomax pedant software (Biomax, Munich, Federal Republic of Germany). This leads unfortunately sometimes to suboptimal results since blast does not always include complete sequences of the subject and the query. Nevertheless as this program is very efficient it can be used for the comparison of a huge number of sequences. The following settings are typically used for such a comparisons of sequences: -p Program Name [String]; -d Database [String]; default=nr; -i Query File [File In]; default=stdin; -e Expectation value (E) [Real]; default=10.0; -m alignment view options: 0=pairwise; 1=query-anchored showing identities; 2=query-anchored no identities; 3=flat query-anchored, show identities; 4=flat query-anchored, no identities; 5=query-anchored no identities and blunt ends; 6=flat query-anchored, no identities and blunt ends; 7=XML Blast output; 8=tabular; 9 tabular with comment lines [Integer]; default=0; -o BLAST report Output File [File Out] Optional; default=stdout; -F Filter query sequence (DUST with blastn, SEG with others) [String]; default=T; -G Cost to open a gap (zero invokes default behavior) [Integer]; default=0; -E Cost to extend a gap (zero invokes default behavior) [Integer]; default=0; -X X dropoff value for gapped alignment (in bits) (zero invokes default behavior); blastn 30, megablast 20, tblastx 0, all others 15 [Integer]; default=0; -I Show GI's in deflines [T/F]; default=F; -q Penalty for a nucleotide mismatch (blastn only) [Integer]; default=−3; -r Reward for a nucleotide match (blastn only) [Integer]; default=1; -v Number of database sequences to show one-line descriptions for (V) [Integer]; default=500; -b Number of database sequence to show alignments for (B) [Integer]; default=250; -f Threshold for extending hits, default if zero; blastp 11, blastn 0, blastx 12, tblastn 13; tblastx 13, megablast 0 [Integer]; default=0; -g Perfom gapped alignment (not available with tblastx) [T/F]; default=T; -Q Query Genetic code to use [Integer]; default=1; -D DB Genetic code (for tblast[nx] only) [Integer]; default=1; -a Number of processors to use [Integer]; default=1; -O Sec:Align file [File Out] Optional; -J Believe the query defline [T/F]; default=F; -M Matrix [String]; default=BLOSUM62; -W Word size, default if zero (blastn 11, megablast 28, all others 3) [Integer]; default=0; -z Effective length of the database (use zero for the real size) [Real]; default=0; -K Number of best hits from a region to keep (off by default, if used a value of 100 is recommended) [Integer]; default=0; -P 0 for multiple hit, 1 for single hit [Integer]; default=0; -Y Effective length of the search space (use zero for the real size) [Real]; default=0; -S Query strands to search against database (for blast[nx], and tblastx); 3 is both, 1 is top, 2 is bottom [Integer]; default=3; -T Produce HTML output [T/F]; default=F; -I Restrict search of database to list of GI's [String] Optional; -U Use lower case filtering of FASTA sequence [T/F] Optional; default=F; -y X dropoff value for ungapped extensions in bits (0.0 invokes default behavior); blastn 20, megablast 10, all others 7 [Real]; default=0.0; -Z X dropoff value for final gapped alignment in bits (0.0 invokes default behavior); blastn/megablast 50, tblastx 0, all others 25 [Integer]; default=0; -R PSI-TBLASTN checkpoint file [File In] Optional; -n MegaBlast search [T/F]; default=F; -L Location on query sequence [String] Optional; -A Multiple Hits window size, default if zero (blastn/megablast 0, all others 40 [Integer]; default=0; -w Frame shift penalty (OOF algorithm for blastx) [Integer]; default=0; -t Length of the largest intron allowed in tblastn for linking HSPs (0 disables linking) [Integer]; default=0.

[0172.0.0.0] Results of high quality are reached by using the algorithm of Needleman and Wunsch or Smith and Waterman. Therefore programs based on said algorithms are preferred. Advantageously the comparisons of sequences can be done with the program PileUp (J. Mol. Evolution., 25, 351-360, 1987, Higgins et al., CABIOS, 5 1989: 151-153) or preferably with the programs Gap and BestFit, which are respectively based on the algorithms of Needleman and Wunsch [J. Mol. Biol. 48; 443-453 (1970)] and Smith and Waterman [Adv. Appl. Math. 2; 482-489 (1981)]. Both programs are part of the GCG software-package [Genetics Computer Group, 575 Science Drive, Madison, Wis., USA 53711 (1991); Altschul et al. (1997) Nucleic Acids Res. 25:3389 et seq.]. Therefore preferably the calculations to determine the percentages of sequence homology are done with the program Gap over the whole range of the sequences. The following standard adjustments for the comparison of nucleic acid sequences were used: gap weight: 50, length weight: 3, average match: 10.000, average mismatch: 0.000.

[0173.0.0.0] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.0] In the state of the art, homology between two polypeptides is also understood as meaning the identity of the amino acid sequence over in each case the entire sequence length which is calculated by comparison with the aid of the program algorithm GAP (Wisconsin Package Version 10.0, University of Wisconsin, Genetics Computer Group (GCG), Madison, USA), setting the following parameters:

Gap weight: 8 Length weight: 2 Average match: 2,912 Average mismatch: −2,003

[0175.0.0.0] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 2 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 2 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.0.0] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0177.0.0.0] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0178.0.0.0] “Essentially the same properties” of a functional equivalent is above all understood as meaning that the functional equivalent has above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical amount while increasing the amount of protein, activity or function of said functional equivalent in an organism, e.g. a microorganism, a plant or plant or animal tissue, plant or animal cells or a part of the same.

[0179.0.0.0] A nucleic acid molecule encoding a homologous to a protein sequence of as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences for example into sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.0] Preferably, conservative amino acid substitutions are made at one or more predicted non-essential amino acid residues. A “conservative amino acid substitution” is one in which the amino acid residue is replaced with an amino acid residue having a similar side chain. Families of amino acid residues having similar side chains have been defined in the art. These families include amino acids with basic side chains (e.g., lysine, arginine, histidine), acidic side chains (e.g., aspartic acid, glutamic acid), uncharged polar side chains (e.g., glycine, asparagine, glutamine, serine, threonine, tyrosine, cysteine), nonpolar side chains (e.g., alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan), beta-branched side chains (e.g., threonine, valine, isoleucine) and aromatic side chains (e.g., tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, histidine).

[0181.0.0.0] Thus, a predicted nonessential amino acid residue in a polypeptide of the invention or a polypeptide used in the process of the invention is preferably replaced with another amino acid residue from the same family. Alternatively, in another embodiment, mutations can be introduced randomly along all or part of a coding sequence of a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, such as by saturation mutagenesis, and the resultant mutants can be screened for activity described herein to identify mutants that retain or even have increased above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in content of the respective fine chemical.

[0182.0.0.0] Following mutagenesis of one of the sequences shown herein, the encoded protein can be expressed recombinantly and the activity of the protein can be determined using, for example, assays described herein (see Examples).

[0183.0.0.0] The highest homology of the nucleic acid molecule used in the process according to the invention was found for the following database entries by Gap search.

[0184.0.0.0] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.0.0] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotide sequences not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0186.0.0.0] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encode a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0187.0.0.0] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0188.0.0.0] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably compared to a sequence as indicated in Table II, column 3 and 5, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, and expressed under identical conditions.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention is a homolog consisting of or comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II B, columns 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0189.0.0.0] Homologues of a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or of a derived sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.0] In a further embodiment, the process according to the present invention comprises the following steps:

-   -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing the         polypeptide of this invention;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide in the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutagenized organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism (a) or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         respective fine chemical produced by the selected mutated         organisms or parts thereof.

[0191.0.0.0] The organisms or part thereof produce according to the herein mentioned process of the invention an increased level of free and/or -bound respective fine chemical compared to said control or selected organisms or parts thereof.

[0191.1.0.0] In one embodiment, the organisms or part thereof produce according to the herein mentioned process of the invention an increased level of protein-bound respective fine chemical compared to said control or selected organisms or parts thereof.

[0192.0.0.0] Advantageously the selected organisms are mutagenized according to the invention. According to the invention mutagenesis is any change of the genetic information in the genome of an organism, that means any structural or compositional change in the nucleic acid preferably DNA of an organism that is not caused by normal segregation or genetic recombination processes. Such mutations may occur spontaneously, or may be induced by mutagens as described below. Such change can be induced either randomly or selectively. In both cases the genetic information of the organism is modified. In general this lead to the situation that the activity of the gene product of the relevant genes inside the cells or inside the organism is increased.

[0193.0.0.0] In case of the specific or so called site directed mutagenesis a distinct gene is mutated and thereby its activity and/or the activity or the encoded gene product is repressed, reduced or increased, preferably increased. In the event of a random mutagenesis one or more genes are mutated by chance and their activities and/or the activities of their gene products are repressed, reduced or increased, preferably increased.

[0194.0.0.0] For the purpose of a mutagenesis of a huge population of organisms, such population can be transformed with a DNA construct, which is useful for the activation of as much as possible genes of an organism, preferably all genes. For example the construct can contain a strong promoter or one or more enhancers, which are capable of transcriptionally activate genes in the vicinity of their integration side. With this method it is possible to statistically mutagenize, e.g. activate nearly all genes of an organism by the random integration of an activation construct. Afterwards the skilled worker can identify those mutagenized lines in which a gene of the invention has been activated, which in turns leads to the desired increase in the respective fine chemical production.

[0195.0.0.0] The genes of the invention can also be activated by mutagenesis, either of regulatory or coding regions. In the event of a random mutagenesis a huge number of organisms are treated with a mutagenic agent. The amount of said agent and the intensity of the treatment will be chosen in such a manner that statistically nearly every gene is mutated once. The process for the random mutagenesis as well as the respective agens is well known by the skilled person. Such methods are disclosed for example by A. M. van Harten [(1998), “Mutation breeding: theory and practical applications”, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK], E Friedberg, G Walker, W Siede [(1995), “DNA Repair and Mutagenesis”, Blackwell Publishing], or K. Sankaranarayanan, J. M. Gentile, L. R. Ferguson [(2000) “Protocols in Mutagenesis”, Elsevier Health Sciences]. As the skilled worker knows the spontaneous mutation rate in the cells of an organism is very low and that a large number of chemical, physical or biological agents are available for the mutagenesis of organisms. These agents are named as mutagens or mutagenic agents. As mentioned before three different kinds of mutagens (chemical, physical or biological agents) are available.

[0196.0.0.0] There are different classes of chemical mutagens, which can be separated by their mode of action. For example base analogues such as 5-bromouracil, 2-amino purin. Other chemical mutagens are interacting with the DNA such as sulphuric acid, nitrous acid, hydroxylamine; or other alkylating agents such as monofunctional agents like ethyl methanesulfonate, dimethylsulfate, methyl methanesulfonate), bifunctional like dichloroethyl sulphide, Mitomycin, Nitrosoguanidine-dialkylnitrosamine, N-Nitrosoguanidin derivatives, N-alkyl-N-nitro-N-nitroso-guanidine-), ntercalating dyes like Acridine, ethidium bromide).

[0197.0.0.0] Physical mutagens are for example ionizing irradiation (X ray), UV irradiation. Different forms of irradiation are available and they are strong mutagens. Two main classes of irradiation can be distinguished: a) non-ionizing irradiation such as UV light or ionizing irradiation such as X ray. Biological mutagens are for example transposable elements for example IS elements such as IS100, transposons such as Tn5, Tn10, Tn916 or Tn1000 or phages like Mu^(amplac), P1, T5, λplac etc. Methods for introducing this phage DNA into the appropriate microorganism are well known to the skilled worker (see Microbiology, Third Edition, Eds. Davis, B. D., Dulbecco, R., Eisen, H. N. and Ginsberg, H. S., Harper International Edition, 1980). The common procedure of a transposon mutagenesis is the insertion of a transposable element within a gene or nearby for example in the promotor or terminator region and thereby leading to a loss of the gene function. Procedures to localize the transposon within the genome of the organisms are well known by a person skilled in the art.

[0198.0.0.0] Preferably a chemical or biochemical procedure is used for the mutagenesis of the organisms. A preferred chemical method is the mutagenesis with N-methyl-N-nitro-nitrosoguanidine.

[0199.0.0.0] Other biological method are disclosed by Spee et al. (Nucleic Acids Research, Vol. 21, No. 3, 1993: 777-778). Spee et al. teaches a PCR method using dITP for the random mutagenesis. This method described by Spee et al. was further improved by Rellos et al. (Protein Expr. Purif., 5, 1994: 270-277). The use of an in vitro recombination technique for molecular mutagenesis is described by Stemmer (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, Vol. 91, 1994: 10747-10751). Moore et al. (Nature Biotechnology Vol. 14, 1996: 458-467) describe the combination of the PCR and recombination methods for increasing the enzymatic activity of an esterase toward a para-nitrobenzyl ester. Another route to the mutagenesis of enzymes is described by Greener et al. in Methods in Molecular Biology (Vol. 57, 1996: 375-385). Greener et al. use the specific Escherichia coli strain XL1-Red to generate Escherichia coli mutants which have increased antibiotic resistance.

[0200.0.0.0] In one embodiment, the protein according to the invention or the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein originates from a eukaryotic or prokaryotic organism such as a non-human animal, a plant, a microorganism such as a fungi, a yeast, an alga, a diatom or a bacterium. Nucleic acid molecules, which advantageously can be used in the process of the invention originate from yeasts, for example the family Saccharomycetaceae, in particular the genus Saccharomyces, or yeast genera such as Candida, Hansenula, Pichia, Yarrowia, Rhodotorula or Schizosaccharomyces and the especially advantageous from the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

[0201.0.0.0] In one embodiment, nucleic acid molecules, which advantageously can be used in the process of the invention originate from bacteria, for example from Proteobacteria, in particular from Gammaproteobacteria, more preferred from Enterobacteriales, e.g. from the family Enterobacteriaceae, particularly from genera Escherichia, Salmonella, Klebsiella, advantageously form the species Escherichia coli K12.

[0202.0.0.0] If, in the process according to the invention, plants are selected as the donor organism, this plant may, in principle, be in any phylogenetic relation of the recipient plant. Donor and recipient plant may belong to the same family, genus, species, variety or line, resulting in an increasing homology between the nucleic acids to be integrated and corresponding parts of the genome of the recipient plant. This also applies analogously to microorganisms as donor and recipient organism. It might also be advantageously to use nuclei acids molecules from very distinct species, since these might exhibit reduced sensitivity against endogenous regulatory mechanisms and such sequences might not be recognized by endogenous silencing mechanisms.

[0203.0.0.0] Accordingly, one embodiment of the application relates to the use of nucleic acid molecules in the process of the invention from plants, e.g. crop plants, e.g. from: B. napus; Glycine max; sunflower linseed or maize or their homologues.

[0204.0.0.0] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table II B,     column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338; or a fragment     thereof conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5     or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of Table I B,     column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or a fragment thereof     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to -   (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 1     to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 1 to 5     and/or lines 334 to 338 and conferring an increase in the amount of     the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domain of a polypeptide as indicated in Table     II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably     of Table II B, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines     334 to 338, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or     lines 334 to 338 or a nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at     least the mature form of, the polypeptide as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably of     Table II B, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA or I B,     columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, by one or more     nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not     consist of the sequence shown and indicated in Table I A or I B,     columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338: In one     embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule is less than 100%, 99.999%,     99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A     or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338. In     another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a     polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5     or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338. In an other embodiment,     the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at least 30%,     40%, 50%, or 60% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%,     99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A or I B,     columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338. In a further     embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide     sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 1     to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the     nucleic acid molecule of the differs at least in one or more     residues from a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I A or I B,     columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338. Accordingly,     in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present     invention encodes a polypeptide, which differs at least in one or     more amino acids from a polypeptide indicated in Table II A or I B,     columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338. In another     embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I A or I B,     columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 does not encode     a protein of a sequence indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5     or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338. Accordingly, in one     embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid     according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated     in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334     to 338. In a further embodiment, the protein of the present     invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical to a protein     sequence indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to     5 and/or lines 334 to 338 and less than 100%, preferably less than     99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 98%, 97%,     96% or 95% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table I A or II     B, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0205.0.0.0] The nucleic acid sequences used in the process are advantageously introduced in a nucleic acid construct, preferably an expression cassette which makes possible the expression of the nucleic acid molecules in an organism, advantageously a plant or a microorganism.

[0206.0.0.0] Accordingly, the invention also relates to an nucleic acid construct, preferably to an expression construct, comprising the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention functionally linked to one or more regulatory elements or signals.

[0207.0.0.0] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes are genes of the amino acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acid metabolism or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.0] In principle, the nucleic acid construct can comprise the herein described regulator sequences and further sequences relevant for the expression of the comprised genes. Thus, the nucleic acid construct of the invention can be used as expression cassette and thus can be used directly for introduction into the plant, or else they may be introduced into a vector. Accordingly in one embodiment the nucleic acid construct is an expression cassette comprising a microorganism promoter or a microorganism terminator or both. In another embodiment the expression cassette encompasses a plant promoter or a plant terminator or both.

[0209.0.0.0] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention comprises the following steps:

-   (a) introducing of a nucleic acid construct comprising the nucleic     acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the     invention or encoding the polypeptide of the present invention or     used in the process of the invention; or -   (b) introducing of a nucleic acid molecule, including regulatory     sequences or factors, which expression increases the expression of     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of     the invention or encoding the polypeptide of the present invention     or used in the process of the invention; in a cell, or an organism     or a part thereof, preferably in a plant, plant cell or a     microorganism, and -   (c) expressing of the gene product encoded by the nucleic acid     construct or the nucleic acid molecule mentioned under (a) or (b) in     the cell or the organism.

[0210.0.0.0] After the introduction and expression of the nucleic acid construct the transgenic organism or cell is advantageously cultured and subsequently harvested. The transgenic organism or cell may be a prokaryotic or eukaryotic organism such as a microorganism, a non-human animal and plant for example a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue, preferably a crop plant, or a part thereof.

[0211.0.0.0] To introduce a nucleic acid molecule into a nucleic acid construct, e.g. as part of an expression cassette, the codogenic gene segment is advantageously subjected to an amplification and ligation reaction in the manner known by a skilled person. It is preferred to follow a procedure similar to the protocol for the Pfu DNA polymerase or a Pfu/Taq DNA polymerase mixture. The primers are selected according to the sequence to be amplified. The primers should expediently be chosen in such a way that the amplificate comprise the codogenic sequence from the start to the stop codon. After the amplification, the amplificate is expediently analyzed. For example, the analysis may consider quality and quantity and be carried out following separation by gel electrophoresis. Thereafter, the amplificate can be purified following a standard protocol (for example Qiagen). An aliquot of the purified amplificate is then available for the subsequent cloning step. Suitable cloning vectors are generally known to the skilled worker.

[0212.0.0.0] They include, in particular, vectors which are capable of replication in easy to handle cloning systems like as bacterial yeast or insect cell based (e.g. baculovirus expression) systems, that is to say especially vectors which ensure efficient cloning in E. coli, and which make possible the stable transformation of plants. Vectors, which must be mentioned in particular are various binary and cointegrated vector systems which are suitable for the T-DNA-mediated transformation. Such vector systems are generally characterized in that they contain at least the vir genes, which are required for the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and the T-DNA border sequences.

[0213.0.0.0] In general, vector systems preferably also comprise further cis-regulatory regions such as promoters and terminators and/or selection markers by means of which suitably transformed organisms can be identified. While vir genes and T-DNA sequences are located on the same vector in the case of cointegrated vector systems, binary systems are based on at least two vectors, one of which bears vir genes, but no T-DNA, while a second one bears T-DNA, but no vir gene. Owing to this fact, the last-mentioned vectors are relatively small, easy to manipulate and capable of replication in E. coli and in Agrobacterium. These binary vectors include vectors from the series pBIB-HYG, pPZP, pBecks, pGreen. Those which are preferably used in accordance with the invention are Bin19, pBI101, pBinAR, pGPTV and pCAMBIA. An overview of binary vectors and their use is given by Hellens et al, Trends in Plant Science (2000) 5, 446-451.

[0214.0.0.0] For a vector preparation, vectors may first be linearized using restriction endonuclease(s) and then be modified enzymatically in a suitable manner. Thereafter, the vector is purified, and an aliquot is employed in the cloning step. In the cloning step, the enzyme-cleaved and, if required, purified amplificate is cloned together with similarly prepared vector fragments, using ligase. In this context, a specific nucleic acid construct, or vector or plasmid construct, may have one or else more codogenic gene segments. The codogenic gene segments in these constructs are preferably linked operably to regulatory sequences. The regulatory sequences include, in particular, plant sequences like the above-described promoters and terminators. The constructs can advantageously be propagated stably in microorganisms, in particular Escherichia coli and/or Agrobacterium tumefaciens, under selective conditions and enable the transfer of heterologous DNA into plants or other microorganisms. In accordance with a particular embodiment, the constructs are based on binary vectors (overview of a binary vector: Hellens et al., 2000). As a rule, they contain prokaryotic regulatory sequences, such as replication origin and selection markers, for the multiplication in microorganisms such as Escherichia coli and Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Vectors can further contain agrobacterial T-DNA sequences for the transfer of DNA into plant genomes or other eukaryotic regulatory sequences for transfer into other eukaryotic cells, e.g. Saccharomyces sp. or other prokaryotic regulatory sequences for the transfer into other prokaryotic cells, e.g. Corynebacterium sp. or Bacillus sp. For the transformation of plants, the right border sequence, which comprises approximately 25 base pairs, of the total agrobacterial T-DNA sequence is advantageously included. Usually, the plant transformation vector constructs according to the invention contain T-DNA sequences both from the right and from the left border region, which contain expedient recognition sites for site-specific acting enzymes which, in turn, are encoded by some of the vir genes.

[0215.0.0.0] Suitable host organisms are known to the skilled worker. Advantageous organisms are described further above in the present application. They include in particular eukaryotes or eubacteria, e.g. prokaryotes or archae bacteria. Advantageously host organisms are microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Actinomycetaceae, Bacillaceae, Brevibacteriaceae, Corynebacteriaceae, Enterobacteriacae, Gordoniaceae, Micrococcaceae, Mycobacteriaceae, Nocardiaceae, Pseudomonaceae, Rhizobiaceae, Streptomycetaceae, Chaetomiaceae, Choanephoraceae, Cryptococcaceae, Cunninghamellaceae, Demetiaceae, Moniliaceae, Mortierellaceae, Mucoraceae, Pythiaceae, Sacharomycetaceae, Saprolegniaceae, Schizosacharomycetaceae, Sodariaceae, Sporobolomycetaceae, Tuberculariaceae, Adelotheciaceae, Dinophyceae, Ditrichaceae and Prasinophyceae. Preferably are unicellular, microorganisms, e.g. fungi, bacteria or protoza, such as fungi like the genus Claviceps or Aspergillus or gram-positive bacteria such as the genera Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Micrococcus, Brevibacterium, Rhodococcus, Nocardia, Caseobacter or Arthrobacter or gram-negative bacteria such as the genera Escherichia, Flavobacterium or Salmonella, or yeasts such as the genera Rhodotorula, Hansenula, Pichia, Yerrowia, Saccharomyces, Schizosaccharomyces or Candida.

[0216.0.0.0] Host organisms which are especially advantageously selected in the process according to the invention are microorganisms selected from the group of the genera and species consisting of Hansenula anomala, Candida utilis, Claviceps purpurea, Bacillus circulans, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus sp., Brevibacterium albidum, Brevibacterium album, Brevibacterium cerinum, Brevibacterium flavum, Brevibacterium glutamigenes, Brevibacterium iodinum, Brevibacterium ketoglutamicum, Brevibacterium lactofermentum, Brevibacterium linens, Brevibacterium roseum, Brevibacterium saccharolyticum, Brevibacterium sp., Corynebacterium acetoacidophilum, Corynebacterium acetoglutamicum, Corynebacterium ammoniagenes, Corynebacterium glutamicum (=Micrococcus glutamicum), Corynebacterium melassecola, Corynebacterium sp. or Escherichia coli, specifically Escherichia coli K12 and its described strains.

[0217.0.0.0] Advantageously preferred in accordance with the invention are host organisms of the genus Agrobacterium tumefaciens or plants. Preferred plants are selected from among the families Aceraceae, Anacardiaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Betulaceae, Boraginaceae, Brassicaceae, Bromeliaceae, Cactaceae, Caricaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Cannabaceae, Convolvulaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Elaeagnaceae, Geraniaceae, Gramineae, Juglandaceae, Lauraceae, Leguminosae, Linaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Cyperaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Nymphaeaceae, Papaveraceae, Rosaceae, Salicaceae, Solanaceae, Arecaceae, Iridaceae, Liliaceae, Orchidaceae, Gentianaceae, Labiaceae, Magnoliaceae, Ranunculaceae, Carifolaceae, Rubiaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Ericaceae, Polygonaceae, Violaceae, Juncaceae, Poaceae, perennial grass, fodder crops, vegetables and ornamentals.

[0218.0.0.0] Especially preferred are plants selected from the groups of the families Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Papaveraceae, Rosaceae, Solanaceae, Liliaceae or Poaceae. Especially advantageous are, in particular, crop plants. Accordingly, an advantageous plant preferably belongs to the group of the genus peanut, oilseed rape, canola, sunflower, safflower, olive, sesame, hazelnut, almond, avocado, bay, pumpkin/squash, linseed, soya, pistachio, borage, maize, wheat, rye, oats, sorghum and millet, triticale, rice, barley, cassava, potato, sugarbeet, fodder beet, egg plant, and perennial grasses and forage plants, oil palm, vegetables (brassicas, root vegetables, tuber vegetables, pod vegetables, fruiting vegetables, onion vegetables, leafy vegetables and stem vegetables), buckwheat, Jerusalem artichoke, broad bean, vetches, lentil, alfalfa, dwarf bean, lupin, clover and lucerne.

[0219.0.0.0] In order to introduce, into a plant, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process according to the invention, it has proved advantageous first to transfer them into an intermediate host, for example a bacterium or a eukaryotic unicellular cell. The transformation into E. coli, which can be carried out in a manner known per se, for example by means of heat shock or electroporation, has proved itself expedient in this context. Thus, the transformed E. coli colonies can be analysed for their cloning efficiency. This can be carried out with the aid of a PCR. Here, not only the identity, but also the integrity, of the plasmid construct can be verified with the aid of a defined colony number by subjecting an aliquot of the colonies to said PCR. As a rule, universal primers which are derived from vector sequences are used for this purpose, it being possible, for example, for a forward primer to be arranged upstream of the start ATG and a reverse primer to be arranged downstream of the stop codon of the codogenic gene segment. The amplificates are separated by electrophoresis and assessed with regard to quantity and quality.

[0220.0.0.0] The nucleic acid constructs, which are optionally verified, are subsequently used for the transformation of the plants or other hosts, e.g. other eukaryotic cells or other prokaryotic cells. To this end, it may first be necessary to obtain the constructs from the intermediate host. For example, the constructs may be obtained as plasmids from bacterial hosts by a method similar to conventional plasmid isolation.

[0221.0.0.0] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process according to the invention can also be introduced into modified viral vectors like baculovirus vectors for expression in insect cells or plant viral vectors like tobacco mosaic virus or potato virus X-based vectors. Approaches leading to the expression of proteins from the modified viral genome including the the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process according to the invention involve for example the inoculation of tobacco plants with infectious RNA transcribed in vitro from a cDNA copy of the recombinant viral genome. Another approach utilizes the transfection of whole plants from wounds inoculated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens containing cDNA copies of recombinant plus-sense RNA viruses. Different vectors and virus are known to the skilled worker for expression in different target eg. production plants.

[0222.0.0.0] A large number of methods for the transformation of plants are known. Since, in accordance with the invention, a stable integration of heterologous DNA into the genome of plants is advantageous, the T-DNA-mediated transformation has proved expedient in particular. For this purpose, it is first necessary to transform suitable vehicles, in particular agrobacteria, with a codogenic gene segment or the corresponding plasmid construct comprising the nucleic acid molecule of the invention. This can be carried out in a manner known per se. For example, said nucleic acid construct of the invention, or said expression construct or said plasmid construct, which has been generated in accordance with what has been detailed above, can be transformed into competent agrobacteria by means of electroporation or heat shock. In principle, one must differentiate between the formation of cointegrated vectors on the one hand and the transformation with binary vectors on the other hand. In the case of the first alternative, the constructs, which comprise the codogenic gene segment or the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention have no T-DNA sequences, but the formation of the cointegrated vectors or constructs takes place in the agrobacteria by homologous recombination of the construct with T-DNA. The T-DNA is present in the agrobacteria in the form of Ti or Ri plasmids in which exogenous DNA has expediently replaced the oncogenes. If binary vectors are used, they can be transferred to agrobacteria either by bacterial conjugation or by direct transfer. These agrobacteria expediently already comprise the vector bearing the vir genes (currently referred to as helper Ti(Ri) plasmid).

[0223.0.0.0] One or more markers may expediently also be used together with the nucleic acid construct, or the vector of the invention and, if plants or plant cells shall be transformed together with the T-DNA, with the aid of which the isolation or selection of transformed organisms, such as agrobacteria or transformed plant cells, is possible. These marker genes enable the identification of a successful transfer of the nucleic acid molecules according to the invention via a series of different principles, for example via visual identification with the aid of fluorescence, luminescence or in the wavelength range of light which is discernible for the human eye, by a resistance to herbicides or antibiotics, via what are known as nutritive markers (auxotrophism markers) or antinutritive markers, via enzyme assays or via phytohormones. Examples of such markers which may be mentioned are GFP (=green fluorescent protein); the luciferin/luceferase system, the β-galactosidase with its colored substrates, for example X-Gal, the herbicide resistances to, for example, imidazolinone, glyphosate, phosphinothricin or sulfonylurea, the antibiotic resistances to, for example, bleomycin, hygromycin, streptomycin, kanamycin, tetracyclin, chloramphenicol, ampicillin, gentamycin, geneticin (G418), spectinomycin or blasticidin, to mention only a few, nutritive markers such as the utilization of mannose or xylose, or antinutritive markers such as the resistance to 2-deoxyglucose. This list is a small number of possible markers. The skilled worker is very familiar with such markers. Different markers are preferred, depending on the organism and the selection method.

[0224.0.0.0] As a rule, it is desired that the plant nucleic acid constructs are flanked by T-DNA at one or both sides of the codogenic gene segment. This is particularly useful when bacteria of the species Agrobacterium tumefaciens or Agrobacterium rhizogenes are used for the transformation. A method, which is preferred in accordance with the invention, is the transformation with the aid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. However, biolistic methods may also be used advantageously for introducing the sequences in the process according to the invention, and the introduction by means of PEG is also possible. The transformed agrobacteria can be grown in the manner known per se and are thus available for the expedient transformation of the plants. The plants or plant parts to be transformed are grown or provided in the customary manner. The transformed agrobacteria are subsequently allowed to act on the plants or plant parts until a sufficient transformation rate is reached. Allowing the agrobacteria to act on the plants or plant parts can take different forms. For example, a culture of morphogenic plant cells or tissue may be used. After the T-DNA transfer, the bacteria are, as a rule, eliminated by antibiotics, and the regeneration of plant tissue is induced. This is done in particular using suitable plant hormones in order to initially induce callus formation and then to promote shoot development.

[0225.0.0.0] The transfer of foreign genes into the genome of a plant is called transformation. In doing this the methods described for the transformation and regeneration of plants from plant tissues or plant cells are utilized for transient or stable transformation. An advantageous transformation method is the transformation in planta. To this end, it is possible, for example, to allow the agrobacteria to act on plant seeds or to inoculate the plant meristem with agrobacteria. It has proved particularly expedient in accordance with the invention to allow a suspension of transformed agrobacteria to act on the intact plant or at least the flower primordia. The plant is subsequently grown on until the seeds of the treated plant are obtained (Clough and Bent, Plant J. (1998) 16, 735-743). To select transformed plants, the plant material obtained in the transformation is, as a rule, subjected to selective conditions so that transformed plants can be distinguished from untransformed plants. For example, the seeds obtained in the above-described manner can be planted and, after an initial growing period, subjected to a suitable selection by spraying. A further possibility consists in growing the seeds, if appropriate after sterilization, on agar plates using a suitable selection agent so that only the transformed seeds can grow into plants. Further advantageous transformation methods, in particular for plants, are known to the skilled worker and are described hereinbelow.

[0226.0.0.0] Further advantageous and suitable methods are protoplast transformation by poly(ethylene glycol)-induced DNA uptake, the “biolistic” method using the gene cannon—referred to as the particle bombardment method, electroporation, the incubation of dry embryos in DNA solution, microinjection and gene transfer mediated by Agrobacterium. Said methods are described by way of example in B. Jenes et al., Techniques for Gene Transfer, in: Transgenic Plants, Vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, eds. S. D. Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press (1993) 128-143 and in Potrykus Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Molec. Biol. 42 (1991) 205-225). The nucleic acids or the construct to be expressed is preferably cloned into a vector, which is suitable for transforming Agrobacterium tumefaciens, for example pBin19 (Bevan et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 12 (1984) 8711). Agrobacteria transformed by such a vector can then be used in known manner for the transformation of plants, in particular of crop plants such as by way of example tobacco plants, for example by bathing bruised leaves or chopped leaves in an agrobacterial solution and then culturing them in suitable media. The transformation of plants by means of Agrobacterium tumefaciens is described, for example, by Höfgen and Willmitzer in Nucl. Acid Res. (1988) 16, 9877 or is known inter alia from F. F. White, Vectors for Gene Transfer in Higher Plants; in Transgenic Plants, Vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, eds. S. D. Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press, 1993, pp. 15-38.

[0227.0.0.0] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the amino acid biosynthetic pathway such as for L-lysine, L-threonine and/or L-methionine is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.0.0] In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore, organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of at least one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteins involved in the amino acid metabolism, in particular in amino acid synthesis.

[0229.0.0.0] A further advantageous nucleic acid sequence which can be expressed in combination with the sequences used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes is the sequence of the ATP/ADP translocator as described in WO 01/20009. This ATP/ADP translocator leads to an increased synthesis of the essential amino acids lysine and/or methionine. Furthermore, an advantageous nucleic acid sequence coexpressed can be threonine adlolase and/or lysine decarboxylase as described in the state of the art.

[0230.0.0.0] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously at least one of the aforementioned genes or one of the aforementioned nucleic acids is mutated so that the activity of the corresponding proteins is influenced by metabolites to a smaller extent compared with the unmutated proteins, or not at all, and that in particular the production according to the invention of the respective fine chemical is not impaired, or so that their specific enzymatic activity is increased. Less influence means in this connection that the regulation of the enzymic activity is less by at least 10%, advantageously at least 20, 30 or 40%, particularly advantageously by at least 50, 60, 70, 80 or 90%, compared with the starting organism, and thus the activity of the enzyme is increased by these figures mentioned compared with the starting organism. An increase in the enzymatic activity means an enzymatic activity which is increased by at least 10%, advantageously at least 20, 30, 40 or 50%, particularly advantageously by at least 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 300, 500 or 1000%, compared with the starting organism. This leads to an increased productivity of the desired respective fine chemical or of the desired respective fine chemicals.

[0231.0.0.0] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a methionine degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.0] In another embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously at least one of the aforementioned nucleic acids or of the aforementioned genes is mutated in such a way that the enzymatic activity of the corresponding protein is partially reduced or completely blocked. A reduction in the enzymatic activity means an enzymatic activity, which is reduced by at least 10%, advantageously at least 20, 30 or 40%, particularly advantageously by at least 50, 60 or 70%, preferably more, compared with the starting organism.

[0233.0.0.0] If it is intended to transform the host cell, in particular the plant cell, with several constructs or vectors, the marker of a preceding transformation must be removed or a further marker employed in a following transformation. The markers can be removed from the host cell, in particular the plant cell, as described hereinbelow via methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. In particular plants without a marker, in particular without resistance to antibiotics, are an especially preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0234.0.0.0] In the process according to the invention, the nucleic acid sequences used in the process according to the invention are advantageously linked operably to one or more regulatory signals in order to increase gene expression. These regulatory sequences are intended to enable the specific expression of the genes and the expression of protein. Depending on the host organism for example plant or microorganism, this may mean, for example, that the gene is expressed and/or overexpressed after induction only, or that it is expressed and/or overexpressed constitutively. These regulatory sequences are, for example, sequences to which the inductors or repressors bind and which thus regulate the expression of the nucleic acid. In addition to these novel regulatory sequences, or instead of these sequences, the natural regulation of these sequences may still be present before the actual structural genes and, if appropriate, may have been genetically modified so that the natural regulation has been switched off and gene expression has been increased. However, the nucleic acid construct of the invention suitable as expression cassette (=expression construct=gene construct) can also be simpler in construction, that is to say no additional regulatory signals have been inserted before the nucleic acid sequence or its derivatives, and the natural promoter together with its regulation has not been removed. Instead, the natural regulatory sequence has been mutated in such a way that regulation no longer takes place and/or gene expression is increased. These modified promoters can also be introduced on their own before the natural gene in the form of part sequences (=promoter with parts of the nucleic acid sequences according to the invention) in order to increase the activity. Moreover, the gene construct can advantageously also comprise one or more of what are known as enhancer sequences in operable linkage with the promoter, and these enable an increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence. Also, it is possible to insert additional advantageous sequences at the 3′ end of the DNA sequences, such as, for example, further regulatory elements or terminators.

[0235.0.0.0] The nucleic acid molecules, which encode proteins according to the invention and nucleic acid molecules, which encode other polypeptides may be present in one nucleic acid construct or vector or in several ones. Advantageously, only one copy of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or its encoding genes is present in the nucleic acid construct or vector. Several vectors or nucleic acid construct or vector can be expressed together in the host organism. The nucleic acid molecule or the nucleic acid construct or vectoraccording to the invention can be inserted in a vector and be present in the cell in a free form. If a stable transformation is preferred, a vector is used, which is stably duplicated over several generations or which is else be inserted into the genome. In the case of plants, integration into the plastid genome or, in particular, into the nuclear genome may have taken place. For the insertion of more than one gene in the host genome the genes to be expressed are present together in one gene construct, for example in above-described vectors bearing a plurality of genes.

[0236.0.0.0] As a rule, regulatory sequences for the expression rate of a gene are located upstream (5′), within, and/or downstream (3′) relative to to the coding sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or another codogenic gene segment. They control in particular transcription and/or translation and/or the transcript stability. The expression level is dependent on the conjunction of further cellular regulatory systems, such as the protein biosynthesis and degradation systems of the cell.

[0237.0.0.0] Regulatory sequences include transcription and translation regulating sequences or signals, e.g. sequences located upstream (5′), which concern in particular the regulation of transcription or translation initiation, such as promoters or start codons, and sequences located downstream (3′), which concern in particular the regulation of transcription or translation termination and transcript stability, such as polyadenylation signals or stop codons. Regulatory sequences can also be present in transcribed coding regions as well in transcribed non-coding regions, e.g. in introns, as for example splicing sites. Promoters for the regulation of expression of the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention in a cell and which can be employed are, in principle, all those which are capable of stimulating the transcription of genes in the organisms in question, such as microorganisms or plants. Suitable promoters, which are functional in these organisms are generally known. They may take the form of constitutive or inducible promoters. Suitable promoters can enable the development- and/or tissue-specific expression in multi-celled eukaryotes; thus, leaf-, root-, flower-, seed-, stomata-, tuber- or fruit-specific promoters may advantageously be used in plants.

[0238.0.0.0] The regulatory sequences or factors can, as described above, have a positive effect on, the expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing their expression. Thus, an enhancement of the expression can advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as strong promoters and/or strong enhancers. In addition, enhancement of expression on the translational level is also possible, for example by introducing translation enhancer sequences, e.g., the Ω enhancer e.g. improving the ribosomal binding to the transcript, or by increasing the stability of the mRNA, e.g. by replacing the 3′UTR coding region by a region encoding a 3′UTR known as conferring an high stability of the transcript or by stabilization of the transcript through the elimination of transcript instability, so that the mRNA molecule is translated more often than the wild type. For example in plants AU-rich elements (AREs) and DST (downstream) elements destabilized transcripts. Mutagenesis studies have demonstrated that residues within two of the conserved domains, the ATAGAT and the GTA regions, are necessary for instability function. Therefore removal or mutation of such elements would obviously lead to more stable transcripts, higher transcript rates and higher protein activity. Translation enhancers are also the “overdrive sequence”, which comprises the tobacco mosaic virus 5′-untranslated leader sequence and which increases the protein/RNA ratio (Gallie et al., 1987, Nucl. Acids Research 15:8693-8711)

Enhancers are generally defined as cis active elements, which can stimulate gene transcription independent of position and orientation. Different enhancers have been identified in plants, which can either stimulate transcription constitutively or tissue or stimuli specific. Well known examples for constitutive enhancers are the enhancer from the 35S promoter (Odell et al., 1985, Nature 313:810-812) or the ocs enhancer (Fromm et al., 1989, Plant Cell 1: 977:984) Another examples are the G-Box motif tetramer which confers high-level constitutive expression in dicot and monocot plants (Ishige et al., 1999, Plant Journal, 18, 443-448) or the petE, a A/T-rich sequence which act as quantitative enhancers of gene expression in transgenic tobacco and potato plants (Sandhu et al., 1998; Plant Mol Biol. 37(5):885-96). Beside that, a large variety of cis-active elements have been described which contribute to specific expression pattern, like organ specific expression or induced expression in response to biotic or abiotic stress. Examples are elements which provide pathogen or wound-induced expression (Rushton, 2002, Plant Cell, 14, 749-762) or guard cell-specific expression (Plesch, 2001, Plant Journal 28, 455-464).

[0239.0.0.0] Advantageous regulatory sequences for the expression of the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention in microorganisms are present for example in promoters such as the cos, tac, rha, trp, tet, trp-tet, lpp, lac, lpp-lac, lacl^(q-), T7, T5, T3, gal, trc, ara, SP6, λ-P_(R) or λ-P_(L) promoter, which are advantageously used in Gram-negative bacteria. Further advantageous regulatory sequences are present for example in the Gram-positive promoters amy, dnaK, xylS and SPO2, in the yeast or fungal promoters ADC1, MFα, AC, P-60, UASH, MCB, PHO, CYC1, GAPDH, TEF, rp28, ADH. Promoters, which are particularly advantageous, are constitutive, tissue or compartment specific and inducible promoters. In general, “promoter” is understood as meaning, in the present context, a regulatory sequence in a nucleic acid molecule, which mediates the expression of a coding sequence segment of a nucleic acid molecule. In general, the promoter is located upstream to the coding sequence segment. Some elements, for example expression-enhancing elements such as enhancer may, however, also be located downstream or even in the transcribed region.

[0240.0.0.0] In principle, it is possible to use natural promoters together with their regulatory sequences, such as those mentioned above, for the novel process. It is also possible advantageously to use synthetic promoters, either additionally or alone, in particular when they mediate seed-specific expression such as described in, for example, WO 99/16890.

[0241.0.0.0] The expression of the nucleic acid molecules used in the process may be desired alone or in combination with other genes or nucleic acids. Multiple nucleic acid molecules conferring the expression of advantageous genes can be introduced via the simultaneous transformation of several individual suitable nucleic acid constructs, i.e. expression constructs, or, preferably, by combining several expression cassettes on one construct. It is also possible to transform several vectors with in each case several expression cassettes stepwise into the recipient organisms.

[0242.0.0.0] As described above the transcription of the genes introduced should advantageously be terminated by suitable terminators at the 3′ end of the biosynthesis genes introduced (behind the stop codon). A terminator, which may be used for this purpose is, for example, the OCS1 terminator, the nos3 terminator or the 35S terminator. As is the case with the promoters, different terminator sequences should be used for each gene. Terminators, which are useful in microorganism are for example the fimA terminator, txn terminator or trp terminator. Such terminators can be rho-dependent or rho-independent.

[0243.0.0.0] Different plant promoters such as, for example, the USP, the LegB4-, the DC3 promoter or the ubiquitin promoter from parsley or other herein mentioned promoter and different terminators may advantageously be used in the nucleic acid construct.

[0244.0.0.0] In order to ensure the stable integration, into the transgenic plant, of nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention in combination with further biosynthesis genes over a plurality of generations, each of the coding regions used in the process should be expressed under the control of its own, preferably unique, promoter since repeating sequence motifs may lead to recombination events or to silencing or, in plants, to instability of the T-DNA.

[0245.0.0.0] The nucleic acid construct is advantageously constructed in such a way that a promoter is followed by a suitable cleavage site for insertion of the nucleic acid to be expressed, advantageously in a polylinker, followed, if appropriate, by a terminator located behind the polylinker. If appropriate, this order is repeated several times so that several genes are combined in one construct and thus can be introduced into the transgenic plant in order to be expressed. The sequence is advantageously repeated up to three times. For the expression, the nucleic acid sequences are inserted via the suitable cleavage site, for example in the polylinker behind the promoter. It is advantageous for each nucleic acid sequence to have its own promoter and, if appropriate, its own terminator, as mentioned above. However, it is also possible to insert several nucleic acid sequences behind a promoter and, if appropriate, before a terminator if a polycistronic transcription is possible in the host or target cells. In this context, the insertion site, or the sequence of the nucleic acid molecules inserted, in the nucleic acid construct is not decisive, that is to say a nucleic acid molecule can be inserted in the first or last position in the cassette without this having a substantial effect on the expression. However, it is also possible to use only one promoter type in the construct. However, this may lead to undesired recombination events or silencing effects, as said.

[0246.0.0.0] Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid construct according to the invention confers expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, and, optionally further genes, in a plant and comprises one or more plant regulatory elements. Said nucleic acid construct according to the invention advantageously encompasses a plant promoter or a plant terminator or a plant promoter and a plant terminator.

[0247.0.0.0] A “plant” promoter comprises regulatory elements, which mediate the expression of a coding sequence segment in plant cells. Accordingly, a plant promoter need not be of plant origin, but may originate from viruses or microorganisms, in particular for example from viruses which attack plant cells.

[0248.0.0.0] The plant promoter can also originates from a plant cell, e.g. from the plant, which is transformed with the nucleic acid construct or vector as described herein.

This also applies to other “plant” regulatory signals, for example in “plant” terminators.

[0249.0.0.0] A nucleic acid construct suitable for plant expression preferably comprises regulatory elements which are capable of controlling the expression of genes in plant cells and which are operably linked so that each sequence can fulfill its function. Accordingly, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise transcription terminators. Examples for transcriptional termination arepolyadenylation signals. Preferred polyadenylation signals are those which originate from Agrobacterium tumefaciens T-DNA, such as the gene 3 of the Ti plasmid pTiACH5, which is known as octopine synthase (Gielen et al., EMBO J. 3 (1984) 835 et seq.) or functional equivalents thereof, but all the other terminators which are functionally active in plants are also suitable.

[0250.0.0.0] The nucleic acid construct suitable for plant expression preferably also comprises other operably linked regulatory elements such as translation enhancers, for example the overdrive sequence, which comprises the tobacco mosaic virus 5′-untranslated leader sequence, which increases the protein/RNA ratio (Gallie et al., 1987, Nucl. Acids Research 15:8693-8711).

[0251.0.0.0] Other preferred sequences for use in operable linkage in gene expression constructs are targeting sequences, which are required for targeting the gene product into specific cell compartments (for a review, see Kermode, Crit. Rev. Plant Sci. 15, 4 (1996) 285-423 and references cited therein), for example into the vacuole, the nucleus, all types of plastids, such as amyloplasts, chloroplasts, chromoplasts, the extracellular space, the mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum, elaioplasts, peroxisomes, glycosomes, and other compartments of cells or extracellular. Sequences, which must be mentioned in this context are, in particular, the signal-peptide- or transit-peptide-encoding sequences which are known per se. For example, plastid-transit-peptide-encoding sequences enable the targeting of the expression product into the plastids of a plant cellTargeting sequences are also known for eukaryotic and to a lower extent for prokaryotic organisms and can advantageously be operable linked with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention to achieve an expression in one of said compartments or extracellular.

[0252.0.0.0] For expression in plants, the nucleic acid molecule must, as described above, be linked operably to or comprise a suitable promoter which expresses the gene at the right point in time and in a cell- or tissue-specific manner. Usable promoters are constitutive promoters (Benfey et al., EMBO J. 8 (1989) 2195-2202), such as those which originate from plant viruses, such as 35S CAMV (Franck et al., Cell 21 (1980) 285-294), 19S CaMV (see also U.S. Pat. No. 5,352,605 and WO 84/02913), 34S FMV (Sanger et al., Plant. Mol. Biol., 14, 1990: 433-443), the parsley ubiquitin promoter, or plant promoters such as the Rubisco small subunit promoter described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,028 or the plant promoters PRP1 [Ward et al., Plant. Mol. Biol. 22 (1993)], SSU, PGEL1, OCS [Leisner (1988) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 85(5):2553-2557], lib4, usp, mas [Comai (1990) Plant Mol Biol 15 (3):373-381], STLS1, ScBV (Schenk (1999) Plant Mol Biol 39(6):1221-1230), B33, SAD1 or SAD2 (flax promoters, Jain et al., Crop Science, 39 (6), 1999: 1696-1701) or nos [Shaw et al. (1984) Nucleic Acids Res. 12(20):7831-7846]. Stable, constitutive expression of the proteins according to the invention a plant can be advantageous. However, inducible expression of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention is advantageous, if a late expression before the harvest is of advantage, as metabolic manipulation may lead to a plant growth retardation.

[0253.0.0.0] The expression of plant genes can also be facilitated as described above via a chemical inducible promoter (for a review, see Gatz 1997, Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Mol. Biol., 48:89-108). Chemically inducible promoters are particularly suitable when it is desired to express the gene in a time-specific manner. Examples of such promoters are a salicylic acid inducible promoter (WO 95/19443), and abscisic acid-inducible promoter (EP 335 528), a tetracyclin-inducible promoter (Gatz et al. (1992) Plant J. 2, 397-404), a cyclohexanol- or ethanol-inducible promoter (WO 93/21334) or others as described herein.

[0254.0.0.0] Other suitable promoters are those which react to biotic or abiotic stress conditions, for example the pathogen-induced PRP1 gene promoter (Ward et al., Plant. Mol. Biol. 22 (1993) 361-366), the tomato heat-inducible hsp80 promoter (U.S. Pat. No. 5,187,267), the potato chill-inducible alpha-amylase promoter (WO 96/12814) or the wound-inducible pinII promoter (EP-A-0 375 091) or others as described herein.

[0255.0.0.0] Preferred promoters are in particular those which bring about gene expression in tissues and organs in which the biosynthesis of amino acids takes place, in seed cells, such as endosperm cells and cells of the developing embryo. Suitable promoters are the oilseed rape napin gene promoter (U.S. Pat. No. 5,608,152), the Vicia faba USP promoter (Baeumlein et al., Mol Gen Genet, 1991, 225 (3):459-67), the Arabidopsis oleosin promoter (WO 98/45461), the Phaseolus vulgaris phaseolin promoter (U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,200), the Brassica Bce4 promoter (WO 91/13980), the bean arcs promoter, the carrot DcG3 promoter, or the Legumin B4 promoter (LeB4; Baeumlein et al., 1992, Plant Journal, 2 (2):233-9), and promoters which bring about the seed-specific expression in monocotyledonous plants such as maize, barley, wheat, rye, rice and the like. Advantageous seed-specific promoters are the sucrose binding protein promoter (WO 00/26388), the phaseolin promoter and the napin promoter. Suitable promoters which must be considered are the barley Ipt2 or Ipt1 gene promoter (WO 95/15389 and WO 95/23230), and the promoters described in WO 99/16890 (promoters from the barley hordein gene, the rice glutelin gene, the rice oryzin gene, the rice prolamin gene, the wheat gliadin gene, the wheat glutelin gene, the maize zein gene, the oat glutelin gene, the sorghum kasirin gene and the rye secalin gene). Further suitable promoters are Amy32b, Amy 6-6 and Aleurain [U.S. Pat. No. 5,677,474], Bce4 (oilseed rape) [U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,149], glycinin (soya) [EP 571 741], phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (soya) [JP 06/62870], ADR12-2 (soya) [WO 98/08962], isocitrate lyase (oilseed rape) [U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,040] or α-amylase (barley) [EP 781 849]. Other promoters which are available for the expression of genes in plants are leaf-specific promoters such as those described in DE-A 19644478 or light-regulated promoters such as, for example, the pea petE promoter.

[0256.0.0.0] Further suitable plant promoters are the cytosolic FBPase promoter or the potato ST-LSI promoter (Stockhaus et al., EMBO J. 8, 1989, 2445), the Glycine max phosphoribosylpyrophosphate amidotransferase promoter (GenBank Accession No. U87999) or the node-specific promoter described in EP-A-0 249 676.

[0257.0.0.0] Other promoters, which are particularly suitable, are those which bring about plastid-specific expression. Suitable promoters such as the viral RNA polymerase promoter are described in WO 95/16783 and WO 97/06250, and the Arabidopsis clpP promoter, which is described in WO 99/46394.

[0258.0.0.0] Other promoters, which are used for the strong expression of heterologous sequences in as many tissues as possible, in particular also in leaves, are, in addition to several of the abovementioned viral and bacterial promoters, preferably, plant promoters of actin or ubiquitin genes such as, for example, the rice actin1 promoter. Further examples of constitutive plant promoters are the sugarbeet V-ATPase promoters (WO 01/14572). Examples of synthetic constitutive promoters are the Super promoter (WO 95/14098) and promoters derived from G-boxes (WO 94/12015). If appropriate, chemical inducible promoters may furthermore also be used, compare EP-A 388186, EP-A 335528, WO 97/06268.

[0259.0.0.0] As already mentioned herein, further regulatory sequences, which may be expedient, if appropriate, also include sequences, which target the transport and/or the localization of the expression products. Sequences, which must be mentioned in this context are, in particular, the signal-peptide- or transit-peptide-encoding sequences which are known per se. For example, plastid-transit-peptide-encoding sequences enable the targeting of the expression product into the plastids of a plant cell.

[0260.0.0.0] Preferred recipient plants are, as described above, in particular those plants, which can be transformed in a suitable manner. These include monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. Plants which must be mentioned in particular are agriculturally useful plants such as cereals and grasses, for example Triticum spp., Zea mays, Hordeum vulgare, oats, Secale cereale, Oryza sativa, Pennisetum glaucum, Sorghum bicolor, Triticale, Agrostis spp., Cenchrus ciliaris, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca arundinacea, Lolium spp., Medicago spp. and Saccharum spp., legumes and oil crops, for example Brassica juncea, Brassica napus, Glycine max, Arachis hypogaea, Gossypium hirsutum, Cicer arietinum, Helianthus annuus, Lens culinaris, Linum usitatissimum, Sinapis alba, Trifolium repens and Vicia narbonensis, vegetables and fruits, for example bananas, grapes, Lycopersicon esculentum, asparagus, cabbage, watermelons, kiwi fruit, Solanum tuberosum, Beta vulgaris, cassava and chicory, trees, for example Coffea species, Citrus spp., Eucalyptus spp., Picea spp., Pinus spp. and Populus spp., medicinal plants and trees, and flowers.

[0261.0.0.0] One embodiment of the present invention also relates to a method for generating a vector, which comprises the insertion, into a vector, of the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein, the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention or the expression cassette according to the invention. The vector can, for example, be introduced in to a cell, e.g. a microorganism or a plant cell, as described herein for the nucleic acid construct, or below under transformation or transfection or shown in the examples. A transient or stable transformation of the host or target cell is possible, however, a stable transformation is preferred. The vector according to the invention is preferably a vector, which is suitable for expressing the polypeptide according to the invention in a plant. The method can thus also encompass one or more steps for integrating regulatory signals into the vector, in particular signals, which mediate the expression in microorganisms or plants.

[0262.0.0.0] Accordingly, the present invention also relates to a vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein as part of a nucleic acid construct suitable for plant expression or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention.

[0263.0.0.0] The advantageous vectors of the inventioncomprise the nucleic acid molecules which encode proteins according to the invention, nucleic acid molecules which are used in the process, or nucleic acid construct suitable for plant expression comprising the nucleic acid molecules used, either alone or in combination with further genes such as the biosynthesis or regulatory genes of the respective fine chemical metabolism e.g. with the genes mentioned herein above. In accordance with the invention, the term “vector” refers to a nucleic acid molecule, which is capable of transporting another nucleic acid to which it is linked. One type of vector is a “plasmid”, which means a circular double-stranded DNA loop into which additional DNA segments can be ligated. A further type of vector is a viral vector, it being possible to ligate additional nucleic acids segments into the viral genome. Certain vectors are capable of autonomous replication in a host cell into which they have been introduced (for example bacterial vectors with bacterial replication origin). Other preferred vectors are advantageously completely or partly integrated into the genome of a host cell when they are introduced into the host cell and thus replicate together with the host genome. Moreover, certain vectors are capable of controlling the expression of genes with which they are in operable linkage. In the present context, these vectors are referred to as “expression vectors”. As mentioned above, they are capable of autonomous replication or may be integrated partly or completely into the host genome. Expression vectors, which are suitable for DNA recombination techniques usually take the form of plasmids. In the present description, “plasmid” and “vector” can be used interchangeably since the plasmid is the most frequently used form of a vector. However, the invention is also intended to encompass these other forms of expression vectors, such as viral vectors, which exert similar functions. The term vector is furthermore also to encompass other vectors which are known to the skilled worker, such as phages, viruses such as SV40, CMV, TMV, transposons, IS elements, phasmids, phagemids, cosmids, and linear or circular DNA.

[0264.0.0.0] The recombinant expression vectors which are advantageously used in the process comprise the nucleic acid molecules according to the invention or the nucleic acid construct according to the invention in a form which is suitable for expressing, in a host cell, the nucleic acid molecules according to the invention or described herein. Accordingly, the the recombinant expression vectors comprise one or more regulatory signals selected on the basis of the host cells to be used for the expression, in operable linkage with the nucleic acid sequence to be expressed.

[0265.0.0.0] In a recombinant expression vector, “operable linkage” means that the nucleic acid molecule of interest is linked to the regulatory signals in such a way that expression of the nucleic acid molecule is possible: they are linked to one another in such a way that the two sequences fulfill the predicted function assigned to the sequence (for example in an in-vitro transcription/translation system, or in a host cell if the vector is introduced into the host cell).

[0266.0.0.0] The term “regulatory sequence” is intended to comprise promoters, enhancers and other expression control elements (for example polyadenylation signalsThese regulatory sequences are described, for example, in Goeddel: Gene Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990), or see: Gruber and Crosby, in: Methods in Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnolgy, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla., Ed.: Glick and Thompson, chapter 7, 89-108, including the references cited therein. Regulatory sequences encompass those, which control the constitutive expression of a nucleotide sequence in many types of host cells and those which control the direct expression of the nucleotide sequence in specific host cells only, and under specific conditions. The skilled worker knows that the design of the expression vector may depend on factors such as the selection of the host cell to be transformed, the extent to which the desired protein is expressed, and the like. A preferred selection of regulatory sequences is described above, for example promoters, terminators, enhancers and the like. The term regulatory sequence is to be considered as being encompassed by the term regulatory signal. Several advantageous regulatory sequences, in particular promoters and terminators are described above. In general, the regulatory sequences described as advantageous for nucleic acid construct suitable for expression are also applicable for vectors.

[0267.0.0.0] The recombinant expression vectors used can be designed specifically for the expression, in prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic cells, of nucleic acid molecules used in the process. This is advantageous since intermediate steps of the vector construction are frequently carried out in microorganisms for the sake of simplicity. For example, the genes according to the invention and other genes can be expressed in bacterial cells, insect cells (using baculovirus expression vectors), yeast cells and other fungal cells [Romanos (1992), Yeast 8:423-488; van den Hondel, (1991), in: More Gene Manipulations in Fungi, J. W. Bennet & L. L. Lasure, Ed., pp. 396-428: Academic Press: San Diego; and van den Hondel, C. A. M. J. J. (1991), in: Applied Molecular Genetics of Fungi, Peberdy, J. F., et al., Ed., pp. 1-28, Cambridge University Press: Cambridge], algae [Falciatore et al., 1999, Marine Biotechnology. 1, 3:239-251] using vectors and following a transformation method as described in WO 98/01572, and preferably in cells of multi-celled plants [see Schmidt, R. and Willmitzer, L. (1988) Plant Cell Rep.:583-586; Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, C Press, Boca Raton, Fla., chapter 6/7, pp. 71-119 (1993); F. F. White, in: Transgenic Plants, Bd. 1, Engineering and Utilization, Ed.: Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press (1993), 128-43; Potrykus, Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Molec. Biol. 42 (1991), 205-225 (and references cited therein)]. Suitable host cells are furthermore discussed in Goeddel, Gene Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990). As an alternative, the sequence of the recombinant expression vector can be transcribed and translated in vitro, for example using T7 promotor-regulatory sequences and T7 polymerase.

[0268.0.0.0] Proteins can be expressed in prokaryotes using vectors comprising constitutive or inducible promoters, which control the expression of fusion proteins or nonfusion proteins. Typical fusion expression vectors are, inter alia, pGEX (Pharmacia Biotech Inc; Smith, D. B., and Johnson, K. S. (1988) Gene 67:31-40), pMAL (New England Biolabs, Beverly, M A) and pRIT5 (Pharmacia, Piscataway, N.J.), in which glutathione-S-transferase (GST), maltose-E-binding protein or protein A is fused with the recombinant target protein. Examples of suitable inducible nonfusion E. coli expression vectors are, inter alia, pTrc (Amann et al. (1988) Gene 69:301-315) and pET 11d [Studier et al., Gene Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990) 60-89]. The target gene expression of the pTrc vector is based on the transcription of a hybrid trp-lac fusion promoter by the host RNA polymerase. The target gene expression from the pET 11d vector is based on the transcription of a T7-gn10-lac fusion promoter, which is mediated by a coexpressed viral RNA polymerase (T7 gn1). This viral polymerase is provided by the host strains BL21 (DE3) or HMS174 (DE3) by a resident A-prophage which harbors a T7 gn1 gene under the transcriptional control of the lacUV 5 promoter.

[0269.0.0.0] Other vectors which are suitable in prokaryotic organisms are known to the skilled worker; these vectors are for example in E. coli pLG338, pACYC184, the pBR series, such as pBR322, the pUC series such as pUC18 or pUC19, the M113mp series, pKC30, pRep4, pHS1, pHS2, pPLc236, pMBL24, pLG200, pUR290, pIN-III¹¹³-B1, λgt11 or pBdCl, in Streptomyces pIJ101, pIJ364, pIJ702 or pIJ361, in Bacillus pUB110, pC194 or pBD214, in Corynebacterium pSA77 or pAJ667.

[0270.0.0.0] In a further embodiment, the expression vector is a yeast expression vector. Examples of vectors for expression in the yeasts S. cerevisiae encompass pYeDesaturasec1 (Baldari et al. (1987) Embo J. 6:229-234), pMFα(Kurjan and Herskowitz (1982) Cell 30:933-943), pJRY88 (Schultz et al. (1987) Gene 54:113-123) and pYES2 (Invitrogen Corporation, San Diego, Calif.). Vectors and methods for the construction of vectors which are suitable for use in other fungi, such as the filamentous fungi, encompass those which are described in detail in: van den Hondel, C. A. M. J. J. [(1991), J. F. Peberdy, Ed., pp. 1-28, Cambridge University Press: Cambridge; or in: More Gene Manipulations in Fungi; J. W. Bennet & L. L. Lasure, Ed., pp. 396-428: Academic Press: San Diego]. Examples of other suitable yeast vectors are 2 μM, pAG-1, YEp6, YEp13 or pEMBLYe23.

[0271.0.0.0] Further vectors, which may be mentioned by way of example, are pALS1, pIL2 or pBB116 in fungi or pLGV23, pGHlac+, pBIN19, pAK2004 or pDH51 in plants.

[0272.0.0.0] As an alternative, the nucleic acid sequences can be expressed in insect cells using baculovirus expression vectors. Baculovirus vectors, which are available for expressing proteins in cultured insect cells (for example Sf9 cells) encompass the pAc series (Smith et al. (1983) Mol. Cell Biol. 3:2156-2165) and the pVL series (Lucklow and Summers (1989) Virology 170:31-39).

[0273.0.0.0] The abovementioned vectors are only a small overview of potentially suitable vectors. Further plasmids are known to the skilled worker and are described, for example, in: Cloning Vectors (Ed. Pouwels, P. H., et al., Elsevier, Amsterdam-New York-Oxford, 1985, ISBN 0 444 904018). Further suitable expression systems for prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, see the chapters 16 and 17 by Sambrook, J., Fritsch, E. F., and Maniatis, T., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd Edition, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1989.

[0274.0.0.0] Accordingly, one embodiment of the invention relates to a vector where the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention is linked operably to regulatory sequences which permit the expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic or in a prokaryotic and eukaryotic host.

[0275.0.0.0] Accordingly, one embodiment of the invention relates to a host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently with the vector according to the invention or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention or the nucleic acid construct according to the invention.

[0276.0.0.0] Depending on the host organism, the organisms used in the process according to the invention are cultured or grown in a manner with which the skilled worker is familiar. As a rule, microorganisms are grown in a liquid medium comprising a carbon source, usually in the form of sugars, a nitrogen source, usually in the form of organic nitrogen sources such as yeast extract or salts such as ammonium sulfate, trace elements such as iron salts, manganese salts, magnesium salts, and, if appropriate, vitamins, at temperatures between 0° C. and 100° C., preferably between 10° C. and 60° C., while passing in oxygen. In the event the microorganism is anaerobe, no oxygen is blown through the culture medium. The pH value of the liquid nutrient medium may be kept constant, that is to say regulated during the culturing phase, or not. The organisms may be cultured batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously. Nutrients may be provided at the beginning of the fermentation or fed in semicontinuously or continuously.

[0277.0.0.0] The amino acids produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. For example via extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography. To this end, the organisms may be disrupted beforehand. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously. A summary of known culture and isolation techniques can be found in the textbook by Chmiel [Bioprozeβtechnik 1, Einführung in die Bioverfahrenstechnik (Gustav Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart, 1991)], Demain et al. (Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, second edition, ASM Press, Washington, D.C., 1999, ISBN 1-55581-128-0] or in the textbook by Storhas (Bioreaktoren and periphere Einrichtungen (Vieweg Verlag, Braunschweig/Wiesbaden, 1994)).

[0278.0.0.0] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule according to the present invention, preferably conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical content in an organism or cell after increasing the expression or activity.

[0279.0.0.0] The present invention also relates to a process for the production of a polypeptide according to the present invention, the polypeptide being expressed in a host cell according to the invention, preferably in a microorganism or a transgenic plant cell.

[0280.0.0.0] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process for the production of the polypeptide is derived from a microorganism, preferably from a prokaryotic or protozoic cell with an eukaryotic organism as host cell. E.g., in one embodiment the polypeptide is produced in a plant cell or plant with a nucleic acid molecule derived from a prokaryote or a fungus or an alga or an other microorganism but not from plant.

[0281.0.0.0] The skilled worker knows that protein and DNA expressed in different organisms differ in many respects and properties, e.g. DNA modulation and imprinting, such as methylation or post-translational modification, as for example glucosylation, phosphorylation, acetylation, myristoylation, ADP-ribosylation, farnesylation, carboxylation, sulfation, ubiquination, etc. though having the same coding sequence. Preferably, the cellular expression control of the corresponding protein differs accordingly in the control mechanisms controlling the activity and expression of an endogenous protein or another eukaryotic protein. One major difference between proteins expressed in prokaryotic or eukaryotic organisms is the amount and pattern of glycosylation. For example in E. coli there are no glycosylated proteins. Proteins expressed in yeasts have high mannose content in the glycosylated proteins, whereas in plants the glycosylation pattern is complex.

[0282.0.0.0] The polypeptide of the present invention is preferably produced by recombinant DNA techniques. For example, a nucleic acid molecule encoding the protein is cloned into a vector (as described above), the vector is introduced into a host cell (as described above) and said polypeptide is expressed in the host cell. Said polypeptide can then be isolated from the cells by an appropriate purification scheme using standard protein purification techniques. Alternative to recombinant expression, the polypeptide or peptide of the present invention can be synthesized chemically using standard peptide synthesis techniques.

[0283.0.0.0] Moreover, a native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, in particular, an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338. E.g. an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, or an antigenic part thereof which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing polypeptides comprising or consisting of above mentioned sequences, e.g. the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies specifically binding to polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0284.0.0.0] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or obtainable by a process of the invention. Said polypeptide confers preferably the aforementioned activity, in particular, the polypeptide confers the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof after increasing the cellular activity, e.g. by increasing the expression or the specific activity of the polypeptide.

[0285.0.0.0] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or as encoded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.0.0] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0287.0.0.0] In one embodiment not more than 15%, preferably 10%, even more preferred 5%, 4%, 3%, or 2%, most preferred 1% or 0% of the amino acid position indicated by a letter are/is replaced another amino acid or, in an other embodiment, are/is absent and/or replaced. In another embodiment the stretches of non-conserved amino acids, indicated by (X), [whereas n indicates the number of X], vary in their length by 20%, preferably by 15 or 10%, even more preferred by 5%, 4%, 3%, 2% or most preferred by only 1%.

[0288.0.0.0] In one embodiment 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 amino acids are inserted into the consensus sequence or, in an other embodiment, are absent and/or replaced.

[0289.0.0.0] The consensus sequence shown herein was derived from a multiple alignment of the sequences as listed in table II. The consensus sequences of specified domains were derived from a multiple alignment of all sequences. The letters represent the one letter amino acid code and indicate that the amino acids are conserved in all aligned proteins. The letter X stands for amino acids, which are not conserved in all sequences.

In one example, in the cases where only a small selected subset of amino acids are possible at a certain position these amino acids are given in brackets. The number of given X indicates the distances between conserved amino acid residues, e.g. YX(21-23)F means that conserved tyrosine and phenylalanine residues are separated from each other by minimum 21 and maximum 23 amino acid residues in all investigated sequences.

[0290.0.0.0] The alignment was performed with the Software AlignX (Sep. 25, 2002) a component of Vector NTI Suite 8.0, InforMax™, Invitrogen™ life science software, U.S. Main Office, 7305 Executive Way, Frederick, Md. 21704, USA with the following settings: For pairwise alignments: gap opening penalty: 10.0; gap extension penalty 0.1. For multiple alignments: Gap opening penalty: 10.0; Gap extension penalty: 0.1; Gap separation penalty range: 8; Residue substitution matrix: blosum62; Hydrophilic residues: G P S N D Q E K R; Transition weighting: 0.5; Consensus calculation options: Residue fraction for consensus: 0.9. Presettings were selected to allow also for the alignment of conserved amino acids.

[0291.0.0.0] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table II A or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form a sequence as indicated in Table II A or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 by more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0292.0.0.0] In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention comprises any one of the sequences not known to the public before. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention originates from a non-plant cell, in particular from a microorganism, and was expressed in a plant cell. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention for which an activity has not been described yet.

[0293.0.0.0] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table I A or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0294.0.0.0] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.0] The terms “protein” and “polypeptide” used in this application are interchangeable. “Polypeptide” refers to a polymer of amino acids (amino acid sequence) and does not refer to a specific length of the molecule. Thus peptides and oligopeptides are included within the definition of polypeptide. This term does also refer to or include post-translational modifications of the polypeptide, for example, glycosylations, acetylations, phosphorylations and the like. Included within the definition are, for example, polypeptides containing one or more analogs of an amino acid (including, for example, unnatural amino acids, etc.), polypeptides with substituted linkages, as well as other modifications known in the art, both naturally occurring and non-naturally occurring.

[0296.0.0.0] Preferably, the polypeptide is isolated. An “isolated” or “purified” protein or nucleic acid molecule or biologically active portion thereof is substantially free of cellular material when produced by recombinant DNA techniques or chemical precursors or other chemicals when chemically synthesized.

[0297.0.0.0] The language “substantially free of cellular material” includes preparations of the polypeptide of the invention in which the protein is separated from cellular components of the cells in which it is naturally or recombinantly produced. In one embodiment, the language “substantially free of cellular material” includes preparations having less than about 30% (by dry weight) of “contaminating protein”, more preferably less than about 20% of “contaminating protein”, still more preferably less than about 10% of “contaminating protein”, and most preferably less than about 5% “contaminating protein”. The term “Contaminating protein” relates to polypeptides, which are not polypeptides of the present invention. When the polypeptide of the present invention or biologically active portion thereof is recombinantly produced, it is also preferably substantially free of culture medium, i.e., culture medium represents less than about 20%, more preferably less than about 10%, and most preferably less than about 5% of the volume of the protein preparation. The language “substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals” includes preparations in which the polypeptide of the present invention is separated from chemical precursors or other chemicals, which are involved in the synthesis of the protein. The language “substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals” includes preparations having less than about 30% (by dry weight) of chemical precursors or non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals, more preferably less than about 20% chemical precursors or non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals, still more preferably less than about 10% chemical precursors or non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals, and most preferably less than about 5% chemical precursors or non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals. In preferred embodiments, isolated proteins or biologically active portions thereof lack contaminating proteins from the same organism from which the polypeptide of the present invention is derived. Typically, such proteins are produced by recombinant techniques.

[0297.10] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity and/or amino acid sequence of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 3, 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0298.0.0.0] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to confer the activity of the present invention. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0299.0.0.0] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.0.0] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of a sequence as indicated in Table II A or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338.

[0301.0.0.0] For the comparison of amino acid sequences the same algorithms as described above or nucleic acid sequences can be used. Results of high quality are reached by using the algorithm of Needleman and Wunsch or Smith and Waterman. Therefore programs based on said algorithms are preferred. Advantageously the comparisons of sequences can be done with the program PileUp (J. Mol. Evolution., 25, 351-360, 1987, Higgins et al., CABIOS, 5 1989: 151-153) or preferably with the programs Gap and BestFit, which are respectively based on the algorithms of Needleman and Wunsch [J. Mol. Biol. 48; 443-453 (1970)] and Smith and Waterman [Adv. Appl. Math. 2; 482-489 (1981)]. Both programs are part of the GCG software-package [Genetics Computer Group, 575 Science Drive, Madison, Wis., USA 53711 (1991); Altschul et al. (1997) Nucleic Acids Res. 25:3389 et seq.]. Therefore preferably the calculations to determine the percentages of sequence homology are done with the program Gap over the whole range of the sequences. The following standard adjustments for the comparison of amino acid sequences were used: gap weight: 8, length weight: 2, average match: 2.912, average mismatch: −2.003.

[0302.0.0.0] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.0] Typically, biologically (or immunologically) active portions i.e. peptides, e.g., peptides which are, for example, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 50, 100 or more amino acids in length comprise a domain or motif with at least one activity or epitope of a polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention. Moreover, other biologically active portions, in which other regions of the polypeptide are deleted, can be prepared by recombinant techniques and evaluated for one or more of the activities described herein.

[0304.0.0.0] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.0] Any mutagenesis strategies for the polypeptide of the present invention or the polypeptide used in the process of the present invention to result in increasing said activity are not meant to be limiting; variations on these strategies will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. Using such strategies, and incorporating the mechanisms disclosed herein, the nucleic acid molecule and polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention may be utilized to generate plants or parts thereof, expressing one or more wildtype protein(s) or one or more mutated protein encoding nucleic acid molecule(s) or polypeptide molecule(s) of the invention such that the yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of a desired compound is improved.

[0306.0.0.0] This desired compound may be any natural product of plants, which includes the final products of biosynthesis pathways and intermediates of naturally-occurring metabolic pathways, as well as molecules which do not naturally occur in the metabolism of said cells, but which are produced by a said cells of the invention. Preferably, the compound is a composition comprising the respective fine chemical or a recovered respective fine chemical, in particular, the fine chemical, free or in protein-bound form.

[0306.1.0.0] Preferably, the compound is a composition comprising the methionine or a recovered methionine, in particular, the fine chemical, free or in protein-bound form.

[0307.0.0.0] The invention also provides chimeric or fusion proteins.

[0308.0.0.0] As used herein, an “chimeric protein” or “fusion protein” comprises an polypeptide operatively linked to a polypeptide which does not confer above-mentioned activity, in particular, which does not confer an increase of content of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, if its activity is increased.

[0309.0.0.0] In one embodiment, an reference to a “protein (=polypeptide) of the invention” or as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.0] Within the fusion protein, the term “operatively linked” is intended to indicate that the polypeptide of the invention or a polypeptide used in the process of the invention and the “other polypeptide” or a part thereof are fused to each other so that both sequences fulfil the proposed function addicted to the sequence used. The “other polypeptide” can be fused to the N-terminus or C-terminus of the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention. For example, in one embodiment the fusion protein is a GST-LMRP fusion protein in which the sequences of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the process of the invention are fused to the C-terminus of the GST sequences. Such fusion proteins can facilitate the purification of recombinant polypeptides of the invention or a polypeptide useful in the process of the invention.

[0311.0.0.0] In another embodiment, the fusion protein is a polypeptide of the invention or a polypeptide used in the process of the invention containing a heterologous signal sequence at its N-terminus. In certain host cells (e.g., mammalian host cells), expression and/or secretion of a polypeptide of the invention or a polypeptide used in the process of the invention can be increased through use of a heterologous signal sequence. As already mentioned above, targeting sequences, are required for targeting the gene product into specific cell compartment (for a review, see Kermode, Crit. Rev. Plant Sci. 15, 4 (1996) 285-423 and references cited therein), for example into the vacuole, the nucleus, all types of plastids, such as amyloplasts, chloroplasts, chromoplasts, the extracellular space, the mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum, elaioplasts, peroxisomes, glycosomes, and other compartments of cells or extracellular. Sequences, which must be mentioned in this context are, in particular, the signal-peptide- or transit-peptide-encoding sequences which are known per se. For example, plastid-transit-peptide-encoding sequences enable the targeting of the expression product into the plastids of a plant cell. Targeting sequences are also known for eukaryotic and to a lower extent for prokaryotic organisms and can advantageously be operable linked with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention to achieve an expression in one of said compartments or extracellular.

[0312.0.0.0] Preferably, a chimeric or fusion protein of the invention is produced by standard recombinant DNA techniques. For example, DNA fragments coding for the different polypeptide sequences are ligated together in-frame in accordance with conventional techniques, for example by employing blunt-ended or stagger-ended termini for ligation, restriction enzyme digestion to provide for appropriate termini, filling-in of cohesive ends as appropriate, alkaline phosphatase treatment to avoid undesirable joining, and enzymatic ligation. The fusion gene can be synthesized by conventional techniques including automated DNA synthesizers. Alternatively, PCR amplification of gene fragments can be carried out using anchor primers, which give rise to complementary overhangs between two consecutive gene fragments which can subsequently be annealed and reamplified to generate a chimeric gene sequence (see, for example, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, eds. Ausubel et al. John Wiley & Sons: 1992). Moreover, many expression vectors are commercially available that already encode a fusion moiety (e.g., a GST polypeptide). The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention can be cloned into such an expression vector such that the fusion moiety is linked in-frame to the encoded protein.

[0313.0.0.0] Furthermore, folding simulations and computer redesign of structural motifs of the protein of the invention can be performed using appropriate computer programs (Olszewski, Proteins 25 (1996), 286-299; Hoffman, Comput. Appl. Biosci. 11 (1995), 675-679). Computer modelling of protein folding can be used for the conformational and energetic analysis of detailed peptide and protein models (Monge, J. Mol. Biol. 247 (1995), 995-1012; Renouf, Adv. Exp. Med. Biol. 376 (1995), 37-45). The appropriate programs can be used for the identification of interactive sites the polypeptide of the invention or polypeptides used in the process of the invention and its substrates or binding factors or other interacting proteins by computer assistant searches for complementary peptide sequences (Fassina, Immunomethods (1994), 114-120). Further appropriate computer systems for the design of protein and peptides are described in the prior art, for example in Berry, Biochem. Soc. Trans. 22 (1994), 1033-1036; Wodak, Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 501 (1987), 1-13; Pabo, Biochemistry 25 (1986), 5987-5991. The results obtained from the above-described computer analysis can be used for, e.g., the preparation of peptidomimetics of the protein of the invention or fragments thereof. Such pseudopeptide analogues of the, natural amino acid sequence of the protein may very efficiently mimic the parent protein (Benkirane, J. Biol. Chem. 271 (1996), 33218-33224). For example, incorporation of easily available achiral Q-amino acid residues into a protein of the invention or a fragment thereof results in the substitution of amide bonds by polymethylene units of an aliphatic chain, thereby providing a convenient strategy for constructing a peptidomimetic (Banerjee, Biopolymers 39 (1996), 769-777).

[0314.0.0.0] Superactive peptidomimetic analogues of small peptide hormones in other systems are described in the prior art (Zhang, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 224 (1996), 327-331). Appropriate peptidomimetics of the protein of the present invention can also be identified by the synthesis of peptidomimetic combinatorial libraries through successive amide alkylation and testing the resulting compounds, e.g., for their binding and immunological properties. Methods for the generation and use of peptidomimetic combinatorial libraries are described in the prior art, for example in Ostresh, Methods in Enzymology 267 (1996), 220-234 and Dorner, Bioorg. Med. Chem. 4 (1996), 709-715.

[0315.0.0.0] Furthermore, a three-dimensional and/or crystallographic structure of the protein of the invention can be used for the design of peptidomimetic inhibitors of the biological activity of the protein of the invention (Rose, Biochemistry 35 (1996), 12933-12944; Rutenber, Bioorg. Med. Chem. 4 (1996), 1545-1558).

[0316.0.0.0] Furthermore, a three-dimensional and/or crystallographic structure of the protein of the invention and the identification of interactive sites the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention and its substrates or binding factors can be used for the identification or design of mutants with modulated binding or turn over activities. For example, the active centre of the polypeptide of the present invention can be modelled and amino acid residues participating in the catalytic reaction can be modulated to increase or decrease the binding of the substrate to activate or improve the polypeptide. The identification of the active centre and the amino acids involved in the catalytic reaction facilitates the screening for mutants having an increased activity.

[0317.0.0.0] The sequences shown in column 5 of the Tables I to IV herein have also been described under their Gene/ORF Locus Name as described in the Table I, II, III or IV, column 3.

[0318.0.0.0] In an especially preferred embodiment, the polypeptide according to the invention furthermore also does not have the sequences of those proteins which are encoded by the sequences shown in the known listed Gene/ORF Locus Names or as described in the Tables, column 3.

[0319.0.0.0] One embodiment of the invention also relates to an antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide according to the invention or parts, i.e. specific fragments or epitopes of such a protein.

[0320.0.0.0] The antibodies of the invention can be used to identify and isolate the polypeptide according to the invention and encoding genes in any organism, preferably plants, prepared in plants described herein. These antibodies can be monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies or synthetic antibodies as well as fragments of antibodies, such as Fab, Fv or scFv fragments etc. Monoclonal antibodies can be prepared, for example, by the techniques as originally described in KOhler and Milstein, Nature 256 (1975), 495, and Galfr6, Meth. Enzymol. 73 (1981), 3, which comprise the fusion of mouse myeloma cells to spleen cells derived from immunized mammals.

[0321.0.0.0] Furthermore, antibodies or fragments thereof to the aforementioned peptides can be obtained by using methods, which are described, e.g., in Harlow and Lane “Antibodies, A Laboratory Manual”, CSH Press, Cold Spring Harbor, 1988. These antibodies can be used, for example, for the immunoprecipitation and immunolocalization of proteins according to the invention as well as for the monitoring of the synthesis of such proteins, for example, in recombinant organisms, and for the identification of compounds interacting with the protein according to the invention. For example, surface plasmon resonance as employed in the BIAcore system can be used to increase the efficiency of phage antibodies selections, yielding a high increment of affinity from a single library of phage antibodies, which bind to an epitope of the protein of the invention (Schier, Human Antibodies Hybridomas 7 (1996), 97-105; Malmborg, J. Immunol. Methods 183 (1995), 7-13). In many cases, the binding phenomena of antibodies to antigens are equivalent to other ligand/anti-ligand binding.

[0322.0.0.0] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an antisense nucleic acid molecule comprising the complementary sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention.

[0323.0.0.0] Methods to modify the expression levels and/or the activity are known to persons skilled in the art and include for instance overexpression, co-suppression, the use of ribozymes, sense and anti-sense strategies or other gene silencing approaches like RNA interference (RNAi) or promoter methylation. “Sense strand” refers to the strand of a double-stranded DNA molecule that is homologous to an mRNA transcript thereof. The “anti-sense strand” contains an inverted sequence, which is complementary to that of the “sense strand”.

In addition the expression levels and/or the activity can be modified by the introduction of mutations in the regulatory or coding regions of the nucleic acids of the invention. Furthermore antibodies can be expressed which specifically binds to a polypeptide of interest and thereby blocks it activity. The protein-binding factors can, for example, also be aptamers [Famulok M and Mayer G (1999) Curr. Top Microbiol. Immunol. 243: 123-36] or antibodies or antibody fragments or single-chain antibodies. Obtaining these factors has been described, and the skilled worker is familiar therewith. For example, a cytoplasmic scFv antibody has been employed for modulating activity of the phytochrome A protein in genetically modified tobacco plants [Owen M et al. (1992) Biotechnology (NY) 10(7): 790-794; Franken E et al. (1997) Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 8(4): 411-416; Whitelam (1996) Trend Plant Sci. 1: 286-272].

[0324.0.0.0] An “antisense” nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence, which is complementary to a “sense” nucleic acid molecule encoding a protein, e.g., complementary to the coding strand of a double-stranded cDNA molecule or complementary to an encoding mRNA sequence. Accordingly, an antisense nucleic acid molecule can bond via hydrogen bonds to a sense nucleic acid molecule. The antisense nucleic acid molecule can be complementary to an entire coding strand of a nucleic acid molecule conferring the expression of the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the present invention, as the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention coding strand, or to only a portion thereof. Accordingly, an antisense nucleic acid molecule can be antisense to a “coding region” of the coding strand of a nucleotide sequence of a nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. The term “coding region” refers to the region of the nucleotide sequence comprising codons, which are translated into amino acid residues. Further, the antisense nucleic acid molecule is antisense to a “noncoding region” of the coding strand of a nucleotide sequence encoding the polypeptide of the invention or a polypeptide used in the process of the invention. The term “noncoding region” refers to 5′ and 3′ sequences which flank the coding region that are not translated into a polypeptide, i.e., also referred to as 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions (5′-UTR or 3′-UTR).

[0325.0.0.0] Given the coding strand sequences encoding the polypeptide of the present invention antisense nucleic acid molecules of the invention can be designed according to the rules of Watson and Crick base pairing.

[0326.0.0.0] The antisense nucleic acid molecule can be complementary to the entire coding region of the mRNA encoding the nucleic acid molecule to the invention or used in the process of the present invention, but can also be an oligonucleotide which is antisense to only a portion of the coding or noncoding region of said mRNA. For example, the antisense oligonucleotide can be complementary to the region surrounding the translation start site of said mRNA. An antisense oligonucleotide can be, for example, about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 100 or 200 nucleotides in length. An antisense nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention can be constructed using chemical synthesis and enzymatic ligation reactions using procedures known in the art. For example, an antisense nucleic acid molecule (e.g., an antisense oligonucleotide) can be chemically synthesized using naturally occurring nucleotides or variously modified nucleotides designed to increase the biological stability of the molecules or to increase the physical stability of the duplex formed between the antisense and sense nucleic acids, e.g., phosphorothioate derivatives and acridine substituted nucleotides can be used. Examples of modified nucleotides which can be used to generate the antisense nucleic acid include 5-fluorouracil, 5-bromouracil, 5-chlorouracil, 5-iodouracil, hypoxanthine, xanthine, 4-acetylcytosine, 5-(carboxyhydroxylmethyl) uracil, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyl-2-thiouridine, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyluracil, dihydrouracil, beta-D-galactosylqueosine, inosine, N6-isopentenyladenine, 1-methylguanine, 1-methylinosine, 2,2-dimethylguanine, 2-methyladenine, 2-methylguanine, 3-methylcytosine, 5-methylcytosine, N6-adenine, 7-methylguanine, 5-methylaminomethyluracil, 5-methoxyaminomethyl-2-thiouracil, beta-D-mannosylqueosine, 5′-methoxycarboxymethyluracil, 5-methoxyuracil, 2-methylthio-N6-isopentenyladenine, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid (v), wybutoxosine, pseudouracil, queosine, 2-thiocytosine, 5-methyl-2-thiouracil, 2-thiouracil, 4-thiouracil, 5-methyluracil, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid methylester, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid (v), 5-methyl-2-thiouracil, 3-(3-amino-3-N-2-carboxypropyl) uracil, (acp3)w, and 2,6-diaminopurine. Alternatively, the antisense nucleic acid can be produced biologically using an expression vector into which a nucleic acid molecule has been subcloned in an antisense orientation (i.e., RNA transcribed from the inserted nucleic acid molecule will be of an antisense orientation to a target nucleic acid molecule of interest, described further in the following subsection).

[0327.0.0.0] The antisense nucleic acid molecules of the invention are typically administered to a cell or generated in situ such that they hybridize with or bind to cellular mRNA and/or genomic DNA encoding a polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention having aforementioned the respective fine chemical increasing activity to thereby inhibit expression of the protein, e.g., by inhibiting transcription and/or translation.

[0328.0.0.0] The hybridization can be by conventional nucleotide complementarity to form a stable duplex, or, for example, in the case of an antisense nucleic acid molecule which binds to DNA duplexes, through specific interactions in the major groove of the double helix. The antisense nucleic acid molecule can also be delivered to cells using the vectors described herein. To achieve sufficient intracellular concentrations of the antisense molecules, vector in which the antisense nucleic acid molecule is placed under the control of a strong prokaryotic, viral, or eukaryotic including plant promoters are preferred.

[0329.0.0.0] In a further embodiment, the antisense nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention can be an α-anomeric nucleic acid molecule. An α-anomeric nucleic acid molecule forms specific double-stranded hybrids with complementary RNA in which, contrary to the usual units, the strands run parallel to each other (Gaultier et al. (1987) Nucleic Acids. Res. 15:6625-6641). The antisense nucleic acid molecule can also comprise a 2′-o-methyl-ribonucleotide (Inoue et al. (1987) Nucleic Acids Res. 15:6131-6148) or a chimeric RNA-DNA analogue (Inoue et al. (1987) FEBS Lett. 215:327-330).

[0330.0.0.0] Further the antisense nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention can be also a ribozyme. Ribozymes are catalytic RNA molecules with ribonuclease activity, which are capable of cleaving a single-stranded nucleic acid, such as an mRNA, to which they have a complementary region. Thus, ribozymes (e.g., hammerhead ribozymes (described in Haselhoff and Gerlach (1988) Nature 334:585-591)) can be used to catalytically cleave mRNA transcripts encoding the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention to thereby inhibit translation of said mRNA. A ribozyme having specificity for a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention can be designed based upon the nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or coding a protein used in the process of the invention or on the basis of a heterologous sequence to be isolated according to methods taught in this invention. For example, a derivative of a Tetrahymena L-19 IVS RNA can be constructed in which the nucleotide sequence of the active site is complementary to the nucleotide sequence to be cleaved in an encoding mRNA. See, e.g., Cech et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,071 and Cech et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,742. Alternatively, mRNA encoding the polypeptide of the invention or a polypeptide used in the process of the invention can be used to select a catalytic RNA having a specific ribonuclease activity from a pool of RNA molecules. See, e.g., Bartel, D. and Szostak, J. W. (1993) Science 261:1411-1418.

[0331.0.0.0] The antisense molecule of the present invention comprises also a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequences complementary to the regulatory region of an nucleotide sequence encoding the natural occurring polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide sequences shown in the sequence listing, or identified according to the methods described herein, e.g., its promoter and/or enhancers, e.g. to form triple helical structures that prevent transcription of the gene in target cells. See generally, Helene, C. (1991) Anticancer Drug Des. 6(6): 569-84; Helene, C. et al. (1992) Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 660:27-36; and Maher, L. J. (1992) Bioassays 14(12): 807-15.

[0332.0.0.0] Furthermore the present invention relates to a double stranded RNA molecule capable for the reduction or inhibition of the activity of the gene product of a gene encoding the polypeptide of the invention, a polypeptide used in the process of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention encoding.

[0333.0.0.0] The method of regulating genes by means of double-stranded RNA (“double-stranded RNA interference”; dsRNAi) has been described extensively for animal, yeast, fungi and plant organisms such as Neurospora, zebrafish, Drosophila, mice, planaria, humans, Trypanosoma, petunia or Arabidopsis (for example Matzke M A et al. (2000) Plant Mol. Biol. 43: 401-415; Fire A. et al. (1998) Nature 391: 806-811; WO 99/32619; WO 99/53050; WO 00/68374; WO 00/44914; WO 00/44895; WO 00/49035; WO 00/63364). In addition RNAi is also documented as an advantageously tool for the repression of genes in bacteria such as E. coli for example by Tchurikov et al. [J. Biol. Chem., 2000, 275 (34): 26523-26529]. Fire et al. named the phenomenon RNAi for “RNA interference”. The techniques and methods described in the above references are expressly referred to. Efficient gene suppression can also be observed in the case of transient expression or following transient transformation, for example as the consequence of a biolistic transformation (Schweizer P et al. (2000) Plant J 2000 24: 895-903). dsRNAi methods are based on the phenomenon that the simultaneous introduction of complementary strand and counterstrand of a gene transcript brings about highly effective suppression of the expression of the gene in question. The resulting phenotype is very similar to that of an analogous knock-out mutant (Waterhouse P M et al. (1998) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95: 13959-64).

[0334.0.0.0] Tuschl et al. [Gens Dev., 1999, 13 (24): 3191-3197] was able to show that the efficiency of the RNAi method is a function of the length of the duplex, the length of the 3′-end overhangs, and the sequence in these overhangs. Based on the work of Tuschl et al. the following guidelines can be given to the skilled worker: To achieve good results the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions of the used nucleic acid sequence and regions close to the start codon should be avoided as this regions are richer in regulatory protein binding sites and interactions between RNAi sequences and such regulatory proteins might lead to undesired interactions. Preferably a region of the used mRNA is selected, which is 50 to 100 nt (=nucleotides or bases) downstream of the AUG start codon. Only dsRNA (=double-stranded RNA) sequences from exons are useful for the method, as sequences from introns have no effect. The G/C content in this region should be greater than 30% and less than 70% ideally around 50%. A possible secondary structure of the target mRNA is less important for the effect of the RNAi method.

[0335.0.0.0] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived there from), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence of one of the sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.0] The term “essentially identical” refers to the fact that the dsRNA sequence may also include insertions, deletions and individual point mutations in comparison to the target sequence while still bringing about an effective reduction in expression. Preferably, the homology as defined above amounts to at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% or 80%, very especially preferably at least 90%, most preferably 100%, between the “sense” strand of an inhibitory dsRNA and a part-segment of a nucleic acid sequence of the invention (or between the “antisense” strand and the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence, respectively). The part-segment amounts to at least 10 bases, preferably at least 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 bases, especially preferably at least 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 or 90 bases, very especially preferably at least 100, 200, 300 or 400 bases, most preferably at least 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 or more bases or at least 1000 or 2000 bases or more in length. In another preferred embodiment of the invention the part-segment amounts to 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27 bases, preferably to 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25 bases. These short sequences are preferred in animals and plants. The longer sequences preferably between 200 and 800 bases are preferred in non-mammalian animals, preferably in invertebrates, in yeast, fungi or bacteria, but they are also useable in plants. Long double-stranded RNAs are processed in the organisms into many siRNAs (=small/short interfering RNAs) for example by the protein Dicer, which is a ds-specific Rnase III enzyme. As an alternative, an “essentially identical” dsRNA may also be defined as a nucleic acid sequence, which is capable of hybridizing with part of a gene transcript (for example in 400 mM NaCl, 40 mM PIPES pH 6.4, 1 mM EDTA at 50° C. or 70° C. for 12 to 16 h).

[0337.0.0.0] The dsRNA may consist of one or more strands of polymerized ribonucleotides. Modification of both the sugar-phosphate backbone and of the nucleosides may furthermore be present. For example, the phosphodiester bonds of the natural RNA can be modified in such a way that they encompass at least one nitrogen or sulfur heteroatom. Bases may undergo modification in such a way that the activity of, for example, adenosine deaminase is restricted. These and other modifications are described herein below in the methods for stabilizing antisense RNA.

[0338.0.0.0] The dsRNA can be prepared enzymatically; it may also be synthesized chemically, either in full or in part.

[0339.0.0.0] The double-stranded structure can be formed starting from a single, self-complementary strand or starting from two complementary strands. In a single, self-complementary strand, “sense” and “antisense” sequence can be linked by a linking sequence (“linker”) and form for example a hairpin structure. Preferably, the linking sequence may take the form of an intron, which is spliced out following dsRNA synthesis. The nucleic acid sequence encoding a dsRNA may contain further elements such as, for example, transcription termination signals or polyadenylation signals. If the two strands of the dsRNA are to be combined in a cell or an organism advantageously in a plant, this can be brought about in a variety of ways.

[0340.0.0.0] Formation of the RNA duplex can be initiated either outside the cell or within the cell. As shown in WO 99/53050, the dsRNA may also encompass a hairpin structure, by linking the “sense” and “antisense” strands by a “linker” (for example an intron). The self-complementary dsRNA structures are preferred since they merely require the expression of a construct and always encompass the complementary strands in an equimolar ratio.

[0341.0.0.0] The expression cassettes encoding the “antisense” or the “sense” strand of the dsRNA or the self-complementary strand of the dsRNA are preferably inserted into a vector and stably inserted into the genome of a plant, using the methods described herein below (for example using selection markers), in order to ensure permanent expression of the dsRNA.

[0342.0.0.0] The dsRNA can be introduced using an amount which makes possible at least one copy per cell. A larger amount (for example at least 5, 10, 100, 500 or 1 000 copies per cell) may bring about more efficient reduction.

[0343.0.0.0] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.0] Due to the high degree of sequence homology between sequences from various organisms (e.g. plants), allows the conclusion that these proteins may be conserved to a high degree within, for example other, plants, it is optionally possible that the expression of a dsRNA derived from one of the disclosed sequences as shown herein or homologs thereof should also have has an advantageous effect in other plant species. Preferably the consensus sequences shown herein can be used for the construction of useful dsRNA molecules.

[0345.0.0.0] The dsRNA can be synthesized either in vivo or in vitro. To this end, a DNA sequence encoding a dsRNA can be introduced into an expression cassette under the control of at least one genetic control element (such as, for example, promoter, enhancer, silencer, splice donor or splice acceptor or polyadenylation signal). Suitable advantageous constructs are described herein below. Polyadenylation is not required, nor do elements for initiating translation have to be present.

[0346.0.0.0] A dsRNA can be synthesized chemically or enzymatically. Cellular RNA polymerases or bacteriophage RNA polymerases (such as, for example T3, T7 or SP6 RNA polymerase) can be used for this purpose. Suitable methods for the in-vitro expression of RNA are described (WO 97/32016; U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,874; U.S. Pat. No. 5,698,425, U.S. Pat. No. 5,712,135, U.S. Pat. No. 5,789,214, U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,693). Prior to introduction into a cell, tissue or organism, a dsRNA which has been synthesized in vitro either chemically or enzymatically can be isolated to a higher or lesser degree from the reaction mixture, for example by extraction, precipitation, electrophoresis, chromatography or combinations of these methods. The dsRNA can be introduced directly into the cell or else be applied extracellularly (for example into the interstitial space).

[0347.0.0.0] Advantageously the RNAi method leads to only a partial loss of gene function and therefore enables the skilled worker to study a gene dose effect in the desired organism and to fine tune the process of the invention. Furthermore it enables a person skilled in the art to study multiple functions of a gene.

[0348.0.0.0] Stable transformation of the plant with an expression construct, which brings about the expression of the dsRNA is preferred, however. Suitable methods are described herein below.

[0349.0.0.0] A further embodiment of the invention also relates to a method for the generation of a transgenic host or host cell, e.g. a eukaryotic or prokaryotic cell, preferably a transgenic microorganism, a transgenic plant cell or a transgenic plant tissue or a transgenic plant, which comprises introducing, into the plant, the plant cell or the plant tissue, the nucleic acid construct according to the invention, the vector according to the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention.

[0350.0.0.0] A further embodiment of the invention also relates to a method for the transient generation of a host or host cell, eukaryotic or prokaryotic cell, preferably a transgenic microorganism, a transgenic plant cell or a transgenic plant tissue or a transgenic plant, which comprises introducing, into the plant, the plant cell or the plant tissue, the nucleic acid construct according to the invention, the vector according to the invention, the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein as being contained in the nucleic acid construct of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, whereby the introduced nucleic acid molecules, nucleic acid construct and/or vector is not integrated into the genome of the host or host cell. Therefore the transformants are not stable during the propagation of the host in respect of the introduced nucleic acid molecules, nucleic acid construct and/or vector.

[0351.0.0.0] In the process according to the invention, transgenic organisms are also to be understood as meaning—if they take the form of plants—plant cells, plant tissues, plant organs such as root, shoot, stem, seed, flower, tuber or leaf, or intact plants which are grown for the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0352.0.0.0] Growing is to be understood as meaning for example culturing the transgenic plant cells, plant tissue or plant organs on or in a nutrient medium or the intact plant on or in a substrate, for example in hydroponic culture, potting compost or on a field soil.

[0353.0.0.0] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process, the nucleic acid molecules can be expressed in single-celled plant cells (such as algae), see Falciatore et al., 1999, Marine Biotechnology 1 (3): 239-251 and references cited therein, and plant cells from higher plants (for example spermatophytes such as crops). Examples of plant expression vectors encompass those which are described in detail herein or in: Becker, D. [(1992) Plant Mol. Biol. 20:1195-1197] and Bevan, M. W. [(1984), Nucl. Acids Res. 12:8711-8721; Vectors for Gene Transfer in Higher Plants; in: Transgenic Plants, Vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, Ed.: Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press, 1993, pp. 15-38]. An overview of binary vectors and their use is also found in Hellens, R. [(2000), Trends in Plant Science, Vol. 5 No. 10, 446-451.

[0354.0.0.0] Vector DNA can be introduced into prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells via conventional transformation or transfection techniques. The terms “transformation” and “transfection” include conjugation and transduction and, as used in the present context, are intended to encompass a multiplicity of prior-art methods for introducing foreign nucleic acid molecules (for example DNA) into a host cell, including calcium phosphate coprecipitation or calcium chloride coprecipitation, DEAE-dextran-mediated transfection, PEG-mediated transfection, lipofection, natural competence, chemically mediated transfer, electroporation or particle bombardment. Suitable methods for the transformation or transfection of host cells, including plant cells, can be found in Sambrook et al. (Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual., 2nd Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1989) and in other laboratory handbooks such as Methods in Molecular Biology, 1995, Vol. 44, Agrobacterium protocols, Ed.: Gartland and Davey, Humana Press, Totowa, N.J.

[0355.0.0.0] The above-described methods for the transformation and regeneration of plants from plant tissues or plant cells are exploited for transient or stable transformation of plants. Suitable methods are the transformation of protoplasts by polyethylene-glycol-induced DNA uptake, the biolistic method with the gene gun—known as the particle bombardment method—, electroporation, the incubation of dry embryos in DNA-containing solution, microinjection and the Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer. The abovementioned methods are described for example in B. Jenes, Techniques for Gene Transfer, in: Transgenic Plants, Vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, edited by S. D. Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press (1993) 128-143 and in Potrykus Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Molec. Biol. 42 (1991) 205-225. The construct to be expressed is preferably cloned into a vector, which is suitable for transforming Agrobacterium tumefaciens, for example pBin19 (Bevan, Nucl. Acids Res. 12 (1984) 8711). Agrobacteria transformed with such a vector can then be used in the known manner for the transformation of plants, in particular crop plants, such as, for example, tobacco plants, for example by bathing scarified leaves or leaf segments in an agrobacterial solution and subsequently culturing them in suitable media. The transformation of plants with Agrobacterium tumefaciens is described for example by Höfgen and Willmitzer in Nucl. Acid Res. (1988) 16, 9877 or known from, inter alia, F. F. White, Vectors for Gene Transfer in Higher Plants; in Transgenic Plants, Vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, edited by S. D. Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press, 1993, pp. 15-38.

[0356.0.0.0] To select for the successful transfer of the nucleic acid molecule, vector or nucleic acid construct of the invention according to the invention into a host organism, it is advantageous to use marker genes as have already been described above in detail. It is known of the stable or transient integration of nucleic acids into plant cells that only a minority of the cells takes up the foreign DNA and, if desired, integrates it into its genome, depending on the expression vector used and the transfection technique used. To identify and select these integrants, a gene encoding for a selectable marker (as described above, for example resistance to antibiotics) is usually introduced into the host cells together with the gene of interest. Preferred selectable markers in plants comprise those, which confer resistance to an herbicide such as glyphosate or gluphosinate. Other suitable markers are, for example, markers, which encode genes involved in biosynthetic pathways of, for example, sugars or amino acids, such as β-galactosidase, ura3 or ilv2. Markers, which encode genes such as luciferase, gfp or other fluorescence genes, are likewise suitable. These markers and the aforementioned markers can be used in mutants in whom these genes are not functional since, for example, they have been deleted by conventional methods. Furthermore, nucleic acid molecules, which encode a selectable marker, can be introduced into a host cell on the same vector as those, which encode the polypeptides of the invention or used in the process or else in a separate vector. Cells which have been transfected stably with the nucleic acid introduced can be identified for example by selection (for example, cells which have integrated the selectable marker survive whereas the other cells die).

[0357.0.0.0] Since the marker genes, as a rule specifically the gene for resistance to antibiotics and herbicides, are no longer required or are undesired in the transgenic host cell once the nucleic acids have been introduced successfully, the process according to the invention for introducing the nucleic acids advantageously employs techniques which enable the removal, or excision, of these marker genes. One such a method is what is known as cotransformation. The cotransformation method employs two vectors simultaneously for the transformation, one vector bearing the nucleic acid according to the invention and a second bearing the marker gene(s). A large proportion of transformants receives or, in the case of plants, comprises (up to 40% of the transformants and above), both vectors. In case of transformation with Agrobacteria, the transformants usually receive only a part of the vector, the sequence flanked by the T-DNA, which usually represents the expression cassette. The marker genes can subsequently be removed from the transformed plant by performing crosses. In another method, marker genes integrated into a transposon are used for the transformation together with desired nucleic acid (known as the Ac/Ds technology). The transformants can be crossed with a transposase resource or the transformants are transformed with a nucleic acid construct conferring expression of a transposase, transiently or stable. In some cases (approx. 10%), the transposon jumps out of the genome of the host cell once transformation has taken place successfully and is lost. In a further number of cases, the transposon jumps to a different location. In these cases, the marker gene must be eliminated by performing crosses. In microbiology, techniques were developed which make possible, or facilitate, the detection of such events. A further advantageous method relies on what are known as recombination systems, whose advantage is that elimination by crossing can be dispensed with. The best-known system of this type is what is known as the Cre/lox system. Cre1 is a recombinase, which removes the sequences located between the loxP sequences. If the marker gene is integrated between the loxP sequences, it is removed, once transformation has taken place successfully, by expression of the recombinase. Further recombination systems are the HIN/HIX, FLP/FRT and REP/STB system (Tribble et al., J. Biol. Chem., 275, 2000: 22255-22267; Velmurugan et al., J. Cell Biol., 149, 2000: 553-566). A site-specific integration into the plant genome of the nucleic acid sequences according to the invention is possible. Naturally, these methods can also be applied to microorganisms such as yeast, fungi or bacteria.

[0358.0.0.0] Agrobacteria transformed with an expression vector according to the invention may also be used in the manner known per se for the transformation of plants such as experimental plants like Arabidopsis or crop plants, such as, for example, cereals, maize, oats, rye, barley, wheat, soya, rice, cotton, sugarbeet, canola, sunflower, flax, hemp, potato, tobacco, tomato, carrot, bell peppers, oilseed rape, tapioca, cassava, arrow root, tagetes, alfalfa, lettuce and the various tree, nut, and grapevine species, in particular oil-containing crop plants such as soya, peanut, castor-oil plant, sunflower, maize, cotton, flax, oilseed rape, coconut, oil palm, safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) or cocoa beans, for example by bathing scarified leaves or leaf segments in an agrobacterial solution and subsequently growing them in suitable media.

[0359.0.0.0] In addition to the transformation of somatic cells, which then has to be regenerated into intact plants, it is also possible to transform the cells of plant meristems and in particular those cells which develop into gametes. In this case, the transformed gametes follow the natural plant development, giving rise to transgenic plants. Thus, for example, seeds of Arabidopsis are treated with agrobacteria and seeds are obtained from the developing plants of which a certain proportion is transformed and thus transgenic (Feldman, K A and Marks M D (1987). Mol Gen Genet 208:274-289; Feldmann K (1992). In: C Koncz, N-H Chua and J Shell, eds, Methods in Arabidopsis Research. Word Scientific, Singapore, pp. 274-289). Alternative methods are based on the repeated removal of the influorescences and incubation of the excision site in the center of the rosette with transformed agrobacteria, whereby transformed seeds can likewise be obtained at a later point in time (Chang (1994). Plant J. 5: 551-558; Katavic (1994). Mol Gen Genet, 245: 363-370). However, an especially effective method is the vacuum infiltration method with its modifications such as the “floral dip” method. In the case of vacuum infiltration of Arabidopsis, intact plants under reduced pressure are treated with an agrobacterial suspension (Bechthold, N (1993). C R Acad Sci Paris Life Sci, 316: 1194-1199), while in the case of the “floral dip” method the developing floral tissue is incubated briefly with a surfactant-treated agrobacterial suspension (Clough, S J and Bent, A F (1998). The Plant J. 16, 735-743). A certain proportion of transgenic seeds are harvested in both cases, and these seeds can be distinguished from nontransgenic seeds by growing under the above-described selective conditions. In addition the stable transformation of plastids is of advantages because plastids are inherited maternally is most crops reducing or eliminating the risk of transgene flow through pollen. The transformation of the chloroplast genome is generally achieved by a process, which has been schematically displayed in Klaus et al., 2004 (Nature Biotechnology 22(2), 225-229). Briefly the sequences to be transformed are cloned together with a selectable marker gene between flanking sequences homologous to the chloroplast genome. These homologous flanking sequences direct site specific integration into the plastome. Plastidal transformation has been described for many different plant species and an overview can be taken from Bock (2001) Transgenic plastids in basic research and plant biotechnology. J Mol Biol. 2001 September 21; 312 (3): 425-38 or Maliga, P (2003) Progress towards commercialization of plastid transformation technology. Trends Biotechnol. 21, 20-28. Further biotechnological progress has recently been reported in form of marker free plastid transformants, which can be produced by a transient cointegrated maker gene (Klaus et al., 2004, Nature Biotechnology 22 (2), 225-229).

[0360.0.0.0] The genetically modified plant cells can be regenerated via all methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. Suitable methods can be found in the abovementioned publications by S. D. Kung and R. Wu, Potrykus or Höfgen and Willmitzer.

[0361.0.0.0] Accordingly, the present invention thus also relates to a plant cell comprising the nucleic acid construct according to the invention, the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention or the vector according to the invention.

[0362.0.0.0] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338. Due to the above mentioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. In one embodiment, transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention

[0363.0.0.0] “Transgenic”, for example regarding a nucleic acid molecule, an nucleic acid construct or a vector comprising said nucleic acid molecule or an organism transformed with said nucleic acid molecule, nucleic acid construct or vector, refers to all those subjects originating by recombinant methods in which either

-   -   a) the nucleic acid sequence, or     -   b) a genetic control sequence linked operably to the nucleic         acid sequence, for example a promoter, or     -   c) (a) and (b)         are not located in their natural genetic environment or have         been modified by recombinant methods, an example of a         modification being a substitution, addition, deletion, inversion         or insertion of one or more nucleotide residues. Natural genetic         environment refers to the natural chromosomal locus in the         organism of origin, or to the presence in a genomic library. In         the case of a genomic library, the natural genetic environment         of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably retained, at least in         part. The environment flanks the nucleic acid sequence at least         at one side and has a sequence of at least 50 bp, preferably at         least 500 bp, especially preferably at least 1000 bp, very         especially preferably at least 5000 bp, in length.

[0364.0.0.0] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of a promoter of a polypeptide of the invention with the corresponding protein-encoding sequence—becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modified by non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example, mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

[0365.0.0.0] Further, the plant cell, plant tissue or plant can also be transformed such that further enzymes and proteins are (over)expressed which expression supports an increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0366.0.0.0] However, transgenic also means that the nucleic acids according to the invention are located at their natural position in the genome of an organism, but that the sequence has been modified in comparison with the natural sequence and/or that the regulatory sequences of the natural sequences have been modified. Preferably, transgenic/recombinant is to be understood as meaning the transcription of the nucleic acids used in the process according to the invention occurs at a non-natural position in the genome, that is to say the expression of the nucleic acids is homologous or, preferably, heterologous. This expression can be transiently or of a sequence integrated stably into the genome.

[0367.0.0.0] The term “transgenic plants” used in accordance with the invention also refers to the progeny of a transgenic plant, for example the T₁, T₂, T₃ and subsequent plant generations or the BC₁, BC₂, BC₃ and subsequent plant generations. Thus, the transgenic plants according to the invention can be raised and selfed or crossed with other individuals in order to obtain further transgenic plants according to the invention. Transgenic plants may also be obtained by propagating transgenic plant cells vegetatively. The present invention also relates to transgenic plant material, which can be derived from a transgenic plant population according to the invention. Such material includes plant cells and certain tissues, organs and parts of plants in all their manifestations, such as seeds, leaves, anthers, fibers, tubers, roots, root hairs, stems, embryo, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures, which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant.

[0368.0.0.0] Any transformed plant obtained according to the invention can be used in a conventional breeding scheme or in in vitro plant propagation to produce more transformed plants with the same characteristics and/or can be used to introduce the same characteristic in other varieties of the same or related species. Such plants are also part of the invention. Seeds obtained from the transformed plants genetically also contain the same characteristic and are part of the invention. As mentioned before, the present invention is in principle applicable to any plant and crop that can be transformed with any of the transformation method known to those skilled in the art.

[0369.0.0.0] In an especially preferred embodiment, the organism, the host cell, plant cell, plant, microorganism or plant tissue according to the invention is transgenic.

[0370.0.0.0] Accordingly, the invention therefore relates to transgenic organisms transformed with at least one nucleic acid molecule, nucleic acid construct or vector according to the invention, and to cells, cell cultures, tissues, parts—such as, for example, in the case of plant organisms, plant tissue, for example leaves, roots and the like—or propagation material derived from such organisms, or intact plants. The terms “recombinant (host)”, and “transgenic (host)” are used interchangeably in this context. Naturally, these terms refer not only to the host organism or target cell in question, but also to the progeny, or potential progeny, of these organisms or cells. Since certain modifications may occur in subsequent generations owing to mutation or environmental effects, such progeny is not necessarily identical with the parental cell, but still comes within the scope of the term as used herein.

[0371.0.0.0] Suitable organisms for the process according to the invention or as hosts are all these eukaryotic or prokaryotic organisms, which are capable of synthesizing the respective fine chemical. The organisms used as hosts are microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, yeasts or algae, non-human animals, or plants, such as dictotyledonous or monocotyledonous plants.

[0372.0.0.0] In principle all plants can be used as host organism, especially the plants mentioned above as source organism. Preferred transgenic plants are, for example, selected from the families Aceraceae, Anacardiaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Cactaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Nymphaeaceae, Papaveraceae, Rosaceae, Salicaceae, Solanaceae, Arecaceae, Bromeliaceae, Cyperaceae, Iridaceae, Liliaceae, Orchidaceae, Gentianaceae, Labiaceae, Magnoliaceae, Ranunculaceae, Carifolaceae, Rubiaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Ericaceae, Polygonaceae, Violaceae, Juncaceae or Poaceae and preferably from a plant selected from the group of the families Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Papaveraceae, Rosaceae, Solanaceae, Liliaceae or Poaceae. Preferred are crop plants such as plants advantageously selected from the group of the genus peanut, oilseed rape, canola, sunflower, safflower, olive, sesame, hazelnut, almond, avocado, bay, pumpkin/squash, linseed, soya, pistachio, borage, maize, wheat, rye, oats, sorghum and millet, triticale, rice, barley, cassava, potato, sugarbeet, egg plant, alfalfa, and perennial grasses and forage plants, oil palm, vegetables (brassicas, root vegetables, tuber vegetables, pod vegetables, fruiting vegetables, onion vegetables, leafy vegetables and stem vegetables), buckwheat, Jerusalem artichoke, broad bean, vetches, lentil, dwarf bean, lupin, clover and Lucerne for mentioning only some of them.

[0373.0.0.0] Preferred plant cells, plant organs, plant tissues or parts of plants originate from the under source organism mentioned plant families, preferably from the abovementioned plant genus, more preferred from abovementioned plants species.

[0374.0.0.0] Transgenic plants comprising the amino acids synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. The amino acids produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free amino acids or bound in proteins. Amino acids produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.0] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the generation of a microorganism, comprising the introduction, into the microorganism or parts thereof, of the nucleic acid construct of the invention, or the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention.

[0376.0.0.0] In another embodiment, the present invention relates also to a transgenic microorganism comprising the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention or the vector as of the invention. Appropriate microorganisms have been described herein before under source organism, preferred are in particular aforementioned strains suitable for the production of fine chemicals.

[0377.0.0.0] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process according to the present invention whereby the produced amino acid composition or the produced respective fine chemical is isolated.

[0378.0.0.0] In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the fine chemicals produced in the process can be isolated. The resulting fine chemicals can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.0.0] In one embodiment, the fatty acid is the fine chemical.

[0380.0.0.0] The amino acids obtained in the process are suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates a method for the production of a pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the amino acid composition produced or the fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the amino acids produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

[0381.0.0.0] In principle all microorganisms can be used as host organism especially the ones mentioned under source organism above. It is advantageous to use in the process of the invention transgenic microorganisms such as fungi such as the genus Claviceps or Aspergillus or Gram-positive bacteria such as the genera Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Micrococcus, Brevibacterium, Rhodococcus, Nocardia, Caseobacter or Arthrobacter or Gram-negative bacteria such as the genera Escherichia, Flavobacterium or Salmonella or yeasts such as the genera Rhodotorula, Hansenula or Candida. Particularly advantageous organisms are selected from the group of genera Corynebacterium, Brevibacterium, Escherichia, Bacillus, Rhodotorula, Hansenula, Candida, Claviceps or Flavobacterium. It is very particularly advantageous to use in the process of the invention microorganisms selected from the group of genera and species consisting of Hansenula anomala, Candida utilis, Claviceps purpurea, Bacillus circulans, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus sp., Brevibacterium albidum, Brevibacterium album, Brevibacterium cerinum, Brevibacterium flavum, Brevibacterium glutamigenes, Brevibacterium iodinum, Brevibacterium ketoglutamicum, Brevibacterium lactofermentum, Brevibacterium linens, Brevibacterium roseum, Brevibacterium saccharolyticum, Brevibacterium sp., Corynebacterium acetoacidophilum, Corynebacterium acetoglutamicum, Corynebacterium ammoniagenes, Corynebacterium glutamicum (=Micrococcus glutamicum), Corynebacterium melassecola, Corynebacterium sp. or Escherichia coli, specifically Escherichia coli K12 and its described strains.

[0382.0.0.0] The process of the invention is, when the host organisms are microorganisms, advantageously carried out at a temperature between 0° C. and 95° C., preferably between 10° C. and 85° C., particularly preferably between 15° C. and 75° C., very particularly preferably between 15° C. and 45° C. The pH is advantageously kept at between pH 4 and 12, preferably between pH 6 and 9, particularly preferably between pH 7 and 8, during this. The process of the invention can be operated batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously. A summary of known cultivation methods is to be found in the textbook by Chmiel (Bioprozeβtechnik 1. Einführung in die Bioverfahrenstechnik (Gustav Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart, 1991)) or in the textbook by Storhas (Bioreaktoren and periphere Einrichtungen (Vieweg Verlag, Braunschweig/Wiesbaden, 1994)). The culture medium to be used must meet the requirements of the respective strains in a suitable manner. Descriptions of culture media for various microorganisms are present in the handbook “Manual of Methods for General Bacteriology” of the American Society for Bacteriology (Washington D. C., USA, 1981). These media, which can be employed according to the invention include, as described above, usually one or more carbon sources, nitrogen sources, inorganic salts, vitamins and/or trace elements. Preferred carbon sources are sugars such as mono-, di- or polysaccharides. Examples of very good carbon sources are glucose, fructose, mannose, galactose, ribose, sorbose, ribulose, lactose, maltose, sucrose, raffinose, starch or cellulose. Sugars can also be added to the media via complex compounds such as molasses, or other byproducts of sugar refining. It may also be advantageous to add mixtures of various carbon sources. Other possible carbon sources are oils and fats such as, for example, soybean oil, sunflower oil, peanut oil and/or coconut fat, fatty acids such as, for example, palmitic acid, stearic acid and/or linoleic acid, alcohols and/or polyalcohols such as, for example, glycerol, methanol and/or ethanol and/or organic acids such as, for example, acetic acid and/or lactic acid. Nitrogen sources are usually organic or inorganic nitrogen compounds or materials, which contain these compounds. Examples of nitrogen sources include ammonia in liquid or gaseous form or ammonium salts such as ammonium sulfate, ammonium chloride, ammonium phosphate, ammonium carbonate or ammonium nitrate, nitrates, urea, amino acids or complex nitrogen sources such as corn steep liquor, soybean meal, soybean protein, yeast extract, meat extract and others. The nitrogen sources may be used singly or as a mixture. Inorganic salt compounds, which may be present in the media include the chloride, phosphorus or sulfate salts of calcium, magnesium, sodium, cobalt, molybdenum, potassium, manganese, zinc, copper and iron.

[0383.0.0.0] For preparing sulfur-containing fine chemicals, in particular the respective fine chemical, e.g. amino acids containing sulfur it is possible to use as sulfur source inorganic sulfur-containing compounds such as, for example, sulfates, sulfites, dithionites, tetrathionates, thiosulfates, sulfides or else organic sulfur compounds such as mercaptans and thiols.

[0384.0.0.0] It is possible to use as phosphorus source phosphoric acid, potassium dihydrogenphosphate or dipotassium hydrogenphosphate or the corresponding sodium-containing salts. Chelating agents can be added to the medium in order to keep the metal ions in solution. Particularly suitable chelating agents include dihydroxyphenols such as catechol or protocatechuate, or organic acids such as citric acid. The fermentation media employed according to the invention for cultivating microorganisms normally also contain other growth factors such as vitamins or growth promoters, which include, for example, biotin, riboflavin, thiamine, folic acid, nicotinic acid, pantothenate and pyridoxine. Growth factors and salts are often derived from complex media components such as yeast extract, molasses, corn steep liquor and the like. Suitable precursors can moreover be added to the culture medium. The exact composition of the media compounds depends greatly on the particular experiment and is chosen individually for each specific case. Information about media optimization is obtainable from the textbook “Applied Microbiol. Physiology, A Practical Approach” (editors P. M. Rhodes, P. F. Stanbury, IRL Press (1997) pp. 53-73, ISBN 0 19 963577 3). Growth media can also be purchased from commercial suppliers such as Standard 1 (Merck) or BHI (Brain heart infusion, DIEGO) and the like. All media components are sterilized either by heat (1.5 bar and 121° C. for 20 min) or by sterilizing filtration. The components can be sterilized either together or, if necessary, separately. All media components can be present at the start of the cultivation or optionally be added continuously or batchwise. The temperature of the culture is normally between 15° C. and 45° C., preferably at 25° C. to 40° C., and can be kept constant or changed during the experiment. The pH of the medium should be in the range from 5 to 8.5, preferably around 7. The pH for the cultivation can be controlled during the cultivation by adding basic compounds such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonia or aqueous ammonia or acidic compounds such as phosphoric acid or sulfuric acid. Foaming can be controlled by employing antifoams such as, for example, fatty acid polyglycol esters. The stability of plasmids can be maintained by adding to the medium suitable substances having a selective effect, for example antibiotics. Aerobic conditions are maintained by introducing oxygen or oxygen-containing gas mixtures such as, for example, ambient air into the culture. The temperature of the culture is normally from 20° C. to 45° C. and preferably from 25° C. to 40° C. The culture is continued until formation of the desired product is at a maximum. This aim is normally achieved within 10 hours to 160 hours.

[0385.0.0.0] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular L-methionine, L-threonine and/or L-lysine, normally have a dry matter content of from 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, at least at the end, but especially over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 3 g/l during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it. The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

[0386.0.0.0] However, it is also possible to purify the amino acid produced further. For this purpose, the product-containing composition is subjected to a chromatography on a suitable resin, in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use. The purified product can be concentrated by filtration or ultrafiltration and stored at a temperature at which the stability of the product is a maximum.

[0387.0.0.0] The identity and purity of the isolated compound(s) can be determined by prior art techniques. These include high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assay or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are summarized in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11 27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19:67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Vol. A27, VCH: Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michal, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 17.

[0388.0.0.0] In yet another aspect, the invention also relates to harvestable parts and to propagation material of the transgenic plants according to the invention which either contain transgenic plant cells expressing a nucleic acid molecule according to the invention or which contains cells which show an increased cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, e.g. an increased expression level or higher activity of the described protein.

[0389.0.0.0] Harvestable parts can be in principle any useful parts of a plant, for example, flowers, pollen, seedlings, tubers, leaves, stems, fruit, seeds, roots etc. Propagation material includes, for example, seeds, fruits, cuttings, seedlings, tubers, rootstocks etc. Preferred are seeds, fruits, seedlings or tubers as harvestable or propagation material.

[0390.0.0.0] The invention furthermore relates to the use of the transgenic organisms according to the invention and of the cells, cell cultures, parts—such as, for example, roots, leaves and the like as mentioned above in the case of transgenic plant organisms—derived from them, and to transgenic propagation material such as seeds or fruits and the like as mentioned above, for the production of foodstuffs or feeding stuffs, pharmaceuticals or fine chemicals.

[0391.0.0.0] Accordingly in another embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of the nucleic acid molecule, the organism, e.g. the microorganism, the plant, plant cell or plant tissue, the vector, or the polypeptide of the present invention for making fatty acids, carotenoids, isoprenoids, vitamins, lipids, wax esters, (poly)saccharides and/or polyhydroxyalkanoates, and/or its metabolism products, in particular, steroid hormones, cholesterol, prostaglandin, triacylglycerols, bile acids and/or ketone bodies producing cells, tissues and/or plants. There are a number of mechanisms by which the yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of fatty acids, carotenoids, isoprenoids, vitamins, wax esters, lipids, (poly)saccharides and/or polyhydroxyalkanoates, and/or its metabolism products, in particular, steroid hormones, cholesterol, triacylglycerols, prostaglandin, bile acids and/or ketone bodies or further of above defined fine chemicals incorporating such an altered protein can be affected. In the case of plants, by e.g. increasing the expression of acetyl-CoA which is the basis for many products, e.g., fatty acids, carotenoids, isoprenoids, vitamines, lipids, (poly)saccharides, wax esters, and/or polyhydroxyalkanoates, and/or its metabolism products, in particular, prostaglandin, steroid hormones, cholesterol, triacylglycerols, bile acids and/or ketone bodies in a cell, it may be possible to increase the amount of the produced said compounds thus permitting greater ease of harvesting and purification or in case of plants more efficient partitioning. Further, one or more of said metabolism products, increased amounts of the cofactors, precursor molecules, and intermediate compounds for the appropriate biosynthetic pathways maybe required. Therefore, by increasing the number and/or activity of transporter proteins involved in the import of nutrients, such as carbon sources (i.e., sugars), nitrogen sources (i.e., amino acids, ammonium salts), phosphate, and sulfur, it may be possible to improve the production of acetyl CoA and its metabolism products as mentioned above, due to the removal of any nutrient supply limitations on the biosynthetic process. In particular, it may be possible to increase the yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of said compounds, e.g. fatty acids, carotenoids, isoprenoids, vitamins, was esters, lipids, (poly)saccharides, and/or polyhydroxyalkanoates, and/or its metabolism products, in particular, steroid hormones, cholesterol, prostaglandin, triacylglycerols, bile acids and/or ketone bodies molecules etc. in plants.

[0392.0.0.0] Furthermore preferred is a method for the recombinant production of pharmaceuticals or fine chemicals in host organisms, wherein a host organism is transformed with one of the above-described nucleic acid constructs comprising one or more structural genes which encode the desired fine chemical or catalyze the biosynthesis of the desired fine chemical, the transformed host organism is cultured, and the desired fine chemical is isolated from the culture medium. This method can be applied widely to fine chemicals such as enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, sugars, fatty acids, and natural and synthetic flavourings, aroma substances and colorants or compositions comprising these. Especially preferred is the additional production of further amino acids, tocopherols and tocotrienols and carotenoids or compositions comprising said compounds. The transformed host organisms are cultured and the products are recovered from the host organisms or the culture medium by methods known to the skilled worker or the organism itself servers as food or feed supplement. The production of pharmaceuticals such as, for example, antibodies or vaccines, is described by Hood E E, Jilka J M. Curr Opin Biotechnol. 1999 August; 10(4):382-6; Ma J K, Vine N D. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol. 1999; 236:275-92.

[0393.0.0.0] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   -   (a) contacting, e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of         a sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a         nucleic acid library, which can contain a candidate gene         encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the respective         fine chemical after expression, with the nucleic acid molecule         of the present invention;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of the present invention in particular to a nucleic         acid molecule sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7,         lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, preferably in Table I B,         columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 and,         optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete         genomic clone;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells, preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism,         appropriate for producing the respective fine chemical;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host         cells; and     -   (f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product         which expression confers an increase in the respective fine         chemical level in the host cell after expression compared to the         wild type.

[0394.0.0.0] Relaxed hybridisation conditions are: After standard hybridisation procedures washing steps can be performed at low to medium stringency conditions usually with washing conditions of 40°-55° C. and salt conditions between 2×SSC and 0.2×SSC with 0.1% SDS in comparison to stringent washing conditions as e.g. 60°-68° C. with 0.1% SDS. Further examples can be found in the references listed above for the stringent hybridization conditions. Usually washing steps are repeated with increasing stringency and length until a useful signal to noise ratio is detected and depend on many factors as the target, e.g. its purity, GC-content, size etc, the probe, e.g. its length, is it a RNA or a DNA probe, salt conditions, washing or hybridisation temperature, washing or hybridisation time etc.

[0395.0.0.0] In an other embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   -   (a) identifying nucleic acid molecules of an organism; which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in the respective fine chemical after expression, which         are at least 20%, preferably 25%, more preferably 30%, even more         preferred are 35%. 40% or 50%, even more preferred are 60%, 70%         or 80%, most preferred are 90% or 95% or more homology to the         nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, for example via         homology search in a data bank;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells, preferably in a plant cells or microorganisms,         appropriate for producing the respective fine chemical;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the the respective fine chemical level in the host         cells; and     -   (e) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product         which expression confers an increase in the the respective fine         chemical level in the host cell after expression compared to the         wild type.         -   Eventually gene products conferring the increase in the             respective fine chemical production can also be identify             according to a identical or similar 3D structure in step (a)             and by the above described method.

[0396.0.0.0] The nucleic acid molecules identified can then be used for the production of the respective fine chemical in the same way as the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical, comprising (a) identifying a nucleic acid molecule according to aforementioned steps (a) to (f) or (a) to (e) and recovering the free or bound fine chemical from a organism having an increased cellular activity of a polypeptide encoded by the isolated nucleic acid molecule compared to a wild type.

[0397.0.0.0] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a compound stimulating production of the respective fine chemical to said plant comprising:

-   -   a) contacting cells which express the polypeptide of the present         invention or its mRNA with a candidate compound under cell         cultivation conditions;     -   b) assaying an increase in expression of said polypeptide or         said mRNA;     -   c) comparing the expression level to a standard response made in         the absence of said candidate compound; whereby, an increased         expression over the standard indicates that the compound is         stimulating production of the respective fine chemical.

[0398.0.0.0] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the screening for agonists or an antagonist of the activity of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. a polypeptide conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof after increasing the activity in an organism or a part thereof, comprising:

-   -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the polypeptide according to the invention with a         candidate compound or a sample comprising a plurality of         compounds under conditions which permit the expression the         polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of         the present invention;     -   (b) assaying the respective fine chemical level or the         polypeptide expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or         microorganism or the media the cell, tissue, plant or         microorganisms is cultured or maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured the respective fine chemical level or polypeptide of         the invention or used in the invention expression level with a         standard the respective fine chemical or polypeptide expression         level measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a         sample comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an         increased level over the standard indicates that the compound or         the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist         and a decreased level over the standard indicates that the         compound or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is         an antagonist.

[0399.0.0.0] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to process for the identification of a compound conferring increased the respective fine chemical production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps:

-   -   (a) culturing a cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a         plant expressing the polypeptide according to the invention or a         nucleic acid molecule encoding said polypeptide and a readout         system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under         suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the         polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a         compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and         capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the         binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which         permit the expression of said readout system and the polypeptide         of the present invention or used in the process of the         invention; and     -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system.         The screen for a gene product or an agonist conferring an         increase in the respective fine chemical production can be         performed by growth of an organism for example a microorganism         in the presence of growth reducing amounts of an inhibitor of         the synthesis of the respective fine chemical. Better growth,         e.g. higher dividing rate or high dry mass in comparison to the         control under such conditions would identify a gene or gene         product or an agonist conferring an increase in fine chemical         production.

[0399.1.0.0] One can think to screen for increased production of the respective fine chemical by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the respective fine chemical and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotype of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.0] Said compound may be chemically synthesized or microbiologically produced and/or comprised in, for example, samples, e.g., cell extracts from, e.g., plants, animals or microorganisms, e.g. pathogens. Furthermore, said compound(s) may be known in the art but hitherto not known to be capable of suppressing or activating the polypeptide of the present invention. The reaction mixture may be a cell free extract or may comprise a cell or tissue culture. Suitable set ups for the method of the invention are known to the person skilled in the art and are, for example, generally described in Alberts et al., Molecular Biology of the Cell, third edition (1994), in particular Chapter 17. The compounds may be, e.g., added to the reaction mixture, culture medium, injected into the cell or sprayed onto the plant.

[0401.0.0.0] If a sample containing a compound is identified in the method of the invention, then it is either possible to isolate the compound from the original sample identified as containing the compound capable of activating or increasing the content of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof, or one can further subdivide the original sample, for example, if it consists of a plurality of different compounds, so as to reduce the number of different substances per sample and repeat the method with the subdivisions of the original sample. Depending on the complexity of the samples, the steps described above can be performed several times, preferably until the sample identified according to the method of the invention only comprises a limited number of or only one substance(s). Preferably said sample comprises substances of similar chemical and/or physical properties, and most preferably said substances are identical. Preferably, the compound identified according to the above described method or its derivative is further formulated in a form suitable for the application in plant breeding or plant cell and tissue culture.

[0402.0.0.0] The compounds which can be tested and identified according to a method of the invention may be expression libraries, e.g., cDNA expression libraries, peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, antibodies, small organic compounds, hormones, peptidomimetics, PNAs or the like (Milner, Nature Medicine 1 (1995), 879-880; Hupp, Cell 83 (1995), 237-245; Gibbs, Cell 79 (1994), 193-198 and references cited supra). Said compounds can also be functional derivatives or analogues of known inhibitors or activators. Methods for the preparation of chemical derivatives and analogues are well known to those skilled in the art and are described in, for example, Beilstein, Handbook of Organic Chemistry, Springer edition New York Inc., 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010 U.S.A. and Organic Synthesis, Wiley, New York, USA. Furthermore, said derivatives and analogues can be tested for their effects according to methods known in the art. Furthermore, peptidomimetics and/or computer aided design of appropriate derivatives and analogues can be used, for example, according to the methods described above. The cell or tissue that may be employed in the method of the invention preferably is a host cell, plant cell or plant tissue of the invention described in the embodiments hereinbefore.

[0403.0.0.0] Thus, in a further embodiment the invention relates to a compound obtained or identified according to the method for identifying an agonist of the invention said compound being an agonist of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0404.0.0.0] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention further relates to a compound identified by the method for identifying a compound of the present invention.

[0405.0.0.0] Said compound is, for example, a homologous of the polypeptide of the present invention. Homologues of the polypeptid of the present invention can be generated by mutagenesis, e.g., discrete point mutation or truncation of the polypeptide of the present invention. As used herein, the term “homologue” refers to a variant form of the protein, which acts as an agonist of the activity of the polypeptide of the present invention. An agonist of said protein can retain substantially the same, or a subset, of the biological activities of the polypeptide of the present invention. In particular, said agonist confers the increase of the expression level of the polypeptide of the present invention and/or the expression of said agonist in an organisms or part thereof confers the increase of free and/or bound the respective fine chemical in the organism or part thereof.

[0406.0.0.0] In one embodiment, the invention relates to an antibody specifically recognizing the compound or agonist of the present invention.

[0407.0.0.0] The invention also relates to a diagnostic composition comprising at least one of the aforementioned nucleic acid molecules, vectors, proteins, antibodies or compounds of the invention and optionally suitable means for detection.

[0408.0.0.0] The diagnostic composition of the present invention is suitable for the isolation of mRNA from a cell and contacting the mRNA so obtained with a probe comprising a nucleic acid probe as described above under hybridizing conditions, detecting the presence of mRNA hybridized to the probe, and thereby detecting the expression of the protein in the cell. Further methods of detecting the presence of a protein according to the present invention comprise immunotechniques well known in the art, for example enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, it is possible to use the nucleic acid molecules according to the invention as molecular markers or primer in plant breeding. Suitable means for detection are well known to a person skilled in the arm, e.g. buffers and solutions for hydridization assays, e.g. the aforementioned solutions and buffers, further and means for Southern-, Western-, Northern—etc.—blots, as e.g. described in Sambrook et al. are known.

[0409.0.0.0] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a kit comprising the nucleic acid molecule, the vector, the host cell, the polypeptide, the antisense nucleic acid, the antibody, plant cell, the plant or plant tissue, the harvestable part, the propagation material and/or the compound or agonist or antagonists identified according to the method of the invention.

[0410.0.0.0] The compounds of the kit of the present invention may be packaged in containers such as vials, optionally with/in buffers and/or solution. If appropriate, one or more of said components might be packaged in one and the same container. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of said components might be adsorbed to a solid support as, e.g. a nitrocellulose filter, a glass plate, a chip, or a nylon membrane or to the well of a micro titerplate. The kit can be used for any of the herein described methods and embodiments, e.g. for the production of the host cells, transgenic plants, pharmaceutical compositions, detection of homologous sequences, identification of antagonists or agonists, as food or feed or as a supplement thereof, as supplement for the treating of plants, etc.

[0411.0.0.0] Further, the kit can comprise instructions for the use of the kit for any of said embodiments, in particular for the use for producing organisms or part thereof having an increased free or bound the respective fine chemical content.

[0412.0.0.0] In one embodiment said kit comprises further a nucleic acid molecule encoding one or more of the aforementioned protein, and/or an antibody, a vector, a host cell, an antisense nucleic acid, a plant cell or plant tissue or a plant.

[0413.0.0.0] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the production of a agricultural composition providing the nucleic acid molecule, the vector or the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or comprising the steps of the method according to the invention for the identification of said compound, agonist or antagonist; and formulating the nucleic acid molecule, the vector or the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or the agonist, or compound identified according to the methods or processes of the present invention or with use of the subject matters of the present invention in a form applicable as plant agricultural composition.

[0414.0.0.0] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the production of a “the respective fine chemical”-production supporting plant culture composition comprising the steps of the method for of the present invention; and formulating the compound identified in a form acceptable as agricultural composition.

[0415.0.0.0] Under “acceptable as agricultural composition” is understood, that such a composition is in agreement with the laws regulating the content of fungicides, plant nutrients, herbicides, etc. Preferably such a composition is without any harm for the protected plants and the animals (humans included) fed therewith.

[0416.0.0.0] The present invention also pertains to several embodiments relating to further uses and methods. The nucleic acid molecule, polypeptide, protein homologues, fusion proteins, primers, vectors, host cells, described herein can be used in one or more of the following methods: identification of plants useful for the respective fine chemical production as mentioned and related organisms; mapping of genomes; identification and localization of sequences of interest; evolutionary studies; determination of regions required for function; modulation of an activity.

[0417.0.0.0] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the amino acid production biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect plants against herbicides, which block the amino acid, in particular the respective fine chemical, synthesis in said plant. Inhibitors may inhibit one or more of the steps for the synthesis of methionine. The first committed step for the synthesis of Lys, Met and Thr is the first step, in which aspartate is phosphorylated to aspartyl-b-phosphate, catalyzed by aspartokinase: E. coli has 3 isozymes of aspartokinase that respond differently to each of the 3 amino acids, with regard to enzyme inhibition and feedback inhibition. The biosynthesis of lysine, methionine and threonine are not, then, controlled as a group. The pathway from aspartate to lysine has 10 steps. The pathway from aspartate to threonine has 5 steps. The pathway from aspartate to methionine has 7 steps. Regulation of the three pathways also occurs at the two branch points:

-   -   b-Aspartate-semialdehyde (homoserine and lysine)     -   Homoserine (threonine and methionine)

The regulation results from feedback inhibition by the amino acid products of the branches, indicated in the brackets above. One important step in the synthesis of this group of 3 amino acids is the step in which homocysteine is converted to methionine, catalyzed by the enzyme methionine synthase:

In this reaction, homocysteine is methylated to methionine, and the Cl donor is N5-methyl-THF. Thus, inhibition of one or more of the methionine synthesis enzymes, including also the provision of donor molecules, can inhibit the synthesis of methionine.

Examples of herbicides blocking the amino acid synthesis in plants are for example sulfonylurea and imidazolinone herbicides, which catalyze the first step in branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis. Inhibitors of the methionine synthesis may for example described in Danishpajooh 10, 2001 Nitric oxide inhibits methionine synthase activity in vivo and disrupts carbon flow through the folate pathway. J. Biol. Chem. 276: 27296-27303; Datko A H, 1982 Methionine biosynthesis in Lemna-inhibitor studies. Plant Physiol. 69: 1070-1076; Lavrador K, 1998 A new series of cyclic amino acids as inhibitors of S-adenosyl L-methionine synthetase. Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 8: 1629-1634; Thompson G A, 1982 Methionine synthesis in Lemna-inhibition of cystathionine gamma-synthase by propargylglycine. Plant Physiol. 70: 1347-1352. In some organisms the methionine synthesis is inhibited by ethanol, lead, mercury, aluminium, thimerosal, cupper, N20, as e.g. discussed in M. Waly, H. Oleteanu et al., 2004, Molecular Psychiatry, 1-13.

Interestingly, Arabidopsis seed germination was strongly delayed in the presence of DL-propargylglycine, a specific inhibitor of methionine synthesis. Furthermore, this compound totally inhibited seedling growth. These phenotypic effects were largely alleviated upon methionine supplementation in the germination medium. The results indicated that methionine synthase and S-adenosylmethionine synthetase are fundamental components controlling metabolism in the transition from a quiescent to a highly active state during seed germination. Moreover, the observed temporal patterns of accumulation of these proteins are consistent with an essential role of endogenous ethylene in Arabidopsis only after radicle protrusion; s. Gallarado, K., 2002, Importance of methionine biosynthesis for Arabidopsis seed germination and seedling growth, Physiolgia Plantarum, 116(2), pp 238-247. Accordingly, the overexpression of a polypeptide of the present invention in a plant may protect the plant against a herbicide inhibiting methionine synthesis.

[0418.0.0.0] Accordingly, the nucleic acid molecules of the present invention have a variety of uses. First, they may be used to identify an organism or a close relative thereof. Also, they may be used to identify the presence thereof or a relative thereof in a mixed population of microorganisms or plants. By probing the extracted genomic DNA of a culture of a unique or mixed population of plants under stringent conditions with a probe spanning a region of the gene of the present invention which is unique to this, one can ascertain whether the present invention has been used or whether it or a close relative is present.

[0419.0.0.0] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention may be sufficiently homologous to the sequences of related species such that these nucleic acid molecules may serve as markers for the construction of a genomic map in related organism.

[0420.0.0.0] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a method for breeding plants for the production of the respective fine chemical, comprising

-   -   (a) providing a first plant variety produced according to the         process of the invention preferably (over)expressing the nucleic         acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used         in the method of the invention;     -   (b) crossing the first plant variety with a second plant         variety; and     -   (c) selecting the offspring plants which overproduce the         respective fine chemical by means of analysis the distribution         of a molecular marker in the offspring representing the first         plant variety and its capability to (over)produce the respective         fine chemical.

Details about the use of molecular markers in breeding can be found in Kumar et al., 1999 (Biotech Adv., 17:143-182) and Peleman and van der Voort 2003 (Trends Plant Sci. 2003 July; 8(7):330-334)

The molecular marker can e.g. relate to the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention and/or its expression level. Accordingly, the molecular marker can be a probe or a PCR primer set useful for identification of the genomic existence or genomic localisation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, e.g. in a Southern blot analysis or a PCR or its expression level, i.g. in a Northern Blot analysis or a quantitative PCR.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or encoding the polypeptide of the present invention as molecular marker for breeding, especially for breeding for a high or low respective fine chemical production.

[0421.0.0.0] The nucleic acid molecules of the invention are also useful for evolutionary and protein structural studies. By comparing the sequences of the invention or used in the process of the invention to those encoding similar enzymes from other organisms, the evolutionary relatedness of the organisms can be assessed. Similarly, such a comparison permits an assessment of which regions of the sequence are conserved and which are not, which may aid in determining those regions of the protein which are essential for the functioning of the enzyme. This type of determination is of value for protein engineering studies and may give an indication of what the protein can tolerate in terms of mutagenesis without losing function.

[0422.0.0.0] Accordingly, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention can be used for the identification of other nucleic acids conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical after expression.

[0423.0.0.0] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or a fragment of a gene conferring the expression of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, preferably comprising the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, can be used for marker assisted breeding or association mapping of the respective fine chemical derived traits

[0424.0.0.0] Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the respective fine chemical or of the fine chemical and one or more other amino acids, in particular Threoinine, Alanine, Glutamin, Glutamic acid, Valine, Asparagine, Phenylalanine, Leucine, Proline, Tryptophan Tyrosine, Valine, Isoleucine and Arginine. Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the respective fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0425.0.0.0] Further, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist or the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the preparation of an agricultural composition.

[0426.0.0.0] Furthermore, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, antagonist or the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the identification and production of compounds capable of conferring a modulation of the respective fine chemical levels in an organism or parts thereof, preferably to identify and produce compounds conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical levels in an organism or parts thereof, if said identified compound is applied to the organism or part thereof, i.e. as part of its food, or in the growing or culture media.

[0427.0.0.0] These and other embodiments are disclosed and encompassed by the description and examples of the present invention. Further literature concerning any one of the methods, uses and compounds to be employed in accordance with the present invention may be retrieved from public libraries, using for example electronic devices. For example the public database “Medline” may be utilized which is available on the Internet, for example under hftp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/medline.html. Further databases and addresses, such as hftp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/, hftp://www.infobiogen.fr/, hftp://www.fmi.ch/biology/research-tools.html, hftp://www.tigr.org/, are known to the person skilled in the art and can also be obtained using, e.g., hftp://www.lycos.com. An overview of patent information in biotechnology and a survey of relevant sources of patent information useful for retrospective searching and for current awareness is given in Berks, TIBTECH 12 (1994), 352-364.

[0428.0.0.0] Table 1 gives an overview about the sequences disclosed in the present invention.

1) Increase of the metabolites: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type)- Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type) 2) Decrease of the metabolites: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (minimal decrease) Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (maximal decrease)

[0429.0.0.0] The present invention is illustrated by the examples, which follow. The present examples illustrate the basic invention without being intended as limiting the subject of the invention. The content of all of the references, patent applications, patents and published patent applications cited in the present patent application is herewith incorporated by reference.

[0430.0.0.0] EXAMPLES [0431.0.0.0] Example 1 Cloning into in Escherichia coli

[0432.0.0.0] A DNA polynucleotide with a sequence as indicated in Table I, column 5 and encoding a polypeptide as listed in Table 1 below, was cloned into the plasmids pBR322 (Sutcliffe, J. G. (1979) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, 75: 3737-3741); pACYC177 (Change & Cohen (1978) J. Bacteriol. 134: 1141-1156); plasmids of the pBS series (pBSSK+, pBSSK− and others; Stratagene, LaJolla, USA) or cosmids such as SuperCosi (Stratagene, LaJolla, USA) or Lorist6 (Gibson, T. J. Rosenthal, A., and Waterson, R. H. (1987) Gene 53: 283-286) for expression in E. coli using known, well-established procedures (see, for example, Sambrook, J. et al. (1989) “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons).

[0433.0.0.0] Example 2 DNA Sequencing and Computerized Functional Analysis

[0434.0.0.0] The DNA was sequenced by standard procedures, in particular the chain determination method, using ABI377 sequencers (see, for example, Fleischman, R. D. et al. (1995) “Whole-genome Random Sequencing and Assembly of Haemophilus Influenzae Rd., Science 269; 496-512)”.

[0435.0.0.0] Example 3 In-Vivo and In-Vitro Mutagenesis

[0436.0.0.0] An in vivo mutagenesis of Corynebacterium glutamicum for the production of the respective fine chemical can be carried out by passing a plasmid DNA (or another vector DNA) through E. coli and other microorganisms (for example Bacillus spp. or yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae), which are not capable of maintaining the integrity of its genetic information. Usual mutator strains have mutations in the genes for the DNA repair system [for example mutHLS, mutD, mutT and the like; for comparison, see Rupp, W. D. (1996) DNA repair mechanisms in Escherichia coli and Salmonella, pp. 2277-2294, ASM: Washington]. The skilled worker knows these strains. The use of these strains is illustrated for example in Greener, A. and Callahan, M. (1994) Strategies 7; 32-34.

[0436.1.0.0] In-vitro mutation methods such as increasing the spontaneous mutation rates by chemical or physical treatment are well known to the skilled person. Mutagens like 5-bromo-uracil, N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (=NTG), ethyl methanesulfonate (=EMS), hydroxylamine and/or nitrous acid are widly used as chemical agents for random in-vitro mutagenesis. The most common physical method for mutagensis is the treatment with UV irradiation. Another random mutagenesis technique is the error-prone PCR for introducing amino acid changes into proteins. Mutations are deliberately introduced during PCR through the use of error-prone DNA polymerases and special reaction conditions known to a person skilled in the art. For this method randomized DNA sequences are cloned into expression vectors and the resulting mutant libraries screened for altered or improved protein activity as described below.

Site-directed mutagensis method such as the introduction of desired mutations with an M13 or phagemid vector and short oligonucleotides primers is a well-known approach for site-directed mutagensis. The clou of this method involves cloning of the nucleic acid sequence of the invention into an M13 or phagemid vector, which permits recovery of single-stranded recombinant nucleic acid sequence. A mutagenic oligonucleotide primer is then designed whose sequence is perfectly complementary to nucleic acid sequence in the region to be mutated, but with a single difference: at the intended mutation site it bears a base that is complementary to the desired mutant nucleotide rather than the original. The mutagenic oligonucleotide is then allowed to prime new DNA synthesis to create a complementary full-length sequence containing the desired mutation. Another site-directed mutagensis method is the PCR mismatch primer mutagensis method also known to the skilled person. Dpnl site-directed mutagensis is a further known method as described for example in the Stratagene Quickchange™ site-directed mutagenesis kit protocol. A huge number of other methods are also known and used in common practice.

Positive mutation events can be selected by screening the organisms for the production of the desired respective fine chemical.

[0437.0.0.0] Example 4 DNA Transfer Between Escherichia coli and Corynebacterium glutamicum

[0438.0.0.0] Several Corynebacterium and Brevibacterium species comprise endogenous plasmids (such as, for example, pHM1519 or pBL1) which replicate autonomously (for a review, see, for example, Martin, J. F. et al. (1987) Biotechnology 5: 137-146). Shuttle vectors for Escherichia coli and Corynebacterium glutamicum can be constructed easily using standard vectors for E. coli (Sambrook, J. et al., (1989), “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons), which have a replication origin for, and suitable marker from, Corynebacterium glutamicum added. Such replication origins are preferably taken from endogenous plasmids, which have been isolated from Corynebacterium and Brevibacterium species. Genes, which are used in particular as transformation markers for these species are genes for kanamycin resistance (such as those which originate from the Tn5 or Tn-903 transposon) or for chloramphenicol resistance (Winnacker, E. L. (1987) “From Genes to Clones—Introduction to Gene Technology, VCH, Weinheim). There are many examples in the literature of the preparation of a large multiplicity of shuttle vectors which are replicated in E. coli and C. glutamicum and which can be used for various purposes including the overexpression of genes (see, for example, Yoshihama, M. et al. (1985) J. Bacteriol. 162: 591-597, Martin, J. F. et al., (1987) Biotechnology, 5: 137-146 and Eikmanns, B. J. et al. (1992) Gene 102: 93-98). Suitable vectors, which replicate in coryneform bacteria are, for example, pZ1 (Menke) et al., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 64, 1989: 549-554) pEkEx1 (Eikmanns et al., Gene 102, 1991: 93-98) or pHS2-1 (Sonnen et al, Gene 107, 1991: 69-74). These vectors are based on the cryptic plasmids pHM1519, pBL1 or pGA1. Other plasmid vectors such as, for example, those based on pCG4 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,489,160), pNG2 (Serwold-Davis et al., FEMS Microbiol. Lett., 66, 1990: 119-124) or pAG1 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,891) can be used in the same manner.

[0439.0.0.0] Using standard methods, it is possible to clone a gene of interest into one of the above-described shuttle vectors and to introduce such hybrid vectors into Corynebacterium glutamicum strains. The transformation of C. glutamicum can be achieved by protoplast transformation (Kastsumata, R. et al., (1984) J. Bacteriol. 159, 306-311), electroporation (Liebl, E. et al., (1989) FEMS Microbiol. Letters, 53: 399-303) and in those cases where specific vectors are used also by conjugation (such as, for example, described in Schafer, A., et al. (1990) J. Bacteriol. 172: 1663-1666). Likewise, it is possible to transfer the shuttle vectors for C. glutamicum to E. coli by preparing plasmid DNA from C. glutamicum (using standard methods known in the art) and transforming it into E. coli. This transformation step can be carried out using standard methods, but preferably using an Mcr-deficient E. coli strain, such as NM522 (Gough & Murray (1983) J. Mol. Biol. 166: 1-19).

[0440.0.0.0] If the transformed sequence(s) is/are to be integrated advantageously into the genome of the coryneform bacteria, standard techniques known to the skilled worker also exist for this purpose. Examples, which are used for this purpose are plasmid vectors as they have been described by Remscheid et al. (Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 60, 1994: 126-132) for the duplication and amplification of the hom-thrB operon. In this method, the complete gene is cloned into a plasmid vector which is capable of replication in a host such as E. coli, but not in C. glutamicum. Suitable vectors are, for example, pSUP301 (Simon et al., Bio/Technology 1, 1983: 784-791), pKlBmob or pKl 9mob (Schafer et al., Gene 145, 1994: 69-73), pGEM-T (Promega Corp., Madison, Wis., USA), pCR2.1-TOPO (Schuman, J. Biol. Chem., 269, 1994: 32678-32684, U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,993), pCR®Blunt (Invitrogen, Groningen, the Netherlands) or pEM1 (Schrumpf et al., J. Bacteriol., 173, 1991: 4510-4516).

[0441.0.0.0] Example 5 Determining the Expression of the Mutant/Transgenic Protein

[0442.0.0.0] The observations of the activity of a mutated, or transgenic, protein in a transformed host cell are based on the fact that the protein is expressed in a similar manner and in a similar quantity as the wild-type protein. A suitable method for determining the transcription quantity of the mutant, or transgenic, gene (a sign for the amount of mRNA which is available for the translation of the gene product) is to carry out a Northern blot (see, for example, Ausubel et al., (1988) Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Wiley: New York), where a primer which is designed in such a way that it binds to the gene of interest is provided with a detectable marker (usually a radioactive or chemiluminescent marker) so that, when the total RNA of a culture of the organism is extracted, separated on a gel, applied to a stable matrix and incubated with this probe, the binding and quantity of the binding of the probe indicates the presence and also the amount of mRNA for this gene. Another method is a quantitative PCR. This information detects the extent to which the gene has been transcribed. Total cell RNA can be isolated from Corynebacterium glutamicum or other microorganisms by a variety of methods, which are known in the art, e.g. as described in Bormann, E. R. et al., (1992) Mol. Microbiol. 6: 317-326.

[0443.0.0.0] Standard techniques, such as Western blot, may be employed to determine the presence or relative amount of protein translated from this mRNA (see, for example, Ausubel et al. (1988) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, Wiley, New York). In this method, total cell proteins are extracted, separated by gel electrophoresis, transferred to a matrix such as nitrocellulose and incubated with a probe, such as an antibody, which binds specifically to the desired protein. This probe is usually provided directly or indirectly with a chemiluminescent or colorimetric marker, which can be detected readily. The presence and the observed amount of marker indicates the presence and the amount of the sought mutant protein in the cell. However, other methods are also known.

[0444.0.0.0] Example 6 Growth of Genetically Modified Corynebacterium Glutamicum: Media and Culture Conditions

[0444.0.0.0] Genetically modified Corynebacteria are grown in synthetic or natural growth media. A number of different growth media for Corynebacteria are known and widely available (Lieb et al. (1989) Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 32: 205-210; von der Osten et al. (1998) Biotechnology Letters 11: 11-16; Patent DE 4 120 867; Liebl (1992) “The Genus Corynebacterium”, in: The Procaryotes, Vol. II, Balows, A., et al., Ed. Springer-Verlag).

[0445.0.0.0] Said media, which can be used according to the invention usually consist of one or more carbon sources, nitrogen sources, inorganic salts, vitamins and trace elements. Preferred carbon sources are sugars such as mono-, di- or polysaccharides. Examples of very good carbon sources are glucose, fructose, mannose, galactose, ribose, sorbose, ribulose, lactose, maltose, sucrose, raffinose, starch or cellulose. Sugars may also be added to the media via complex compounds such as molasses or other by-products of sugar refining. It may also be advantageous to add mixtures of various carbon sources. Other possible carbon sources are alcohols and/or organic acids such as methanol, ethanol, acetic acid or lactic acid. Nitrogen sources are usually organic or inorganic nitrogen compounds or materials containing said compounds. Examples of nitrogen sources include ammonia gas, aqueous ammonia solutions or ammonium salts such as NH₄Cl, or (NH₄)₂SO₄, NH₄OH, nitrates, urea, amino acids or complex nitrogen sources such as cornsteep liquor, soybean flour, soybean protein, yeast extract, meat extract and others. Mixtures of the above nitrogen sources may be used advantageously.

[0446.0.0.0] Inorganic salt compounds, which may be included in the media comprise the chloride, phosphorus or sulfate salts of calcium, magnesium, sodium, cobalt, molybdenum, potassium, manganese, zinc, copper and iron. Chelating agents may be added to the medium in order to keep the metal ions in solution. Particularly suitable chelating agents include dihydroxyphenols such as catechol or protocatechulate or organic acids such as citric acid. The media usually also contain other growth factors such as vitamins or growth promoters, which include, for example, biotin, riboflavin, thiamine, folic acid, nicotinic acid, panthothenate and pyridoxine.

[0447.0.0.0] Growth factors and salts are frequently derived from complex media components such as yeast extract, molasses, cornsteep liquor and the like. The exact composition of the compounds used in the media depends heavily on the particular experiment and is decided upon individually for each specific case. Information on the optimization of media can be found in the textbook “Applied Microbiol. Physiology, A Practical Approach” (Ed. P. M. Rhodes, P. F. Stanbury, IRL Press (1997) S. 53-73, ISBN 0 19 963577 3). Growth media can also be obtained from commercial suppliers, for example Standard 1 (Merck) or BHI (Brain heart infusion, DIEGO) and the like.

[0448.0.0.0] All media components are sterilized, either by heat (20 min at 1.5 bar and 121° C.) or by filter sterilization. The components may be sterilized either together or, if required, separately. All media components may be present at the start of the cultivation or added continuously or batchwise, as desired.

[0449.0.0.0] The culture conditions are defined separately for each experiment. The temperature is normally between 15° C. and 45° C. and may be kept constant or may be altered during the experiment. The pH of the medium should be in the range from 5 to 8.5, preferably around 7.0, and can be maintained by adding buffers to the media. An example of a buffer for this purpose is a potassium phosphate buffer. Synthetic buffers such as MOPS, HEPES, ACES and the like may be used as an alternative or simultaneously. The culture pH value may also be kept constant during the culture period by addition of, for example, NaOH or NH₄OH. If complex media components such as yeast extract are used, additional buffers are required less since many complex compounds have a high buffer capacity. When using a fermenter for the culture of microorganisms, the pH value can also be regulated using gaseous ammonia.

[0450.0.0.0] The incubation period is generally in a range of from several hours to several days. This time period is selected in such a way that the maximum amount of product accumulates in the fermentation broth. The growth experiments, which are disclosed can be carried out in a multiplicity of containers such as microtiter plates, glass tubes, glass flasks or glass or metal fermenters of various sizes. To screen a large number of clones, the microorganisms should be grown in microtiter plates, glass tubes or shake flasks, either using simple flasks or baffle flasks. 100 ml shake flasks filled with 10% (based on the volume) of the growth medium required are preferably used. The flasks should be shaken on an orbital shaker (amplitude 25 mm) at a rate ranging from 100 to 300 rpm. Evaporation losses can be reduced by maintaining a humid atmosphere; as an alternative, a mathematical correction should be carried out for the evaporation losses.

[0451.0.0.0] If genetically modified clones are examined, an unmodified control clone, or a control clone, which contains the basic plasmid without insertion, should also be included in the tests. If a transgenic sequence is expressed, a control clone should advantageously again be included in these tests. The medium is advantageously inoculated to an OD600 of 0.5 to 1.5 using cells which have been grown on agar plates, such as CM plates (10 g/l glucose, 2.5 g/l NaCl, 2 g/l urea, 10 g/l polypeptone, 5 g/l yeast extract, 5 g/l meat extract, 22 g/l agar, pH value 6.8 established with 2M NaOH), which have been incubated at 30° C. The media are inoculated for example by introducing of a preculture of seed organisms.

[0451.1.0.0] For example, the media are inoculated by introducing of a saline solution of C. glutamicum cells from CM plates or by addition of a liquid preculture of this bacterium.

[0452.0.0.0] Example 7 In-Vitro Analysis of the Function of the Proteins Encoded by the Transformed Sequences

[0453.0.0.0] The determination of the activities and kinetic parameters of enzymes is well known in the art. Experiments for determining the activity of a specific modified enzyme must be adapted to the specific activity of the wild-enzyme type, which is well within the capabilities of the skilled worker. Overviews of enzymes in general and specific details regarding the structure, kinetics, principles, methods, applications and examples for the determination of many enzyme activities can be found for example in the following literature: Dixon, M., and Webb, E. C: (1979) Enzymes, Longmans, London; Fersht (1985) Enzyme Structure and Mechanism, Freeman, New York; Walsh (1979) Enzymatic Reaction Mechanisms. Freeman, San Francisco; Price, N. C., Stevens, L. (1982) Fundamentals of Enzymology. Oxford Univ. Press: Oxford; Boyer, P. D: Ed. (1983) The Enzymes, 3rd Ed. Academic Press, New York; Bisswanger, H. (1994) Enzymkinetik, 2nd Ed. VCH, Weinheim (ISBN 3527300325); Bergmeyer, H. U., Bergmeyer, J., Graβl, M. Ed. (1983-1986) Methods of Enzymatic Analysis, 3rd Ed. Vol. I-XII, Verlag Chemie: Weinheim; and Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1987) Vol. A9, “Enzymes”, VCH, Weinheim, pp. 352-363.

[0454.0.0.0] Example 8 Analysis of the Effect of the Nucleic Acid Molecule on the Production of the Amino Acids

[0455.0.0.0] The effect of the genetic modification in C. glutamicum on the production of an amino acid can be determined by growing the modified microorganisms under suitable conditions (such as those described above) and analyzing the medium and/or the cellular components for the increased production of the amino acid. Such analytical techniques are well known to the skilled worker and encompass spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, various types of staining methods, enzymatic and microbiological methods and analytical chromatography such as high-performance liquid chromatography (see, for example, Ullman, Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. A2, pp. 89-90 and pp. 443-613, VCH: Weinheim (1985); Fallon, A., et al., (1987) “Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry” in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 17; Rehm et al. (1993) Biotechnology, Vol. 3, Chapter III: “Product recovery and purification”, pp. 469-714, VCH: Weinheim; Belter, P. A. et al. (1988) Bioseparations: downstream processing for Biotechnology, John Wiley and Sons; Kennedy, J. F. and Cabral, J. M. S. (1992) Recovery processes for biological Materials, John Wiley and Sons; Shaeiwitz, J. A. and Henry, J. D. (1988) Biochemical Separations, in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. B3; chapter 11, pp. 1-27, VCH: Weinheim; and Dechow, F. J. (1989) Separation and purification techniques in biotechnology, Noyes Publications).

[0456.0.0.0] In addition to the determination of the fermentation end product, other components of the metabolic pathways which are used for the production of the desired compound, such as intermediates and by-products, may also be analyzed in order to determine the total productivity of the organism, the yield and/or production efficiency of the compound. The analytical methods encompass determining the amounts of nutrients in the medium (for example sugars, hydrocarbons, nitrogen sources, phosphate and other ions), determining biomass composition and growth, analyzing the production of ordinary metabolites from biosynthetic pathways and measuring gases generated during the fermentation. Standard methods for these are described in Applied Microbial Physiology; A Practical Approach, P. M. Rhodes and P. F. Stanbury, Ed. IRL Press, pp. 103-129; 131-163 and 165-192 (ISBN: 0199635773) and the references cited therein.

[0457.0.0.0] Example 9 Purification of the Amino Acid

[0458.0.0.0] The amino acid can be recovered from cells or from the supernatant of the above-described culture by a variety of methods known in the art. For example, the culture supernatant is recovered first. To this end, the cells are harvested from the culture by slow centrifugation. Cells can generally be disrupted or lysed by standard techniques such as mechanical force or sonication. The cell debris is removed by centrifugation and the supernatant fraction, if appropriate together with the culture supernatant, is used for the further purification of the amino acid. However, it is also possible to process the supernatant alone if the amino acid is present in the supernatant in sufficiently high a concentration. In this case, the amino acid, or the amino acid mixture, can be purified further for example via extraction and/or salt precipitation or via ion-exchange chromatography.

[0459.0.0.0] If required and desired, further chromatography steps with a suitable resin may follow, the amino acid, but not many contaminants in the sample, being retained on the chromatography resin or the contaminants, but not the sample with the product (amino acid), being retained on the resin. If necessary, these chromatography steps may be repeated, using identical or other chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the selection of suitable chromatography resin and the most effective use for a particular molecule to be purified. The purified product can be concentrated by filtration or ultrafiltration and stored at a temperature at which maximum product stability is ensured. Many purification methods, which are not limited to the above purification method are known in the art. They are described, for example, in Bailey, J. E. & Ollis, D. F. Biochemical Engineering Fundamentals, McGraw-Hill: New York (1986).

[0460.0.0.0] Identity and purity of the amino acid isolated can be determined by standard techniques of the art. They encompass high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assay or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are compiled in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60: 133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11:27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19: 67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Vol. A27, VCH: Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michal, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 17.

[0461.0.0.0] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 1 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.0] Unless otherwise specified, standard methods as described in Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A laboratory manual, Cold Spring Harbor 1989, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press are used.

[0463.0.0.0] SEQ ID NO: 1 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.0] The composition for the protocol of the Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase was as follows: 1×PCR buffer (Stratagene), 0.2 mM of each dNTP, 100 ng genomic DNA of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain S288C; Research Genetics, Inc., now Invitrogen) or Escherichia coli (strain MG1655; E. coli Genetic Stock Center), 50 μmol forward primer, 50 μmol reverse primer, 2.5 u Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The amplification cycles were as follows:

[0465.0.0.0] 1 cycle of 3 minutes at 94-95° C., followed by 25-36 cycles of in each case 1 minute at 95° C. or 30 seconds at 94° C., 45 seconds at 50° C., 30 seconds at 50° C. or 30 seconds at 55° C. and 210-480 seconds at 72° C., followed by 1 cycle of 8 minutes at 72° C., then 4° C. The composition for the protocol of the Herculase polymerase was as follows: 1×PCR buffer (Stratagene), 0.2 mM of each dNTP, 100 ng genomic DNA of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain S288C; Research Genetics, Inc., now Invitrogen) or Escherichia coli (strain MG1655; E. coli Genetic Stock Center), 50 μmol forward primer, 50 μmol reverse primer, 2.5 u Herculase polymerase. The amplification cycles were as follows:

[0466.0.0.0] 1 cycle of 2-3 minutes at 94° C., followed by 25-30 cycles of in each case 30 seconds at 94° C., 30 seconds at 55-60° C. and 5-10 minutes at 72° C., followed by 1 cycle of 10 minutes at 72° C., then 4° C.

[0467.0.0.0] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 1:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 3) ATGGAACAGAACAGGTTCAAGAAAG ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 4) TTACAGTTTTTGTTTAGTCGTTTTAAC

[0468.0.0.0] Thereafter, the amplificate was purified over QIAquick columns following the standard protocol (Qiagen).

[0469.0.0.0] For the cloning of PCR-products, produced by Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase, the vector DNA (30 ng) was restricted with Smal following the standard protocol (MBI Fermentas) and stopped by addition of high-salt buffer. The restricted vector fragments were purified via Nucleobond columns using the standard protocol (Macherey-Nagel). Thereafter, the linearized vector was dephosphorylated following the standard protocol (MBI Fermentas).

[0470.0.0.0] The PCR-products, produced by Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase, were directly cloned into the processed binary vector. The PCR-products, produced by Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase, were phosphorylated using a T4 DNA polymerase using a standard protocol (e.g. MBI Fermentas) and cloned into the processed binary vector.

[0471.0.0.0] The DNA termini of the PCR-products, produced by Herculase DNA polymerase, were blunted in a second synthesis reaction using Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The composition for the protocol of the blunting the DNA-termini was as follows: 0.2 mM blunting dTTP and 1.25 u Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The reaction was incubated at 72° C. for 30 minutes. Then the PCR-products were cloned into the processed vector as well. The DNA termini of the PCR-products, produced by Herculase DNA polymerase, were blunted in a second synthesis reaction using Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The composition for the protocol of the blunting the DNA-termini was as follows: 0.2 mM blunting dTTP and 1.25 u Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The reaction was incubated at 72° C. for 30 minutes. Then the PCR-products were phosphorylated using a T4 DNA polymerase using a standard protocol (e.g. MBI Fermentas) and cloned into the processed vector as well.

[0472.0.0.0] A binary vector comprising a selection cassette (promoter, selection marker, terminator) and an expression cassette with promoter, cloning cassette and terminator sequence between the T-DNA border sequences was used. In addition to those within the cloning cassette, the binary vector has no Smal cleavage site. Binary vectors which can be used are known to the skilled worker; an overview of binary vectors and their use can be found in Hellens, R., Mullineaux, P. and Klee H., [(2000) “A guide to Agrobacterium binary vectors”, Trends in Plant Science, Vol. 5 No. 10, 446-451. Depending on the vector used, cloning may advantageously also be carried out via other restriction enzymes. Suitable advantageous cleavage sites can be added to the ORF by using suitable primers for the PCR amplification.

[0473.0.0.0] Approximately 30 ng of prepared vector and a defined amount of prepared amplificate were mixed and ligated by addition of ligase.

[0474.0.0.0] The ligated vectors were transformed in the same reaction vessel by addition of competent E. coli cells (strain DH5alpha) and incubation for 20 minutes at 1° C. followed by a heat shock for 90 seconds at 42° C. and cooling to 4° C. Then, complete medium (SOC) was added and the mixture was incubated for 45 minutes at 37° C. The entire mixture was subsequently plated onto an agar plate with antibiotics (selected as a function of the binary vector used) and incubated overnight at 37° C.

[0475.0.0.0] The outcome of the cloning step was verified by amplification with the aid of primers which bind upstream and downstream of the integration site, thus allowing the amplification of the insertion. In addition combinations of the above mentioned gene specific primers and upstream and downstream primers were used in PCR reactions to identify clones with the correct insert orientation. The amplifications were carried as described in the protocol of Taq DNA polymerase (Gibco-BRL).

[0476.0.0.0] The amplification cycles were as follows: 1 cycle of 5 minutes at 94° C., followed by 35 cycles of in each case 15 seconds at 94° C., 15 seconds at 50-66° C. and 5 minutes at 72° C., followed by 1 cycle of 10 minutes at 72° C., then 4° C.

[0477.0.0.0] Several colonies were checked, but only one colony for which a PCR product of the expected size was detected was used in the following steps.

[0478.0.0.0] A portion of this positive colony was transferred into a reaction vessel filled with complete medium (LB) and incubated overnight at 37° C. The LB medium contained an antibiotic chosen to suit the binary vector (see above) used and the resistance gene present therein in order to select the clone.

[0479.0.0.0] The plasmid preparation was carried out as specified in the Qiaprep standard protocol (Qiagen).

[0480.0.0.0] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 1

[0481.0.0.0] 1 ng of the plasmid DNA isolated was transformed by electroporation into competent cells of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, of strain GV 3101 pMP90 (Koncz and Schell, Mol. Gen. Gent. 204, 383-396, 1986). The choice of the agrobacterial strain depends on the choice of the binary vector. An overview of possible strains and their properties is found in Hellens, R., Mullineaux, P. and Klee H., (2000) “A guide to Agrobacterium binary vectors, Trends in Plant Science, Vol. 5 No. 10, 446-451. Thereafter, complete medium (YEP) was added and the mixture was transferred into a fresh reaction vessel for 3 hours at 28° C. Thereafter, all of the reaction mixture was plated onto YEP agar plates supplemented with the respective antibiotics, for example rifampicin and gentamycin for GV3101 pMP90, and a further antibiotic for the selection onto the binary vector, was plated, and incubated for 48 hours at 28° C.

[0482.0.0.0] The agrobacteria generated in Example 10, which contains the plasmid construct were then used for the transformation of plants.

[0483.0.0.0] A colony was picked from the agar plate with the aid of a pipette tip and taken up in 3 ml of liquid TB medium, which also contained suitable antibiotics, depending on the agrobacterial strain and the binary plasmid. The preculture was grown for 48 hours at 28° C. and 120 rpm.

[0484.0.0.0] 400 ml of LB medium containing the same antibiotics as above were used for the main culture. The preculture was transferred into the main culture. It was grown for 18 hours at 28° C. and 120 rpm. After centrifugation at 4 000 rpm, the pellet was resuspended in infiltration medium (MS medium, 10% sucrose).

[0485.0.0.0] In order to grow the plants for the transformation, dishes (Piki Saat 80, green, provided with a screen bottom, 30× 20× 4.5 cm, from Wiesauplast, Kunststofftechnik, Germany) were half-filled with a GS 90 substrate (standard soil, Werkverband E.V., Germany). The dishes were watered overnight with 0.05% Proplant solution (Chimac-Apriphar, Belgium). Arabidopsis thaliana C24 seeds (Nottingham Arabidopsis Stock Centre, UK; NASC Stock N906) were scattered over the dish, approximately 1 000 seeds per dish. The dishes were covered with a hood and placed in the stratification facility (8 h, 110 μmol/m²/s⁻¹, 22° C.; 16 h, dark, 6° C.). After 5 days, the dishes were placed into the short-day controlled environment chamber (8 h 130 μmol/m²/s⁻¹, 22° C.; 16 h, dark 20° C.), where they remained for approximately 10 days until the first true leaves had formed.

[0486.0.0.0] The seedlings were transferred into pots containing the same substrate (Teku pots, 7 cm, LC series, manufactured by Pöppelmann GmbH & Co, Germany). Five plants were pricked out into each pot. The pots were then returned into the short-day controlled environment chamber for the plant to continue growing.

[0487.0.0.0] After 10 days, the plants were transferred into the greenhouse cabinet (supplementary illumination, 16 h, 340 μE, 22° C.; 8 h, dark, 20° C.), where they were allowed to grow for further 17 days.

[0488.0.0.0] For the transformation, 6-week-old Arabidopsis plants which had just started flowering were immersed for 10 seconds into the above-described agrobacterial suspension which had previously been treated with 10 μl Silwett L77 (Crompton S. A., Osi Specialties, Switzerland). The method in question is described in Clough and Bent, 1998 (Clough, J C and Bent, A F. 1998 Floral dip: a simplified method for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Arabidopsis thaliana, Plant J. 16:735-743.

[0489.0.0.0] The plants were subsequently placed for 18 hours into a humid chamber. Thereafter, the pots were returned to the greenhouse for the plants to continue growing. The plants remained in the greenhouse for another 10 weeks until the seeds were ready for harvesting.

[0490.0.0.0] Depending on the resistance marker used for the selection of the transformed plants the harvested seeds were planted in the greenhouse and subjected to a spray selection or else first sterilized and then grown on agar plates supplemented with the respective selection agent. In case of BASTA®-resistance, plantlets were sprayed four times at an interval of 2 to 3 days with 0.02% BASTA® and transformed plants were allowed to set seeds. The seeds of the transgenic A. thaliana plants were stored in the freezer (at −20° C.).

[0491.0.0.0] Example 12 Plant Culture for Bioanalytical Analyses

[0492.0.0.0] For the bioanalytical analyses of the transgenic plants, the latter were grown uniformly a specific culture facility. To this end the GS-90 substrate as the compost mixture was introduced into the potting machine (Laible System GmbH, Singen, Germany) and filled into the pots. Thereafter, 35 pots were combined in one dish and treated with Previcur. For the treatment, 25 ml of Previcur were taken up in 10 l of tap water. This amount was sufficient for the treatment of approximately 200 pots. The pots were placed into the Previcur solution and additionally irrigated overhead with tap water without Previcur. They were used within four days.

[0493.0.0.0] For the sowing, the seeds, which had been stored in the refrigerator (at −20° C.), were removed from the Eppendorf tubes with the aid of a toothpick and transferred into the pots with the compost. In total, approximately 5 to 12 seeds were distributed in the middle of the pot.

[0494.0.0.0] After the seeds had been sown, the dishes with the pots were covered with matching plastic hood and placed into the stratification chamber for 4 days in the dark at 4° C. The humidity was approximately 90%. After the stratification, the test plants were grown for 22 to 23 days at a 16-h-light, 8-h-dark rhythm at 20° C., an atmospheric humidity of 60% and a CO₂ concentration of approximately 400 ppm. The light sources used were Powerstar HQI-T 250 W/D Daylight lamps from Osram, which generate a light resembling the solar color spectrum with a light intensity of approximately 220 μE/m2/s-1.

[0495.0.0.0] When the plants were 8, 9 and 10 days old, they were subjected to selection for the resistance marker Approximately 1400 pots with transgenic plants were treated with 1 l 0.015% vol/vol of Basta® (Glufosinate-ammonium) solution in water (Aventis Cropsience, Germany). After a further 3 to 4 days, the transgenic, resistant seedlings (plantlets in the 4-leaf stage) could be distinguished clearly from the untransformed plantlets. The nontransgenic seedlings were bleached or dead. The transgenic resistance plants were thinned when they had reached the age of 14 days. The plants, which had grown best in the center of the pot were considered the target plants. All the remaining plants were removed carefully with the aid of metal tweezers and discarded.

[0496.0.0.0] During their growth, the plants received overhead irrigation with distilled water (onto the compost) and bottom irrigation into the placement grooves. Once the grown plants had reached the age of 23 days, they were harvested.

[0497.0.0.0] Example 13 Metabolic Analysis of Transformed Plants

[0498.0.0.0] The modifications identified in accordance with the invention, in the content of above-described metabolites, were identified by the following procedure.

a) Sampling and Storage of the Samples

[0499.0.0.0] Sampling was performed directly in the controlled-environment chamber. The plants were cut using small laboratory scissors, rapidly weighed on laboratory scales, transferred into a pre-cooled extraction sleeve and placed into an aluminum rack cooled by liquid nitrogen. If required, the extraction sleeves can be stored in the freezer at −80° C. The time elapsing between cutting the plant to freezing it in liquid nitrogen amounted to not more than 10 to 20 seconds.

b) Lyophilization

[0500.0.0.0] During the experiment, care was taken that the plants either remained in the deep-frozen state (temperatures <−40° C.) or were freed from water by lyophilization until the first contact with solvents.

[0501.0.0.0] The aluminum rack with the plant samples in the extraction sleeves was placed into the pre-cooled (−40° C.) lyophilization facility. The initial temperature during the main drying phase was −35° C. and the pressure was 0.120 mbar. During the drying phase, the parameters were altered following a pressure and temperature program. The final temperature after 12 hours was +30° C. and the final pressure was 0.001 to 0.004 mbar. After the vacuum pump and the refrigerating machine had been switched off, the system was flushed with air (dried via a drying tube) or argon.

c) Extraction

[0502.0.0.0] Immediately after the lyophilization apparatus had been flushed, the extraction sleeves with the lyophilized plant material were transferred into the 5 ml extraction cartridges of the ASE device (Accelerated Solvent Extractor ASE 200 with Solvent Controller and AutoASE software (DIONEX)).

[0503.0.0.0] The 24 sample positions of an ASE device (Accelerated Solvent Extractor ASE 200 with Solvent Controller and AutoASE software (DIONEX)) were filled with plant samples, including some samples for testing quality control.

[0504.0.0.0] The polar substances were extracted with approximately 10 ml of methanol/water (80/20, v/v) at T=70° C. and p=140 bar, 5 minutes heating-up phase, 1 minute static extraction. The more lipophilic substances were extracted with approximately 10 ml of methanol/dichloromethane (40/60, v/v) at T=70° C. and p=140 bar, 5 minute heating-up phase, 1 minute static extraction. The two solvent mixtures were extracted into the same glass tubes (centrifuge tubes, 50 ml, equipped with screw cap and pierceable septum for the ASE (DIONEX)).

[0505.0.0.0] The solution was treated with internal standards: ribitol, L-glycine-2,2-d₂, L-alanine-2,3,3,3-d₄, methionine-methyl-d₃, and α-methylglucopyranoside and methyl nonadecanoate, methyl undecanoate, methyl tridecanoate, methyl pentadecanoate, methyl nonacosanoate.

[0506.0.0.0] The total extract was treated with 8 ml of water. The solid residue of the plant sample and the extraction sleeve were discarded.

[0507.0.0.0] The extract was shaken and then centrifuged for 5 to 10 minutes at least at 1 400 g in order to accelerate phase separation. 1 ml of the supernatant methanol/water phase (“polar phase”, colorless) was removed for the further GC analysis, and 1 ml was removed for the LC analysis. The remainder of the methanol/water phase was discarded. 0.5 ml of the organic phase (“lipid phase”, dark green) was removed for the further GC analysis and 0.5 ml was removed for the LC analysis. All the portions removed were evaporated to dryness using the IR Dancer infrared vacuum evaporator (Hettich). The maximum temperature during the evaporation process did not exceed 40° C. Pressure in the apparatus was not less than 10 mbar.

d) Processing the Lipid Phase for the LC/MS or LC/MS/MS Analysis

[0508.0.0.0] The lipid extract, which had been evaporated to dryness was taken up in mobile phase. The HPLC was run with gradient elution.

[0509.0.0.0] The polar extract, which had been evaporated to dryness was taken up in mobile phase. The HPLC was run with gradient elution.

e) Derivatization of the Lipid Phase for the GC/MS Analysis

[0510.0.0.0] For the transmethanolysis, a mixture of 140 μl of chloroform, 37 μl of hydrochloric acid (37% by weight HCl in water), 320 μl of methanol and 20 μl of toluene was added to the evaporated extract. The vessel was sealed tightly and heated for 2 hours at 100° C., with shaking. The solution was subsequently evaporated to dryness. The residue was dried completely.

[0511.0.0.0] The methoximation of the carbonyl groups was carried out by reaction with methoxyamine hydrochloride (5 mg/ml in pyridine, 100 μl for 1.5 hours at 60° C.) in a tightly sealed vessel. 20 μl of a solution of odd-numbered, straight-chain fatty acids (solution of each 0.3 mg/mL of fatty acids from 7 to 25 carbon atoms and each 0.6 mg/mL of fatty acids with 27, 29 and 31 carbon atoms in 3/7 (v/v) pyridine/toluene) were added as time standards. Finally, the derivatization with 100 μl of N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide (MSTFA) was carried out for 30 minutes at 60° C., again in the tightly sealed vessel. The final volume before injection into the GC was 220 μl.

f) Derivatization of the Polar Phase for the GC/MS Analysis

[0512.0.0.0] The methoximation of the carbonyl groups was carried out by reaction with methoxyamine hydrochloride (5 mg/ml in pyridine, 50 μl for 1.5 hours at 60° C.) in a tightly sealed vessel. 10 μl of a solution of odd-numbered, straight-chain fatty acids (solution of each 0.3 mg/mL of fatty acids from 7 to 25 carbon atoms and each 0.6 mg/mL of fatty acids with 27, 29 and 31 carbon atoms in 3/7 (v/v) pyridine/toluene) were added as time standards. Finally, the derivatization with 50 μl of N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide (MSTFA) was carried out for 30 minutes at 60° C., again in the tightly sealed vessel. The final volume before injection into the GC was 110 μl.

g) Analysis of the Various Plant Samples

[0513.0.0.0] The samples were measured in individual series of 20 plant samples each (also referred to as sequences), each sequence containing at least 5 wild-type plants as controls. The peak area of each analyte was divided by the peak area of the respective internal standard. The data were standardized for the fresh weight established for the plant. The values calculated thus were related to the wild-type control group by being divided by the mean of the corresponding data of the wild-type control group of the same sequence. The values obtained were referred to as ratio_by_WT, they are comparable between sequences and indicate how much the analyte concentration in the mutant differs in relation to the wild-type control. Appropriate controls were done before to proof that the vector and transformation procedure itself has no significant influence on the metabolic composition of the plants. Therefore the described changes in comparison with wildtypes were caused by the introduced genes.

[0514.0.0.0] As an alternative, the amino acids can be detected advantageously via HPLC separation in ethanolic extract as described by Geigenberger et al. (Plant Cell & Environ, 19, 1996: 43-55).

-   -   The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the         table 1 which follows:

ORF ANNOTATION Metabolite Min Max Method YBL015W acetyl-CoA hydrolase Methionine 1.42 2.16 LC YER173W checkpoint protein, Methionine 1.35 1.60 GC YLR375W involved in pre-tRNA Methionine 1.27 2.93 LC + GC splicing and in uptake of branched-chain amino acids YOR084W putative peroxisomal Methionine 3.18 3.18 GC lipase b1829 heat shock protein with Methionine 1.29 3.73 GC protease activity b4232 fructose-1,6- Methionine 1.20 1.21 LC bisphosphatase b0464 transcriptional repressor Methionine 1.35 4.66 GC for multidrug efflux pump (TetR/AcrR family) b1343 ATP-dependent RNA Methionine 1.38 1.51 GC helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA b2414 subunit of cysteine Methionine 1.37 1.75 LC synthase A and O- acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, PLP-dependent enzyme b2762 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′- Methionine 1.43 1.69 LC + GC phosphosulfate (PAPS) reductase

[0515.0.0.0] Column 3 shows the metabolite/respective fine chemical analyzed. Columns 4 and 5 shows the ratio of the analyzed metabolite/respective fine chemical between the transgenic plants and the wild type; Increase of the metabolites: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type)-Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type). Decrease of the metabolites: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (minimal decrease), Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (maximal decrease). Column 6 indicates the analytical method.

[0516.0.0.0] When the analyses were repeated independently, all results proved to be significant.

[0517.0.0.0] Example 14a Engineering Ryegrass Plants by Over-Expressing the Polynucleotide Characterized in the Invention, e.g. Derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, E. Coli or Plants or an Other Organism

[0518.0.0.0] Seeds of several different ryegrass varieties can be used as explant sources for transformation, including the commercial variety Gunne available from Svalof Weibull seed company or the variety Affinity. Seeds are surface-sterilized sequentially with 1% Tween-20 for 1 minute, 100% bleach for 60 minutes, 3 rinses with 5 minutes each with de-ionized and distilled H2O, and then germinated for 3-4 days on moist, sterile filter paper in the dark. Seedlings are further sterilized for 1 minute with 1% Tween-20, 5 minutes with 75% bleach, and rinsed 3 times with ddH2O, 5 min each.

[0519.0.0.0] Surface-sterilized seeds are placed on the callus induction medium containing Murashige and Skoog basal salts and vitamins, 20 g/l sucrose, 150 mg/l asparagine, 500 mg/l casein hydrolysate, 3 g/l Phytagel, 10 mg/l BAP, and 5 mg/l dicamba. Plates are incubated in the dark at 25° C. for 4 weeks for seed germination and embryogenic callus induction.

[0520.0.0.0] After 4 weeks on the callus induction medium, the shoots and roots of the seedlings are trimmed away, the callus is transferred to fresh media, is maintained in culture for another 4 weeks, and is then transferred to MS0 medium in light for 2 weeks. Several pieces of callus (11-17 weeks old) are either strained through a 10 mesh sieve and put onto callus induction medium, or are cultured in 100 ml of liquid ryegrass callus induction media (same medium as for callus induction with agar) in a 250 ml flask. The flask is wrapped in foil and shaken at 175 rpm in the dark at 23° C. for 1 week. Sieving the liquid culture with a 40-mesh sieve is collected the cells. The fraction collected on the sieve is plated and is cultured on solid ryegrass callus induction medium for 1 week in the dark at 25° C. The callus is then transferred to and is cultured on MS medium containing 1% sucrose for 2 weeks.

[0521.0.0.0] Transformation can be accomplished with either Agrobacterium or with particle bombardment methods. An expression vector is created containing a constitutive plant promoter and the cDNA of the gene in a pUC vector. The plasmid DNA is prepared from E. coli cells using with Qiagen kit according to manufacturer's instruction. Approximately 2 g of embryogenic callus is spread in the center of a sterile filter paper in a Petri dish. An aliquot of liquid MS0 with 10 g/l sucrose is added to the filter paper. Gold particles (1.0 μm in size) are coated with plasmid DNA according to method of Sanford et al., 1993 and are delivered to the embryogenic callus with the following parameters: 500 μg particles and 2 μg DNA per shot, 1300 psi and a target distance of 8.5 cm from stopping plate to plate of callus and 1 shot per plate of callus.

[0522.0.0.0] After the bombardment, calli are transferred back to the fresh callus development medium and maintained in the dark at room temperature for a 1-week period. The callus is then transferred to growth conditions in the light at 25° C. to initiate embryo differentiation with the appropriate selection agent, e.g. 250 nM Arsenal, 5 mg/l PPT or 50 mg/L Kanamycin. Shoots resistant to the selection agent are appearing and once rooted are transferred to soil.

[0523.0.0.0] Samples of the primary transgenic plants (TO) are analyzed by PCR to confirm the presence of T-DNA. These results are confirmed by Southern hybridization in which DNA is electrophoresed on a 1% agarose gel and transferred to a positively charged nylon membrane (Roche Diagnostics). The PCR DIG Probe Synthesis Kit (Roche Diagnostics) is used to prepare a digoxigenin-labelled probe by PCR, and used as recommended by the manufacturer.

[0524.0.0.0] Transgenic T0 ryegrass plants are propagated vegetatively by excising tillers. The transplanted tillers are maintained in the greenhouse for 2 months until well established. The shoots are defoliated and allowed to grow for 2 weeks.

[0525.0.0.0] Example 14b Engineering Soybean Plants by Over-Expressing the Polynucleotide Characterized in the Invention, e.g. Derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, E. Coli or Plants or Another Organism

[0526.0.0.0] Soybean can be transformed according to the following modification of the method described in the Texas A&M patent U.S. Pat. No. 5,164,310. Several commercial soybean varieties are amenable to transformation by this method. The cultivar Jack (available from the Illinois Seed Foundation) is commonly used for transformation. Seeds are sterilized by immersion in 70% (v/v) ethanol for 6 min and in 25 commercial bleach (NaOCI) supplemented with 0.1% (v/v) Tween for 20 min, followed by rinsing 4 times with sterile double distilled water. Removing the radicle, hypocotyl and one cotyledon from each seedling propagates seven-day seedlings. Then, the epicotyl with one cotyledon is transferred to fresh germination media in petri dishes and incubated at 25° C. under a 16-hr photoperiod (approx. 100 μE-m-2s-1) for three weeks. Axillary nodes (approx. 4 mm in length) are cut from 3-4 week-old plants. Axillary nodes are excised and incubated in Agrobacterium LBA4404 culture.

[0527.0.0.0] Many different binary vector systems have been described for plant transformation (e.g. An, G. in Agrobacterium Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology vol 44, pp 47-62, Gartland K M A and M R Davey eds. Humana Press, Totowa, N.J.). Many are based on the vector pBIN19 described by Bevan (Nucleic Acid Research. 1984. 12:8711-8721) that includes a plant gene expression cassette flanked by the left and right border sequences from the Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. A plant gene expression cassette consists of at least two genes—a selection marker gene and a plant promoter regulating the transcription of the cDNA or genomic DNA of the trait gene. Various selection marker genes can be used as described above, including the Arabidopsis gene encoding a mutated acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) enzyme (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,767,3666 and 6,225,105). Similarly, various promoters can be used to regulate the trait gene to provide constitutive, developmental, tissue or environmental regulation of gene transcription as described above. In this example, the 34S promoter (GenBank Accession numbers M59930 and X16673) is used to provide constitutive expression of the trait gene.

[0528.0.0.0] After the co-cultivation treatment, the explants are washed and transferred to selection media supplemented with 500 mg/L timentin. Shoots are excised and placed on a shoot elongation medium. Shoots longer than 1 cm are placed on rooting medium for two to four weeks prior to transplanting to soil.

[0529.0.0.0] The primary transgenic plants (TO) are analyzed by PCR to confirm the presence of T-DNA. These results are confirmed by Southern hybridization in which DNA is electrophoresed on a 1% agarose gel and transferred to a positively charged nylon membrane (Roche Diagnostics). The PCR DIG Probe Synthesis Kit (Roche Diagnostics) is used to prepare a digoxigenin-labelled probe by PCR, and is used as recommended by the manufacturer.

[0530.0.0.0] Example 14c Engineering Corn Plants by Over-Expressing the Polynucleotide Characterized in the Invention, e.g. Derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, E. Coli or Plants or Another Organism

[0530.1.0.0] Amplification of for example SEQ ID NO: 1 was achieved as described in example 10 except that the upstream primer SEQ ID NO:3 and the reverse primer SEQ ID NO: 4 contained the following 5″extensions:

SEQ ID NO: 68243 i) forward primer: 5′-GGGTCGCTCCTACGCG-3′ SEQ ID NO: 68246 ii) reverse primer 5′-CTCGGGCTCGGCGTCC-3′

[0531.0.0.0] Vector Construction

The maize transformation vector for constitutive expression was constructed as follows. As base vectors, the vectors EG073qcz (SEQ ID NO 68240) and EG065qcz (SEQ ID NO: 68241) were chosen. The MCS from EG065qcz was deleted by digestion of the vector with Asp718 and PstI, followed by blunting of the vector using T4 DNA polymerase. The blunted vector was religated. The vector generated was called EG065-MCS. The LIC cassette was cloned in the vector EG065-MCS by hybridizing the following oligos, generating a DNA fragment with ends able to ligate into a Smal and SacI digested vector. This fragment was ligated into the vector EG065-MCS that had been digested with Smal and SacI. The generated vector was called EG065-LIC. The complete expression cassette comprising ScBV (Schenk (1999) Plant Mol BioI 39(6):1221-1230) promoter, LIC cassette and terminator was cut out of EG065-LIC with AscI and PacI and ligated into the vector EG073qcz that had previously been digested with AscI and PacI. The resulting binary vector for corn transformation was called pMME0607 (SEQ ID NO: 68242).

Oligo POCCLicMluISacIIfw: (SEQ ID NO: 68244) gggtcgctcctacgcgtcaatgatccgcggacgccgagcccgagct Oligo POCCLicMluISacIrev: (SEQ ID NO: 68245) cgggctcggcgtccgcggatcattgacgcgtaggagcgaccc

For cloning of a polynucleotide of the invention, for example the ORF of SEQ ID NO: 1, from S. cerevisiae the vector DNA was treated with the restriction enzyme Mlul and SaII. The reaction was stopped by inactivation at 70° C. for 20 minutes and purified over QIAquick columns following the standard protocol (Qiagen).

Then the PCR-product representing the amplified ORF and the vector DNA were treated with T4 DNA polymerase according to the standard protocol (MBI Fermentas) to produce single stranded overhangs with the parameters 1 unit T4 DNA polymerase at 37° C. for 2-10 minutes for the vector and 1 u T4 DNA polymerase at 15° C. for 10-60 minutes for the PCR product representing SEQ ID NO: 1.

The reaction was stopped by addition of high-salt buffer and purified over QIAquick columns following the standard protocol (Qiagen).

Approximately 30 ng of prepared vector and a defined amount of prepared amplificate were mixed and hybridized at 65° C. for 15 minutes followed by 37° C. 0.1° C./1 seconds, followed by 37° C. 10 minutes, followed by 0.1° C./1 seconds, then 4° C.

The ligated constructs were transformed in the same reaction vessel by addition of competent E. coli cells (strain DH5alpha) and incubation for 20 minutes at 1° C. followed by a heat shock for 90 seconds at 42° C. and cooling to 4° C. Then, complete medium (SOC) was added and the mixture was incubated for 45 minutes at 37° C. The entire mixture was subsequently plated onto an agar plate with 0.05 mg/ml kanamycine and incubated overnight at 37° C.

The outcome of the cloning step was verified by amplification with the aid of primers which bind upstream and downstream of the integration site, thus allowing the amplification of the insertion. The amplifications were carried as described in the protocol of Taq DNA polymerase (Gibco-BRL).

The amplification cycles were as follows: 1 cycle of 5 minutes at 94° C., followed by 35 cycles of in each case 15 seconds at 94° C., 15 seconds at 50-66° C. and 5 minutes at 72° C., followed by 1 cycle of 10 minutes at 72° C., then 4° C.

Several colonies were checked, but only one colony for which a PCR product of the expected size was detected was used in the following steps.

A portion of this positive colony was transferred into a reaction vessel filled with complete medium (LB) supplemented with kanamycin 0 and incubated overnight at 37° C.

The plasmid preparation was carried out as specified in the Qiaprep standard protocol (Qiagen).

[0530.3.0.0] Example 14 c.a. Corn Transformation

The preparation of the immature embryos and Agrobacterium were basically as stated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,616. In brief, the Agrobacterium strain LBA4404 transformed with the plasmid by a standard method, such as the triple cross method or the electroporation, was grown on LB plates for 2 days prior to cocultivation. A loop of cells was resuspended in liquid infection media at an O.D. of approximately 1.0. Immature Embryos of about 1.5 mm in size were incubated in the soln of agrobacterium for around 30 minutes. Excised embryos were removed from liquid and then co-cultivated in the dark at 22° C. with Agrobacterium tumefaciens on solid MS-based callus induction medium containing 2 mg/l 2,4-D, 10 um AgNO3, and 200 um Acetosyringone. After several days of co-cultivation, embryos were transferred to MS-based media containing 2 mg/l 2,4, 10 um AgNO3 and 200 mg/l Timentin the dark at 27° C. for 1 week. Embryos were transferred to MS-based selection media containing imidazoline herbicide (500 nM Pursuit) as a selection agent in the dark for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks putative transgenic events were transferred to an MS-based media containing 2 mg/L Kinetin 500 nM Pursuit, 200 mg/l Timentin and incubated under cool white fluorescent light (100 uE/m2/s-1 with photoperiod of 16 hrs) at 25° C. for 2-3 weeks, or until shoots develop. The shoots were transferred to MS-based rooting medium and incubated under light at 25° C. for 2 weeks. The rooted shoots were transplanted to 4 inch pots containing artificial soil mix. Metro-Mix® 360 in and grown in an environmental chamber for 1-2 weeks. The environmental chamber maintained 16-h-light, 8-h-dark cycles at 27° C. day and 22° C. respectively. Light was supplied by a mixture of incandescent and cool white fluorescent bulbs with an intensity of ˜400 uE/m2/s-1. After plants were grown to 4-6 leaf stage they were moved to 14 inch pots containing Metro-Mix® 360. Supplemental metal-halide lamps were used to maintain >800 uE/m2/s-1 with a 16-h-light, 8-h-dark cycles at 28° C. day and 22° C. Transplantation occurs weekly on Tuesday. Peters 20-20-20 plus micronutrients (200 ppm) is used to fertilize plants 2× weekly on Monday and Thursday after sampling of TO's is performed. T1 seeds were produced from plants that exhibit tolerance to the imidazolinone herbicides and which are PCR positive for the transgenes. T0 plants with single locus insertions of the T-DNA (self-pollinated) produced T1 generation that segregated for the transgene in a 3:1 ratio. Progeny containing copies of the transgene were tolerant of imidazolinone herbicides and could be detected by PCR analysis.

[0530.4.0.0] Example 14 c.b. Growth of T0 Corn Plants for Metabolic Analysis

Plants were grown under the following standardized conditions to properly stage them for TO sampling. T0 plantlets were transferred to 14″ pots in the greenhouse after they grow to 4-6 leaf stage (1-3 weeks). pBSMM232 containing plants were produced carried along with each experiment to serve as controls for TO samples. Plantlets were moved to 14″ pots on Tuesday of each week. Plants were grown for 9 days until the 7-13 leaf stage is reached. On Thursday between 10 am and 2 μm leaf sampling was performed on the 3rd youngest (1^(st) fully elongated). Within 30 seconds 250-500 mg of leaf material (without midrib), were removed weighed and placed into pre-extracted glass thimbles in liquid nitrogen. A second sample (opposite side of the midrib) from each plant was sampled as described above for qPCR analysis.

[0530.5.0.0] Example 14 c.c. Growth of T1 Corn Plant for Metabolic Analysis

For the bioanalytical analyses of the transgenic plants, the latter were grown uniformly in a specific culture facility. To this end the GS-90 substrate as the compost mixture was introduced into the potting machine (Laible System GmbH, Singen, Germany) and filled into the pots. Thereafter, 26 pots were combined in one dish and treated with Previcur. For the treatment, 25 ml of Previcur were taken up in 10 l of tap water. This amount was sufficient for the treatment of approximately 150 pots. The pots were placed into the Previcur solution and additionally irrigated overhead with tap water without Previcur. They were used within four days.

For the sowing, the seeds, which had been stored at room temperature were removed from the paper-bag and transferred into the pots with the soil. In total, approximately 1 to 3 seeds were distributed in the middle of the pot.

After the seeds had been sown, the dishes with the pots were covered with matching plastic hood and placed into growth chambers for 2 days. After this time the plastic hood was removed and plants were placed on the growth table and cultivated for 22 to 24 days under following growth conditions: 16-h-light, 8-h-dark rhythm at 20° C., an atmospheric humidity of 60% and a CO₂ concentration of approximately 400 ppm. The light sources used were Powerstar HQI-T 250 W/D Daylight lamps from Osram, which generate a light resembling the solar color spectrum with a light intensity of approximately 220 pE/m2/s-1.

When the plants were 7 days old, they were subjected to select transgenic plants. For this purposes pieces of plant leaves were sampled and a PCR reaction with the respective primers for the transgene were performed. Plants exhibiting the transgene were used for the metabolic analysis. The nontransgenic seedlings were removed. The transgenic plants were thinned when they had reached the age of 18 days. The transgenic plants, which had grown best in the center of the pot were considered the target plants. All the remaining plants were removed carefully with the aid of metal tweezers and discarded.

During their growth, the plants received overhead irrigation with distilled water (onto the compost) and bottom irrigation into the placement grooves. Once the grown plants had reached the age of 24 days, they were harvested.

[0530.6.0.0] Example 14 c.d. Metabolic Analysis of Maize Leaves

The modifications identified in accordance with the invention, in the content of above-described metabolites, were identified by the following procedure.

a) Sampling and Storage of the Samples

Sampling was performed in corridor next to the green house. The leaves were incised twice using small laboratory scissors and this part of the leave was removed manually from the middle rib. The sample was rapidly weighed on laboratory scales, transferred into a pre-cooled extraction sleeve and placed into kryo-box cooled by liquid nitrogen. The time elapsing between cutting the leave to freezing it in liquid nitrogen amounted to not more than 30 seconds. The boxes were stored in a freezer at −80° C., an shipped on dry ice.

b) Lyophilization

During the experiment, care was taken that the plants either remained in the deep-frozen state (temperatures <−40° C.) or were freed from water by lyophilization until the first contact with solvents. Before entering the analytical process the extraction sleeves with the samples were transferred to a pre-cooled aluminium rack.

The aluminum rack with the plant samples in the extraction sleeves was placed into the pre-cooled (−40° C.) lyophilization facility. The initial temperature during the main drying phase was −35° C. and the pressure was 0.120 mbar. During the drying phase, the parameters were altered following a pressure and temperature program. The final temperature after 12 hours was +30° C. and the final pressure was 0.001 to 0.004 mbar. After the vacuum pump and the refrigerating machine had been switched off, the system was flushed with air (dried via a drying tube) or argon.

c) Extraction

Immediately after the lyophilization apparatus had been flushed, the extraction sleeves with the lyophilized plant material were transferred into the 5 ml extraction cartridges of the ASE device (Accelerated Solvent Extractor ASE 200 with Solvent Controller and AutoASE software (DIONEX)).

Immediately after the lyophilization apparatus had been flushed, the extraction sleeves with the lyophilized plant material were transferred into the 5 ml extraction cartridges of the ASE device (Accelerated Solvent Extractor ASE 200 with Solvent Controller and AutoASE software (DIONEX)).

The 24 sample positions of an ASE device (Accelerated Solvent Extractor ASE 200 with Solvent Controller and AutoASE software (DIONEX)) were filled with plant samples, including some samples for testing quality control.

The polar substances were extracted with approximately 10 ml of methanol/water (80/20, v/v) at T=70° C. and p=140 bar, 5 minutes heating-up phase, 1 minute static extraction. The more lipophilic substances were extracted with approximately 10 ml of methanol/dichloromethane (40/60, v/v) at T=70° C. and p=140 bar, 5 minute heating-up phase, 1 minute static extraction. The two solvent mixtures were extracted into the same glass tubes (centrifuge tubes, 50 ml, equipped with screw cap and pierceable septum for the ASE (DIONEX)).

The solution was treated with internal standards: ribitol, L-glycine-2,2-d₂, L-alanine-2,3,3,3-d₄, methionine-methyl-d₃, and α-methylglucopyranoside and methyl nonadecanoate, methyl undecanoate, methyl tridecanoate, methyl pentadecanoate, methyl nonacosanoate.

The total extract was treated with 8 ml of water. The solid residue of the plant sample and the extraction sleeve were discarded.

The extract was shaken and then centrifuged for 5 to 10 minutes at least at 1 400 g in order to accelerate phase separation. 0.5 ml of the supernatant methanol/water phase (“polar phase”, colorless) was removed for the further GC analysis, and 0.5 ml was removed for the LC analysis. The remainder of the methanol/water phase of all samples was used for additional quality controls. 0.5 ml of the organic phase (“lipid phase”, dark green) was removed for the further GC analysis and 0.5 ml was removed for the LC analysis. All the portions removed were evaporated to dryness using the IR Dancer infrared vacuum evaporator (Hettich). The maximum temperature during the evaporation process did not exceed 40° C. Pressure in the apparatus was not less than 10 mbar.

d) Processing the Lipid Phase for the LC/MS or LC/MS/MS Analysis

The lipid extract, which had been evaporated to dryness was taken up in mobile phase. The HPLC was run with gradient elution.

The polar extract, which had been evaporated to dryness was taken up in mobile phase. The HPLC was run with gradient elution.

e) Derivatization of the Lipid Phase for the GC/MS Analysis

For the transmethanolysis, a mixture of 140 μl of chloroform, 37 μl of hydrochloric acid (37% by weight HCl in water), 320 μl of methanol and 20 μl of toluene was added to the evaporated extract. The vessel was sealed tightly and heated for 2 hours at 100° C., with shaking. The solution was subsequently evaporated to dryness. The residue was dried completely.

The methoximation of the carbonyl groups was carried out by reaction with methoxyamine hydrochloride (20 mg/ml in pyridine, 100 μl for 1.5 hours at 60° C.) in a tightly sealed vessel. 20 μl of a solution of odd-numbered, straight-chain fatty acids (solution of each 0.3 mg/mL of fatty acids from 7 to 25 carbon atoms and each 0.6 mg/mL of fatty acids with 27, 29 and 31 carbon atoms in 3/7 (v/v) pyridine/toluene) were added as time standards. Finally, the derivatization with 100 μl of N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide (MSTFA) was carried out for 30 minutes at 60° C., again in the tightly sealed vessel. The final volume before injection into the GC was 220 μl.

f) Derivatization of the Polar Phase for the GC/MS Analysis

The methoximation of the carbonyl groups was carried out by reaction with methoxyamine hydrochloride (20 mg/ml in pyridine, 50 μl for 1.5 hours at 60° C.) in a tightly sealed vessel. 10 μl of a solution of odd-numbered, straight-chain fatty acids (solution of each 0.3 mg/mL of fatty acids from 7 to 25 carbon atoms and each 0.6 mg/mL of fatty acids with 27, 29 and 31 carbon atoms in 3/7 (v/v) pyridine/toluene) were added as time standards. Finally, the derivatization with 50 μl of N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide (MSTFA) was carried out for 30 minutes at 60° C., again in the tightly sealed vessel. The final volume before injection into the GC was 110 μl.

g) Analysis of the Various Plant Samples

The samples were measured in individual series of 20 plant (leaf) samples each (also referred to as sequences), each sequence containing at least 5 samples from individual control plants containing GUS. The peak area of each analyte was divided by the peak area of the respective internal standard. The data were standardized for the fresh weight established for the respective harvested sample. The values calculated were then related to the GUS-containing control group by being divided by the mean of the corresponding data of the control group of the same sequence. The values obtained were referred to as ratio_by_WT, they are comparable between sequences and indicate how much the analyte concentration in the mutant differs in relation to the control. The GUS-containing plants were chosen in order to assure that the vector and transformation procedure itself has no significant influence on the metabolic composition of the plants. Therefore the described changes in comparison with the controls were caused by the introduced genes.

[0531.0.0.0] Transformation of maize (Zea Mays L.) can also be performed with a modification of the method described by Ishida et al. (1996. Nature Biotech 14745-50). Transformation is genotype-dependent in corn and only specific genotypes are amenable to transformation and regeneration. The inbred line A188 (University of Minnesota) or hybrids with A188 as a parent are good sources of donor material for transformation (Fromm et al. 1990 Biotech 8:833-839), but other genotypes can be used successfully as well. Ears are harvested from corn plants at approximately 11 days after pollination (DAP) when the length of immature embryos is about 1 to 1.2 mm. Immature embryos are co-cultivated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens that carry “super binary” vectors and transgenic plants are recovered through organogenesis. The super binary vector system of Japan Tobacco is described in WO patents WO94/00977 and WO95/06722. Vectors can be constructed as described. Various selection marker genes can be used including the maize gene encoding a mutated acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) enzyme (U.S. Pat. No. 6,025,541). Similarly, various promoters can be used to regulate the trait gene to provide constitutive, developmental, tissue or environmental regulation of gene transcription. In this example, the 34S promoter (GenBank Accession numbers M59930 and X16673 can be used to provide constitutive expression of the trait gene.

[0532.0.0.0] Excised embryos can be grown on callus induction medium, then maize regeneration medium, containing imidazolinone as a selection agent. The Petri plates can be incubated in the light at 25° C. for 2-3 weeks, or until shoots develop. The green shoots can be transferred from each embryo to maize rooting medium and incubated at 25° C. for 2-3 weeks, until roots develop. The rooted shoots can be transplanted to soil in the greenhouse. T1 seeds can be produced from plants that exhibit tolerance to the imidazolinone herbicides and which can be PCR positive for the transgenes.

[0533.0.0.0] The T1 generation of single locus insertions of the T-DNA can segregate for the transgene in a 3:1 ratio. Those progeny containing one or two copies of the transgene can be tolerant of the imidazolinone herbicide. Homozygous T2 plants can exhibited similar phenotypes as the T1 plants. Hybrid plants (F1 progeny) of homozygous transgenic plants and non-transgenic plants can also exhibit increased similar phenotypes.

[0534.0.0.0] Example 14d Engineering Wheat Plants by Over-Expressing the Polynucleotide Characterized in the Invention, e.g. Derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, E. Coli or Plants or Another Organism

[0535.0.0.0] Transformation of wheat can be performed with the method described by Ishida et al. (1996 Nature Biotech. 14745-50). The cultivar Bobwhite (available from CYMMIT, Mexico) can commonly be used in transformation. Immature embryos can be co-cultivated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens that carry “super binary” vectors, and transgenic plants are recovered through organogenesis. The super binary vector system of Japan Tobacco is described in WO patents WO94/00977 and WO95/06722. Vectors can be constructed as described. Various selection marker genes can be used including the maize gene encoding a mutated acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) enzyme (U.S. Pat. No. 6,025,541). Similarly, various promoters can be used to regulate the trait gene to provide constitutive, developmental, tissue or environmental regulation of gene transcription. The 34S promoter (GenBank Accession numbers M59930 and X16673) can be used to provide constitutive expression of the trait gene.

[0536.0.0.0] After incubation with Agrobacterium, the embryos can be grown on callus induction medium, then regeneration medium, containing imidazolinone as a selection agent. The Petri plates can be incubated in the light at 25° C. for 2-3 weeks, or until shoots develop. The green shoots can be transferred from each embryo to rooting medium and incubated at 25° C. for 2-3 weeks, until roots develop. The rooted shoots can be transplanted to soil in the greenhouse. T1 seeds can be produced from plants that exhibit tolerance to the imidazolinone herbicides and which are PCR positive for the transgenes.

[0537.0.0.0] The T1 generation of single locus insertions of the T-DNA can segregate for the transgene in a 3:1 ratio. Those progeny containing one or two copies of the transgene can be tolerant of the imidazolinone herbicide. Homozygous T2 plants exhibited similar phenotypes.

[0538.0.0.0] Example 14e Engineering Rapeseed/Canola Plants by Over-Expressing the Polynucleotide Characterized in the Invention, e.g. Derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, E. Coli or Plants or Another Organism

[0539.0.0.0] Cotyledonary petioles and hypocotyls of 5-6 day-old young seedlings can be used as explants for tissue culture and transformed according to Babic et al. (1998, Plant Cell Rep 17: 183-188). The commercial cultivar Westar (Agriculture Canada) can be the standard variety used for transformation, but other varieties can be used.

[0540.0.0.0] Agrobacterium tumefaciens LBA4404 containing a binary vector can be used for canola transformation. Many different binary vector systems have been described for plant transformation (e.g. An, G. in Agrobacterium Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology vol 44, pp 47-62, Gartland K M A and M R Davey eds. Humana Press, Totowa, N.J.). Many are based on the vector pBIN19 described by Bevan (Nucleic Acid Research. 1984. 12:8711-8721) that includes a plant gene expression cassette flanked by the left and right border sequences from the Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. A plant gene expression cassette can consist of at least two genes—a selection marker gene and a plant promoter regulating the transcription of the cDNA or genomic DNA of the trait gene. Various selection marker genes can be used including the Arabidopsis gene encoding a mutated acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) enzyme (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,767,3666 and 6,225,105). Similarly, various promoters can be used to regulate the trait gene to provide constitutive, developmental, tissue or environmental regulation of gene transcription. The 34S promoter (GenBank Accession numbers M59930 and X16673) can be used to provide constitutive expression of the trait gene.

[0541.0.0.0] Canola seeds can be surface-sterilized in 70% ethanol for 2 min., and then in 30% Clorox with a drop of Tween-20 for 10 min, followed by three rinses with sterilized distilled water. Seeds can be then germinated in vitro 5 days on half strength MS medium without hormones, 1% sucrose, 0.7% Phytagar at 23° C., 16 hr. light. The cotyledon petiole explants with the cotyledon attached can be excised from the in vitro seedlings, and can be inoculated with Agrobacterium by dipping the cut end of the petiole explant into the bacterial suspension. The explants can be then cultured for 2 days on MSBAP-3 medium containing 3 mg/l BAP, 3% sucrose, 0.7% Phytagar at 23° C., 16 hr light. After two days of co-cultivation with Agrobacterium, the petiole explants can be transferred to MSBAP-3 medium containing 3 mg/l BAP, cefotaxime, carbenicillin, or timentin (300 mg/l) for 7 days, and can then be cultured on MSBAP-3 medium with cefotaxime, carbenicillin, or timentin and selection agent until shoot regeneration. When the shoots are 5-10 mm in length, they can be cut and transferred to shoot elongation medium (MSBAP-0.5, containing 0.5 mg/l BAP). Shoots of about 2 cm in length can be transferred to the rooting medium (MS0) for root induction.

[0542.0.0.0] Samples of the primary transgenic plants (TO) can be analyzed by PCR to confirm the presence of T-DNA. These results can be confirmed by Southern hybridization in which DNA is electrophoresed on a 1% agarose gel and are transferred to a positively charged nylon membrane (Roche Diagnostics). The PCR DIG Probe Synthesis Kit (Roche Diagnostics) can be used to prepare a digoxigenin-labelled probe by PCR, and used as recommended by the manufacturer.

[0543.0.0.0] Example 14f Engineering Alfalfa Plants by Over-Expressing the Polynucleotide Characterized in the Invention, e.g. Derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or E. coli or Plants or Another Organism

[0544.0.0.0] A regenerating clone of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) can be transformed using the method of (McKersie et al., 1999 Plant Physiol 119: 839-847). Regeneration and transformation of alfalfa can be genotype dependent and therefore a regenerating plant is required. Methods to obtain regenerating plants have been described. For example, these can be selected from the cultivar Rangelander (Agriculture Canada) or any other commercial alfalfa variety as described by Brown D C W and A Atanassov (1985. Plant Cell Tissue Organ Culture 4: 111-112). Alternatively, the RA3 variety (University of Wisconsin) can be selected for use in tissue culture (Walker et al., 1978 Am J Bot 65:654-659).

[0545.0.0.0] Petiole explants can be cocultivated with an overnight culture of Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58C1 pMP90 (McKersie et al., 1999 Plant Physiol 119: 839-847) or LBA4404 containing a binary vector. Many different binary vector systems have been described for plant transformation (e.g. An, G. in Agrobacterium Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology vol 44, pp 47-62, Gartland K M A and M R Davey eds. Humana Press, Totowa, N.J.). Many are based on the vector pBIN19 described by Bevan (Nucleic Acid Research. 1984. 12:8711-8721) that includes a plant gene expression cassette flanked by the left and right border sequences from the Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. A plant gene expression cassette can consist of at least two genes—a selection marker gene and a plant promoter regulating the transcription of the cDNA or genomic DNA of the trait gene. Various selection marker genes can be used including the Arabidopsis gene encoding a mutated acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) enzyme (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,767,3666 and 6,225,105). Similarly, various promoters can be used to regulate the trait gene that provides constitutive, developmental, tissue or environmental regulation of gene transcription. The 34S promoter (GenBank Accession numbers M59930 and X16673) can be used to provide constitutive expression of the trait gene.

[0546.0.0.0] The explants can be cocultivated for 3 d in the dark on SH induction medium containing 288 mg/L Pro, 53 mg/L thioproline, 4.35 g/L K2SO4, and 100 μm acetosyringinone. The explants can be washed in half-strength Murashige-Skoog medium (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) and plated on the same SH induction medium without acetosyringinone but with a suitable selection agent and suitable antibiotic to inhibit Agrobacterium growth. After several weeks, somatic embryos can be transferred to BOi2Y development medium containing no growth regulators, no antibiotics, and 50 g/L sucrose. Somatic embryos are subsequently germinated on half-strength Murashige-Skoog medium. Rooted seedlings can be transplanted into pots and grown in a greenhouse.

[0547.0.0.0] The T0 transgenic plants are propagated by node cuttings and rooted in Turface growth medium. The plants are defoliated and grown to a height of about 10 cm (approximately 2 weeks after defoliation).

[0548.0.0.0] Example 14 g Engineering Alfalfa Plants by Over-Expressing the Polynucleotide Characterized in the Invention, Derived e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, E. Coli or Plants or Another Organism

[0549.0.0.0] A regenerating clone of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) can be transformed using the method of (McKersie et al., 1999 Plant Physiol 119: 839-847). Regeneration and transformation of alfalfa can be genotype dependent and therefore a regenerating plant is required. Methods to obtain regenerating plants have been described. For example, these can be selected from the cultivar Rangelander (Agriculture Canada) or any other commercial alfalfa variety as described by Brown D C W and A Atanassov (1985. Plant Cell Tissue Organ Culture 4: 111-112). Alternatively, the RA3 variety (University of Wisconsin) has been selected for use in tissue culture (Walker et al., 1978 Am J Bot 65:654-659).

[0550.0.0.0] Petiole explants can be cocultivated with an overnight culture of Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58C1 pMP90 (McKersie et al., 1999 Plant Physiol 119: 839-847) or LBA4404 containing a binary vector. Many different binary vector systems have been described for plant transformation (e.g. An, G. in Agrobacterium Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology vol 44, pp 47-62, Gartland K M A and M R Davey eds. Humana Press, Totowa, N.J.). Many are based on the vector pBIN19 described by Bevan (Nucleic Acid Research. 1984. 12:8711-8721) that includes a plant gene expression cassette flanked by the left and right border sequences from the Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. A plant gene expression cassette consists of at least two genes—a selection marker gene and a plant promoter regulating the transcription of the cDNA or genomic DNA of the trait gene. Various selection marker genes can be used including the Arabidopsis gene encoding a mutated acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) enzyme (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,767,3666 and 6,225,105). Similarly, various promoters can be used to regulate the trait gene that provides constitutive, developmental, tissue or environmental regulation of gene transcription. In this example, the 34S promoter (GenBank Accession numbers M59930 and X16673) can be used to provide constitutive expression of the trait gene.

[0551.0.0.0] The explants are cocultivated for 3 d in the dark on SH induction medium containing 288 mg/L Pro, 53 mg/L thioproline, 4.35 g/L K2SO4, and 100 μm acetosyringinone. The explants are washed in half-strength Murashige-Skoog medium (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) and plated on the same SH induction medium without acetosyringinone but with a suitable selection agent and suitable antibiotic to inhibit Agrobacterium growth. After several weeks, somatic embryos are transferred to BOi2Y development medium containing no growth regulators, no antibiotics, and 50 g/L sucrose. Somatic embryos are subsequently germinated on half-strength Murashige-Skoog medium. Rooted seedlings are transplanted into pots and grown in a greenhouse.

[0552.0.0.0] The T0 transgenic plants are propagated by node cuttings and rooted in Turface growth medium. The plants are defoliated and grown to a height of about 10 cm (approximately 2 weeks after defoliation).

[0552.1.0.0] Example 15 Metabolite Profiling Info from Zea mays

Zea mays plants were engineered, grown and analyzed as described in Example 14c.

The results of the different Zea mays plants analysed can be seen from Table 2 which follows:

TABLE 2 ORF_NAME Metabolite Min Max b2414 Methionine 1.36 2.61

Table 2 exhibits the metabolic data from maize, shown in either TO or T1, describing the increase in methionine in genetically modified corn plants expressing the E. coli nucleic acid sequence b2414.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b2414 or its homologs, e.g. “the activity of a subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase

A, PLP-dependent enzyme”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical methionine between 36% and 161% is conferred.

[0552.2.0.0] Example 16 Preparation of Homologous Sequences from Plants

Different plants can be grown under standard or varying conditions in the greenhouse. RNA can be extracted following the protocol of Jones, Dunsmuir and Bedbrook (1985) EMBO J. 4: 2411-2418. Approx. 1 gram of tissue material from various organs is ground in liquid nitrogen. The powder is transferred to a 13 ml Falcon tube containing 4.5 ml NTES buffer (100 mM NaCl, 10 mM Tris/HCl pH 7.5, 1 mM EDTA, 1% SDS; in RNase-free water) and 3 ml phenol/chloroform/isoamylalcohol (25/24/1), immediately mixed and stored on ice. The mixture is spun for 10 minutes at 7000 rpm using a centrifuge (Sorval; SM24 or SS34 rotor). The supernatant is transferred to a new tube, 1/10th volume of 3 M NaAcetate (pH 5.2; in RNase-free water) and 1 volume of isopropanol is added, mixed at stored for 1 hour or overnight at −20° C. The mixture is spun for 10 minutes at 7000 rpm. The supernatant is discarded and the pellet washed with 70% ethanol (v/v). The mixture is spun for 5 minutes at 7000 rpm, the supernatant is discarded and the pellet is air-dried. 1 ml RNase-free water is added and allow the DNA/RNA pellet to dissolve on ice at 4 C. The nucleic acid solution is transferred to a 2 ml Eppendorf tube and 1 ml of 4 M LiAcetate is added. After mixing the solution is kept for at least 3 hours, or overnight, at 4 C. The mixture is spun for 10 minutes at 14000 rpm, the supernatant discarded, the pellet washed with 70% Ethanol, air-dried and dissolved in 200 μl of RNase-free water.

Total RNA can be used to construct a cDNA-library according to the manufacturer's protocol (for example using the ZAP-cDNA synthesis and cloning kit of Stratagene, La Jolla, USA). Basically, messenger RNA (mRNA) is primed in the first strand synthesis with a oligo(dT) linker-primer and is reverse-transcribed using reverse transcriptase. After second strand cDNA synthesis, the double-stranded cDNA is ligated into the Uni-ZAP XR vector. The Uni-ZAP XR vector allows in vivo excision of the pBluescript phagemid. The polylinker of the pBluescript phagemid has 21 unique cloning sites flanked by T3 and T7 promoters and a choice of 6 different primer sites for DNA sequencing. Systematic single run sequencing of the expected 5 prime end of the clones can allow preliminary annotation of the sequences for example with the help of the pedant pro Software package (Biomax, Munchen). Clones for the nucleic acids of the invention or used in the process according to the invention can be identified based on homology search with standard algorithms like blastp or gap. Identified putative full length clones with identity or high homology can be subjected to further sequencing in order to obtain the complete sequence.

Additional new homologous sequences can be identified in a similar manner by preparing respective cDNA libraries from various plant sources as described above. Libraries can then be screened with available sequences of the invention under low stringency conditions for example as described in Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A laboratory manual, Cold Spring Harbor 1989, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press. Purified positive clones can be subjected to the in vivo excision and complete sequencing. A pairwise sequence alignment of the original and the new sequence using the blastp or gap program allows the identification of orthologs, meaning homologous sequences from different organisms, which should have a sequence identity of at least 30%. Furthermore the conservation of functionally important amino acid residues or domains, which can be identified by the alignment of several already available paralogs, can identify a new sequence as an new orthologs.

Alternatively libraries can be subjected to mass sequencing and obtained sequences can be stored in a sequence database, which then can be screened for putative orthologs by different search algorithms, for example the tbastn algorithm to search the obtained nucleic acid sequences with a amino acid sequence of the invention. Clones with the highest sequence identity are used for a complete sequence determination and orthologs can be identified as described above.

-   1. A process for the production of methionine, which comprises     -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines         334 to 338 or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human         organism, or in one or more parts thereof; and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of methionine in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of methionine, comprising the     increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the     expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a     nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to         338 or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the         amount of methionine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or         lines 334 to 338;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of methionine in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of methionine in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of methionine in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, columns 7, lines 1 to 5         and/or lines 334 to 338 and conferring an increase in the amount         of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of methionine in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 1         to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 and conferring an increase in the         amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part         thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound methionine. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         methionine produced by the selected mutated organisms or parts         thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to         338 or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the         amount of methionine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or         lines 334 to 338;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of methionine in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of methionine in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of methionine in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, columns 7, lines 1 to 5         and/or lines 334 to 338 and conferring an increase in the amount         of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of methionine in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 1         to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 and conferring an increase in the         amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part         thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5         and/or lines 334 to 338 by one or more nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338 by one or     more amino acids. -   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of methionine in an     organism or a part thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 5 conferring an increase in the amount of methionine in         an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a         sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions         which permit the expression the polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the methionine level or the polypeptide expression         level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or the media         the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured or         maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured methionine level or polypeptide expression level with a         standard methionine or polypeptide expression level measured in         the absence of said candidate compound or a sample comprising         said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased level over the         standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising         said plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased level         over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample         comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased methionine production in a plant or microorganism,     comprising the steps:     -   (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of methionine in an organism or a part thereof and a         readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under         suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the         polypeptide with dais readout system in the presence of a         compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and         capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the         binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which         permit the expression of said readout system and of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6         conferring an increase in the amount of methionine in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in methionine production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in methionine after expression with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing methionine;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the methionine level in the host cells; and     -   (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the methionine level in the         host cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild         type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in methionine production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the methionine amount or level         in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and which are         at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing methionine;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the methionine level in the host cells; and     -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the methionine level in the         host cell after expression compared to the wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     methionine after expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of methionine levels in an organism. -   25. Food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the     plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim     16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified     according to the method of claim 19 or 20.

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.0.1] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.1] to [0007.0.0.1]: see [0001.0.0.0] to [0007.0.0.0]

[0007.1.0.1] Following the approach of deregulating specific enzymes in the amino acid biosynthetic pathway an increase of the levels of free threonine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,942,660 which is achieved by overexpression of either a wild-type or deregulated aspartate kinase, homoserine dehydrogenase or threonine synthase.

[0008.0.0.1] see [0008.0.0.0]

[0009.0.1.1] As described above, the essential amino acids are necessary for humans and many mammals, for example for livestock. Threonine is an important constituent in many body proteins and is necessary for the formation of tooth enamel protein, collagen and elastin, which both needed for healthy skin and wound healing. It is a precursor to the amino acids glycine and serine. It acts as a lipotropic in controlling fat build-up in the liver. Threonine is an immune stimulant because it promotes thymus growth and activity. It is a component of digestive enzymes and immune secretions from the gut, particularly mucins. It has been used as a supplement to help alleviate anxiety and some cases of depression. In animal production, as an important essential amino acid, threonine is normally the second limiting amino acid for pigs and the third limiting amino acid for chicken (Gallus gallus f. domestica, e.g. laying hen or broiler).

[0010.0.0.1] see [0010.0.0.0]

[0011.0.0.1] see [0011.0.0.0]

[0012.0.1.1] It is an object of the present invention to develop an inexpensive process for the synthesis of threonine, preferably L-threonine. Threonine is together with lysine and methionine (depending on the organism) one of the amino acids which are most frequently limiting.

[0013.0.0.1] see [0013.0.0.0]

[0014.0.1.1] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is threonine, preferably L-threonine. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “threonine”. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising threonine.

[0015.0.1.1] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means threonine, preferably L-threonine. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means threonine, preferably L-threonine, its salts, ester or amids in free form or bound to proteins. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means threonine, preferably L-threonine, in free form or its salts or bound to proteins.

[0016.0.1.1] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more

YFL050C, YKR057W, YIL150C, YNL046W, YNL120C, b0186, b0730, b1829, b2170, b0019, b0464, b1360, b1738, b1830, b1896, b2270, b2414, b2552, b2664, b3074, b3160, b3231, b3462, b3791, b3966, b4004, YOR245C—protein(s) in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and

-   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus, threonine or fine chemicals     comprising threonine, in said organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of a protein indicated in Table IIA or IIB,     column 3, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or having the sequence of a     polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table IA     or IB, column 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355, in a non-human     organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, in particular threonine.

[0017.0.0.1] see [0017.0.0.0]

[0018.0.0.1] see [0018.0.0.0]

[0019.0.1.1] Advantageously the process for the production of the fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the fine chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein having the activity of a protein indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355.

[0020.0.1.1] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of at least one of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein(s) indicated in Table IIA or IIB, Column 3, lines 6 to 10 and line 355 and/or at least one of the Escherichia coli K12 proteins indicated in Table IIA or IIB, Column 3, line 11-15, 339 to 354 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the threonine (or fine chemical) content of the transformed plants.

[0021.0.0.1] see [0021.0.0.0]

[0022.0.1.1] The sequence of YFL050C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Murakami et al., Nat. Genet. 10 (3), 261-268, 1995 and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is defined as a di- trivalent inorganic cation transporter. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product defined as di- trivalent inorganic cation transporter from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably L-threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YKR057W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon et al., Nature 369 (6479), 371-378, 1994 and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its activity is being defined as an ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably L-threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YIL150C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and Churcher et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 84-87, 1997 and its activity is being defined as a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion, from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably L-threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YNL046W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and Philippsen et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 93-98, 1997 and its activity is being defined as a probable membrane protein of the endoplasmatic reticulum. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a YNL046W, as a probable membrane protein of the endoplasmatic reticulum, from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YNL120C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in de Antoni et al, Yeast 13:261-266, 1997, and its cellular activity has not been characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a YNL120C activity from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0186 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a lysine decarboxylase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a lysine decarboxylase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a lysine decarboxylase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0730 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon and fatty acyl response regulator. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon or a fatty acid response regulator from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably L-threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1829 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a heat shock protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “heat shock protein” from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a htpX heat shock protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. The htpX heat shock protein is also annotated as having a protease activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protease, preferably of a heat shock protease, more preferred of a htpX protease or its homolog is increased for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2170 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a sugar efflux transporter. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a sugar efflux transporter B from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably L-threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0019 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as protein for the transport; the transport of small molecules, preferably cations. In a more preferred embodiment the protein has the activity of a Na+/H+ antiporter, responsive to stress, especially to high salinity and pH. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein for the transport; preferably a stress responsive Na+/H+ antiporter from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably L-threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0464 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcriptional repressor for multidrug efflux pump (TetR/AcrR family). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a transcriptional repressor for multidrug efflux pump (TetR/AcrR family) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a transcriptional repressor for multidrug efflux pump (TetR/AcrR family) is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1360 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative DNA replication protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a putative DNA replication protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a putative DNA replication protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1738 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1830 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a carboxy-terminal protease for penicillin-binding protein 4. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a carboxy-terminal protease for penicillin-binding protein 4 from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a carboxy-terminal protease for penicillin-binding protein 4 is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1896 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2414 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, PLP-dependent enzyme.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, PLP-dependent enzyme from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, PLP-dependent enzyme is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2552 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a dihydropteridine reductase (nitric oxide dioxygenase). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a dihydropteridine reductase (nitric oxide dioxygenase) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a dihydropteridine reductase (nitric oxide dioxygenase) is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b4004 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcriptional regulatory protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a transcriptional regulatory protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a transcriptional regulatory protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2664 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (GntR familiy). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a putative transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain

(GntR familiy) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a putative transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (GntR familiy) is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3074 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative tRNA synthetase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a putative tRNA synthetase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a putative tRNA synthetase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2270 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has not been characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein b2270 from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein encoded by b2270 is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3160 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative monooxygenase with luciferase-like ATPase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a putative monooxygenase with luciferase-like ATPase activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a putative monooxygenase with luciferase-like ATPase activity is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3231 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13 from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13 is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3462 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as an integral membrane cell division protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a integral membrane cell division protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a integral membrane cell division protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3791 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transaminase involved in lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a transaminase involved in lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a transaminase involved in lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3966 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as an outer membrane porin. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a outer membrane porin from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a outer membrane porin is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YOR245C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon, B. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 98-102 (1997) and its activity is defined as a acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product defined as a acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably L-threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

[0023.0.1.1] Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the fine chemical amount or content. Further, in the present invention, the term “homologue” relates to the sequence of an organism having the highest sequence homology to the herein mentioned or listed sequences of all expressed sequences of said organism. However, the person skilled in the art knows, that, preferably, the homologue has said the—fine-chemical-increasing activity and, if known, the same biological function or activity in the organism as at least one of the protein(s) indicated in Table IIA or IIB, Column 3, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355, e.g. having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule comprising the sequence indicated in in Table IA or IB, Column 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355. In one embodiment, the homolog of any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, lines 6 to 10, 339 to 355 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organsims and being derived from an eukaryot. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 11 to 15, 339 to 355 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 6 to 10, 339 to 355 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in an organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 11 to 15, 339 to 355 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof and being derived from

Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 6 to 10, 339 to 355 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof and being derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 11 to 15, 339 to 355 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 6 to 10, 339 to 355 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 11 to 15, 339 to 355 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 11 to 15, 339 to 354 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 6 to 10, 355 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms, and being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 11 to 15, 339 to 354 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Escherichia. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 6 to 10, 355 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 6 to 10, 355 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycetes.

[0023.1.0.1] Homologs of the polypeptides polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 may be the polypetides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules polypeptide indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, lines 6 to 10, 339 to 355 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 7, lines 6 to 10, 339 to355. Homologs of the polypeptides polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 may be the polypetides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules polypeptide indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, lines 6 to 10, 339 to 355 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 7, lines 11-15, 339 to 355.

[0024.0.0.1]: see [0024.0.0.0]

[0025.0.1.1] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein of the invention”, e.g. the activity of a protein indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased threonine level in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of any one of the proteins indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355, i.e. or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to an any one of the proteins indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 6 to 10, 339 to 355 and/or any one of the proteins indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 11 to 15, 339 to 354.

[0025.1.0.1] In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the organism in which it is expressed. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0026.0.0.1] to [0033.0.0.1]: see [0026.0.0.0] to [0033.0.0.0]

[0034.0.1.1] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g., it differs by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table IA or IB, column 5, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355, its biochemical or genetical causes and therefore shows the increased amount of the fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.1] to [0044.0.0.1]: see [0035.0.0.0] to [0044.0.0.0]

[0045.0.1.1] In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL050C or di- trivalent inorganic cation transporter or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 6, is increased, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical threonine between 19% and 56% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YKR057W or a ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation or its homolog e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 7, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical threonine between 34% and 142% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or a “protein required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion” or a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion or its homologs, e.g. a cell division cycle protein e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 8, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical threonine between 25% and 319% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YNL046W or its homologs, e.g. a probable membrane protein of the endoplasmatic reticulum e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 9 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical threonine between 18% and 53% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YNL120C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, Columns 5 or 7, line 10, is increased, preferably, the increase of the fine chemical threonine of 44% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0186 or a lysine decarboxylases or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 11, is increased, preferably, the increase of the fine chemical threonine between 49% and 228% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0730 or a protein with the activity defined as transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 12, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical threonine between 53% and 177% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1829 or its homologs is increased, e.g. the activity of a protease is increased, preferably, the activity of a heat shock protein is increased, more preferred the activity of a htpX protein or its homolog e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 13, is increased preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical threonine between 17% and 114% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2170 or a sugar efflux transporter or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 14, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical threonine between 35% and 79% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0019 or a protein for the transport of cations or its homologs, e.g. a Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 15, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical threonine between 24% and 44% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0464 or a protein with the activity defined as transcriptional repressor for multidrug efflux pump (TetR/AcrR family) or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 339, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical threonine between 23% and 43% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1360 or a protein with the activity defined as putative DNA replication protein or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 340, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical threonine between 16% and 38% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1738 or a protein with the activity defined as PEP-dependent phosphotransferase or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 341, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical threonine between 27% and 361% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1830 or a protein with the activity defined as carboxy-terminal protease for penicillin-binding protein 4 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 342, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical threonine between 24% and 43% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1896 or a protein with the activity defined as trehalose-6-phosphate synthase or its homologs, e.g. e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 343, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical threonine between 46% and 108% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2414 or a protein with the activity defined as subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, PLP-dependent enzyme or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 345, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical threonine between24% and 46% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2552 or a protein with the activity defined as dihydropteridine reductase (nitric oxide dioxygenase) or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 346, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical threonine between 17% and 37% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4004 or a protein with the activity defined as transcriptional regulatory protein or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 354, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical threonine between 17% and 37% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2664 or a protein with the activity defined as putative transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (GntR familiy) or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 347, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical threonine between29% and 284% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3074 or a protein with the activity defined as putative tRNA synthetase or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 348, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical threonine between 31% and 59% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2270 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 344, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical threonine between 31% and 59% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3160 or a protein with the activity defined as putative monooxygenase with luciferase-like ATPase activity or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 349, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical threonine between 25% and 56% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3231 or a protein with the activity defined as 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 350, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical threonine between 17% and 32% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3462 or a protein with the activity defined as integral membrane cell division protein or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 351, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical threonine between 18% and 51% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3791 or a protein with the activity defined as transaminase involved in lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 352, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical threonine between 38% and 44% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3966 or a protein with the activity defined as outer membrane porin or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 353, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical threonine between 19% and 47% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR245C or a protein with the activity defined as acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 355, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical threonine between 18% and 81% is conferred.

[0046.0.1.1] In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YFL050C or its homologs, e.g. di- trivalent inorganic cation transporter, is increased, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical threonine and of alanine is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YKR057W or its homologs, e.g. an ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation is increased, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical threonine and of arginine, is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. “a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion” or its homologs, is increased, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical threonine and of fumaric acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0186 or its homologs, e.g. a lysine decarboxylases or its homologs, is increased preferably, an increase of the fine chemical threonine and of methionine is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0730 or its homologs, e.g. a protein with the activity defined as transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon and fatty acyl response regulator or its homologs is increased preferably an increase of the fine chemical threonine and of beta-carotene is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1829 or its homologs is increased, e.g. the activity of a protease is increased, preferably, the activity of a heat shock protein is increased, more preferred the activity of a htpX protein or its homolog is increased preferably in an increase of the fine chemical threonine and of C18:0 is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2170 or its homologs is increased, e.g. the activity of a sugar efflux transporter B is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical threonine and of isopentenyl pyrophosphate is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0019 or its homologs, e.g. a protein for the transport of cations or its homologs, e.g. a Na+/H+ antiporter, is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical threonine and of β-sitosterol is conferred.

[0047.0.0.1] see [0047.0.0.0]

[0048.0.0.1] see [0048.0.0.0]

[0049.0.1.1] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fine chemical preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of a polypeptides comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, line 6 to 15,339 to 355 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 6 to 15,339 to 355 or the functional homologs thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 6 to 15,339 to 355 or its herein described functional homologs and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.1.1] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “threonine” and “L-threonine” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, threonine hydrochloride or threonine sulfate. Preferably the term threonine is intended to encompass the term L-threonine.

[0051.0.0.1] see [0051.0.0.0]

[0052.0.0.1] see [0052.0.0.0]

[0053.0.1.1] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps

-   (a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3,     line 6 to 15,339 to 355 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated     in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 6 to 15,339 to 355, having     herein-mentioned the fine chemical-increasing activity; -   (b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, e.g.     of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in     Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 6 to 15,339 to 355 or its homologs     activity, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7,     line 6 to 15,339 to 355 or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide of the     present invention having herein-mentioned threonine increasing     activity; -   (c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increasd expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned threonine increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated     in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or its     homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5     or 7, line 6 to 15, 339 to 355, or decreasing the inhibiitory     regulation of the polypeptide of the invention; -   (d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned threonine increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated     in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or its     homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5     or 7, line 6 to 15, 339 to 355; -   (e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned threonine increasing activity, e.g. of a     polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table     IIA or IIB, column 3, line 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or its homologs     activity, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7,     line 6 to 15, 339 to 355 by adding one or more exogenous inducing     factors to the organisms or parts thereof; -   (f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned threonine increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated     in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or its     homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5     or 7, line 6 to 15, 339 to 355; -   (g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned threonine increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated     in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or its     homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5     or 7, line 6 to 15, 339 to 355; -   (h) Increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having an activity     of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 6 to     15, 339 to 355 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table     IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 6 to 15, 339 to 355 by adding     positive expression or removing negative expression elements; e.g.     homologous recombination can be used to either introduce positive     regulatory elements like for plants the 35S enhancer into the     promoter or to remove repressor elements form regulatory regions.     Further gene conversion methods can be used to disrupt repressor     elements or to enhance to activity of positive elements. Positive     elements can be randomly introduced in plants by T-DNA or transposon     mutagenesis and lines can be identified in which the positive     elements have be integrated near to a gene of the invention, the     expression of which is thereby enhanced; -   (i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown under a higher temperature     regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock proteins,     e.g. the heat shock protein of the invention, which can lead an     enhanced the fine chemical production; and/or -   (j) selecting of organisms with expecially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.1.1] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of threonine after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, line 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 7, line 6 to 15, 339 to 355.

[0055.0.0.1] to [0064.0.0.1] see [0055.0.0.0] to [0064.0.0.0]

[0065.0.1.1] The activation of an endogenous polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the fine chemical after increase of expression or activity can also be increased by introducing a synthetic transcription factor, which binds close to the coding region of an endogenous polypeptide of the invention- or its endogenous homolog-encoding gene and activates its transcription. A chimeric zinc finger protein can be construed, which comprises a specific DNA-binding domain and an activation domain as e.g. the VP16 domain of Herpes Simplex virus. The specific binding domain can bind to the regulatory region of the endogenous protein-coding region. The expression of the chimeric transcription factor in a organism, in particular in a plant, leads to a specific expression of an endogenous polypeptid of the invention, in particular a plant homolog thereof, see e.g. in WO01/52620, Oriz, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2002, Vol. 99, 13290 or Guan, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2002, Vol. 99, 13296.

[0066.0.0.1] to [0069.0.0.1]: see [0066.0.0.0] to [0069.0.0.0]

[0070.0.1.1] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolites composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous amino acid composition comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutrional physiology limited) fine chemicals, in particular amino acids, likewise the fine chemical.

[0071.0.0.1] see [0071.0.0.0]

[0072.0.1.1] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous hydroxy containing compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to threonine, serine, homoserine, phosphohomoserine or hydroxyproline or methionine.

[0073.0.1.1] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process which comprises:

-   (a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a     non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue     or a plant; -   (b) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or a     homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or     7, line 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or of a polypeptide being encoded by the     nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and described below,     e.g. conferring an increase of the fine chemical in the organism,     preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal     cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant, -   (c) growing the organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human     animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant     under conditions which permit the production of the fine chemical in     the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant cell, the     plant tissue or the plant; and -   (d) if desired, revovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or     bound the fine chemical and, optionally further free and/or bound     amino acids synthetized by the organism, the microorganism, the     non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal     tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.0.1] to [0084.0.0.1]: see [0074.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0]

[0085.0.1.1] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   (a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns     5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 a derivative thereof, or -   (b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or a     derivative thereof, or -   (c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide radicals. “Natural genetic environment” means the     natural chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence     in a genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.1]: see [0086.0.0.0]

[0087.0.0.1]: see [0087.0.0.0]

[0088.0.1.1] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose amino acid content is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for monogastric animals is limited by a few essential amino acids such as lysine, threonine or methionine.

[0088.1.1.1] In one embodiment, after an activity of a polypeptide of the present invention has been increased or generated, or after the expression of a nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide according to the invention has been generated or increased, the transgenic plant generated can be grown on or in a nutrient medium or else in the soil and subsequently harvested.

[0089.0.0.1] to [0097.0.0.1]: see [0089.0.0.0] to [0097.0.0.0]

[0098.0.1.1] In a further embodiment, the fine chemical threonine is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further amino acids such as methionine, lysine and/or mixtures of amino acid by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.0.1] to [0102.0.0.1]: see [0099.0.0.0] to [0102.0.0.0]

[0103.0.1.1] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the fine chemical threonine comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   (a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table IIA     or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355; -   (b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355; -   (c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical threonine     in an organism or a part thereof; -   (d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical threonine in an organism     or a part thereof; -   (e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical threonine in an organism or a part thereof; -   (f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical threonine     in an organism or a part thereof; -   (g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical threonine in an organism     or a part thereof; -   (h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which     is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library     or a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table III, columns 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355, and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical threonine     in an organism or a part thereof; -   (i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical threonine     in an organism or a part thereof; -   (j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table IV,     column 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 and conferring an increase in     the amount of the fine chemical threonine in an organism or a part     thereof; -   (k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5     or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 and conferring an increase in the     amount of the fine chemical threonine in an organism or a part     thereof; and -   (l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a     suitable library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising     one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k),     preferably to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt,     preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the     nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a)     to (c), and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical threonine in an organism or a part thereof; -   or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0104.0.1.1] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355.

[0105.0.0.1] to [0107.0.0.1]: see [0105.0.0.0] to [0107.0.0.0]

[0108.0.1.1] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from an amino acid sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or e.g. conferring a increase of the fine chemical threonine after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.1] see [0109.0.0.0]

[0110.0.1.1] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide of the invention can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.1] see [0111.0.0.0]

[0112.0.1.1] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table Ila or IIB, column 3, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 and 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 and conferring an increase of the fine chemical threonine.

[0113.0.0.1] to [0120.0.0.1]: see [0113.0.0.0] to [0120.0.0.0]

[0121.0.1.1] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a increase of the fine chemical threonine after increasing its activity

[0122.0.0.1] to [127.0.0.1]: see [0122.0.0.0] to [0127.0.0.0]

[0128.0.1.1] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or the sequences derived from sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355.

[0129.0.1.1] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequences indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 are derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.1.1] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the fine chemical after increasing its expression or activity or further functional homologs of the polypeptide of the invention from other organisms.

[0131.0.0.1] to [0138.0.0.1]: see [0131.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0]

[0139.0.1.1] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a threonine increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to a sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the threonine increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.1] to [0146.0.0.1]: see [0140.0.0.0] to [0146.0.0.0]

[0147.0.1.1] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybrization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.1.1] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or a functional portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular has the—fine-chemical-increasing activity after increasing its activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequence or its homog's.

[0149.0.1.1] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of the fine chemical.

[00149.1.1.1] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355.

[0150.0.1.1] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of fine chemical threonine if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences indicated in Table

IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355.

[0151.0.0.1] see [0151.0.0.0]

[0152.0.1.1] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in threonine production, in particular a threonine increasing activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.1.1] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of threonine production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355.

[0154.0.1.1] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.1] see [0155.0.0.0]

[0156.0.0.1] see [0156.0.0.0]

[0157.0.1.1] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of a nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in threonine in an organism, e.g. as that polypeptides comprising the consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or their functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in another embodiment having, a consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or of the polypeptide as as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table IA columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355.

[0158.0.0.1] to [0160.0.0.1]: see [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0]

[0161.0.1.1] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.1]: see [0162.0.0.0]

[0163.0.1.1] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.1]: see [0164.0.0.0]

[0165.0.1.1] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355.

[0166.0.0.1]: see [0166.0.0.0]

[0167.0.0.1] see [0167.0.0.0]

[0168.0.1.1] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 even more preferably at least about 80%, 90% or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355.

[0169.0.0.1] to [0172.0.0.1]: see [0169.0.0.0] to [0172.0.0.0]

[0173.0.1.1] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 40199 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 40199 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.1]: see [0174.0.0.0]

[0175.0.1.1] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 40200 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 40200 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.1.1] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355.

[0177.0.1.1] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of a polypeptides as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355.

[0178.0.0.1] see [0178.0.0.0]

[0179.0.1.1] A nucleic acid molecule encoding an homologous to a protein sequence of as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences of sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.1] to [0183.0.0.1]: see [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0]

[0184.0.1.1] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355, or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.1.1] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one more sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355. In one embodiment it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotide sequences not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule use in the process of the invention is identical to a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355.

[0186.0.1.1] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polynucleotide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355.

[0187.0.1.1] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355.

[0188.0.1.1] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355, preferably compared to a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3 and 5, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 and expressed under identical conditions.

[0189.0.1.1] Homologues of sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or of derived sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.1] to [0203.0.0.1]: see [0190.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0]

[0204.0.1.1] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   (a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355, preferably of Table IIB, column 7, lines     6 to 15, lines 339 to 355 or a fragment thereof conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical threonine in     an organism or a part thereof -   (b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5     or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355, preferably of Table IB, column 7,     lines 6 to 15, lines 339 to 355 or a fragment thereof conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical threonine in     an organism or a part thereof; -   (c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     threonine in an organism or a part thereof; -   (d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     threonine in an organism or a part thereof; -   (e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical threonine in an organism or a part thereof; -   (f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     threonine in an organism or a part thereof; -   (g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical threonine in an     organism or a part thereof; -   (h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which     is obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table IIIA or IIIB, column     7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical threonine in an organism or a     part thereof; -   (i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical threonine in     an organism or a part thereof; -   (j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 6 to     15, 339 to 355 and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical threonine in an organism or a part thereof; -   (k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355, preferably of     Table IIB, column 7, lines 6 to 15, lines 339 to 355 and conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical threonine     in an organism or a part thereof; and -   (l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a     suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization     conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the     nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least     15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of     the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a     nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines     6 to 15, 339 to 355, preferably of Table IB, column 7, lines 6 to     15, lines 339 to 355 or a nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably     at least the mature form of, the polypeptide as indicated in Table     II, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355, preferably of Table     IIB, column 7, lines 6 to 15, lines 339 to 355 and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical threonine in     an organism or a part thereof;     or which encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over a sequence depicted in as indicated in     Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 by one or     more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of     the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table     IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355. In one     embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule is less than 100%, 99.999%,     99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A     or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355. In another     embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide     of a sequence indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines     6 to 15, 339 to 355. In an other embodiment, the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60%     identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99%     identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or     7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355. In a further embodiment the nucleic     acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in     Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355.     Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the     differs at least in one or more residues from a nucleic acid     molecule indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to     15, 339 to 355. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention encodes a polypeptide, which     differs at least in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide     indicated in Table II A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339     to 355. In another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule indicated in     Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 does not     encode a protein of a sequence indicated in Table II A or II B,     columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355. Accordingly, in one     embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid     accoriding to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated     in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355. In     a further embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at     least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical to a protein sequence     indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339     to 355 and less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or     99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95% identical     to a sequence as indicated in Table I A or II B, columns 5 or 7,     lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355.

[0205.0.0.1] to [0226.0.0.1]: see [0205.0.0.0] to [0226.0.0.0]

[0227.0.1.1] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorgansims.

In addition to a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the amino acid biosynthetic pathway such as for L-lysine, L-methionine and/or L-threonine is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acid desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.0.1] to [0230.0.0.1]: see [0228.0.0.0] to [0230.0.0.0]

[0231.0.1.1] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a threonine degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.1] to [0282.0.0.1]: see [0232.0.0.0] to [0282.0.0.0]

[0283.0.1.1] Moreover, a native polypeptide conferring the increase of the fine chemical threonine in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, in particular, an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355. E.g. an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing polypeptides comprising or consisting of above mentioned sequences, e.g. the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies.

[0284.0.0.1]: see [0284.0.0.0]

[0285.0.1.1] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or as coded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.1.1] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 and in one other embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid.

[0287.0.0.1] to [0290.0.0.1]: see [0287.0.0.0] to [0290.0.0.0]

[0291.0.1.1] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences. In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, the polypeptide distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 by more than1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In another embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355.

[0292.0.0.1]: see [0292.0.0.0]

[0293.0.1.1]

In one embodiment, the invention relates to a polypeptide conferring an increase in the fine chemical threonine in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention used in the process of the invention.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention is having a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 by one or more amino acids. In another embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355.

[0294.0.1.1]

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.1] to [0297.0.0.1]: see [0295.0.0.0] to [0297.0.0.0]

[0297.1.0.1] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 3, 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355.

[0298.0.1.1] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to confer the activity of the present invention. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355.

[0299.0.1.1] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.1.1] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 in the amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355.

[0301.0.0.1] see [0301.0.0.0]

[0302.0.1.1] Biologically active portions of a polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to a polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of a polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.1]: see [0303.0.0.0]

[0304.0.1.1] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.1] to [0308.0.0.1]: see [0305.0.0.0] to [0308.0.0.0]

[0309.0.1.1] In one embodiment, an reference to a “protein (=polypeptide)” of the invention or as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicate in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 does not confer an increase of the fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.1] to [0334.0.0.1]: see [0310.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0]

[0335.0.1.1] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table II A or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence of one of the sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.1] to [0342.0.0.1]: see [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0]

[0343.0.1.1] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.1] to [0361.0.0.1]: see [0344.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0]

[0362.0.1.1] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the fine chemical threonine in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355. Due to the above mentioned activity the fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manupulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. In one embodiment transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 3, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.1]: see [0363.0.0.0]

[0364.0.1.1] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of a promoter of a polypeptide of the invention with the corresponding protein-encoding-sequence—becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modified by non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example, mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

[0365.0.0.1] to [0382.0.0.1]: see [0365.0.0.0] to [0382.0.0.0]

[0383.0.1.1] For preparing hydroxy containing fine chemicals, in particular the fine chemical threonine, it is possible to use as hydroxy source organic hydroxy-containing compounds such as, for example, alcohols, hydroxy-containing organic acids, acetals, or compounds containing carbonyl or carboxyl groups to be reduced by known methods of the art.

[0384.0.0.1] to [0392.0.0.1]: see [0384.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0]

[0393.0.1.1] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   (a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the fine chemical threonine after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to     15,339 to 355 and, optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone     or complete genomic clone; -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the fine chemical threonine; -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   (e) assaying the the fine chemical level in the host cells; and -   (f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the the fine chemical level in the     host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.1] to [0398.0.0.1]: see [0394.0.0.0] to [0398.0.0.0]

[0399.0.1.1] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the identification of a compound conferring increased in the fine chemical production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps:

-   -   (a) culturing a cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a         plant expressing the polypeptide according to the invention or a         nucleic acid molecule encoding said polypeptide and a readout         system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under         suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the         polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a         compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and         capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the         binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which         permit the expression of said readout system and the polypeptide         of the present invention or used in the process of the         invention; and     -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system.

The screen for a gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in the fine chemical production can be performed by growth of an organism for example a microorganism in the presence of growth reducing amounts of an inhibitor of the synthesis of the fine chemical. Better growth, e.g. higher dividing rate or high dry mass in comparison to the control under such conditions would identify a gene or gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in fine chemical production.

[0399.1.1.1] One can think to screen for increased production of the fine chemical threonine by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the fine chemical threonine and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15,339 to 355 or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotyp of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15,339 to 355 after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.1] to [0430.0.0.1]: see [0400.0.0.1] to [0430.0.0.0]

[0431.0.1.1] Example 1 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 81 or Another DNA Polynucleotide According the Enclosed Sequence Listing Encoding an ORF as Shown in the Below Table in Escherichia coli

[0432.0.1.1] SEQ ID NO: 81 or another DNA polynucleotide according the enclosed sequence listing encoding an ORF as shown in the below table was cloned into the plasmids pBR322 (Sutcliffe, J. G. (1979) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, 75: 3737-3741); pACYC177 (Change & Cohen (1978) J. Bacteriol. 134: 1141-1156); plasmids of the pBS series (pBSSK+, pBSSK− and others; Stratagene, LaJolla, USA) or cosmids such as SuperCosi (Stratagene, LaJolla, USA) or Lorist6 (Gibson, T. J. Rosenthal, A., and Waterson, R. H. (1987) Gene 53: 283-286) for expression in E. coli using known, well-established procedures (see, for example, Sambrook, J. et al. (1989) “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons).

[0433.0.0.1] to [0460.0.0.1]: see [0433.0.0.0] to [0460.0.0.0]

[0461.0.1.1] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 81 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.1]: see [0462.0.0.0]

[0463.0.1.1] SEQ ID NO: 81 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.1] to [0466.0.0.1]: see [0464.0.0.0] to [0466.0.0.0]

[0467.0.1.1] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 81:

i) forward primer SEQ ID NO: 83: ATGTCGTCCTTATCCACTTCATTTG ii) reverse primer SEQ ID NO: 84: TTAATTGTAACGGCTATATCTACTGG

[0468.0.0.1] to [0479.0.0.1]: see [0468.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0]

[0480.0.1.1] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 81

[0481.0.0.1] to [0513.0.0.1]: see [0481.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0]

[0514.0.1.1] As an alternative, the amino acids can be detected advantageously via HPLC separation in ethanolic extract as described by Geigenberger et al. (Plant Cell & Environ, 19, 1996: 43-55).

Arabidopsis thaliana plants were engineered as described in Example 11.

The results of the different Arabidopsis plants analysed can be seen from table 1 which follows:

TABLE 1 ORF Annotation Metabolite Min Max Methode YFL050C di-trivalent inorganic threonine 1.193 1.557 GC cation transporter YKR057W ribosomal protein, threonine 1.34 2.413 GC similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation YIL150C chromatin binding threonine 1.256 4.186 GC protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion YNL046W probable membrane threonine 1.178 1.526 GC protein of the endoplasmatic reticulum YNL120C not been threonine 1.44 1.44 LC characterized yet b0186 lysine decarboxylase threonine 1.495 3.277 GC b0730 transcriptional threonine 1.531 2.772 LC regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon and fatty acyl response regulator b1829 defined as a heat threonine 1.174 2.135 GC shock protein with protease activity b2170 sugar efflux threonine 1.359 1.792 LC transporter B b0019 Na+/H+ antiporter threonine 1.244 1.44 GC

Metabolite Profiling Info:

ORF Metabolite Method Min Max b0464 Threonine GC 1.23 1.43 b1360 Threonine GC 1.16 1.38 b1738 Threonine LC 1.27 4.61 b1830 Threonine LC 1.24 1.43 b1896 Threonine LC + GC 1.46 2.08 b2414 Threonine GC 1.24 1.46 b2552 Threonine GC 1.17 1.37 b4004 Threonine GC 1.17 1.37 b2664 Threonine LC + GC 1.29 2.84 b3074 Threonine LC 1.31 1.59 b2270 Threonine LC 1.31 1.59 b3160 Threonine LC 1.25 1.56 b3231 Threonine GC 1.17 1.32 b3462 Threonine GC 1.18 1.51 b3791 Threonine LC 1.38 1.44 b3966 Threonine GC 1.19 1.47 YOR245C Threonine GC 1.18 1.81

[0515.0.0.1]: to [0552.0.0.1]: see [0515.0.0.0] to [0552.0.0.0]

[0552.1.1.1]: Example 15 Metabolite Profiling Info from Zea mays

Zea mays plants were engineered, grown and analyzed as described in Example 14c.

The results of the different Zea mays plants analysed can be seen from Table 2 which follows:

TABLE 2 ORF_NAME Metabolite Min Max b1829 Threonine 1.44 1.96 b2664 Threonine 1.77 3.94 YIL150C Threonine 1.68 2.98 YKR057W Threonine 1.59 5.59

Table 2 exhibits the metabolic data from maize, shown in either TO or T1, describing the increase in threonine in genetically modified corn plants expressing the

Saccharomyces cerevisiae nucleic acid sequence YIL150C or YKR057Wor E. coli nucleic acid sequence b1829 or b2664 resp.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. “a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion” or its homologs, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical threonine between 68% and 198% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YKR057W or a ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation or its homolog, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical threonine between 59% and 459%, is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b1829 or its homologs, e.g. “the activity of a protease is increased, preferably, the activity of a heat shock protein is increased, more preferred the activity of a htpX protein”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical threonine between 44% and 96% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b2664 or its homologs, e.g. “the activity defined as putative transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (GntR familiy)”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical threonine between 77% and 294% is conferred.

[00552.2.0.1] see [00552.2.0.0]

[0553.0.1.1]

-   1. A process for the production of threonine, which comprises     -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as         indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15,         339 to 355 or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human         organism, or in one or more parts thereof; and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of threonine in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of threonine, comprising the     increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the     expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a     nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   (a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355         or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount         of threonine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of the nucleic acid         molecule as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6         to 15, 339 to 355;     -   (c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of threonine in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   (d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of threonine in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of threonine         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, columns 5 or 7, lines 6         to 15, 339 to 355 and conferring an increase in the amount of         the fine chemical threonine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of threonine in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   (h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7,         lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 and conferring an increase in the         amount of the fine chemical threonine in an organism or a part         thereof; and     -   (i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical threonine in an organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound threonine.

4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following steps:

-   -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         threonine produced by the selected mutated organisms or parts         thereof.

-   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably.

-   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   (a) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide as indicated in         Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355 or a         fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         threonine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid as indicated         in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15, 339 to 355;     -   (c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of threonine in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   (d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of threonine in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of threonine         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers in         Table III, column 8, lines 6 to 15, 339-355 and conferring an         increase in the amount of the fine chemical threonine in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of threonine in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   (h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising the         consensus sequence shown in Table IV, column 8, lines 6 to 15,         339 to 355 and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   (i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6         to 15, 339 to 355 by one or more nucleotides.

-   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements.

-   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7.

-   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host.

-   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 9 or 10 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5.

-   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell.

-   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium.

-   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12.

-   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a Sequence as indicated in Table     IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 15,339 to 355 by one or more     amino acids

-   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14.

-   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium.

-   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of threonine in an     organism or a part thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of threonine in         an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a         sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions         which permit the expression the polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the threonine level or the polypeptide expression         level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or the media         the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured or         maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured threonine level or polypeptide expression level with a         standard threonine or polypeptide expression level measured in         the absence of said candidate compound or a sample comprising         said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased level over the         standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising         said plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased level         over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample         comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist.

-   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased threonine production in a plant or microorganism,     comprising the steps:     -   (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of threonine in an organism or a part thereof and a         readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under         suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the         polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a         compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and         capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the         binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which         permit the expression of said readout system and of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6         conferring an increase in the amount of threonine in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system.

-   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in threonine production in a cell, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in threonine after expression with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing threonine;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the threonine level in the host cells; and     -   (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the threonine level in the         host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

-   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in threonine production in a cell, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) identifiying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the threonine amount or level         in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and which are         at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing threonine;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the threonine level in the host cells; and     -   (e) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product         which expression confers an increase in the threonine level in         the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

-   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture.

-   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier.

-   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     threonine after expression.

-   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of threonine levels in an organism.

-   25. Food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the     plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim     16, the host cell of claims 10 to 12 or the gene product identified     according to the method of claim 19 or 20.

[0554.0.0.1] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.0]

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.0.2]: In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.2] to [0009.0.0.2]: see [0.0.01.0.0.0] to [0008.0.0.0]

[0009.0.2.2] As described above, the essential amino acids are necessary for humans and many mammals, for example for livestock. Tryptophane (L-tryptophane) is one of the most reactive amino acids. At pH 4.0-6.0 tryptophane amino group reacts with aldehydes producing Schiff-bases. On the other hand if the amino group is blocked by acetylation, tryptophane reacts with aldehydes yielding carboline derivatives (carboline 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-carboline-3-carboxylic acid). Tryptophane plays a unique role in defense against infection because of its relative scarcity compared to other amino acids. During infection, the body induces tryptophane-catabolizing enzymes which increase tryptophane's scarcity in an attempt to starve the infecting organisms [R. R. Brown, Y. Ozaki, S. P. Datta, et al., Implications of interferon-induced tryptophane catabolism in cancer, auto-immune diseases and AIDS. In: Kynurenine and Serotonin Pathways, R. Schwarcz, et al., (Eds.), Plenum Press, New York, 1991]. In most proteins, tryptophane is the least abundant essential amino acid, comprising approximately 1% of plant proteins and 1.5% of animal proteins. Although the minimum daily requirement for tryptophane is 160 mg for women and 250 mg for men, 500-700 mg are recommended to ensure high-quality protein intake. Actual tryptophane utilization is substantially higher. Men use approximately 3.5 grams of tryptophane to make one days's worth of protein [J. C. Peters, Tryptophane Nutrition and Metabolism: an Overview. In: Kynurenine and Serotonin Pathways, R. Schwarcz, et al., (Eds.), Plenum Press, New York, 1991]. The balance is obtained by hepatic recycling of tryptophane from used (catabolized) proteins.

Dietary tryptophane is well absorbed intestinally. About 10% of the tryptophane circulating in the bloodstream is free, and 90% is bound to the protein albumin. The tryptophane binding site on albumin also has affinity for free fatty acids (FFAs), so tryptophane is displaced when FFAs rise, as when fasting.

Although tryptophane is not usually the limiting amino acid in protein synthesis, tryptophane may become insufficient for the normal functioning of other tryptophane-dependent pathways. Numerous lines of research point to tryptophane's central role in regulation of feeding and other behaviors. Tryptophane is not only typically the least abundant amino acid in the livers free amino acid pool, but liver tryptophane-tRNA levels fall faster during food deprivation than other indispensable amino acids [Q. R. Rogers, The nutritional and metabolic effects of amino acid imbalances. In: Protein Metabolism and Nutrition, D. J. A. Cole (Ed.), Butterworths, London, 1976]. Under fasting conditions, and possibly in wasting syndromes, tryptophane may become the rate-limiting amino acid for protein synthesis [Peters, 1991].

[0010.0.0.2] and [0011.0.0.2]: see [0010.0.0.0] and [0011.0.0.0]

[0012.0.2.2] It is an object of the present invention to develop an inexpensive process for the synthesis of tryptophane, preferably L-tryptophane. Tryptophane is together with methionine, lysine and threonine (depending on the organism) one of the amino acids which are most frequently limiting.

[0013.0.0.2]: see [0013.0.0.0]

[0014.0.2.2] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is tryptophane, preferably L-tryptophane. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “tryptophane”. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising tryptophane.

[0015.0.2.2] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means tryptophane, preferably L-tryptophane. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means tryptophane, preferably L-tryptophane, its salts, ester or amids in free form or bound to proteins. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means tryptophane, preferably L-tryptophane, in free form or its salts or bound to proteins.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” and the term “the respective fine chemical” mean at least one chemical compound with an activity of the above mentioned fine chemical.

[0016.0.2.2] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

(a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more

YER173W, YGR104C, b0186, b0161, b0486, b1318, b2270, b3074, b3983 and/or YHR189W—protein(s) or of a protein having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362

in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the production of the fine chemical, thus, tryptophane or fine chemicals comprising tryptophane, in said organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical comprising

(a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the production of the fine chemical, in particular tryptophane.

[0017.0.0.2] and [0018.0.0.2]: see [0017.0.0.0] and [0018.0.0.0]

[0019.0.2.2] Advantageously the process for the production of the fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the fine chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

[0020.0.2.2] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of at least one of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein(s) indicated in Table II, Column 3, lines 16 to 17 and/or 362 and/or at least one of the Escherichia coli K12 proteins indicated in Table II, Column 3, line 18 and/or lines 356 to 361 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the threonine (or fine chemical) content of the transformed plants.

[0021.0.0.2]: see [0021.0.0.0]

[0022.0.2.2] The sequence of YER173W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dietrich, Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 78-81, 1997, and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is beeing defined as an “Checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints; subunit of a clamp loader that loads Rad17p-Mec3p-Dc1p onto DNA, homolog of the human and S. pompe Rad17 protein; Rad24p”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “Checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints” or its “subunit of a clamp loader that loads Rad17p-Mec3p-Dc1p onto DNA” or a Rad24p from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or a Rad17 protein or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of tryptophane, in particular for increasing the amount of tryptophane in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YGR104C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Thompson et al., Cell 73:1361-1375, 1993, and its activity is beeing defined as an “RNA polymerase II suppressor protein SRB5—yeast”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “RNA polymerase II suppressor protein (SRB5—yeast)” or its homolog, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of tryptophane, in particular for increasing the amount of tryptophane in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0186 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is beeing defined as a lysine decarboxylase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a lysine decarboxylase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of tryptophane, in particular for increasing the amount of tryptophane, preferably tryptophane in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a lysine decarboxylase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0161 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a periplasmic serine protease (heat shock protein). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the helicobacter serine proteinase superfamily, preferably a protein with a periplasmic serine protease (heat shock protein) activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of tryptophane in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0486 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is beeing defined as a amino-acid/amine transport protein (of the APC family). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with the activity of the membrane protein ybaT superfamily, preferably a protein with a amino-acid/amine transport protein (of the APC family) activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of tryptophane, in particular for increasing the amount of tryptophane in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1318 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is beeing defined as a sugar transport protein (of the ABC superfamily). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with the activity of the inner membrane protein malK (with ATP-binding cassette homology) superfamily, preferably a protein with a sugar transport protein (of the ABC superfamily) activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of tryptophane, in particular for increasing the amount of tryptophane in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2270 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has not been characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein b2270 from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of tryptophane, in particular for increasing the amount of tryptophane in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3074 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a tRNA synthetase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with the activity of the secretion chaperone CsaA and/or methionyl-tRNA synthetase (dimer-forming) superfamily, preferably a protein with a tRNA synthetase activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of tryptophane, in particular for increasing the amount of tryptophane in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3983 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L12. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with the activity of the Escherichia coli ribosomal protein L11 superfamily, preferably a protein with a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L12 activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of tryptophane, in particular for increasing the amount of tryptophane in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YHR189W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and Johnston, Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 87-90, 1997, and its activity is beeing defined as a peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with the activity of the peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase superfamily, preferably a protein with a t peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase activity from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of tryptophane, in particular for increasing the amount of tryptophane in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

[0023.0.2.2] Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the fine chemical amount or content. Further, in the present invention, the term “homologue” relates to the sequence of an organism having the highest sequence homology to the herein mentioned or listed sequences of all expressed sequences of said organism.

However, the person skilled in the art knows, that, preferably, the homologue has said the—fine-chemical-increasing activity and, if known, the same biological function or activity in the organism as at least one of the protein(s) indicated in Table I, Column 3, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, e.g. having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule comprising the sequence indicated in indicated in Table I, Column 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

In one embodiment, the homolog of any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, lines 16 to 17 and/or line 362 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organsims and being derived from an Eukaryot. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 18 and/or lines 356 to 361 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 16 to 17 and/or line 362 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in an organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 18 and/or lines 356 to 361 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organsims or part thereof and being derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 16 to 17 and/or line 362 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organsims or a part thereof and being derived from Ascomycota. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 18 and/or lines 356 to 361 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 16 to 17 and/or line 362 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 18 and/or lines 356 to 361 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 16 to 17 and/or line 362 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of the a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 18 and/or lines 356 to 361 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 16 to 17 and/or line 362 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms, and being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 18 and/or line 356 to 361 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Escherichia. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 16 to 17 and/or line 362 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 16 to 17 and/or line 362 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycetes.

[0023.1.2.2] Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 16 to 17 and/or line 362 may be the polypetides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules polypeptide indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 16 to 17 and/or line 362 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 16 to 17 and/or line 362. Homologs of the polypeptides polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 18 and/or lines 356 to 361 may be the polypetides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules polypeptide indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 18 and/or lines 356 to 361 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 18 and/or lines 356 to 361.

[0024.0.0.2]: see [0024.0.0.0]

[0025.0.2.2] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein of the invention”, e.g. the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased tryptophane level in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism. In a preferred embodiment, the protein or polypeptide has the above-mentioned additional activities of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362. Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, i.e. or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to an any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 16 to 17 and/or line 362 of Saccharomyces and/or any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, line 18 and/or lines 356 to 361 of E. coli K12.

[0025.1.0.2]: see [0025.1.0.0]

[0025.2.0.2]: see [0025.2.0.0]

[0026.0.0.2] to [0033.0.0.2]: see [0026.0.0.0] to [0033.0.0.0]

[0034.0.2.2] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention. E.g., it differs by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, Hines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, its biochemical or genetical causes and therefore shows the increased amount of the fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.2] to [0044.0.0.2]: see [0035.0.0.0] to [0044.0.0.0]

[0045.0.2.2] In case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YER173W or its homologs, e.g. a checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints; subunit of a clamp loader that loads Rad17p-Mec3p-Ddc1p onto DNA or Rad24p or its homologs, e.g. the human or S. pombe Rad17, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 16 is increased, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical between 27% and 178% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YGR104C or its homologs, e.g. a RNA polymerase II suppressor protein (SRB5—yeast) e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 17 is increased, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical between 32% and 84% or more is conferred. (s.o.)

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0186 or a lysine decarboxylase or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 18 is increased, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical between 32% and 146% is conferred. S.o.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0161 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the Helicobacter serine proteinase superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a periplasmic serine protease (heat shock protein) activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 356, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably tryptophane between 93% and 278% or more.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0486 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the membrane protein ybaT superfamily, preferably a protein with a amino-acid/amine transport protein (of the APC family) activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 357, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably tryptophane between 42% and 335% or more.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1318 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of the inner membrane protein malK (with ATP-binding cassette homology) superfamily, preferably a protein with a sugar transport protein (of the ABC superfamily) activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 358, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably tryptophane between 136% and 330% or more.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2270 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a b2270 protein of E. coli, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 359, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably tryptophane between 33% and 79% or more.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3074 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the secretion chaperone CsaA and/or methionyl-tRNA synthetase (dimer-forming) superfamily, preferably a protein with a tRNA synthetase activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 360, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably tryptophane between 33% and 79% or more.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3983 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a Escherichia coli ribosomal protein L11 superfamily, preferably a protein with a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L12 activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 361, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably tryptophane between 33% and 387% or more.

In case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YHR189W or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase superfamily, preferably a protein with a peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 362, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably tryptophane between 31% and 66% or more.

[0046.0.2.2] In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YER173W or its homologs, e.g. a checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pychtene checkpoints; subunit of a clamp loader that loads Rad17p-Mec3p-Ddc1p onto DNA or or Rad24p or its homologs, e.g. the human or S. pombe Rad17, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 16, is increased, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical and of proline is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YGR104C or its homologs, e.g. a RNA polymerase II suppressor protein (SRB5—yeast), e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 17, is increased, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical and glutamic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0186 or its homologs, e.g. a lysine decarboxylase or its homologs,e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 18, is increased preferably, an increase of the fine chemical and of methionine is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0161 or its homologs is increased, e.g. the activity of a protein of the Helicobacter serine proteinase superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a periplasmic serine protease (heat shock protein) activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 356, is increased an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of tryptophane and of further amino acid(s) is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0486 or its homologs is increased, e.g. the activity of a protein of the membrane protein ybaT superfamily, preferably a protein with a amino-acid/amine transport protein (of the APC family) activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 357, is increased an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of tryptophane and of further amino acid(s) is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1318 or its homologs is increased, e.g. the activity of the inner membrane protein malK (with ATP-binding cassette homology) superfamily, preferably a protein with a sugar transport protein (of the ABC superfamily) activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 358, is increased an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of tryptophane and of further amino acid(s) is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2270 or its homologs is increased, e.g. the activity of a transcriptional regulator, is increased, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 359, is increased an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of tryptophane and of further amino acid(s) is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3074 or its homologs is increased, e.g. the activity of a tRNA synthetase or its homologs, e.g. transcriptional regulator, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 360, is increased an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of tryptophane and of further amino acid(s) is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3983 or its homologs is increased, e.g. the activity of a Escherichia coli ribosomal protein L11 superfamily, preferably a protein with a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L12 activity, e.g.

as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 361, is increased an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of tryptophane and of further amino acid(s) is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YHR189W or its homologs is increased, e.g. the activity of a peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase superfamily, preferably a protein witha peptidyl-tRNA hydrolase activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 362, is increased an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of tryptophane and of further amino acid(s) is conferred.

[0047.0.0.2] and [0048.0.0.2]: see [0047.0.0.0] and [0048.0.0.0]

[0049.0.2.2] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fine chemical preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of a polypeptides comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.2.2] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “tryptophane” and “L-tryptophane” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, tryptophane hydrochloride or tryptophane sulfate. Preferably the term tryptophane is intended to encompass the term L-tryptophane.

[0051.0.0.2] and [0052.0.0.2]: see [0051.0.0.0] and [0052.0.0.0]

[0053.0.2.2] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps

-   (a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptide of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule or the     polypeptide used in the method of the invention, e.g. of a     polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table     II, column 3, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or its homologs     activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to     18 and/or lines 356 to 362, having herein-mentioned the fine     chemical-increasing activity; -   (b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the     nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, e.g. of a     polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table     II, column 3, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or its homologs     activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to     18 and/or lines 356 to 362, or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide of     the present invention having herein-mentioned tryptophane increasing     activity; -   (c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention     having herein-mentioned tryptophane increasing activity, e.g. of a     polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table     II, column 3, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or its homologs     activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to     18 and/or lines 356 to 362, or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation     of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the     method of the invention; -   (d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid     molecule used in the method of the invention or of the polypeptide     of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the     invention having herein-mentioned tryptophane increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated     in Table II, column 3, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, or     its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or     7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362; -   (e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned tryptophane increasing activity, e.g. of a     polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table     II, column 3, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, or its and/or     lines 356 to 362, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors     to the organisms or parts thereof; -   (f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned tryptophane increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated     in Table II, column 3, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, or     its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or     7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362; -   (g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid     molecule used in the method of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention     having herein-mentioned tryptophane increasing activity, e.g. of a     polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table     II, column 3, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, or its     homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362; -   (h) Increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method     of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having an activity of a protein     as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356     to 362, or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, copy by     adding positive expression or removing negative expression elements;     e.g. homologous recombination can be used to either introduce     positive regulatory elements like for plants the 35S enhancer into     the promoter or to remove repressor elements form regulatory     regions. Further gene conversion methods can be used to disrupt     repressor elements or to enhance to activity of positive elements.     Positive elements can be randomly introduced in plants by T-DNA or     transposon mutagenesis and lines can be identified in which the     positive elements have be integrated near to a gene of the     invention, the expression of which is thereby enhanced; -   (i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for of heat shock proteins,     which can lead an enhanced the fine chemical production; and/or -   (j) selecting of organisms with expecially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.2.2] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of tryptophane after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

[0055.0.0.2] to [0071.0.0.2]: see [0055.0.0.0] to [0071.0.0.0]

[0072.0.2.2] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to tryptophane chorismic acid, anthralinic acid, N-5′-Phosphoribosyl-anthranilate, 1-(o-Carboxyphenylamino)-1-deoxyribulose 5-phosphate., 1-(Indol-3-yl)-glycerin-3-phosphate, and 5-hydroxytrytophane.

[0073.0.2.2] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process which comprises:

providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant;

-   (a) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or the     polypeptide used in the method of the invention or a homolog     thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to     18 and/or lines 356 to 362, or of a polypeptide being encoded by the     nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and described below,     e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in the     organism, preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant     or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant, -   (b) growing the organism, preferably the microorganism, the     non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal     tissue or the plant under conditions which permit the production of     the respective fine chemical in the organism, preferably the     microorganism, the plant cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and -   (c) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or     bound the fine chemical and, optionally further free and/or bound     amino acids synthetized by the organism, the microorganism, the     non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal     tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.0.2] to [0084.0.0.2]: see [0074.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0]

[0085.0.2.2] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7,     lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 a derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, or     a derivative thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.2] and [0087.0.0.2]: see [0086.0.0.0] and [0087.0.0.0]

[0088.0.2.2] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose amino acid content is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for monogastric animals is limited by a few essential amino acids such as lysine, threonine or methionine or tryptophane.

[0088.1.0.2] to [0097.0.0.2]: see [0088.1.0.0] to [0097.0.0.0]

[0098.0.2.2] In a preferred embodiment, the fine chemical (tryptophane) is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further amino acids such as methionine, lysine and/or threonine mixtures of amino acid by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.0.2] to [0102.0.0.2]: see [0099.0.0.0] to [0102.0.0.0]

[0103.0.2.2] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   (a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362; -   (b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362; -   (c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   (d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   (e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under r stringent hybridisation conditions     and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   (f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   (g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   (h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which     is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library     or a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table III, columns 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356     to 362 and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   (i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   (j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table IV,     column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   (k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, and conferring an increase     in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     and -   (l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a     suitable library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising     one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k),     preferably to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt,     preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the     nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a)     to (c), and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[00103.1.0.0.] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362: In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

[00103.2.0.0.] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362: In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

[0104.0.2.2] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence n indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.: In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

[0105.0.0.2] to [0107.0.0.2]: see [0105.0.0.0] to [0107.0.0.0]

[0108.0.2.2] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 nucleic acid molecules which are derived from a amino acid sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or e.g. conferring a increase of the fine chemical after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.2]: see [0109.0.0.0]

[0110.0.2.2] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.2]: see [0111.0.0.0]

[0112.0.2.2] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 and 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 and conferring an tryptophane increase.

[0113.0.0.2] to [120.0.0.2]: see [0113.0.0.0] to [0120.0.0.0]

[0121.0.2.2] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a increase of the fine chemical after increasing its activity.

[0122.0.0.2] to [0127.0.0.2]: see [0122.0.0.0] to [0127.0.0.0]

[0128.0.2.2] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or the sequences derived from sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

[0129.0.2.2] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequences indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 are derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.2.2] to [0138.0.0.2]: see [0131.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0]

[0139.0.2.2] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a tryptophane increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to a sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the tryptophane increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.2] to [0146.0.0.2]: see [0140.0.0.0] to [0146.0.0.0]

[0147.0.2.2] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybrization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.2.2] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or a functional portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular has the—fine-chemical-increasing activity after increasing its activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequence or its homologs.

[0149.0.2.2] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity and as indicated in indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, e.g. conferring an increase of the fine chemical.

[0149.1.2.2] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

[0150.0.2.2] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of tryptophane if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide sequence of the invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

[0151.0.0.2]: [see 0151.0.0.0]

[0152.0.2.2] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in tryptophane production, in particular a tryptophane increasing activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.2.2] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of tryptophane production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

[0154.0.2.2] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.2] and [0156.0.0.2]: see [0155.0.0.0] to [0156.0.0.0]

[0157.0.2.2] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of a nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in tryptophane in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptides comprising the consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or their functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, a consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362. Preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

[0158.0.0.2] to [0160.0.0.2]: see [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0]

[0161.0.2.2] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.2]: see [0162.0.0.0]

[0163.0.2.2] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.2]: see [0164.0.0.0]

[0165.0.2.2] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

[0166.0.0.2] and [0167.0.0.2]: see [0166.0.0.0] and [0167.0.0.0][0168.0.2.2]

Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in as sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 even more preferably at least about 80%, 90% or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

[0169.0.0.2] to [0172.0.0.2]: see [0169.0.0.0] to [0172.0.0.0]

[0173.0.2.2] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID No: 732 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID No: 732 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.2]: see [0174.0.0.0]

[0175.0.2.2] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID No: 733 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID No: 733 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.2.2] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

[0177.0.2.2] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of a polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, Hines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

[0178.0.0.2]: see [0178.0.0.0]

[0179.0.2.2] A nucleic acid molecule encoding an homologous to a protein sequence of as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences of a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.2] to [0183.0.0.2]: see [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0]

[0184.0.2.2] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.2.2] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 36. In one embodiment it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotide sequences not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule use in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

[0186.0.2.2] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

[0187.0.2.2] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 and comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

[0188.0.2.2] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably compared to a sequence as indicated in Table II, column 3 and 5, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, and expressed under identical conditions.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention is a homolog consisting of or comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II B, columns 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362

[0189.0.2.2] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.2] to [0203.0.0.2]: see [0190.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0]

[0204.0.2.2] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the         mature form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns         5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of         Table II B, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or         a fragment thereof conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the         mature form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table         II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362,         preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines         356 to 362 or a fragment thereof conferring an increase in the         amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence         has at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide         being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or         more amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide         encoded by the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably         to (a) to (c), and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a         polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid         molecules of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring         an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or         a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule         which is obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic         library using primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table III,         column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 and conferring         an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or         a part thereof;     -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated, e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of         monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of         the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a)         to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising         the consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines         16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 and conferring an increase in         the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a         polypeptide encoding a domain of a polypeptide as indicated in         Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to         362, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or         lines 356 to 362 and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at         least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or         500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (h)         or of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5         or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of         Table II B, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or         a nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature         form of, the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or         7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table         II B, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 and         conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an         organism or a part thereof;         or which encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;         whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)         to (l)         distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA columns 5         or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, by one or more         nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does         not consist of the sequence shown and in indicated in Table I A         or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362:         In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule is less than 100%,         99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated         in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines         356 to 362. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule         does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table         II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356         to 362. In an other embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the         present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical         and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a         sequence indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16         to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362. In a further embodiment the         nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide sequence as         indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18         and/or lines 356 to 362. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the         nucleic acid molecule of the differs at least in one or more         residues from a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I A or         I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.         Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the         present invention encodes a polypeptide, which differs at least         in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide indicated in Table         II A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356         to 362. In another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule indicated         in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines         356 to 362 does not encode a protein of a sequence indicated in         Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines         356 to 362. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded         by a sequences of a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does         not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B,         columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362. In a         further embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at         least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical to a protein sequence         indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18         and/or lines 356 to 362 and less than 100%, preferably less than         99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 985,         97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table I         A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to         362.

[0205.0.0.2] to [0226.0.0.2]: see [0205.0.0.0] to [0226.0.0.0]

[0227.0.2.2] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorgansim.

In addition to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the amino acid biosynthetic pathway such as for L-lysine, L-threonine and/or L-methionine or L-tryptophane is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all.

In addition it might be advantageously to combine a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organismn, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.0.2] to [0230.0.0.2]: see [0228.0.0.0] to [0230.0.0.0]

[0231.0.0.2] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a tryptophane degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.2] to [0282.0.0.2]: see [0232.0.0.0] to [0282.0.0.0]

[0283.0.2.2] Moreover, a native polypeptide conferring the increase of the fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, in particular, an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 E.g. an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing polypeptides comprising or consisting of above mentioned sequences, e.g. the polypeptide of the present invention or fragment thereof, Preferred are monoclonal antibodies, specifically binding to polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362. [0284.0.0.2] see [0284.0.0.0]

[0285.0.2.2] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or as encoded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.2.2] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

amino acidamino acid[0287.0.0.2] to [290.0.0.2]: see [0287.0.0.0] to [0290.0.0.0]

[0291.0.2.2] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences. In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table II A or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form a sequence as indicated in Table II A or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 by more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

[0292.0.0.2]: see [0292.0.0.0]

[0293.0.2.2] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table I A or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

[0294.0.2.2] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.2] to [0297.0.0.2]: see [0295.0.0.0] to [0297.0.0.0]

[0297.1.0.2] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity and/or amino acid sequence of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 3, 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

[0298.0.2.2] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to confer the activity of the present invention. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

[0299.0.2.2] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, Hines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.2.2] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

[0301.0.0.2]: see [0301.0.0.0]

[0302.0.2.2] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.2]: see [0303.0.0.0]

[0304.0.2.2] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.2] to [0306.0.0.2]: see [0305.0.0.0] to [0306.0.0.0]

[00306.1.2.2] Preferrably, the compound is a composition comrising the tryptophane or a recovered tryptophane, in particular, the fine chemical, free or in protein-bound form.

[0307.0.0.2]: to [0308.0.0.2]: see [0305.0.0.0] to [03086.0.0.0]

[0309.0.2.2] In one embodiment, a reference to a “protein (=polypeptide)” of the invention or as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide”—not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicate in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 does not confer an increase of the fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.2] to [334.0.0.2]: see [0310.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0]

[0335.0.2.2] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence of one of the sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.2] to [0342.0.0.2]: see [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0]

[0343.0.2.2] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.2] to [0361.0.0.2]: see [0344.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0]

[0362.0.2.2] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362. Due to the above mentioned activity the fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. In one embodiment transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 3, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.2] to [0382.0.0.2]: see [0365.0.0.0] to [0382.0.0.0]

[0383.0.2.2] For preparing aromatic compound-containing fine chemicals, in particular the fine chemical, it is possible to use as aromat source organic aromatic-containing compounds such as, for example, benzene, naphthaline, indole, pyrrole, furen, oxazole, imidazole, thiophene, pyrridin, pyrrimidine or else organic aromatic compounds such as benzoic acid and chorismic, shikimic, aminobenzoic, kynurenic acids or pyridoxidal.

[0384.0.0.2]: see [0384.0.0.0]

[0385.0.2.2] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular L-tryptophane, L-methionine, L-threonine and/or L-lysine, normally have a dry matter content of from 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, at least at the end, but especially over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 3 g/l during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it. The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

[0386.0.0.2] to [392.0.0.2]: see [0386.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0]

[0393.0.2.2] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   (a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18     and/or lines 356 to 362, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 16     to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 and, optionally, isolating the full     length cDNA clone or complete genomic clone; -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the fine chemical; -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   (e) assaying the fine chemical level in the host cells; and -   (f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the fine chemical level in the     host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.2] to [0399.0.0.2]: see [0394.0.0.0] to [0399.0.0.0]

[0399.1.2.2] One can think to screen for increased production of the fine chemical by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the fine chemical and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotype of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.2] to [0416.0.0.2]: see [0400.0.0.0] to [0416.0.0.0]

[0417.0.2.2] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the amino acid production biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect plants against herbicides, which block the amino acid, in particular the fine chemical, synthesis in said plant. Examples of herbicides blocking the amino acid synthesis in plants are for example sulfonylurea and imidazolinone herbicides which catalyze the first step in branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis.

[0418.0.0.2] to [0423.0.0.2]: see [0418.0.0.0] to [0423.0.0.0][0424.0.2.2]

Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorgansims, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the fine chemical or of the fine chemical and one or more other amino acids, in particular methionine, threonine, alanine, glutamine, glutamic acid, valine, asparagine, phenylalanine, leucine, proline, Tryptophan tyrosine, isoleucine and arginine.

Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0425.0.0.2] to [0430.0.0.2]: see [0425.0.0.0] to [0430.0.0.0]

[0431.0.2.2] Example 1 Cloning SEQ ID No: 732 in Escherichia coli

[0432.0.0.0] to [0460.0.0.2]: see [0433.0.0.0] to [0460.0.0.0]

[0461.0.2.2] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 732 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.2] see [0462.0.0.0]

[0463.0.2.2] SEQ ID NO: 732 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.2] to [0466.0.0.2]: see [0464.0.0.0] to [0466.0.0.0]

[0467.0.2.2] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID No: 732:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID No: 734) ATGGATAGTACGAATTTGAACAAACG ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID No: 735) TTAGAGTATTTCCAGATCTGAATCTG

[0468.0.0.2] to [0479.0.0.2]: see [0468.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0]

[0480.0.2.2] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID No: 732

[0481.0.0.2] to [0513.0.0.2]: see [0481.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0]

[0514.0.2.2] As an alternative, the amino acids can be detected advantageously via HPLC separation in ethanolic extract as described by Geigenberger et al. (Plant Cell & Environ, 19, 1996: 43-55).

The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the table which follows:

TABLE 1 ORF Annotation Metabolite Min Max Method YER173W Checkpoint protein, Tryptophane 1.27 2.78 LC involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints YGR104C RNA polymerase II Tryptophane 1.32 1.84 LC suppressor protein SRB5 - yeast; Suppressor of RNA polymerase B SRB5 b0186 lysine decarboxylase Tryptophane 1.32 2.46 LC

TABLE 1b ORF MetChemID Metabolite Method Min Max b0161 10000035 Tryptophane LC 1.93 3.78 b0486 10000035 Tryptophane LC 1.42 4.35 b1318 10000035 Tryptophane LC 2.36 4.30 b2270 10000035 Tryptophane LC 1.33 1.79 b3074 10000035 Tryptophane LC 1.33 1.79 b3983 10000035/ Tryptophane LC + GC 1.33 4.87 30000016 YHR189W 10000035 Tryptophane LC 1.31 1.66

[0515.0.0.2] to [0552.2.0.2]: see [0515.0.0.0] to [0552.2.0.0]

[0553.0.2.2]

1. A process for the production of tryptophane, which comprises

-   -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or         lines 356 to 362 or a functional equivalent thereof in a         non-human organism, or in one or more parts thereof; and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of tryptophane in said organism.         2. A process for the production of tryptophane, comprising the         increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the         expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a         nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   (a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to         362 or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the         amount of tryptophane in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of the nucleic acid         molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18         and/or lines 356 to 362;     -   (c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of tryptophane in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of tryptophane in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of tryptophane in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 16 to 18         and/or lines 356 to 362 and conferring an increase in the amount         of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of tryptophane         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 16         to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 and conferring an increase in the         amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof.         or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto.         3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the         free or bound tryptophane.         4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the         following steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         tryptophane produced by the selected mutated organisms or parts         thereof.         5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity         of said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule         is increased or generated transiently or stably.         6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid         molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   (a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to         362 or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the         amount of tryptophane in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid as         indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or         lines 356 to 362;     -   (c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of tryptophane in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of tryptophane in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of         tryptophane in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or         lines 356 to 362 and conferring an increase in the amount of         tryptophane in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of tryptophane         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising the         consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 16         to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362 and conferring an increase in the         amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;         and     -   (i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof.         whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to         18 and/or lines 356 to 362 by one or more nucleotides.         7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more         regulatory elements.         8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in         claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7.         9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid         molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for         the expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a         prokaryotic and eukaryotic host.         10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or         transiently with the vector as claimed in claim 9 or 10 or the         nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid         construct of claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one         of claims 2 to 5.         11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell.         12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an         animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a         prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium.         13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the         polypeptide is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of         claims 10 to 12.         14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13         or encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6         whereby the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as         indicated in Table II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or         lines 356 to 362 by one or more amino acids.         15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as         claimed in claim 14.         16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or         a plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is         plant cell or an Agrobacterium.         17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the         activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of tryptophane         in an organism or a part thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of tryptophane         in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a         sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions         which permit the expression the polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the tryptophane level or the polypeptide expression         level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or the media         the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured or         maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured tryptophane level or polypeptide expression level with         a standard tryptophane or polypeptide expression level measured         in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample comprising         said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased level over the         standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising         said plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased level         over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample         comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist.         18. A method for the identification of a compound conferring         increased tryptophane production in a plant or microorganism,         comprising the steps:

a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of tryptophane in an organism or a part thereof and a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with dais readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of said readout system and of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of tryptophane in an organism or a part thereof;

b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said readout system.

19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in tryptophane production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   -   a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in tryptophane after expression with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under         relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6;     -   c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing tryptophane; d) expressing the         identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells;     -   e) assaying the tryptophane level in the host cells; and     -   f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the tryptophane level in the         host cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild         type.         20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring         an increase in tryptophane production in a cell, comprising the         following steps:     -   a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the tryptophane amount or         level in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and         which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6;     -   b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing tryptophane;     -   c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   d) assaying the tryptophane level in the host cells; and     -   e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the tryptophane level in the         host cell after expression compared to the wild type.         21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition         comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20         and formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17         to 20 in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture.         22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim         6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of         claim 7, the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or         agonist identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim         18, the gene product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim         15, and optionally an agricultural acceptable carrier.         23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for         the identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an         increase of tryptophane after expression.         24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid         construct claim 7 or the gene product identified according to         the method of claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable         of conferring a modulation of tryptophane levels in an organism.         25. Food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic         acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the         antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the         antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the         harvested material of claim 17, the host cell of claims 10 to 12         or the gene product identified according to the method of claim         19 or 20.         26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide         of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector         of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according         to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue         of claim 16, the host cell of claims 10 to 12 or the gene         product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20 for         the protection of a plant against a tryptophane synthesis         inhibiting herbicide.

[0554.0.0.2] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.0]:

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.0.3] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.3] to [0008.0.0.3]: see [0001.0.0.0] to [0008.0.0.0]

[0009.0.3.3] As described above, the essential amino acids are necessary for humans and many mammals, for example for livestock. The branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) leucine, isoleucine and valine are among the nine dietary indispensable amino acids for humans. BCAA accounts for 35-40% of the dietary indispensable amino acids in body protein and 14% of the total amino acids in skeletal muscle (Ferrando et al., (1995) Oral branched chain amino acids decrease whole-body proteolysis. J. Parenter. Enteral Nutr. 19: 47-54.13). They share a common membrane transport system and enzymes for their transamination and irreversible oxidation (Block, K. P. (1989) Interactions among leucine, isoleucine, and valine with special reference to the branched chain amino acid antagonism. In: Absorption and Utilization of Amino Acids (Friedman, M., ed.), pp. 229-244, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla. and Champe, P. C. & Harvey, R. A. (1987) Amino acids: metabolism of carbon atoms. In: Biochemistry (Champ, P. C. & Harvery, P. A., eds.), pp. 242-252, J. B. Lippincott, Philadelphia, Pa.). Further, for patient suffering from Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) a reduced uptake of those branched-chain amino acids is essential. Dietary sources of the branched-chain amino acids are principally derived from animal and vegetable proteins. The branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) leucine, isoleucine and valine are limiting for the growth of many mammals. Therefore the branched-chain amino acids are supplemented in the feed of broiler, leg hens, turkey, swine or cattle diets.

[0010.0.0.3] see [0010.0.0.0]

[0011.0.0.3] see [0011.0.0.0]

[0012.0.3.3] It is an object of the present invention to develop an inexpensive process for the synthesis of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably L-leucine and/or L-isoleucine and/or L-valine.

[0013.0.0.3] see [0013.0.0.0]

[0014.0.3.3] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably L-leucine and/or L-isoleucine and/or L-valine. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine”. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine.

[0015.0.3.3] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably L-leucine and/or L-isoleucine and/or L-valine. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably L-leucine and/or L-isoleucine and/or L-valine, its salts, ester or amids in free form or bound to proteins. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably L-leucine and/or L-isoleucine and/or L-valine, in free form or its salts or bound to proteins.

[0016.0.3.3] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a YDL127W, YDR245W,     YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C,     YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957,     b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486,     b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938,     b3983, b4054, and/or b4327 protein in a non-human organism in one or     more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus, leucine and/or isoleucine     and/or valine or fine chemicals comprising leucine and/or isoleucine     and/or valine, in said organism. -   and/or -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of one or more YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C,     YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C,     YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366,     b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313,     b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983,     b4054, and/or b4327 protein(s) or of a protein having the sequence     of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 19     to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 or having the sequence of a     polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table IA     or IB, column 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, in a     non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, in particular isoleucine, valine     and/or leucine in said organism -   and/or -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more YDL127W,     YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C,     YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829,     b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161,     b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256,     b3938, b3983, b4054, and/or b4327 protein(s) or of a protein having     the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule     indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u,     363 to 385     -   in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine, valine and/or     isoleucine or fine chemicals comprising leucine, valine and/or     isoleucine in said organism; -   and/or -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more     -   YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W,         YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C,         b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124,         b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664,         b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054, and/or b4327 protein(s) or of         a protein having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a         nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,         lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 -   in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, meaning of valine, leucine and/or     isoleucine or fine chemicals comprising valine, leucine and/or     isoleucine in said organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3,     lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 or having the sequence of a     polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I,     column 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, in a     non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, in particular arginine and/or     glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline resp.

[0016.1.3.3] Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means in one embodiment “isoleucine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 19 to 29, 29a, 363, 367, 373, 377, 379, 384 or homologs thereof and means in one embodiment “valine” in relation to all sequences listed in Tables I to IV, lines 29a to 29j, 365, 369 to 372, 375, 376, 380, 381, 382, 385 or homologs thereof and means in one embodiment “leucine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 29k to 29u, 364, 366, 368, 374, 378, 383 or homologs thereof.

Accordingly, in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “valine, leucine and isoleucine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines363, 364, 365, 367, 368 and 369, in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “leucine and isoleucine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines373 and 374, 377 and 378.

Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” can mean “leucine” and/or “isoleucine” and/or “valine” owing to circumstances and the context. In order to illustrate that the meaning of the term “the fine chemical” means “arginine”, and/or “glutamate” and/or “glutamine” and/or “proline” the term “the respective fine chemical” is also used.

[0017.0.0.3] see [0017.0.0.0]

[0018.0.0.3] see [0018.0.0.0]

[0019.0.3.3] Advantageously the process for the production of the fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the fine chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the respective fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of. a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, linesl9 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385.

[0020.0.3.3] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W,

YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFL019C and/or YFR042W, and/or the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine (or fine chemical) content of the transformed plants.

[0021.0.0.3] see [0021.0.0.0]

[0022.0.3.3] The sequence of YDL127W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78, 1997 and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is beeing defined as a “G1/S-specific cyclin PCL2 (Cyclin HCS26 homolog) protein”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “G1/S-specific cyclin PCL2 (Cyclin HCS26 homolog) protein” or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a “G1/S-specific cyclin PCL2 (Cyclin HCS26 homolog) protein” is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YDR245W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78, 1997 and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is beeing defined as an galactosyl-(mannosyl)-transferase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a galactosyl-(mannosyl)-transferase or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a galactosyl-(mannosyl)-transferase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YDR271C was submitted by Le T., Johnston M., (March-1996) to the EMBL/GenBank/DDBJ databases, by Waterston R.; (MAY-1996) and Jia Y., (JUNE-1997) to the EMBL/GenBank/DDBJ databases and its cellular activity has not been characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a YDR271C activity from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a YDR271C protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YER173w from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dietrich, Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 78-81, 1997, and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is beeing defined as an “Checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints;”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “Checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints” or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a “Checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints” is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YGR101W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Tettelin, H., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 81-84, 1997 and Goffeau, A., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is beeing defined as a rhomboid protease. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a rhomboid protease or its homolog, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a rhomboid protease is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YJL072C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, A., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and Galibert, F., EMBO J. 15 (9), 2031-2049, 1996, and its activity is beeing defined as a “subunit of the GINS complex required for chromosomal DNA replication”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “subunit of the GINS complex required for chromosomal DNA replication” or its homolog, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a “subunit of the GINS complex required for chromosomal DNA replication” is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YKR057W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon et al., Nature 369 (6479), 371-378, 1994 and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its activity is beeing defined as a ribosomal protein, similar to S21A, S26A and/or YS25 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a ribosomal protein, similar to S21A, S26A and/or YS25 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a ribosomal protein, similar to S21A, S26A and/or YS25 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YNL135C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Philippsen, P., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 93-98, 1997 and Goffeau, A., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is beeing defined as a peptidylprolyl isomerase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a peptidylprolyl isomerase or its homolog, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a peptidylprolyl isomerase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YFL013C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, A., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and Murakami, Y., Nat. Genet. 10 (3), 261-268, 1995, and its activity is beeing defined as a “subunit of the INO80 chromatin remodeling complex”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “subunit of the INO80 chromatin remodeling complex” or its homolog, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a “subunit of the INO80 chromatin remodeling complex” protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YGR104C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Thompson et al., Cell 73:1361-1375, 1993, and its activity is beeing defined as an “RNA polymerase II suppressor protein SRB5—yeast and/or suppressor of RNA polymerase B SRB5””. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “RNA polymerase II suppressor protein SRB5—yeast and/or suppressor of RNA polymerase B SRB5” or its homolog, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a “RNA polymerase II suppressor protein SRB5—yeast and/or suppressor of RNA polymerase B SRB5” is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YIL150C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and Churcher et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 84-87, 1997 and its activity is beeing defined as a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion, from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YOR350C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, A., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and Dujon, B., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 98-102, 1997, and its cellular activity has not been characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a YOR350C protein or its homolog, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a YOR350C protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YFR042W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau st al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and Murakami, Y., Nat. Genet. 10 (3), 261-268, 1995 and its activity is beeing defined as a “protein required for cell viability in yeast”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “protein required for cell viability in yeast”, from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a “protein required for cell viability in yeast” is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YFL019C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Murakami, Y., Nat. Genet. 10 (3), 261-268, 1995 and its activity is beeing defined as a hypothetical 13.7 kDa protein in the PAU5-LPD1 intergenic region. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of the protein encoded by the nucleic acid sequence YFL019C, from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid sequence YFL019C is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1708 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is beeing defined as a lipoprotein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a lipoprotein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a lysine decarboxylase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1829 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is beeing defined as a heat shock protein with protease activity (htpx). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a heat shock protein with protease activity (htpx) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a heat shock protein with protease (htpx) activity is increased or generated, e.g. from

E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2957 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is beeing defined as a periplasmic L-asparaginase II. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a periplasmic L-asparaginase II from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of periplasmic L-asparaginase II is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. The sequence of b3366 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al.,

Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is beeing defined as the a small subunit of a nitrite reductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a small subunit of a nitrite reductase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the small subunit of a nitrite reductase, preferably of the small subunit of a nitrite reductase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0828 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is beeing defined as the a probable asparaginase (EC:3.5.1.1) and/or ybiK protein (L-asparagine amidohydrolase). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a probable asparaginase (EC:3.5.1.1) and/or ybiK protein (L-asparagine amidohydrolase) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a probable asparaginase (EC:3.5.1.1) and/or ybiK protein (L-asparagine amidohydrolase) is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3966 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in R; Heller, J. Bacteriol. 161, 904-908, 1985; R; Doublet, J. Bacteriol. 174, 5772-5779, 1992 and R; Gustafsson, J. Bacteriol. 173, 1757-1764, 1991, and its activity is beeing defined as a outer membrane porin. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a outer membrane porin from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a outer membrane porin is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b4151 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is beeing defined as a fumarate reductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a fumarate reductase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a fumarate reductase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1827 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is beeing defined as a repressor protein with a DNA-binding Winged helix domain (IcIR family). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a repressor protein with a DNA-binding Winged helix domain (IcIR family) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a repressor protein with a DNA-binding Winged helix domain (IcIR family) is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0124 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a protein having glucose dehydrogenase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a glucose dehydrogenase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a glucose dehydrogenase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0149 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a bifunctional penicillin g-binding protein 1 b: glycosyl transferase (N-terminal); transpeptidase (C-terminal). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a bifunctional penicillin g-binding protein 1 b: glycosyl transferase (N-terminal); transpeptidase (C-terminal) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein with a bifunctional penicillin g-binding protein 1 b: glycosyl transferase (N-terminal); transpeptidase (C-terminal) is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0161 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a periplasmic serine protease Do, heat shock protein; periplasmic serine protease Do; heat shock protein HtrA. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a periplasmic serine protease Do, heat shock protein; periplasmic serine protease Do; heat shock protein HtrA from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a periplasmic serine protease Do, heat shock protein; periplasmic serine protease Do; heat shock protein HtrA is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0486 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative amino acid/amine transport protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a putative amino acid/amine transport protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a putative amino acid/amine transport protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1313 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative dehydrogenase with NAD(P)-binding and GroES domains. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a putative dehydrogenase with NAD(P)-binding and GroES domainsprotein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a dehydrogenase with NAD(P)-binding and GroES domainsprotein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1343 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as an ATP-dependent RNA helicase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with an ATP-dependent RNA helicase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of an ATP-dependent RNA helicase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1463 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as N-hydroxyarylamine O-acetyltransferase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a N-hydroxyarylamine O-acetyltransferase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a N-hydroxyarylamine O-acetyltransferase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2022 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a bifunctional: histidinol-phosphatase (N-terminal); imidazoleglycerol-phosphate dehydratase (C-terminal); imidazoleglycerolphosphate dehydratase and histidinol-phosphate phosphatase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a bifunctional: histidinol-phosphatase (N-terminal); imidazoleglycerol-phosphate dehydratase (C-terminal); imidazoleglycerolphosphate dehydratase and histidinol-phosphate phosphatase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a bifunctional: histidinol-phosphatase (N-terminal); imidazoleglycerol-phosphate dehydratase (C-terminal); imidazoleglycerol-phosphate dehydratase and histidinol-phosphate phosphatase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2414 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, a PLP-dependent enzyme. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, a PLP-dependent enzyme from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, a PLP-dependent enzyme is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2664 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as putative transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (GntR familiy) protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with a putative transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (GntR familiy) activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a putative transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (GntR familiy) is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3117 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a threonine dehydratase, catabolic, PLP-dependent enzyme. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a threonine dehydrotase, catabolic, PLP-dependent enzyme from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a threonine dehydratase, catabolic, PLP-dependent enzyme is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3256 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as an acetyl CoA carboxylase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of an acetyl CoA carboxylase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of an acetyl CoA carboxylase enzyme is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3938 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcriptional repressor for methionine biosynthesis. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a transcriptional repressor activity for methionine biosynthesis from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a transcriptional repressor for methionine biosynthesis is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3983 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L12. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L12 from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L12 is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b4054 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a tyrosine aminotransferase, tyrosine repressible. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a tyrosine aminotransferase, tyrosine repressible from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a tyrosine aminotransferase, tyrosine repressible is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b4327 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a HTH-type transcriptional regulator with periplasmic binding protein domain (LysR family).

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a HTH-type transcriptional regulator with periplasmic binding protein domain (LysR family) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a HTH-type transcriptional regulator with periplasmic binding protein domain (LysR family) is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

[0023.0.3.3] In one embodiment, the homolog of the YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W and/or YFL019C is a homolog having said activity and being derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog of the b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 is a homolog having said activity and being derived from bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of the YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFL019C and/or YFR042W is a homolog having said activity and being derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of the b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 is a homolog having said activity and being derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of the YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFL019C and/or YFR042W is a homolog having said activity and being derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homolog of the b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 is a homolog having said activity and being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of the YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFL019C and/or YFR042W is a homolog having said activity and being derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of the b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 is a homolog having said activity and being derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of the YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFL019C and/or YFR042W is a homolog having said activity and being derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of the b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 is a homolog having said activity and being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of the YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFL019C and/or YFR042W is a homolog having said activity and being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of the b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151 b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 is a homolog having said activity and being derived from Escherichia. In one embodiment, the homolog of the YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFL019C and/or YFR042W is a homolog having said activity and being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of the YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFL019C and/or YFR042W is a homolog having said activity and being derived from Saccharomycetes.

[0023.1.0.3] Homologs of the polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 may be the polypetides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, linesl9 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 resp.

[0024.0.0.3] Further homologs of are described herein below.

[0025.0.3.3] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein” if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine level in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism and the protein has the above mentioned activities of a YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein. Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of an YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL 019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to an YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFL019C and/or YFR042W of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein of E. coli K12.

[0025.1.0.3] In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the organism in which it is expressed. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0025.2.0.3] In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary close to the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 and is expressed in an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the origin organism. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums whereas origin and the organsim indicated in Table I, column 4 are derived from the same families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0026.0.0.3] to [0033.0.0.3]: see [0026.0.0.0] to [0033.0.0.0]

[0034.0.3.3] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of an YDL127W,

YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, column 7, 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, its biochemical or genetical causes and the increased amount of the fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.3] to [0044.0.0.3]: see [0035.0.0.0] to [0044.0.0.0]

[0045.0.3.3] In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDL127W or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 19 or a “G1/S-specific cyclin PCL2 (Cyclin HCS26 homolog) protein”, involved in the mitotic cell cycle and cell cycle control is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of isoleucine, of 33% or more is conferred. In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR245W or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 29k or a galactosyl-(mannosyl)-transferase, involved in the C-compound and carbohydrate utilization, budding, cell polarity and filament formation, protein modification is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of leucine, between 50% and 173% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YDR271C or its homologs is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of isoleucine, between 30% and 74% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER173w or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 29b or a checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints; DNA recombination and DNA repair, cell cycle checkpoints (checkpoints of morphogenesis, DNA-damage,-replication, mitotic phase and spindle), nucleic acid binding, DNA synthesis and replication is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical between 18% and 187%, preferably of valine btween 18% and 82% or of leucine between 93% and 187% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGR101W or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 29c or a rhomboid protease, involved in cellular communication/signal transduction mechanism is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of valine, between 47% and 60% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YJL072C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 21 or a “subunit of the GINS complex required for chromosomal DNA replication” protein, involved in cell differentiation, late embryonic development, systemic regulation of/interaction with enviroment, directional cell growth (morphogenesis) is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of isoleucine, between 31% and 356% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YKR057W or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 29d or a ribosomal protein, similar to S21A, S26A and/or YS25 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis, cell differentiation and translation is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of valine, between 19% and 100% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YNL135C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 29m or a peptidylprolyl isomerase, involved in protein folding and stabilization, protein targeting, sorting and translocation, protein synthesis is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of leucine, between 45% and 280% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL013C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 29e or a “subunit of the INO80 chromatin remodeling complex” is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of valine, between 22% and 58% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGR104C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 22 or a “RNA polymerase II suppressor protein SRB5—yeast and/or suppressor of RNA polymerase B SRB5” involved in transcription activities is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of isoleucine, between 33% and 102% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 23 or a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion, involved in DNA synthesis and replication, mitotic cell cycle and cell cycle control, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical between 18% and 535%, preferably of valine between 18% and 314% or of isoleucine of 535% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR350C or its homologs is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical between 101% and 348%, preferably of leucine between 247% and 348% or of isoleucine between 101% and 178% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFR042W or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 29n or a “protein required for cell viability in yeast” is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of leucine, between 43% and 325% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL019C or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 385 or a hypothetical 13.7 kDa protein in PAU5-LPD1 intergenic region is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of valine, between 22% and 58% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1708 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 25 or a lipoprotein, involved in cell growth/morphogenesis, cytokinesis (cell division)/septum formation and sporulation, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical between 33% and 333%, preferably of valine between 33% and 149%, of isoleucine between 51% and 290% and of leucine between 60% and 333% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1829 or its homologs is increased, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 26 or the activity of a a heat shock protein with protease activity (htpx), involved in stress response, pheromone response, mating-type determination, protein modification, proteolytic degradation is increased preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical between 16% and 1480%, preferably of isoleucine between 77% and 1480% and of leucine between 60% and 1200% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2957 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 29 h or a periplasmic L-asparaginase II, involved in biosynthesis of aspartate, biosynthesis of asparagine, nitrogen and sulfur utilization, amino acid degradation (catabolism), is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of valine between 32% and 303% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3366 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 29r or a small subunit of a nitrite reductase is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical between 39% and 581%, preferably of isoleucine between 39% and 327% and of leucine between 65% and 581% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0828 or its homologs e.g. a as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 28 or asparaginase (EC:3.5.1.1) and/or ybiK protein (L-asparagine amidohydrolase), involved in amino acid degradation (catabolism), proteolytic degradation, protein synthesis, degradation of amino acids of the aspartate group, biosynthesis of glycosides, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical between 20% and 102%, preferably of valine between 20% and 61% and of isoleucine between 60% and 102% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3966 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 29 or a outer membrane porin, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical between 59% and 647%, preferably of isoleucine between 79% and 392% and of leucine between 59% and 647% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4151 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 29t or a repressor protein with a DNA-binding Winged helix domain (IcIR family), involved in transcriptional control, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of leucine between 31% and 46% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1827 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 29a or a fumarate reductase, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical between 24% and 884%, preferably of valine between 24% and 192%, of isoleucine between 81% and 582% and of leucine between 63% and 884% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0124 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 363 or a glucose dehydrogenase, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of isoleucine between 43% and 638%, preferably of leucine between 56% and 570%, preferably of valine between 24% and 268% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0149 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 366 or a bifunctional penicillin g-binding protein 1 b: glycosyl transferase (N-terminal); transpeptidase (C-terminal) is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of leucine between 62% and 99% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0161 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 367 or a periplasmic serine protease, heat shock protein, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of leucine between 71% and 1140%, preferably of valine between 29% and 399%, preferably of isoleucine between 98% and 1030% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0486 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 370 or a putative amino acid/amine transport protein is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of valine between 22% and 181% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1313 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 371 or a putative dehydrogenase, with NAD(P)-binding and GroES domains is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of valine between 22% and 50% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1343 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 372 or an ATP-dependent RNA helicase, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of valine between 21% and 23% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1463 or its homologs e.g. a as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 373 or N-hydroxyarylamine 0-acetyltransferase is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of isoleucine between 39% and 119%, preferably of leucine between 66% and 157% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2022 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 375 or a bifunctional: histidinol-phosphatase (N-terminal); imidazoleglycerol-phosphate dehydratase (C-terminal); imidazoleglycerolphosphate dehydratase and histidinol-phosphate phosphatase is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of valine between 22% and 26% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2414 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 376 or a subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, PLP-dependent enzyme is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of valine between 35% and 139% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2664 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 377 or a putative transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (GntR familiy) is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of leucine between 67% and 1050%, preferably of isoleucine between 42% and 1170% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3117 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 379 or a threonine dehydratase, catabolic, PLP-dependent is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of isoleucine between 47% and 656% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3256 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 380 or an acetyl CoA carboxylase is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of valine between 27% and 36% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3938 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 381 or a transcriptional repressor for methionine biosynthesis is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of valine between 24% and 42% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3983 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 382 or a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L12 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of valine between 24% and 202% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4054 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 383 or a tyrosine aminotransferase, tyrosine repressible is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of leucine between 126% and 163% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4327 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 384 or a HTH-type transcriptional regulator with periplasmic binding protein domain (LysR family) is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of isoleucine between 42% and 54% is conferred.

[0046.0.3.3] In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDL127W YER173w or its homologs, e.g. a “G1/S-specific cyclin PCL2 (Cyclin HCS26 homolog) protein” a checkpoint protein is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryptophane is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR271C or its homologs is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of proline is is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER173w or its homologs, e.g. a checkpoint protein is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryptophane is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGR101W or its homologs, e.g. a rhomboid protease is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of phenylalanine is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YJL072C or its homologs, e.g. a “subunit of the GINS complex required for chromosomal DNA replication” protein is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of phenylalanine is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YKR057W or its homologs, e.g. a ribosomal protein, similar to S21A, S26A and/or YS25 ribosomal proteins is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of threonine.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL013C or its homologs, e.g. a “subunit of the INO80 chromatin remodeling complex” is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of 2,3-Dimethyl-5-phytylquinolis conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGR104C or its homologs, e.g. a “RNA polymerase II suppressor protein SRB5—yeast and/or suppressor of RNA polymerase B SRB5″RNA polymerase II suppressor protein (SRB5—yeast) is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of glutamic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs e.g. a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion, involved in DNA synthesis and replication, mitotic cell cycle and cell cycle control is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of threonine is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR350C or its homologs is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tyrosine is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFR042W or its homologs e.g. a “protein required for cell viability in yeast” is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of glutamine is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1708 or its homologs e.g. a lipoprotein, involved in cell growth/morphogenesis, cytokinesis (cell division)/septum formation and sporulation is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of phenylalanine is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1829 or its homologs is increased, e.g. the activity of a heat shock protein with protease activity (htpx) is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of threonine is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3966 or its homologs e.g. a outer membrane porin is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of threonine is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1827 or its homologs e.g. a fumarate reductase is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of proline is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL019C or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 385 or a hypothetical 13.7 kDa protein in PAU5-LPD1 intergenic region is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical and further amino acid(s) in free or protein bound form is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0124 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 363 or a glucose dehydrogenase, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemicals and further amino acid(s) in free or protein bound form is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0149 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 366 or a bifunctional penicillin g-binding protein 1 b: glycosyl transferase (N-terminal); transpeptidase (C-terminal) is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical and further amino acid(s) in free or protein bound form is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0161 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 367 or a periplasmic serine protease, heat shock protein, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemicals and further amino acid(s) in free or protein bound form is conferred

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0486 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 370 or a putative amino acid/amine transport protein is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical and further amino acid(s) in free or protein bound form is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1313 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 371 or a putative dehydrogenase, with NAD(P)-binding and GroES domains is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical and further amino acid(s) in free or protein bound form is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1343 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 372 or an ATP-dependent RNA helicase, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical and further amino acid(s) in free or protein bound form is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1463 or its homologs e.g. a as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 373 or N-hydroxyarylamine 0-acetyltransferase is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical and further amino acid(s) in free or protein bound form is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2022 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 375 or a bifunctional: histidinol-phosphatase (N-terminal); imidazoleglycerol-phosphate dehydratase is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical and further amino acid(s) in free or protein bound form is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2414 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 376 or a subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, PLP-dependent enzyme is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical and further amino acid(s) in free or protein bound form is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2664 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 377 or a putative transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (GntR familiy) is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemicals and further amino acid(s) in free or protein bound form is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3117 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 379 or a threonine dehydratase, catabolic, PLP-dependent is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical and further amino acid(s) in free or protein bound form is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3256 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 380 or an acetyl CoA carboxylase is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical and further amino acid(s) in free or protein bound form is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3938 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 381 or a transcriptional repressor for methionine biosynthesis is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical and further amino acid(s) in free or protein bound form is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3983 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 382 or a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L12 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical and further amino acid(s) in free or protein bound form is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4054 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 383 or a tyrosine aminotransferase, tyrosine repressible is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical and further amino acid(s) in free or protein bound form is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4327 or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 384 or a HTH-type transcriptional regulator with periplasmic binding protein domain (LysR family) is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical and further amino acid(s) in free or protein bound form is conferred.

[0047.0.0.3] see [0047.0.0.0]

[0048.0.0.3] see [0048.0.0.0]

[0049.0.3.3] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fine chemical preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of the polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, line 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 or of the polypeptide as shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by the nucleic acid molecule as shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.3.3] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “leucine” and/or “isoleucine” and/or “valine” and “L-leucine” and/or “L-isoleucine” and/or “L-valine” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, leucine- and/or isoleucine- and/or valine-hydrochloride or leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine sulfate. Preferably the term leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine is intended to encompass the term L-leucine and/or L-isoleucine and/or L-valine.

[0051.0.0.3] see [0051.0.0.0]

[0052.0.0.3] see [0052.0.0.0]

[0053.0.3.3] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps

-   -   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of         a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention         or of the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide as         indicated in table II, columns 5 and 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to         29u, 363 to 385 having an YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W,         YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C,         YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828,         b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343,         b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054         and/or b4327 protein or its homologs activity having         herein-mentioned leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine         increasing activity;     -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a         protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention,         e.g. of a polypeptide having a YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C,         YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C,         YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366,         b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313,         b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983,         b4054 and/or b4327 protein or its homologs activity or of a mRNA         encoding the polypeptide of the present invention having         herein-mentioned leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine         increasing activity;     -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the         increasd expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid         molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present         invention having herein-mentioned leucine and/or isoleucine         and/or valine increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having         a YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W,         YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C,         b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124,         b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664,         b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein or its         homologs activity, or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation of         the polypeptide of the invention;     -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or         artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a         protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded         by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the         polypeptide of the invention having herein-mentioned leucine         and/or isoleucine and/or valine increasing activity, e.g. of a         polypeptide having the YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W,         YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C,         YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828,         b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343,         b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054         and/or b4327 protein or its homologs activity;     -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased         expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of         the present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention         having herein-mentioned leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine         increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the YDL127W,         YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C,         YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708,         b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149,         b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117,         b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein or its homologs         activity, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors to         the organisms or parts thereof;     -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring         the increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic         acid molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the         present invention, having herein-mentioned leucine and/or         isoleucine and/or valine increasing activity, e.g. of a         polypeptide having the YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W,         YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C,         YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828,         b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343,         b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054         and/or b4327 protein or its homologs activity; and/or     -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased         expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide         encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the         polypeptide of the invention having herein-mentioned leucine         and/or isoleucine and/or valine increasing activity, e.g. of a         polypeptide having the YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W,         YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C,         YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828,         b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343,         b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054         and/or b4327 protein or its homologs activity.     -   h) Increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the         polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having the         YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W,         YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C,         b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124,         b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664,         b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein or its         homologs activity, by adding positive expression or removing         negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination can         be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like         for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove         repressor elements form regulatory regions. Further gene         conversion methods can be used to disrupt repressor elements or         to enhance to activity of positive elements. Positive elements         can be randomly introduced in plants by T-DNA or transposon         mutagenesis and lines can be identified in which the positive         elements have be integrated near to a gene of the invention, the         expression of which is thereby enhanced. and/or     -   i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,         that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein         of the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example         microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher         temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat         shock proteins, which can lead an enhanced the fine chemical         production.     -   j) selecting of organisms with expecially high activity of the         proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized         resources and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the         elite crops.

[0054.0.2.3] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein or its homologs activity as indicated in table II, columns 5 and 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385.

[0055.0.0.3] to [0064.0.0.3] see [0055.0.0.0] to [0064.0.0.0]

[0065.0.3.3] The activation of an endogenous polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. having the activity of a YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein or of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine after increase of expression or activity can also be increased by introducing a synthetic transcription factor, which binds close to the coding region of the YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein encoding gene and activates its transcription. A chimeric zinc finger protein can be construed, which comprises a specific DNA-binding domain and an activation domain as e.g. the VP16 domain of Herpes Simplex virus. The specific binding domain can bind to the regulatory region of the YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein encoding gene. The expression of the chimeric transcription factor in a organism, in particular in a plant, leads to a specific expression of YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein, see e.g. in WO01/52620, Oriz, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2002, Vol. 99, 13290 or Guan, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2002, Vol. 99, 13296.

[0066.0.0.3] to [0069.0.0.3]: see [0066.0.0.0] to [0069.0.0.0]

[0070.0.3.3] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding the YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolites composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous amino acid composition comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutrional physiology limited) amino acids, like tryptophane, methionine, lysine and/or threonine.

[0071.0.0.3] see [0071.0.0.0]

[0072.0.3.3] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine 2-Acetolactate, 2-3-Dihydroxyisovalerate, 2-Oxoisovalerate, 3-Hydroxyisobutyrate, 3-Hydroxy-lsobutyryl-CoA, Methylacrylyl-CoA, Isobutyryl-CoA, 2-Aceto-2-hydroxybutyrate, 2:3-Di-OH-3-methylvalerate, 2-Oxo-3-methylvalerate, 2-Methylacetoacetyl-CoA, 2-Methyl-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA, Tiglyl-CoA, 2 Methylbutyryl-CoA, 22-lsopropylmalate, 3-lsopropylmalate, Oxoleucine, Isovaleryl-CoA, 3-Methylcrotonyl-CoA and/or 3-Methylglutaconyl-CoA.

[0073.0.3.3] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process which comprises:

-   e) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a     non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue     or a plant; -   f) increasing the YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W,     YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C,     YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151,     b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022,     b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein     activity or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention and described below, e.g.     conferring an increase of the fine chemical in the organism,     preferably in the microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or     animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant, -   g) growing the organism, preferably the microorganism, the non-human     animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the     plant under conditions which permit the production of the fine     chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant     cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and -   h) if desired, revovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or     bound the fine chemical and, optionally further free and/or bound     amino acids synthetized by the organism, the microorganism, the     non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal     tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.0.3] to [0084.0.0.3]: see [0074.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0]

[0085.0.3.3] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   -   a) the nucleic acid sequence as depicted in Table IA or IB,         columns 5 and 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 or a         derivative thereof, or     -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which         is functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted         in Table IA or IB, columns 5 and 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u,         363 to 385 or a derivative thereof, or     -   c) (a) and (b)         is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or         has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods,         it being possible for the modification to be, by way of example,         a substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of         one or more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the         natural chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the         presence in a genomic library. In the case of a genomic library,         the natural, genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is         preferably at least partially still preserved. The environment         flanks the nucleic acid sequence at least on one side and has a         sequence length of at least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp,         particularly preferably at least 1000 bp, very particularly         preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.3]: see [0086.0.0.0]

[0087.0.0.3]: see [0087.0.0.0]

[0088.0.3.3] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose amino acid content is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for monogastric animals is limited by a few essential amino acids such as lysine, threonine or methionine or tryptophane. After the YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein activity has been increased or generated, or after the expression of nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide according to the invention has been generated or increased, the transgenic plant generated thus is grown on or in a nutrient medium or else in the soil and subsequently harvested.

[0089.0.0.3] to [0097.0.0.3]: see [0089.0.0.0] to [0097.0.0.0]

[0098.0.3.3] In a preferred embodiment, the fine chemical (leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine) is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further amino acids such as methionine, lysine and/or threonine mixtures of amino acid by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.0.3] to [0102.0.0.3]: see [0099.0.0.0] to [0102.0.0.0]

[0103.0.3.3] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 and 7,     lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 or a fragment thereof, which     confers an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table IA or IB, columns     5 and 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers in Table III, column 7, lines 19     to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 and conferring an increase in the     amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence shown in Table IV, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a     to 29u, 363 to 385 and conferring an increase in the amount of the     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 and     7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 and conferring an increase     in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0104.0.3.3] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process distinguishes over the sequence depicted in Table IA or IB, columns 5 and 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 preferably over the sequences as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 by one or more nucleotides or does not consist of the sequence shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 and 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 preferably not of the sequences as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence shown in Table IA or IB, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably to the sequences as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably of sequences as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385.

[0105.0.0.3] to [0107.0.0.3]: see [0105.0.0.0] to [0107.0.0.0]

[0108.0.3.3] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence shown in Table IA or IB, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from the amino acid sequences shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in Table IV, columns 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of an YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein or conferring a leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine increase after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.3] see [0109.0.0.0]

[0110.0.3.3] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein activity can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.3] see [0111.0.0.0]

[0112.0.3.3] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein activity and conferring a leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine increase.

[0113.0.0.3] to [0120.0.0.3]: see [0113.0.0.0] to [0120.0.0.0]

[0121.0.3.3] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine increase after increasing its activity, e.g. having the activity of an YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein.

[0122.0.0.3] to [127.0.0.3]: see [0122.0.0.0] to [0127.0.0.0]

[0128.0.3.3] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as shown in Table III, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 or the sequences derived from Table IIA or IIB, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385.

[0129.0.3.3] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence shown in Table IV, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 is derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.3.3] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine after increasing the expression or activity or having an YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 activity or further functional homologs of the polypeptide of the invention from other organisms. [0131.0.0.3] to [0138.0.0.3]: see [0131.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0]

[0139.0.3.3] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the fine chemical increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to the sequences shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.3] to [0146.0.0.3]: see [0140.0.0.0] to [0146.0.0.0]

[0147.0.3.3] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably in Table I B, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences shown in Table IA or IB, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 such that it can hybridize to one of the nucleotide sequences shown in Table IA or IB, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybrization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner [0148.0.3.3] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably in Table I B, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular having a leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of an YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 gene product.

[0149.0.3.3] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably in Table I B, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring a leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine increase, and optionally, the activity of YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327.

[0150.0.3.3] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably in Table I B, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., set forth in Table IA or IB, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primers shown in Table III, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 will result in a fragment of YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 gene product.

[0151.0.0.3] see [0151.0.0.0]

[0152.0.3.3] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to the amino acid sequence of Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the fine chemical production, in particular a leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine increasing the activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.3.3] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the fine chemical production. For examples having an YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 activity are described herein.

[0154.0.3.3] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 and having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.3] and [0156.0.0.3]: see [0155.0.0.0] and [0156.0.0.0]

[0157.0.3.3] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptides encoded by the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 or the functional homologues. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385. Preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I B, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385.

[0158.0.0.3] to [0160.0.0.3]: see [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0]

[0161.0.3.3] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising the sequence shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.3]: see [0162.0.0.0]

[0163.0.3.3] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence of Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.3]: see [0164.0.0.0]

[0165.0.3.3] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385

[0166.0.0.3] and [0167.0.0.3]: see [0166.0.0.0] and [0167.0.0.0]

[0168.0.3.3] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence of Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to the sequence in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, 95% homologous to the sequence in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385.

Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably of Table II B, column 7, 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385.

[0169.0.0.3] to [0172.0.0.3]: see [0169.0.0.0] to [0172.0.0.0]

[0173.0.3.3] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID No 899 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID No 899 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.3]: see [0174.0.0.0]

[0175.0.3.3] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID No 900 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID No 900 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.3.3] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as the polypeptide as shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385.

[0177.0.3.3] Functional equivalents derived from the nucleic acid sequence as shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as the polypeptide as shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385.

[0178.0.0.3] see [0178.0.0.0]

[0179.0.3.3] A nucleic acid molecule encoding an homologous to a protein sequence of Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular of Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences of Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.3] to [0183.0.0.3]: see [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0]

[0184.0.3.3] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with the sequence shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from the sequences Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.3.3] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises the sequences shown in any of the Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385. It is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule use in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385.

[0186.0.3.3] Also preferred is that the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, lines columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably of Table II B, column 7, 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment used in the inventive process, the encoded polypeptide is identical to the sequences shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385.

[0187.0.3.3] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence of the sequences shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385.

[0188.0.3.3] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 expressed under identical conditions.

[0189.0.3.3] Homologues of Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 or of the derived sequences of Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.3] to [0203.0.0.3]: see [0190.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0]

[0204.0.0.3] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7,     lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably of Table IIB,     column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385; or a fragment     thereof conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in     an organism or a part thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table IA or IB, columns     5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably of Table     IB, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 or a fragment     thereof conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in     an organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using the     primers in Table III, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to     385 and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in     an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence shown in Table IV, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a     to 29u, 363 to 385 and conferring an increase in the amount of the     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of the polypeptide shown in Table IIA     or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of the nucleic acid molecule     shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u,     363 to 385 or a nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least     the mature form of, the polypeptide shown in Table IIA or IIB,     columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof;     or which encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over the sequence depicted in Table IA, columns     5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 by one or more     nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the     invention does not consist of the sequence shown in Table IA or IB,     columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385. In another     embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at     least 30% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or     99% identical to the sequence shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or     7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385. In a further embodiment     the nucleic acid molecule does not encode the polypeptide sequence     shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to     29u, 363 to 385. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention encodes in one embodiment a     polypeptide which differs at least in one or more amino acids from     the polypeptide depicted in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines     19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 In another embodiment, the nucleic     acid molecule depicted in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19     to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 does not encode a protein of the     sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29,     29a to 29u, 363 to 385. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein     encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l)     does not consist of the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns     5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385. In a further     embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at least 30%     identical to protein sequence depicted in Table IIA or IIB, columns     5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 and less than 100%,     preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less     than 99%, 98%, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to the sequence shown in     Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to     385.

[0205.0.0.3] to [0226.0.0.3]: see [0205.0.0.0] to [0226.0.0.0]

[0227.0.3.3] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorgansims.

In addition to the sequence mentioned in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the amino acid biosynthetic pathway such as for L-lysine, L-threonine and/or L-methionine or L-leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine the sequences shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.0.3] to [0230.0.0.3]: see [0228.0.0.0] to [0230.0.0.0]

[0231.0.0.3] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.3] to [0282.0.0.3]: see [0232.0.0.0] to [0282.0.0.0]

[0283.0.3.3] Moreover, native polypeptide conferring the increase of the fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, in particular, an anti-YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein antibody or an antibody against polypeptides as shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof, i.e., the polypeptide of this invention. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies.

[0284.0.0.3]: see [0284.0.0.0]

[0285.0.3.3] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 or as coded by the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.3.3] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased comprising or consisting of the consensus sequence shown in Table IV, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of the consensus sequence shown in Table IV, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385,

whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent.

[0287.0.0.3] to [0290.0.0.3]: see [0287.0.0.0] to [0290.0.0.0]

[0291.0.3.3] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over the sequence depicted in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In another embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385.

[0292.0.0.3]: see [0292.0.0.0]

[0293.0.3.3] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention and having a sequence which distinguishes from the sequence as shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by the nucleic acid molecules shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385.

[0294.0.3.3] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein activity, which distinguishes over the sequence depicted in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.3] to [0297.0.0.3]: see [0295.0.0.0] to [0297.0.0.0]

[0297.0.3.3] The language “substantially free of cellular material” includes preparations of the polypeptide of the invention in which the protein is separated from cellular components of the cells in which it is naturally or recombinantly produced. In one embodiment, the language “substantially free of cellular material” includes preparations having less than about 30% (by dry weight) of “contaminating protein”, more preferably less than about 20% of “contaminating protein”, still more preferably less than about 10% of “contaminating protein”, and most preferably less than about 5% “contaminating protein”. The term “Contaminating protein” relates to polypeptides, which are not polypeptides of the present invention. When the polypeptide of the present invention or biologically active portion thereof is recombinantly produced, it is also preferably substantially free of culture medium, i.e., culture medium represents less than about 20%, more preferably less than about 10%, and most preferably less than about 5% of the volume of the protein preparation. The language “substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals” includes preparations in which the polypeptide of the present invention is separated from chemical precursors or other chemicals which are involved in the synthesis of the protein. The language “substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals” includes preparations having less than about 30% (by dry weight) of chemical precursors or non-YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 chemicals, more preferably less than about 20% chemical precursors or non-YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 chemicals, still more preferably less than about 10% chemical precursors or non-YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 chemicals, and most preferably less than about 5% chemical precursors or non-YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 chemicals. In preferred embodiments, isolated proteins or biologically active portions thereof lack contaminating proteins from the same organism from which the polypeptide of the present invention is derived. Typically, such proteins are produced by recombinant techniques, [00297.1.0.3] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity and/or the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 3, 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385.

[0298.0.3.3] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to confer the activity of the present invention. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical as shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385.

[0299.0.3.3] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the amino acid sequences of Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence of Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.3.3] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90%, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385.

[0301.0.0.3]: see [0301.0.0.0]

[0302.0.3.3] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., the amino acid sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.3]: see [0303.0.0.0]

[0304.0.3.3] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein having differences from the wild-type YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.3]: see [0305.0.0.0]

[0305.0.3.3] Any mutagenesis strategies for the polypeptide of the present invention or the polypeptide used in the process of the present invention to result in increasing said activity are not meant to be limiting; variations on these strategies will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. Using such strategies, and incorporating the mechanisms disclosed herein, the nucleic acid molecule and polypeptide of the invention may be utilized to generate plants or parts thereof, expressing wildtype YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 proteins or mutated YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein encoding nucleic acid molecules and polypeptide molecules of the invention such that the yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of a desired compound is improved.

[0306.0.0.3] to [0308.0.0.3]: see [0306.0.0.0] to [0308.0.0.0]

[0309.0.3.3] In one embodiment, an “YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein (=polypeptide)” refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 polypeptide” or “other polypeptide” refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide having an YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein activity, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein and which is derived from the same or a different organism.

[0310.0.0.3] to [0334.0.0.3]: see [0310.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0]

[0335.0.3.3] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of the nucleic acid sequences of the Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of the nucleic acid sequences of the Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence of one of the Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.3] to [0342.0.0.3]: see [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0]

[0343.0.3.3] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence of one of the Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence of one of Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.3] to [0361.0.0.3]: see [0344.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0]

[0362.0.3.3] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. encoding a polypeptide having an YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein activity. Due to the above mentioned activity the fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manupulation, the cellular activity is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein or activity means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, the activity of YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 or a YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327-like activity is increased in the cell or organism or part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.3]: see [0363.0.0.0]

[0364.0.3.3] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of the YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein promoter with the corresponding YDL127W, YDR245W, YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829, b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161, b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256, b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein gene—becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modified by non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example, mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

[0365.0.0.3] to [0382.0.0.3]: see [0365.0.0.0] to [0382.0.0.0]

[0383.0.3.3] For preparing branched-chain amino acid compound-containing fine chemicals, in particular the fine chemical, it is possible to use as branched-chain amino acid source organic branched-chain amino acid-containing compounds such as, for example, isovalerate, isopropylmalate, oxoisocaproate, isovaleryl-compounds, methylvalerate, isobutyrate, methyl-butyryl-compounds, isopropyrate, isopropyl-compounds or else organic branched-chain amino acid precursor compounds.

[0384.0.0.3] to [0392.0.0.3]: see [0384.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0]

[0393.0.3.3] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   -   (g) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a         sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a         nucleic acid library, which can contain a candidate gene         encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the fine         chemical after expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the         present invention;     -   (h) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of the present invention in particular to the nucleic         acid molecule sequence shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7,         lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385, preferably in Table I B,         column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 and,         optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete         genomic clone;     -   (i) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells, preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism,         appropriate for producing the fine chemical;     -   (j) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (k) assaying the the fine chemical level in the host cells; and     -   (l) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product         which expression confers an increase in the the fine chemical         level in the host cell after expression compared to the wild         type.

[0394.0.0.3] to [0398.0.0.3]: see [0394.0.0.0] to [0398.0.0.0]

[0399.0.3.3] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to process for the identification of a compound conferring increased the fine chemical production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps:

-   -   (c) culturing a cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a         plant expressing the polypeptide according to the invention or a         nucleic acid molecule encoding said polypeptide and a readout         system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under         suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the         polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a         compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and         capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the         binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which         permit the expression of said readout system and the polypeptide         of the present invention or used in the process of the         invention; and     -   (d) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system.

The screen for a gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in the fine chemical production can be performed by growth of an organism for example a microorganism in the presence of growth reducing amounts of an inhibitor of the synthesis of the fine chemical. Better growth, eg higher dividing rate or high dry mass in comparison to the control under such conditions would identify a gene or gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in fine chemical production.

One can think to screen for increased fine chemical production by for example resistance to drugs blocking isoleucine synthesis and looking whether this effect is YDL127W dependent eg comparing near identical organisms with low and high YDL127W activity.

[0400.0.0.3] to [0430.0.0.3]: see [0400.0.0.1] to [0430.0.0.0]

[0431.0.3.3] Example 1 Cloning SEQ ID No: 899 in Escherichia coli

[0432.0.3.3] SEQ ID No: 899 was cloned into the plasmids pBR322 (Sutcliffe, J. G. (1979) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, 75: 3737-3741); pACYC177 (Change & Cohen (1978) J. Bacteriol. 134: 1141-1156); plasmids of the pBS series (pBSSK+, pBSSK− and others; Stratagene, LaJolla, USA) or cosmids such as SuperCosi (Stratagene,

LaJolla, USA) or Lorist6 (Gibson, T. J. Rosenthal, A., and Waterson, R. H. (1987) Gene 53: 283-286) for expression in E. coli using known, well-established procedures (see, for example, Sambrook, J. et al. (1989) “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons).

[0433.0.0.3] to [0460.0.0.3]: see [0433.0.0.0] to [0460.0.0.0]

[0461.0.3.3] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 899 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.3]: see [0462.0.0.0]

[0463.0.3.3] SEQ ID NO: 899 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.3] to [0466.0.0.3]: see [0464.0.0.0] to [0466.0.0.0]

[0467.0.3.3] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID No: 899:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID No: 911) atgtcaaact acgaagcctt gctg ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID No: 912) tcacagggcg cgctttacta aaat

[0468.0.0.3] to [0479.0.0.3]: see [0468.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0]

[0480.0.3.3] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID No: 899

[0481.0.0.3] to [0513.0.0.3]: see [0481.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0]

[0514.0.3.3] As an alternative, the amino acids can be detected advantageously via HPLC separation in ethanolic extract as described by Geigenberger et al. (Plant Cell & Environ, 19, 1996: 43-55).

-   -   The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the         table which follows:

TABLE 1 ORF Metabolite Method Min Max YDL127W Isoleucine GC 1.33 1.33 YDR245W Leucine GC 1.5 2.73 YDR271C Isoleucine GC 1.3 1.74 YER173W Valine GC 1.18 1.82 YER173W Leucine GC 1.93 2.87 YGR101W Valine GC 1.47 1.6 YJL072C Isoleucine GC 1.31 4.56 YKR057W Valine GC 1.19 2 YNL135C Leucine GC 1.45 3.8 YFL013C Valine GC 1.22 1.58 YGR104C Isoleucine GC 1.33 2.02 YIL150C Valine GC 1.18 4.14 YIL150C Isoleucine GC 6.35 6.35 YOR350C Isoleucine GC 2.01 2.78 YOR350C Leucine GC 3.47 4.48 YFR042W Leucine GC 1.43 4.25 YFR019C Valine GC 1.22 1.58 b1708 Valine GC 1.33 2.49 b1708 Isoleucine GC 1.51 3.9 b1708 Leucine GC 1.6 4.33 b1829 Isoleucine GC 1.77 15.8 b1829 Leucine GC 1.6 13 b2957 Valine GC 1.32 4.03 b3366 Isoleucine GC 1.39 4.27 b3366 Leucine GC 1.65 6.81 b0828 Valine GC 1.2 1.61 b0828 Isoleucine GC 1.6 2.02 b3966 Isoleucine GC 1.79 4.92 b3966 Leucine GC 1.59 7.47 b4151 Leucine GC 1.31 1.46 b1827 Valine GC 1.24 2.92 b1827 Isoleucine GC 1.81 6.82 b1827 Leucine GC 1.63 9.84 b0124 Isoleucine GC 1.43 7.38 b0124 Leucine GC 1.56 6.7 b0124 Valine GC 1.24 3.68 b0149 Leucine GC 1.62 1.99 b0161 Valine GC 1.29 4.99 b0161 Isoleucine GC 1.98 11.3 b0161 Leucine GC 1.71 12.4 b0486 Valine GC 1.22 2.81 b1313 Valine GC 1.22 1.5 b1343 Valine GC 1.21 1.23 b1463 Isoleucine GC 1.39 2.19 b1463 Leucine GC 1.66 2.57 b2022 Valine GC 1.22 1.26 b2414 Valine GC 1.35 2.39 b2664 Isoleucine GC 1.42 12.7 b2664 Leucine GC 1.67 11.5 b3117 Isoleucine GC 1.47 7.56 b3256 Valine GC 1.27 1.36 b3938 Valine GC 1.24 1.42 b3983 Valine GC 1.24 3.02 b4054 Leucine GC 2.26 2.63 b4327 Isoleucine GC 1.42 1.54

[0515.0.0.3]: to [0552.0.0.3]: see [0515.0.0.0] to [0552.0.0.0]

[0552.1.3.3]: Example 15 Metabolite Profiling Info from Zea mays

Zea mays plants were engineered, grown and analyzed as described in Example 14c.

The results of the different Zea mays plants analysed can be seen from Table 2 which follows:

TABLE 2 ORF_NAME Metabolite Min Max b1829 Isoleucine 1.28 1.37 b1829 Leucine 1.37 1.97 b2414 Valine 1.26 1.52 b2664 Isoleucine 1.91 4.81 b2664 Leucine 2.17 5.29 YDR271C Isoleucine 1.36 3.73 YKR057W Valine 1.29 1.62 YIL150C Valine 1.89 3.26 YIL150C Isoleucine 1.79 2.98

Table 2 exhibits the metabolic data from maize, shown in either TO or T1, describing the increase in valine and/or isoleucine and/or leucine in genetically modified corn plants expressing the Saccharomyces cerevisiae nucleic acid sequence YKR057W, YDR271C or YIL150C and/or E. coli nucleic acid sequence b1829, b2414 or b2664 resp.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YKR057W or a ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation or its homolog, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical valine between 29% and 62% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. “a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion” or its homologs, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical valine between 89% and 226% and/or of the fine chemical isoleucine between 79% and 198% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b1829 or its homologs, e.g. “the activity of a a heat shock protein with protease activity (htpx), involved in stress response, pheromone response, mating-type determination, protein modification, proteolytic degradation”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical isoleucine between 28% and 37% is conferred and/or an increase of the fine chemical leucine between 37% and 97% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b2414 or its homologs, e.g. “a subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, PLP-dependent enzyme”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical valine between 26% and 52% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b2664 or its homologs, e.g. “a putative transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (GntR familiy)”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical isoleucine between 91% and 381% is conferred. and/or an increase of the fine chemical leucine between 117% and 429% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein

YDR271C or its homologs, its activity has not been characterized yet, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical isoleucine between 36% and 273% is conferred.

[00552.2.0.3]: see [00552.2.0.0]

[00553.0.3.3]

-   1. A process for the production of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or     valine, which comprises     -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a YDL127W, YDR245W,         YDR271C, YER173W, YGR101W, YJL072C, YKR057W, YNL135C, YFL013C,         YGR104C, YIL150C, YOR350C, YFR042W, YFL019C, b1708, b1829,         b2957, b3366, b0828, b3966, b4151, b1827, b0124, b0149, b0161,         b0486, b1313, b1343, b1463, b2022, b2414, b2664, b3117, b3256,         b3938, b3983, b4054 and/or b4327 protein in a non-human         organism, or in one or more parts thereof; and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in said         organism. -   2. A process for the production of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or     valine, comprising the increasing or generating in an organism or a     part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule     comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group     consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide shown in Table         IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to         385 or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the         amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of the nucleic acid molecule         shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to         29u, 363 to 385;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of leucine and/or         isoleucine and/or valine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of leucine and/or         isoleucine and/or valine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of leucine         and/or isoleucine and/or valine in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers shown         in Table III, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385         and conferring an increase in the amount of leucine and/or         isoleucine and/or valine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of leucine         and/or isoleucine and/or valine in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising the         consensus sequence shown in Table IV, column 7, lines 19 to 29,         29a to 29u, 363 to 385 and conferring an increase in the amount         of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine produced by the selected         mutated organisms or parts thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide shown in Table         IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to         385 or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the         amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in an organism         or a part thereof; b) nucleic acid molecule comprising the         nucleic acid molecule shown in Table     -   IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to         385; c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from         a polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of leucine and/or         isoleucine and/or valine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of leucine and/or         isoleucine and/or valine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of leucine         and/or isoleucine and/or valine in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers shown         in Table III, column 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385         and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of leucine         and/or isoleucine and/or valine in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising the         consensus sequence shown in Table IV, column 7, lines 19 to 29,         29a to 29u, 363 to 385 and conferring an increase in the amount         of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29,         29a to 29u, 363 to 385 by one or more nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over the sequence as shown in Table     IIA, columns 5 or 7, lines 19 to 29, 29a to 29u, 363 to 385 by one     or more amino acids 15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the     polypeptide as claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of leucine and/or     isoleucine and/or valine in an organism or a part thereof     comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of leucine         and/or isoleucine and/or valine in an organism or a part thereof         with a candidate compound or a sample comprising a plurality of         compounds under conditions which permit the expression the         polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine level         or the polypeptide expression level in the cell, tissue, plant         or microorganism or the media the cell, tissue, plant or         microorganisms is cultured or maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine level or         polypeptide expression level with a standard leucine and/or         isoleucine and/or valine or polypeptide expression level         measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample         comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased         level over the standard indicates that the compound or the         sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and         a decreased level over the standard indicates that the compound         or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an         antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine production in a     plant or microorganism, comprising the steps:     -   (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in an organism         or a part thereof and a readout system capable of interacting         with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the         interaction of the polypeptide with dais readout system in the         presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of         compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in         response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under         conditions which permit the expression of said readout system         and of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of leucine and/or         isoleucine and/or valine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine production in a     cell, comprising the following steps:     -   (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine after         expression with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing leucine and/or isoleucine and/or         valine;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine level         in the host cells; and     -   (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the leucine and/or isoleucine         and/or valine level in the host cell in the host cell after         expression compared to the wild type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine production in a     cell, comprising the following steps:     -   (a) identifiying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the leucine and/or isoleucine         and/or valine amount or level in an organism or a part thereof         after expression, and which are at least 20% homolog to the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing leucine and/or isoleucine and/or         valine;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine level         in the host cells; and     -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the leucine and/or isoleucine         and/or valine level in the host cell after expression compared         to the wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine after expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine levels in an     organism. -   25. Food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the     plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim     16, the host cell of claims 10 to 12 or the gene product identified     according to the method of claim 19 or 20. -   26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     host cell of claims 10 to 12 or the gene product identified     according to the method of claim 19 or 20 for the protection of a     plant against a leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine synthesis     inhibiting herbicide.

[00554.0.0.3] Abstract: see [00554.0.0.0]

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.0.4] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.4] to [0008.0.0.4]: see [0001.0.0.0] to [0008.0.0.0]

[0009.0.4.4] As described above, the essential amino acids are necessary for humans and many mammals, for example for livestock. Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid involved in multiple areas of human physiology and metabolism. It is not considered essential because humans can synthesize it de novo from glutamine, glutamate, and proline. However, dietary intake remains the primary determinant of plasma arginine levels, since the rate of arginine biosynthesis does not increase to compensate for depletion or inadequate supply. Dietary arginine intake regulates whole body arginine synthesis from proline in the neonatal piglet. The maximal rate of arginine synthesis (0.68 g/kg/d) is not enough to supply the whole body metabolic requirement for arginine in the young pig. In animals, glutamate functions as a neurotransmitter and activates glutamate receptor cation channels (iGluRs), which trigger electrical or Ca²⁺ signal cascades. In plants, amino acids are involved in signalling of both plant nitrogen status and plant nitrogen:carbon ratios. Endogenous glutamine has been implicated in feedback inhibition of root N uptake, via the suppression of transcription of genes encoding inorganic nitrogen transporters (Rawat et al., Plant Journal 19: 143-152, 1999; Zhuo et al., Plant Journal 17: 563-568, 1999). The nonessential amino acid, proline, is synthesized from L-ornithine or L-glutamate. The proline from L-ornithine is linked to protein metabolism in the urea cycle and the proline from L-glutamate is linked to carbohydrate metabolism. Collagen is the major reservoir for proline in the body. Vitamin C should be used with proline for collagen problems.

[0010.0.0.4] to [0011.0.0.4]: see [0010.0.0.0] to [0011.0.0.0]:

[0012.0.4.4] It is an object of the present invention to develop an inexpensive process for the synthesis of arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline, preferably L-arginine and/or L-glutamate and/or L-glutamine and/or L-proline.

[0013.0.0.4]: see [0013.0.0.0]

[0014.0.4.4] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline, preferably L-arginine and/or L-glutamate and/or L-glutamine and/or L-proline. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline”. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline.

[0015.0.4.4] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline, preferably L-arginine and/or L-glutamate and/or L-glutamine and/or L-proline. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline, preferably

L-arginine and/or L-glutamate and/or L-glutamine and/or L-proline, its salts, ester or amids in free form or bound to proteins. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline, preferably L-arginine and/or L-glutamate and/or L-glutamine and/or L-proline, in free form or its salts or bound to proteins.

[0016.0.4.4] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more     -   YDR316W, YHR130C, YKR057W, YNL090W, b1829, b0695, b1284, b2095,         b0161, b2307 and/or b3936-protein(s) or of a protein having the         sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule         indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 30 to 37, 390, 405         and/or 430; -   in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, meaning of arginine or fine     chemicals comprising arginine in said organism; -   or -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more     -   YBR204C, YFL013C, YGR104C, YPRO24W, YPR133W-A, b0730, b0050,         b0057, b0161, b1343, b1693, b1736, b1738, b1896, b2307, b2710,         b2818, b3074, b3116, b3169, b3619, b3791, b4346, and/or         YFL019C—protein(s) or of a protein having the sequence of a         polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in         Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 38 to 43, 386, 387, 391, 396,         399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434         and/or 435; -   in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamate or fine     chemicals comprising glutamate in said organism;

or

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more     -   YBRO30W, YDL106C, YDR271C, YEL045C, YER173W, YFL050C, YGR135W,         YIL150C, YNL090W, YPR138C, b0730, b2699, b1827, b0138, b0149,         b1360, b2553, b2664, b3644 and/or b3919-protein(s) or of a         protein having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a         nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,         lines 44 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429; -   in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, meaning of proline or fine     chemicals comprising proline in said organism; -   or -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more     -   YER173W, YFR042W, YKR057W, b1829, b1852, b4265, b0161, b0486,         b0849, b0970, b1343, b1886, b1926, b2414, b2426, b2489, b2553,         b2818, b3064, b3160, b3166, b3169, b3231, b3680, b3719, b4004,         b4074 and/or b4133-protein(s) or of a protein having the         sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule         indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 57 to 62, 392 to         395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423,         426, 428 and/or 431 to 433; -   in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, meaning glutamine or fine chemicals     comprising glutamine in said organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3,     lines 30 to 62 and/or lines 386 to 435 or having the sequence of a     polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I,     column 5 or 7, lines 30 to 62 and/or lines 386 to 435, in a     non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, in particular arginine and/or     glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline resp.

[0016.1.4.4] Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means in one embodiment “arginine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 30 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 or homologs thereof and means in one embodiment “glutamate” in relation to all sequences listed in Tables I to IV, lines 38 to 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434 and/or 435 or homologs thereof and means in one embodiment “proline” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 44 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 or homologs thereof and means in one embodiment “glutamine” in relation to all sequences listed in Tables I to IV, lines 57 to 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 or homologs thereof.

Accordingly, in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “glutamate” and “proline” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 43 and 54, in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “arginine” and “glutamine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 32 and 59, and, lines 34 and 60, and, 390 and 392,

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “glutamine” and “proline” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 57 and 48, and, 410 and 411,

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “arginine” and “glutamate” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 390 and 391, and, 405 and 406. in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “glutamate” and “glutamine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 391 and 392, and, 396 and 397, and, 414 and 415, and, 421 and 422, and, 427 and 428, in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “arginine” and “glutamate” and “glutamine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 390 and 391 and 392.

Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” can mean “arginine” and/or “glutamate” and/or “glutamine” and/or “proline”, owing to circumstances and the context. In order to illustrate that the meaning of the term “the fine chemical” means “arginine”, and/or “glutamate” and/or “glutamine” and/or “proline” the term “the respective fine chemical” is also used.

[0017.0.0.4] to [0018.0.0.4]: see [0017.0.0.0] to [0018.0.0.0]

[0019.0.4.4] Advantageously the process for the production of the fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the fine chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the respective fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 30 to 62 and/or lines 386 to 435 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 30 to 62 and/or lines 386 to 435.

[0020.0.4.4] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of at least one of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein(s) indicated in Table II, Column 3, lines 30 to 33 for arginine

and/or lines 38 to 42 and/or 435 for glutamate

and/or lines 44 to 53 for proline

and/or lines 57 to 59 for glutamine

in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the respective fine chemical content of the transformed plants

and/or

at least one of the Escherichia coli K12 proteins indicated in Table II, Column 3, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 for arginine

and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427 and/or 434 for glutamate

and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 for proline

and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 for glutamine

in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the respective fine chemical content of the transformed plants.

Accordingly, it was surprisingly found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 43 and 54 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in glutamate and/or proline (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glutamate; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of proline; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: glutamate and/or proline.

Accordingly, it was surprisingly found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 43 and 54 and/or lines 390 and 392 and/or the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 32 and 59 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in arginine and/or glutamine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of arginine; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glutamine; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: arginine and/or glutamine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 48 and 57 and/or the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 411 and 410 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in proline and/or glutamine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of proline; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glutamine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: proline and/or glutamine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 391 and 392 and/or lines 396 and 397 and/or lines 414 and 415 and/or lines 421 and 422 and/or lines 427 and 428 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in glutamate and/or glutamine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glutamate; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glutamine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: glutamate and/or glutamine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 390 and 391, and, 405 and 406 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in arginine and/or glutamate (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of arginine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glutamate, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of arginine and glutamate.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 390 and 391 and 392 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of arginine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glutamate; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glutamine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine.

[0021.0.0.4]: see [0021.0.0.0]

[0022.0.4.4] The sequence of b0695 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as sensory histidine kinase in two-component regulatory system. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the sensor histidine kinase homology superfamily, preferably a protein with a sensory histidine kinase in two-component regulatory system activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of arginine, in particular for increasing the amount of arginine, preferably arginine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0730 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon and fatty acyl response regulator. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the transcription regulator GntR superfamily, preferably a protein with a transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon or a fatty acid response regulator activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamate and/or proline, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate and/or proline, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of proline, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate and proline, preferably glutamate and/or proline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1284 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative transcriptional regulator with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (DeoR family). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the regulatory protein gutR superfamily, preferably a protein with transcriptional regulator with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (DeoR family) activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of arginine, iin particular for increasing the amount of arginine, preferably arginine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1827 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative transcriptional repressor protein with a DNA-binding Winged helix domain (IcIR family). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the acetate operon repressor superfamily, preferably a protein with a transcriptional repressor protein with a DNA-binding Winged helix domain (IcIR family) activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of arginine, in particular for increasing the amount of arginine, preferably arginine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1829 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a heat shock protein with protease activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of heat-shock protein htpX superfamily, preferably a protein with a “heat shock protein with protease activity” from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine and/or proline, in particular for increasing the amount of arginine and/or glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of proline, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of proline and glutamine, preferably increasing the amount of proline and/or glutamine, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a heat shock protein with protease activity is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1852 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase superfamily, preferably a protein with a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, preferably increasing the amount of glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2095 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a tagatose-6-phosphate kinase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Escherichia probable tagatose 6-phosphate kinase gatZ superfamily, preferably a protein with a tagatose-6-phosphate kinase activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of arginine, in particular for increasing the amount of arginine, preferably increasing the amount of arginine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2699 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of recombination protein recA superfamily, preferably a protein with a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of proline, in particular for increasing the amount of proline, preferably increasing the amount of proline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b4265 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a L-idonate transport protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of D-serine permease superfamily, preferably a protein with a L-idonate transport protein activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, preferably increasing the amount of glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YBR030W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Feldmann et al., EMBO J., 13 (24), 5795-5809 (1994) and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its cellular activity has not been characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae hypothetical protein YBR030w superfamily, preferably a protein with a YBR030W activity from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of proline, in particular for increasing the amount of proline, preferably proline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YDL106C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78, 1997, and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as homeobox transcription factor. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of unassigned homeobox proteins, homeobox homology proteins superfamily, preferably a protein with a “homeobox transcription factor” activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of proline, in particular for increasing the amount of proline, preferably proline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YFR042W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau st al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and Murakami, Y., Nat. Genet. 10 (3), 261-268, 1995 and its activity is being defined as a “protein required for cell viability in yeast”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae probable membrane protein YFR042w superfamily, preferably a protein with a “protein required for cell viability in yeast” activity, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, preferably glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YGR135W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau st al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and Tettelin et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 81-84 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a “proteasome component Y13”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a a gene product with an activity of multicatalytic endopeptidase complex chain C9 superfamily, preferably a protein with proteasome component Y13 activity, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of proline, in particular for increasing the amount of proline, preferably proline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YHR130C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Johnston et al., Science 265:2077-2082 (1994), and its cellular activity has not been characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a YHR130C activity from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of arginine, in particular for increasing the amount of arginine, preferably arginine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YIL150C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau st al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and Churcher et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 84-87, 1997 and its activity is being defined as a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of proline, in particular for increasing the amount of proline, preferably proline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YPR024W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau st al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and Bussey et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 103-105 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a mitochondrial protein of the CDC48/PAS1/SEC18 family of ATPases. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of FtsH/SEC18/CDC48-type ATP-binding domain homology; cell division protein ftsH superfamily, preferably a protein with a mitochondrial protein of the CDC48/PAS1/SEC18 family of ATPases activity, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, preferably glutamate in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YPR133W-A from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau st al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and Bussey et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 103-105 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, preferably glutamate in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YPR138C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau st al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and Bussey et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 103-105 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a NH⁴+ transporter. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of ammonium transport protein; ammonium transporter nrgA superfamily, preferably a protein with a NH⁴+ transporter activity, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of proline, in particular for increasing the amount of proline, preferably proline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YBR204C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau st al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and Feldmann et al., EMBO J. 13 (24), 5795-5809 (1994) and its activity is being defined as a peroxisomal lipase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a peroxisomal lipase, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, preferably glutamate in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YDR271C was submitted by Le T., Johnston M., (March-1996) to the EMBL/GenBank/DDBJ databases, by Waterston R.; (MAY-1996) and Jia Y., (JUNE-1997) to the EMBL/GenBank/DDBJ databases and its cellular activity has not been characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a YDR271C activity from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of proline, in particular for increasing the amount of proline, preferably proline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. I

The sequence of YDR316W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau st al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and Jacq et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78 (1997), and its activity is being defined as a putative S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase of the seven beta-strand family. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a a gene product with an activity of bioC homology superfamily, preferably a protein with putative S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase of the seven beta-strand family activity, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of arginine in particular for increasing the amount of arginine, preferably arginine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YEL045C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was published by Dietrich et al., Nature 387:78-81(1997) and its cellular activity has not been characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Saccharomyces hypothetical protein YEL045c superfamily, preferably a protein with a YEL045C activity from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of proline, in particular for increasing the amount of proline, preferably proline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YER173w from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dietrich, Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 78-81, 1997, and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as an “Checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints;”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “Checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints” or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning the amount of glutamine and/or proline, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine and/or proline, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of proline, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine and proline, preferably glutamine and/or proline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YFL013C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, A., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and Murakami, Y., Nat. Genet. 10 (3), 261-268, 1995, and its activity is being defined as a “subunit of the INO80 chromatin remodeling complex”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae probable membrane protein YFL013c superfamily, preferably a protein with a “subunit of the INO80 chromatin remodeling complex” activity or its homolog, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, preferably glutamate in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YFL050C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Murakami et al., Nat. Genet. 10 (3), 261-268, 1995, and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is defined as a di- trivalent inorganic cation transporter. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a a gene product with an activity of magnesium and cobalt transport protein superfamily, preferably a protein with with a di- trivalent inorganic cation transporter activity from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning proline, in particular for increasing the amount of proline, preferably proline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YGR104C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Thompson et al., Cell 73:1361-1375, 1993, and its activity is being defined as an “RNA polymerase II suppressor protein SRB5—yeast and/or suppressor of RNA polymerase B SRB5””. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of RNA polymerase II suppressor protein SRB5—yeast superfamily, preferably a protein with a “RNA polymerase II suppressor protein SRB5—yeast and/or suppressor of RNA polymerase B SRB5” activity or its homolog, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, preferably glutamate in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YKR057W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon et al., Nature 369 (6479), 371-378, 1994 and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its activity is being defined as a ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of rat ribosomal protein S21 superfamily, preferably a protein with a ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation activity from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of arginine and/or glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of arginine and/or glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of arginine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of arginine and glutamine, preferably arginine and/or glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0050 (Accession number NP_(—)414592) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a conserved protein potentially involved in protein protein interaction. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of apaG protein superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a conserved protein potentially involved in protein-protein interaction from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamate in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, preferably glutamate in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0057 (Accession number NP_(—)414599) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is not been characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of b0057 protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamate in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, preferably glutamate in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0138 (Accession number NP_(—)414680) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is is being defined as a fimbrial-like adhesin protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of b0138 protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of proline in particular for increasing the amount of proline, preferably proline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0149 (Accession number NP_(—)414691) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a bifunctional penicillin-binding protein lb: glycosyl transferase (N-terminal); transpeptidase (C-terminal). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of penicillin-binding protein 1B superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a bifunctional penicillin-binding protein ib: glycosyl transferase (N-terminal); transpeptidase (C-terminal) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of proline, in particular for increasing the amount of proline, preferably proline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0161 (Accession number NP_(—)414691) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a periplasmic serine protease (heat shock protein). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Helicobacter serine proteinase superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a periplasmic serine protease (heat shock protein) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of arginine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of arginine and glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of arginine and glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine and glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of arginine and glutamine and glutamate, preferably arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0486 (Accession number NP_(—)415019) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a amino-acid/amine transport protein (APC family). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of membrane protein ybaT superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a amino-acid/amine transport protein (APC family) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, preferably glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0849 (Accession number NP_(—)415370) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a glutaredoxin 1 redox coenzyme for glutathione-dependent ribonucleotide reductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of glutaredoxin superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a glutaredoxin 1 redox coenzyme for glutathione-dependent ribonucleotide reductase protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, preferably glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0970 (Accession number NP_(—)415490) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a glutamate receptor. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Escherichia coli ybhL protein superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a glutamate receptor protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, preferably glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1343 (Accession number NP_(—)415490) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Escherichia coli b1343 protein, preferably a protein with the activity of a ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine and/or glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine and glutamate, preferably glutamine and/or glutamate in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1360 (Accession number NP_(—)415878) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a DNA replication protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of DNA replication protein dnaC superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a DNA replication protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of proline, in particular for increasing the amount of proline, preferably proline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1693 (Accession number NP_(—)416208) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a DNA replication protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, preferably glutamate in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1736 (Accession number NP_(—)416250) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase enzyme, cellobiose/arbutin/salicin sugar-specific protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of phosphotransferase system lactose-specific enzyme II, factor III superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase enzyme, cellobiose/arbutin/salicin sugar-specific protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, preferably glutamate in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1738 (Accession number NP_(—)416252) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of phosphotransferase system enzyme II cellobiose-specific factor IIB superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, preferably glutamate in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned

The sequence of b1886 (Accession number NP_(—)416400) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein II, aspartate sensor receptor. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein II, aspartate sensor receptor from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, preferably glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1896 (Accession number NP_(—)416410) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of alpha-trehalose-phosphate synthase (UdP-forming) superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, preferably glutamate in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned

The sequence of b1926 (Accession number NP_(—)416436) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a flagellar protein fliT. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of flagellar protein fliT from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, preferably glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2307 (Accession number NP_(—)416810) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a histidine and lysine/arginine/ornithine transport protein (ABC superfamily, membrane). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of histidine permease protein M superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a histidine and lysine/arginine/ornithine transport protein (ABC superfamily, membrane) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamate and/or arginine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of arginine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate and arginine, preferably glutamate and/or arginine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2414 (Accession number NP_(—)416909) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, PLP-dependent enzyme. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of threonine dehydratase superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, PLP-dependent enzyme from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, preferably glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2426 (Accession number NP_(—)416921) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative oxidoreductase with NAD(P)-binding domain. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of ribitol dehydrogenase, short-chain alcohol dehydrogenase homology superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a putative oxidoreductase with NAD(P)-binding domain from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, preferably glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2489 (Accession number NP_(—)416984) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a hydrogenase Fe—S subunit. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of psbG protein superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a hydrogenase Fe—S subunit from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, preferably glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2553 (Accession number NP_(—)417048) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a regulatory protein P-II for glutamine synthetase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of regulatory protein P-II superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a regulatory protein P-II for glutamine synthetase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of proline and/or glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of proline, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of proline and glutamine, preferably proline and/or glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2664 (Accession number NP_(—)417150) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (GntR familiy). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of transcription regulator gabP superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (GntR familiy) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of proline, in particular for increasing the amount of proline, preferably proline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2710 (Accession number NP_(—)417190) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a flavorubredoxin (FIRd) bifunctional NO and O₂ reductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Escherichia coli hypothetical protein b2710, rubredoxin homology, Methanobacterium flavoprotein A superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a a flavorubredoxin (FIRd) bifunctional NO and O₂ reductase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, preferably glutamate in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2818 (Accession number NP_(—)417295) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a N-acetylglutamate synthase (amino acid N-acetyltransferase). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of amino-acid acetyltransferase, acetylglutamate kinase superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a a N-acetylglutamate synthase (amino acid N-acetyltransferase) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine and/or glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine and glutamte, preferably glutamate and/or glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3064 (Accession number NP_(—)417536) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a O-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase, with actin-like ATPase domain. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of O-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a 0-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase, with actin-like ATPase domain from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, preferably glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3074 (Accession number NP_(—)417545) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a tRNA synthetase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of secretion chaperone CsaA, methionyl-tRNA synthetase, dimer-forming superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a tRNA synthetase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, preferably glutamate in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3116 (Accession number NP_(—)417586) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of threonine-serine permease superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, preferably glutamate in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3160 (Accession number NP_(—)417629) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as monooxygenase with luciferase-like ATPase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of ynbW protein superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a monooxygenase with luciferase-like ATPase activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, preferably glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3166 (Accession number NP_(—)417635) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as tRNA pseudouridine 5S synthase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Escherichia coli protein P35 superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a tRNA pseudouridine 5S synthase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, preferably glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3169 (Accession number NP_(—)417638) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcription termination-antitermination factor. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Escherichia coli transcription factor nusA superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a transcription termination-antitermination factor from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine and/or glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine and glutamte, preferably glutamate and/or glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3231 (Accession number NP_(—)417698) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Escherichia coli ribosomal protein L13 superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13 from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, preferably glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3619 (Accession number NP_(—)418076) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a ADP-L-glycero-D-mannoheptose-6-epimerase, NAD(P)-binding. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of ADPglyceromanno-heptose 6-epimerase, UDPglucose 4-epimerase homology superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a ADP-L-glycero-D-mannoheptose-6-epimerase, NAD(P)-binding from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, preferably glutamate in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3644 (Accession number NP_(—)418101) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a uncharacterized stress-induced protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of protein H10467 superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a Uncharacterized stress-induced protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of proline, in particular for increasing the amount of proline, preferably proline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3680 (Accession number NP_(—)418136) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcriptional regulator with homeodomain-like DNA binding domain (AraC/XylS family). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Escherichia coli b3680 protein, preferably a protein with the activity of a transcriptional regulator with homeodomain-like DNA binding domain (AraC/XylS family) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, preferably glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3791 (Accession number NP_(—)418238) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transaminase involved in lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of erythromycin resistance protein superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a transaminase involved in lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine and/or glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine and glutamate, preferably glutamate and/or glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3919 (Accession number NP_(—)418354) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a triosephosphate isomerase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of triose-phosphate isomerase superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a triosephosphate isomerase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of proline, in particular for increasing the amount of proline, preferably proline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3936 (Accession number NP_(—)418371) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L32. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Escherichia coli ribosomal protein L31 superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L32 from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of arginine, in particular for increasing the amount of arginine, preferably arginine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b4004 (Accession number NP_(—)418432) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcriptional regulatory protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of nitrogen assimilation regulatory protein ntrC or response regulator homology, RNA polymerase sigma factor interaction domain homology superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a transcriptional regulatory protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, preferably glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b4074 (Accession number NP_(—)418498) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a cytochrome c-type biogenesis protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of nrfE protein superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a Cytochrome c-type biogenesis protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, preferably glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b4133 (Accession number NP_(—)418557) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcriptional activator of pH response (OmpR family). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of b4133 protein, preferably a protein with the activity of a transcriptional activator of pH response (OmpR family) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, preferably glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b4346 (Accession number NP_(—)418766) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a component of 5-methylcytosine-specific restriction enzyme McrBC. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of 5-methylcytosine-specific restriction enzyme B superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a component of 5-methylcytosine-specific restriction enzyme McrBC from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, preferably glutamate in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YFL019C (Accession number S48324.) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Murakami et al., Nat. Genet. 10:261-268(1995) and its activity is not been characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a YFL019C protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, preferably glutamate in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

[0023.0.4.4] Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the respective fine chemical amount or content.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 30 to 33 for arginine

and/or lines 38 to 42 and/or 435 for glutamate

and/or lines 44 to 53 for proline

and/or lines 57 to 59 for glutamine, resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, resp. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 30 to 33 for arginine

and/or lines 38 to 42 and/or 435 for glutamate

and/or lines 44 to 53 for proline

and/or lines 57 to 59 for glutamine, resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 30 to 33 for arginine

and/or lines 38 to 42 and/or 435 for glutamate

and/or lines 44 to 53 for proline

and/or lines 57 to 59 for glutamine resp., is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 30 to 33 for arginine

and/or lines 38 to 42 and/or 435 for glutamate

and/or lines 44 to 53 for proline

and/or lines 57 to 59 for glutamine, resp., is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 30 to 33 for arginine

and/or lines 38 to 42 and/or 435 for glutamate

and/or lines 44 to 53 for proline

and/or lines 57 to 59 for glutamine, resp., is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 30 to 33 for arginine

and/or lines 38 to 42 and/or 435 for glutamate

and/or lines 44 to 53 for proline

and/or lines 57 to 59 for glutamine, resp., is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 30 to 33 for arginine

and/or lines 38 to 42 and/or 435 for glutamate

and/or lines 44 to 53 for proline

and/or lines 57 to 59 for glutamine, resp., is a homolog being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 30 to 33 for arginine

and/or lines 38 to 42 and/or 435 for glutamate

and/or lines 44 to 53 for proline

and/or lines 57 to 59 for glutamine, resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 30 to 33 for arginine

and/or lines 38 to 42 and/or 435 for glutamate

and/or lines 44 to 53 for proline

and/or lines 57 to 59 for glutamine, resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 for arginine

and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427 and/or 434 for glutamate

and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 for proline

and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 for glutamine resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequnence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 for arginine

and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427 and/or 434 for glutamate

and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 for proline

and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 for glutamine, resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 for arginine

and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427 and/or 434 for glutamate

and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 for proline

and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 for glutamine is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 for arginine

and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427 and/or 434 for glutamate

and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 for proline

and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 for glutamine is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 for arginine

and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427 and/or 434 for glutamate

and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 for proline

and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 for glutamine is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 for arginine

and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427 and/or 434 for glutamate

and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 for proline

and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 for glutamine is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 for arginine

and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427 and/or 434 for glutamate

and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 for proline

and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 for glutamine is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 for arginine

and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427 and/or 434 for glutamate

and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 for proline

and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 for glutamine is a homolog having the same or a similar activity and being derived from Escherichia.

[0023.1.4.4] Homologs of the polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 30 to 62 and/or lines 386 to 435 may be the polypetides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 30 to 62 and/or lines 386 to 435, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 30 to 62 and/or lines 386 to 435, resp.

[0024.0.0.4]: see [0024.0.0.0]

[0025.0.4.4] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein of the invention”, e.g. the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 for arginine

and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434 and/or 435 for glutamate

and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 for proline

and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 for glutamine resp., if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine, resp., in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism. In a preferred embodiment, the protein or polypeptide has the above-mentioned additional activities of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434 and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434 and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 30 to 33 and/or lines 38 to 42 and/or 435 and/or lines 44 to 53 and/or lines 57 to 59 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427 and/or 434 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 of E. coli K12.

[0025.1.0.4] to [0033.0.0.4]: see [0025.1.0.0] to [0033.0.0.0]

[0034.0.4.4] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention. E.g., it differs by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.,

or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434 and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.,

or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434 and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.

its biochemical or genetical causes and therefore shows the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.4] to [0044.0.0.4]: see [0035.0.0.0] to [0044.0.0.0]

[0045.0.4.4] In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0695 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 35, e.g. a sensory histidine kinase in two-component signal transduction system (sensor kinase component), modification by phosphorylation, dephosphorylation, unspecified signal transduction, regulation of respiration, aerobic respiration, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of arginine between 51% and 319% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0730 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 43 or 54, e.g. a transcriptional regulator for regulation of C-compound and carbohydrate utilization, transcriptional control, prokaryotic nucleotide, transcriptional repressor, DNA binding, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical between 35% and 272%, preferably of glutamate between 55% and 115% and/or of proline between 35% and 272%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1284 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 36, e.g. a transcriptional regulator for regulation of C-compound and carbohydrate utilization, transcriptional control, transcriptional repressor, DNA binding, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of arginine between 47% and 183% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1827 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 56, e.g. a transcriptional repressor for transcriptional control, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of proline between 42% and 126%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1829 or its homologs, e.g.as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 34 or 60, is increased, e.g. the activity of a heat shock protein with protease activity (htpx), involved in stress response, pheromone response, mating-type determination, sex-specific proteins, protein modification, proteolytic degradation is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical between 45% and 1141%, preferably of glutamine between 50% and 68% and/or of arginine between 45% and 1141% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1852 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 61, is increased, e.g. the activity of a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, involved in pentose-phosphate pathway oxidative branch, C-compound and carbohydrate utilization, NAD/NADP binding, nucleotide metabolism, metabolism of vitamins, cofactors, and prosthetic groups, energy is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamine between 40% and 42% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2095 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 37, is increased, e.g. the activity of a tagatose-6-phosphate kinase is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of arginine between 55% and 59% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 55, is increased, e.g. the activity of a recombination protein recA, involved in DNA recombination and DNA repair, pheromone response, mating-type determination, sex-specific proteins, nucleotide binding is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of proline between 32% and 141% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4265 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 62, is increased, e.g. the activity of a D-serine permease, involved in C-compound and carbohydrate transports, C-compound and carbohydrate utilization is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamine between 32% and 47% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBRO30W or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 44, e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YBRO30W”, involved in C-compound and carbohydrate utilization, pentose-phosphate pathway and/or transcriptional control is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of proline between 51% and 282% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDL106C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 45, e.g. a homeobox proteins, involved in regulation of nucleotide metabolism, regulation of phosphate utilization, transcriptional control, nucleus is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of proline between 51% and 99% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YFR042W or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 58, e.g. a “protein required for cell viability in yeast” is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamine, between 41% and 43% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGR135W or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 50, e.g. a proteasome component Y13, involved in cytoplasmic and nuclear degradation, endoplasmic reticulum, nucleus, cell differentiation, proteasomal degradation is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of proline between 32% and 289% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YHR130C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 31, e.g. a “hypothetical protein YBR030W” is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of arginine between 67% and 85% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 51, e.g. a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion, involved in DNA synthesis and replication, mitotic cell cycle and cell cycle control, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of proline between 33% and 304% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YPRO24W or its homologs e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 41, e.g. a mitochondrial protein of the CDC48/PAS1/SEC18 family of ATPases, required for assembly of protein complexes, other proteolytic degradation, mitochondrion, protein folding and stabilization, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamate between 26% and 43% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YPR133W-A or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 42, e.g. a translocase of the outer mitochondrial membrane, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamate between 34% and 68% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YPR138C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 53, e.g. a ammonium transport protein, involved in anion transports (Cl⁻, SO₄ ²⁻, PO₄ ³⁻, etc.), other cation transports (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, NH₄ ⁺, etc.), nitrogen and sulfur transport, cellular import, transport through plasma membrane, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of proline between 54% and 520% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBR204C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 38, e.g. a peroxisomal lipase, involved in breakdown of lipids, fatty acids and isoprenoids, peroxisome, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamate between 55% and 76% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR271C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 46, e.g. a “hypothetical protein YDR271C” is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of proline, between 36% and 482% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR316W or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 30, e.g. a S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of arginine between 45% and 102% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YEL045C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 47, e.g. a “hypothetical protein YBRO30W” is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of proline between 41% and 89% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER173w or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 48 or 57, e.g. a checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints; DNA recombination and DNA repair, cell cycle checkpoints (checkpoints of morphogenesis, DNA-damage,-replication, mitotic phase and spindle), nucleic acid binding, DNA synthesis and replication is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical between 34% and 285%, preferably of glutamine between 86% and 285% and/or of proline between 34% and 191% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL013C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 39, e.g. a “subunit of the INO80 chromatin remodeling complex” is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamate, between 81% and 134% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL050C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 49, e.g. a di-, tri-valent inorganic cation transporte, involved in heavy metal ion transports (Cu, Fe, etc.), cellular import, detoxification, homeostasis of metal ions (Na, K, Ca etc.), transport through plasma membrane is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of proline, between 44% and 74% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGR104C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 40, e.g. a “RNA polymerase II suppressor protein SRB5—yeast and/or suppressor of RNA polymerase B SRB5” involved in transcription activities is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamate, between 64% and 96% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YKR057W or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 32 or 59, e.g. a ribosomal protein, similar to S21A, S26A and/or YS25 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis, cell differentiation and translation is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical between 41% and 457%, preferably of glutamine between 41% and 284% and/or of arginine between 57% and 457% or more is conferred. In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0050 or its homologs e.g. a conserved protein potentially involved in protein protein interaction e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 386, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamate between 37% and 97% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0057 or its homologs e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.4.4],e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 387, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamate between 35% and 83% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0138 or its homologs e.g. a fimbrial-like adhesin protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 388, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of proline between 50% and 180% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0149 or its homologs e.g. a bifunctional penicillin-binding protein 1 b: glycosyl transferase (N-terminal); transpeptidase (C-terminal) e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 389, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of proline between 33% and 120% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0161 or its homologs e.g. a periplasmic serine protease e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 390 to 392, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of arginine between 628% and 881% or more, preferably of glutamate between 35% and 65% or more, preferably of glutamine between 43% and 256% or more, preferably of arginine and glutamate between 35% and 881% or more, preferably of arginine and glutamine between 43% and 881% or more, preferably of glutamate and glutamine between 35% and 256% or more, preferably of arginine and glutamate and glutamine between 35% and 881% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0486 or its homologs e.g. a amino-acid/amine transport protein (APC family) e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 393, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine respective chemical, preferably of glutamine between 51% and 128% or more, is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0849 or its homologs e.g. a glutaredoxin 1 redox coenzyme for glutathione-dependent ribonucleotide reductase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 394, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamine between 37% and 50% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0970 or its homologs e.g. a glutamate receptor e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 395, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine respective chemical, preferably of glutamine between 59% and 380% or more, is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1343 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 396 and 397, is increased, e.g. the activity of a protein involved in rRNA processing and/or translation is increased, preferred the activity of a ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA or its homolog is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical preferably of glutamine between 37% and 39% or more is conferred, preferably of glutamate between 48% and 99% or more is conferred, preferably of glutamine and glutamate between 37% and 99% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1360 or a protein with the activity defined as putative DNA replication protein or its homologs, e.g. transcriptional regulator, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 398 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of proline between 33% and 70% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1693 or its homologs e.g. a 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 399, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamate between 39% and 149% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1736 or its homologs e.g. a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase enzyme, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 400, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamate between 46% and 97% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1738 or a protein with the activity defined as PEP-dependent phosphotransferase or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 401, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical preferably of glutamate between 38% and 107% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1886 or a methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein II, aspartate sensor receptor or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 402, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical preferably of glutamine between 36% and 124% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1896 or a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 403, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical preferably of glutamate between 67% and 162% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1926 or a flagellar protein fliT or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 404, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical preferably of glutamine between 7% and 27% or morre is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2307 or a histidine and lysine/arginine/ornithine transport protein (ABC superfamily, membrane) or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 405 and 406, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of arginine between 95% and 247% or more, preferably of glutamate between 35% and 89% or more, preferably of arginine and glutamatne between 35 and 247% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2414 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 407, is increased, e.g. the activity of a protein of the threonine dehydratase-superfamily is increased preferably the activity of a protein involved in amino acid biosynthesis, biosynthesis of the cysteine-aromatic group, degradation of amino acids of the cysteine-aromatic group, nitrogen and sulfur utilizationbiosynthesis of the aspartate family, degradation of amino acids of the aspartate group, biosynthesis of sulfuric acid and L-cysteine derivatives, biosynthesis of secondary products derived from primary amino acids, biosynthesis of secondary products derived from glycine, L-serine and L-alanine, pyridoxal phosphate binding is increased, preferred the activity of a subunit of cysteine synthase A and 0-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, PLP-dependent enzyme or its homolog is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glutamine between 30% and 56% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2426 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 408, is increased, e.g. the activity of a oxidoreductase with NAD(P)-binding domain is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glutamine between 31% and 62% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2489 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 409, is increased, e.g. the activity of a hydrogenase Fe—S subunit is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glutamine between 33% and 44% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2553 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 410 and 411, is increased, e.g. the activity of a regulatory protein P-II for glutamine synthetase is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glutamine between 55% and 90% or more, preferably of proline between 49% and 68% or more, preferably of glutamine and proline between 49% and 90% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2664 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 412, is increased, e.g. the activity of a hydrogenase Fe—S subunit is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of proline between 35% and 853% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2710 or its homologs e.g. a flavorubredoxin (FIRd) bifunctional NO and O₂ reductase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 413, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamate between 35% and 38% or more is conferred. In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2818 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 414 and 415, is increased, e.g. the activity of a N-acetylglutamate synthase (amino acid N-acetyltransferase is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glutamate between 50% and 129% or more, preferably of glutamine between 45% and 519% or more, preferably of glutamate and glutamine between 45% and 519% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3064 or its homologs e.g. a putative O-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase, with actin-like ATPase domain e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 416, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamine between 72% and 141% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3074 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 417, is increased, e.g. the activity of a tRNA synthetase is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glutamate between 34% and 85% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3116 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 418, is increased, e.g. the activity of a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family) is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glutamate between 35% and 98% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3160 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 419, is increased, e.g. the activity of a monooxygenase with luciferase-like ATPase activity is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glutamine between 38% and 189% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3166 or its homologs e.g. a tRNA pseudouridine 5S synthase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 420, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamine between 29% and 40% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3169 or its homologs e.g. a transcription termination-antitermination factor e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 421 and 422, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamine between 55% and 111% or more, preferably of glutamate between 42% and 140% or more, preferably of glutamine and glutamate between 42% and 140% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3231 or its homologs e.g. a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13 e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 423, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamine between 50% and 164% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3619 or its homologs e.g. a ADP-L-glycero-D-mannoheptose-6-epimerase, NAD(P)-binding e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 424, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamate between 40% and 122% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3644 or its homologs e.g. an uncharacterized stress-induced protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 425, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of proline between 32% and 241% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3680 or its homologs e.g. an uncharacterized stress-induced protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 426, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamine between 50% and 199% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3791 or its homologs e.g. an uncharacterized stress-induced protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 427 and 428, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamine between 28% and 57% or more, preferably of glutamate between 39% and 57% or more, preferably of glutamine and glutamate between 28% and 57% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3919 or its homologs e.g. an triosephosphate isomerase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 429, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of proline between 35% and 118% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3936 or its homologs e.g. an 50S ribosomal subunit protein L32 e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 430, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of arginine between 120% and 398% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4004 or its homologs e.g. a transcriptional regulatory protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 431, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamine between 30% and 36% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4074 or its homologs e.g. a cytochrome c-type biogenesis protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 432, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamine between 40% and 42% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4133 or its homologs e.g. a transcriptional activator of pH response (OmpR family) e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 433, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamine between 59% and 212% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4346 or its homologs e.g. a component of 5-methylcytosine-specific restriction enzyme McrBC e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 434, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamate between 38% and 44% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL019C or its homologs e.g. a protein with the activity as indicated in [0022.0.4.4] e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 435, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamate between 81% and 134% or more is conferred.

[0046.0.4.4] In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0695 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 35, e.g. a sensory histidine kinase is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of phenylalanine is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0730 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 43 or 54, e.g. a transcriptional regulator is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of fumerate is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1284 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 36, e.g. a transcriptional regulator is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of fumaric acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1827 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 56, e.g. a transcriptional repressor is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of isoleucince is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1829 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 34 or 60, is increased, e.g. the activity of a heat shock protein with protease activity (htpx is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of isoleucine is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1852 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 61, is increased, e.g. the activity of a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of myoinositol is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2095 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 37, is increased, e.g. the activity of a tagatose-6-phosphate kinase is increased preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of alanine is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 55, is increased, e.g. the activity of a recombination protein recA is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of fumerate is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YFR042W or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 58, e.g. a “protein required for cell viability in yeast” is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of Leucine is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YHR130C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 31, e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YHR130C” is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of phenylalanine is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 51, e.g. a chromatin binding protein is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of valine is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YPR024W or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 41, e.g. a mitochondrial protein of the CDC48/PAS1/SEC18 family of ATPases is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of fumerate is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YPR138C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 53, e.g. a ammonium transport protein is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of phenylalanine is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBR204C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 38, e.g. a peroxisomal lipase is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of inositol is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR271C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 46, e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YDR271C” is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of isoleucine is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER173W or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 48 or 57, e.g. a checkpoint protein is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of valine is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL013C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 39, e.g. a “subunit of the INO80 chromatin remodeling complex” is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of valine is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL050C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 49, e.g. a di-, tri-valent inorganic cation transporter is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of threonine is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGR104C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 40, e.g. a “RNA polymerase II suppressor protein SRB5—yeast and/or suppressor of RNA polymerase B SRB5” is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of isoleucine is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YKR057W or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 32 or 59, e.g. a ribosomal protein, similar to S21A, S26A and/or YS25 ribosomal proteins is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of threonine is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0050 or its homologs e.g. a conserved protein potentially involved in protein protein interaction e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 386, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamate and of an other amino acid or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0057 or its homologs e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.4.4],e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 387, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamate and of an other amino acid or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0138 or its homologs e.g. a fimbrial-like adhesin protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 388, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of proline and of one or more other amino acid(s) or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0149 or its homologs e.g. a bifunctional penicillin-binding protein 1 b: glycosyl transferase (N-terminal); transpeptidase (C-terminal) e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 389, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of proline and of one or more other amino acid(s)o(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0161 or its homologs e.g. a periplasmic serine protease e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 390 to 392, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of arginine and/or of glutamate and/or of glutamine and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0486 or its homologs e.g. a amino-acid/amine transport protein (APC family) e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 393, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine respective chemical, preferably of glutamine and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0849 or its homologs e.g. a glutaredoxin 1 redox coenzyme for glutathione-dependent ribonucleotide reductase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 394, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamine and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0970 or its homologs e.g. a glutamate receptor e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 395, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine respective chemical, preferably of glutamine and of one or more other amino(s) acid(s) is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1343 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 396 and 397, is increased, e.g. the activity of a protein involved in rRNA processing and/or translation is increased, preferred the activity of a ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA or its homolog is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical preferably of glutamine and/or of glutamate and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1360 or a protein with the activity defined as putative DNA replication protein or its homologs, e.g. transcriptional regulator, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 398 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of proline between and of one or more other amino acid(s) conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1693 or its homologs e.g. a 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 399, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamate and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1736 or its homologs e.g. a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase enzyme, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 400, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamate and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1738 or a protein with the activity defined as PEP-dependent phosphotransferase or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 401, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical preferably of glutamate and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1886 or a methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein II, aspartate sensor receptor or its homologs, e.g.

as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 402, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical preferably of glutamine and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1896 or a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 403, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical preferably of glutamate and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1926 or a flagellar protein fliT or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 404, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical preferably of glutamine and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2307 or a flagellar protein fliT or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 405 and 406, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of arginine and/or of glutamate and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2414 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 407, is increased, e.g. the activity of a protein of the threonine dehydratase-superfamily is increased preferably the activity of a protein involved in amino acid biosynthesis, biosynthesis of the cysteine-aromatic group, degradation of amino acids of the cysteine-aromatic group, nitrogen and sulfur utilizationbiosynthesis of the aspartate family, degradation of amino acids of the aspartate group, biosynthesis of sulfuric acid and L-cysteine derivatives, biosynthesis of secondary products derived from primary amino acids, biosynthesis of secondary products derived from glycine, L-serine and L-alanine, pyridoxal phosphate binding is increased, preferred the activity of a subunit of cysteine synthase A and 0-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, PLP-dependent enzyme or its homolog is increased.

Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glutamine and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2426 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 408, is increased, e.g. the activity of a oxidoreductase with NAD(P)-binding domain is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glutamine and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2489 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 409, is increased, e.g. the activity of a hydrogenase Fe—S subunit is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glutamine and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2553 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 410 and 411, is increased, e.g. the activity of a regulatory protein P-II for glutamine synthetase is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glutamine and/or of proline and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2644 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 412, is increased, e.g. the activity of a hydrogenase Fe—S subunit is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of proline and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2710 or its homologs e.g. a flavorubredoxin (FIRd) bifunctional NO and O₂ reductase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 413, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamate and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2818 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 414 and 415, is increased, e.g. the activity of a N-acetylglutamate synthase (amino acid N-acetyltransferase is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glutamate and/or of glutamine and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3064 or its homologs e.g. a putative O-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase, with actin-like ATPase domain e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 416, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamine and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3074 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 417, is increased, e.g. the activity of a tRNA synthetase is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glutamate and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3116 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 418, is increased, e.g. the activity of a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family) is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glutamate and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3160 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 419, is increased, e.g. the activity of a monooxygenase with luciferase-like ATPase activity is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glutamine and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3166 or its homologs e.g. a tRNA pseudouridine 5S synthase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 420, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamine and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3169 or its homologs e.g. a transcription termination-antitermination factor e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 421 and 422, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamine and/or of glutamate and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3231 or its homologs e.g. a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13 e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 423, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamine and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3619 or its homologs e.g. a ADP-L-glycero-D-mannoheptose-6-epimerase, NAD(P)-binding e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 424, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamate and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3644 or its homologs e.g. an uncharacterized stress-induced protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 425, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of proline and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3680 or its homologs e.g. an uncharacterized stress-induced protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 426, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamine and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3791 or its homologs e.g. an uncharacterized stress-induced protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 427 and 428, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamine and/or of glutamate between and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3919 or its homologs e.g. an triosephosphate isomerase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 429, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of proline and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3936 or its homologs e.g. an 50S ribosomal subunit protein L32 e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 430, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of arginine and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4004 or its homologs e.g. a transcriptional regulatory protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 431, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamine and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4074 or its homologs e.g. a cytochrome c-type biogenesis protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 432, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamine and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4133 or its homologs e.g. a transcriptional activator of pH response (OmpR family) e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 433, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamine and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4346 or its homologs e.g. a component of 5-methylcytosine-specific restriction enzyme McrBC e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 434, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamate and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL019C or its homologs e.g. a protein with the activity as indicated in [0022.0.4.4] e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 435, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glutamate and of one or more other amino acid(s) is conferred.

[0047.0.0.4] and [0048.0.0.4]: see [0047.0.0.0] and [0048.0.0.0]

[0049.0.4.4] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of arginine chemical preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of a polypeptides comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 30 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 30 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 30 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of glutamate preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of a polypeptides comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 38 to 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434 and/or 435 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 38 to 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434 and/or 435 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 38 to 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434 and/or 435 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of proline preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of a polypeptides comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 44 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 44 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 44 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of glutamine preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of a polypeptides comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 57 to 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 57 to 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 57 to 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.4.4] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “arginine” and/or “glutamate” and/or “glutamine” and/or “proline” and “L-arginine” and/or “L-glutamate” and/or “L-glutamine” and/or “L-proline” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, arginine- and/or glutamate- and/or glutamine- and/or proline-hydrochloride or arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline sulfate. Preferably the term arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline is intended to encompass the term L-arginine and/or L-glutamate and/or L-glutamine and/or L-proline.

[0051.0.0.4] and [0052.0.0.4]: see [0051.0.0.0] and [0052.0.0.0]

[0053.0.4.4] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 34     to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 for arginine     -   and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413,         414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434 and/or 435 for glutamate     -   and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429         for proline     -   and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415,         416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 for         glutamine resp., or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II,         columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 for arginine         and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413,         414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434 and/or 435 for glutamate         and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429         for proline and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to         410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433         for glutamine resp., activity having herein-mentioned the         respective fine chemical-increasing activity; -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, e.g.     of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in     Table II, column 3, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines     43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418,     421, 424, 427, 434 and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398,     411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404,     407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433     resp. or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43,     386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421,     424, 427, 434 and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411,     412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407     to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433     resp or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide of the present invention     having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical-increasing     activity; -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine     chemical-increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 34     to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399     to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434 and/or 435     and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429     and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416,     419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 respor its homologs     activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to     37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to     401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434 and/or 435     and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429     and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416,     419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp or decreasing     the inhibiitory regulation of the polypeptide of the invention; -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine     chemical-increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines     lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391,     396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434     and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425     and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410,     415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp or its     homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391,     396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434     and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425     and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410,     415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp; -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical-increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated     in Table II, column 3, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or     lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417,     418, 421, 424, 427, 434 and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389,     398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402,     404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431     to 433 resp or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43,     386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421,     424, 427, 434 and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411,     412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407     to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433     resp, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors to the     organisms or parts thereof; -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned the respective fine     chemical-increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 34     to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399     to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434 and/or 435     and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429     and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416,     419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp or its homologs     activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to     37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to     401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434 and/or 435     and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429     and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416,     419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine     chemical-increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 34     to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399     to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434 and/or 435     and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429     and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416,     419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp or its homologs,     e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390,     405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403,     406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434 and/or 435 and/or lines     54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62,     392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423,     426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp, activity. -   h) Increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having an activity     of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 34 to 37,     390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401,     403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434 and/or 435 and/or     lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines     62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422,     423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp or its homologs activity, e.g.     as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405     and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403,     406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434 and/or 435 and/or lines     54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62,     392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423,     426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp by adding positive expression or     removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination     can be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like     for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor     elements form regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods     can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity     of positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced     in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be     identified in which the positive elements have be integrated near to     a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby     enhanced; -   i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced the fine chemical production;     and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with expecially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.4.4] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein according to Table II, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.

[0055.0.0.4] to [0071.0.0.4]: see [0055.0.0.0] to [0071.0.0.0]

[0072.0.4.4] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline Argininosuccinate, Citrulline, Ornithine, Urea, Pyrroline-5-carboxylate, Hydroxyproline, Hydroxypyrroline-carboxylate, 3-Hydroxypyrroline-5-carboxylate, γ-Glutamylcysteine, Glutathione, Hydroxyglutamate, 4-Hydroxyglutamate, Oxoglutarate, 4-Hydroxy-2-oxoglutarate, Glutamine.

[0073.0.4.4] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process which comprises:

-   (c) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a     non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue     or a plant; -   (d) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or a     homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391,     396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434,     and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425     and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410,     415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. or of     a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention and described below, e.g. conferring an increase     of the respective fine chemical in an organism, preferably in a     microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant     or animal tissue or a plant, -   (e) growing the organism, preferably the microorganism, the     non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal     tissue or the plant under conditions which permit the production of     the fine chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the     plant cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and if desired,     revovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or bound the fine     chemical and, optionally further free and/or bound amino acids     synthetized by the organism, the microorganism, the non-human     animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the     plant.

[0074.0.0.4] to [0084.0.0.4]: see [0074.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0]

[0085.0.4.4] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or     7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387,     391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427,     434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425     and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410,     415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. or a     derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or     lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417,     418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389,     398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402,     404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431     to 433 resp. or a derivative thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.4] and [0088.1.0.4]: see [0086.0.0.0] and [0088.1.0.0]

[0089.0.0.4] to [0097.0.0.4]: see [0089.0.0.0] to [0097.0.0.0]

[0098.0.4.4] In a preferred embodiment, the fine chemical (arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline) is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further amino acids such as methionine, lysine and/or threonine mixtures of amino acid by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.0.4] to [0102.0.0.4]: see [0099.0.0.0] to [0102.0.0.0]

[0103.0.4.4] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43,     386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421,     424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411,     412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407     to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433     resp. or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount     of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table I, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386,     387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424,     427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412,     425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to     410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or     430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413,     414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56,     388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395,     397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428     and/or 431 to 433 resp. and conferring an increase in the amount of     the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table IV,     column 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386,     387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424,     427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412,     425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to     410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.,     and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391,     396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434,     and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425     and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410,     415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[00103.1.0.4.] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.

[00103.2.0.4.] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.: In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.

[0104.0.4.4] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.

[0105.0.0.4] to [0107.0.0.4]: see [0105.0.0.0] to [0107.0.0.0]

[0108.0.4.4] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., nucleic acid molecules which are derived from a amino acid sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table I, column 3, 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. or e.g. conferring a increase of the fine chemical after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.4]: see [0109.0.0.0]

[0110.0.4.4] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 respor being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.4]: see [0111.0.0.0]

[0112.0.4.4] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with protein activity of proteins as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., and conferring a arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine increase.

[0113.0.0.4] to [0120.0.0.4]: [0113.0.0.0] to [0120.0.0.0]

[0121.0.4.4] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino d molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in faUe II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity.

[0122.0.0.4] to [0127.0.0.4]: see [0122.0.0.0] to [0127.0.0.0]

[0128.0.4.4] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. or the sequences derived from a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.

[0129.0.4.4] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. is derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.0.4] to [0138.0.0.4]: see [0130.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0]

[0139.0.4.4] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical level, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to a sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, preferably table I B, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 for arginine and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 for glutamate and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 for proline and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 for glutamine resp., under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the respective fine chemical, in particular, of arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine, resp., increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.4] to [0146.0.0.4]: see [0140.0.0.0] to [0146.0.0.0]

[0147.0.4.4] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences, thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybrization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.4.4] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, preferably table I B, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., preferably table I B or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular, of arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.4.4] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity and as indicated in indicated in Table II.

[00149.1.4.4] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.

[0150.0.4.4] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, preferably table I B, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine, resp., if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7 lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., or its gene product

[0151.0.0.4]: see [0151.0.0.0]

[0152.0.4.4] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular an activity increasing the level of arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine, resp., as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.4.4] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., has for example an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.

[0154.0.4.4] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.4] and [0156.0.0.4]: see [0155.0.0.0] and [0156.0.0.0]

[0157.0.4.4] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptides comprising the consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7 lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. or their functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, a consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7 lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., preferably as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. Preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.

[0158.0.0.4] to [0160.0.0.4]: see [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0]

[0161.0.4.4] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.4]: see [0162.0.0.0]

[0163.0.4.4] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the respective fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.4]: see [0164.0.0.0]

[0165.0.4.4] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.

[0166.0.0.4] and [0167.0.0.4]: see [0166.0.0.0] and [0167.0.0.0]

[0431.0.0.0] [0168.0.4.4] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.

[0169.0.0.4] to [0172.0.0.4]: see [0169.0.0.0] to [0172.0.0.0]

[0173.0.4.4] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID No 1982 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID No 1982 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.4]: see [0174.0.0.0]

[0175.0.4.4] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID No 1983 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID No 1983 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.4.4] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.

[0177.0.4.4] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7 lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.

[0178.0.0.4]: see [0178.0.0.0]

[0179.0.4.4] A nucleic acid molecule encoding an homologous to a protein sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., preferably of Table II B, column 7 lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences of a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.4] to [0183.0.0.4]: see [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0]

[0184.0.4.4] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table I, preferably table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.4.4] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table I, preferably table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table I, preferably table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.

[0186.0.4.4] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table II, preferably table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table II, preferably table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.

[0187.0.4.4] In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence as indicated in Table II, preferably table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. Idealerweise würde man in diesen Abschnitten nur column 7 von Table II bevorzugen, wurde auch teilweise so gemacht, andererseits erheblicher Aufwand and ggf. nicht unbedingt notwendig??

[0188.0.4.4] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential biological or enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., and is expressed under identical conditions.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention is a homolog consisting of or comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II B, columns 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.

[0189.0.4.4] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7 lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.4] to [0203.0.0.4]: see [0190.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0]

[0204.0.4.4] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

(haben die 435 automatisch ergänzt, daher ggf. Hier etwas unabersichtlich)

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, preferably table II     B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines     43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418,     421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398,     411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404,     407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433     resp.; or a fragment thereof conferring an increase in the amount of     the respective fine chemical, in particular, of arginine (lines 30     to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430) and/or glutamate (lines 38 to 43, 386,     387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424,     427, 434 and/or 435) and/or proline (lines 44 to 56, 388, 389, 398,     411, 412, 425 and/or 429) and/or glutamine (lines 57 to 62, 392 to     395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426,     428 and/or 431 to 433), resp., in an organism or a part thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5     or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387,     391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427,     434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425     and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410,     415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., or a     fragment thereof conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines     34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396,     399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or     435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429     and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416,     419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., and conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, in     particular, of arginine (lines 30 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430) and/or     glutamate (lines 38 to 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406,     413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434 and/or 435/or proline (lines     44 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429) and/or glutamine     (lines 57 to 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416,     419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433), resp. in an     organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines     34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396,     399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or     435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429     and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416,     419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., and conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, in     particular, of arginine (lines 30 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430) and/or     glutamate (lines 38 to 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406,     413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434 and/or, 435) and/or proline     (lines 44 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429) and/or     glutamine (lines 57 to 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410,     415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433), resp., in     an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or     lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417,     418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389,     398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402,     404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431     to 433 resp., and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, in particular, of arginine (lines 30 to     37, 390, 405 and/or 430) and/or glutamate (lines 38 to 43, 386, 387,     391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427,     434 and/or 435) and/or proline (lines 44 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411,     412, 425 and/or 429) and/or glutamine (lines 57 to 62, 392 to 395,     397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428     and/or 431 to 433), in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405     and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403,     406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines     54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62,     392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423,     426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., or a nucleic acid molecule     encoding, preferably at least the mature form of, a polypeptide as     indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405     and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403,     406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines     54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62,     392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423,     426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof;     or which encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA,     columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43,     386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421,     424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411,     412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407     to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433     resp., by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic     acid molecule does not consist of the sequence shown and indicated     in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or     430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413,     414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56,     388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395,     397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428     and/or 431 to 433 resp.: In one embodiment, the nucleic acid     molecule is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical     to a sequence indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines     34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396,     399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or     435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429     and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416,     419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. In another     embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide     of a sequence indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines     34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396,     399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or     435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429     and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416,     419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. In an other     embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at     least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%,     99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A     or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or     lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417,     418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389,     398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402,     404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431     to 433 resp. In a further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does     not encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table II A or II     B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines     43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418,     421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398,     411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404,     407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433     resp. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of     the differs at least in one or more residues from a nucleic acid     molecule indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to     37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to     401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435     and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429     and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416,     419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. Accordingly, in     one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention     encodes a polypeptide, which differs at least in one or more amino     acids from a polypeptide indicated in Table II A or I B, columns 5     or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387,     391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427,     434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425     and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410,     415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. In     another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I A     or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or     lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417,     418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389,     398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402,     404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431     to 433 resp. does not encode a protein of a sequence indicated in     Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or     430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413,     414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56,     388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395,     397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428     and/or 431 to 433 resp. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein     encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l)     does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B,     columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43,     386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421,     424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411,     412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407     to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433     resp. In a further embodiment, the protein of the present invention     is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical to a protein sequence     indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37,     390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401,     403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or     lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines     62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422,     423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. and less than 100%, preferably     less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%,     985, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table I     A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430     and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414,     417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388,     389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397,     402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or     431 to 433 resp.

[0205.0.0.4] to [0226.0.0.4]: see [0205.0.0.0] to [0226.0.0.0]

[0227.0.4.4] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorgansims.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the amino acid biosynthetic pathway such as for L-lysine, L-threonine and/or L-methionine and/or L-leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine one or more of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.0.4] to [0230.0.0.4]: see [0228.0.0.0] to [0230.0.0.0]

[0231.0.4.4] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously an arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.4] to [0282.0.0.4]: see [0232.0.0.0] to [0282.0.0.0]

[0283.0.4.4] Moreover, a native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, e.g. an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., or an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof, i.e., the polypeptide of this invention. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies.

[0284.0.0.4]: see [0284.0.0.0].

[0285.0.4.4] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., or as encoded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.4.4] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp [0287.0.0.4] to [0290.0.0.4]: see [0287.0.0.0] to [0290.0.0.0]

[0291.0.4.4] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table II A or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form a sequence as indicated in Table II A or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. by more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.

[0292.0.0.4]: see [0292.0.0.0]

[0293.0.4.4] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof and being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table I A or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.

[0294.0.4.4] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.4] and [0297.0.0.4]: see [0295.0.0.0] and [0297.0.0.0]

[0297.1.4.4] Non polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 3, 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.

[0298.0.4.4] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.

[0299.0.4.4] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.4.4] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.

[0301.0.0.4]: see [0301.0.0.0]

[0302.0.4.4] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.4]: see [0303.0.0.0]

[0304.0.4.4] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.4] to [0308.0.0.4]: see [0306.0.0.0] to [0308.0.0.0]

[0309.0.4.4] In one embodiment, a reference to a protein (=polypeptide) of the invention or as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.4] to [0334.0.0.4]: see [0310.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0]

[0335.0.4.4] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.4] to [0342.0.0.4]: see [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0]

[0343.0.4.4] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.4] to [0361.0.0.4]: see [0344.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0]

[0362.0.4.4] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. e.g. encoding a polypeptide having protein activity, as indicated in Table II, columns 3, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. Due to the above mentioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp. e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention

[0363.0.0.4]: to [0382.0.0.4]: see [0363.0.0.0] to [0382.0.0.0]

[0383.0.4.4] For preparing arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline compound-containing fine chemicals, in particular the fine chemical, it is possible to use as arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline amino acid source organic compounds such as, for example, citrulline, argininosuccinate, ornithine, aspartate, 2-Oxoglutarate, glutamyl, glutamic-semialdehyde, Pyrroline-5-carboxylate, Glutamine or else organic arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline acid precursor compounds.

[0384.0.0.4]: see [0384.0.0.0]

[0385.0.4.4] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular L-arginine and/or L-glutamate and/or L-proline and/or L-tryptophane, L-methionine, L-threonine and/or L-lysine, normally have a dry matter content of from 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, at least at the end, but especially over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 3 g/l during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it. The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

[0386.0.0.4] to [0392.0.0.4]: see [0386.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0]

[0393.0.4.4] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   d) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   e) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence as indicated in Table I, preferably Table I B, columns 5 or     7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387,     391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427,     434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425     and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410,     415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., and,     optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete genomic     clone; -   f) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the fine chemical; -   g) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   h) assaying the the fine chemical level in the host cells; and -   i) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the the fine chemical level in the     host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.4] to [0399.0.0.4]: see [0394.0.0.0] to [0399.0.0.0]

[00399.1.4.4]: One can think to screen for increased production of the respective fine chemical by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the respective fine chemical and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotyp of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.4] to [0423.0.0.4]: see [0400.0.0.0] to [0423.0.0.0]

[0424.0.0.4]: see [0424.0.0.2]

[0425.0.0.4] to [0460.0.0.4]: see [0425.0.0.0] to [0460.0.0.0]

[0461.0.4.4] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 1982 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.4]: see [0462.0.0.0]

[0463.0.4.4] SEQ ID NO: 1982 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.4] to [0466.0.0.4]: see [0464.0.0.0] to [0466.0.0.0]

[0467.0.4.4] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID No:

1982:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID No: 2046) atgaataacg aacccttacg tccc ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID No: 2047) ttacatatcc tcatgaaatt cttcaagt

[0468.0.0.4] to [0479.0.0.4]: see [0468.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0]

[0480.0.4.4] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID No: 1982

[0481.0.0.4] to [0513.0.0.4]: see [0481.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0]

[0514.0.4.4] As an alternative, the amino acids can be detected advantageously via

HPLC separation in ethanolic extract as described by Geigenberger et al. (Plant Cell & Environ, 19, 1996: 43-55).

The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the table which follows:

TABLE 1 ORF Metabolite Method Min Max b0730 Glutamate LC 1.55 2.15 b0730 Proline GC 1.35 3.72 b1829 Glutamine LC 1.50 1.68 b1829 Arginine LC 1.45 12.41 b2699 Proline GC + LC 1.32 2.41 YBR030W Proline LC 1.51 3.82 YBR204C Glutamate GC 1.55 1.76 YDL106C Proline GC + LC 1.51 1.99 YDR271C Proline GC + LC 1.36 5.82 YDR316W Arginine LC 1.45 2.02 YEL045C Proline GC 1.41 1.89 YER173W Glutamine GC 1.86 3.85 YER173W Proline GC 1.34 2.91 YFL013C Glutamate GC + LC 1.81 2.34 YFL050C Proline GC 1.44 1.74 YFR042W Glutamine GC 1.41 1.43 YGR104C Glutamate LC 1.64 1.96 YGR135W Proline GC 1.32 3.89 YHR130C Arginine LC 1.67 1.85 YIL150C Proline GC 1.33 4.04 YKR057W Arginine LC 1.57 5.57 YKR057W Glutamine GC 1.41 3.84 YNL090w Proline GC + LC 1.73 6.29 YNL090w Arginine LC 1.54 4.23 YPR024W Glutamate LC 1.26 1.43 YPR133W-A Glutamate GC 1.34 1.68 YPR138C Proline GC 1.54 6.20 b0695 Arginine LC 1.51 4.19 b1284 Arginine LC 1.47 2.83 b1827 Proline GC 1.42 2.26 b1852 Glutamine GC 1.40 1.42 b2095 Arginine LC 1.55 1.59 b4265 Glutamine GC 1.32 1.47 b0050 Glutamate LC 1.37 1.97 b0057 Glutamate GC + LC 1.35 1.83 b0138 Proline LC 1.50 2.80 b0149 Proline GC 1.33 2.20 b0161 Arginine LC 7.28 9.81 b0161 Glutamate LC 1.35 1.65 b0161 Glutamine GC 1.43 3.56 b0486 Glutamine LC 1.51 2.28 b0849 Glutamine LC 1.37 1.50 b0970 Glutamine GC + LC 1.59 3.80 b1343 Glutamine LC 1.37 1.39 b1343 Glutamate GC 1.48 1.99 b1360 Proline GC 1.33 1.70 b1693 Glutamate LC 1.39 2.49 b1736 Glutamate LC 1.46 1.97 b1738 Glutamate LC 1.38 2.07 b1886 Glutamine LC 1.36 2.24 b1896 Glutamate GC 1.67 2.62 b1926 Glutamine LC 1.07 1.27 b2307 Arginine LC 1.95 3.47 b2307 Glutamate LC 1.35 1.89 b2414 Glutamine LC 1.30 1.56 b2426 Glutamine LC 1.31 1.62 b2489 Glutamine LC 1.33 1.44 b2553 Proline LC 1.49 1.68 b2553 Glutamine GC + LC 1.55 1.90 b2664 Proline GC + LC 1.35 9.53 b2710 Glutamate LC 1.35 1.38 b2818 Glutamine GC 1.45 6.19 b2818 Glutamate GC 1.50 2.29 b3064 Glutamine GC 1.72 2.41 b3074 Glutamate LC 1.34 1.85 b3116 Glutamate GC + LC 1.35 1.98 b3160 Glutamine LC 1.38 1.64 b3160 Glutamine GC 1.51 2.89 b3166 Glutamine LC 1.29 1.40 b3169 Glutamine GC + LC 1.55 2.11 b3169 Glutamate GC + LC 1.42 2.40 b3231 Glutamine GC 1.50 2.64 b3619 Glutamate LC 1.40 2.22 b3644 Proline GC + LC 1.32 3.41 b3680 Glutamine GC 1.50 2.99 b3791 Glutamine LC 1.28 1.57 b3791 Glutamate LC 1.39 1.57 b3919 Proline GC 1.35 2.18 b3936 Arginine LC 2.20 4.98 b4004 Glutamine LC 1.30 1.36 b4074 Glutamine GC 1.40 1.42 b4133 Glutamine GC 1.59 3.12 b4346 Glutamate GC 1.38 1.44 YFL019C Glutamate GC + LC 1.81 2.34

[0515.0.0.4] to [0552.0.0.4]: see [0515.0.0.0] to [0552.0.0.0]

[0552.1.4.4]: Example 15 Metabolite Profiling Info from Zea mays

Zea mays plants were engineered, grown and analylzed as described in Example 14c.

The results of the different Zea mays plants analysed can be seen from Table 2 which follows:

TABLE 2 ORF_NAME Metabolite Min Max YKR057W Glutamine 2.30 2.48 YIL150C Proline 1.67 2.08 b1284 Arginine 1.37 2.39 b1829 Glutamine 1.41 2.17 b1896 Glutamate 1.48 2.65 b2553 Proline 1.76 6.63 b2553 Glutamine 1.54 9.51 b2664 Proline 1.78 2.38 b3116 Glutamate 1.67 1.91

Table 2 exhibits the metabolic data from maize, shown in either TO or T1, describing the increase in proline and/or glutamine and/or arginine and/or glutamate in genetically modified corn plants expressing the Saccharomyces cerevisiae nucleic acid sequence YIL150C or YKR057Wor E. coli nucleic acid sequence b1284, b1829, b1896, b2553, b2664 or b3116 resp.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. “a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion” or its homologs, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical proline between 67% and 108% is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YKR057W or a ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation or its homolog, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical glutamine between 130% and 148% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b1284 or its homologs, e.g. “a transcriptional regulator for regulation of C-compound and carbohydrate utilization, transcriptional control, transcriptional repressor, DNA binding”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical arginine between 37% and 139% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b1829 or its homologs, e.g. “the activity of a heat shock protein with protease activity (htpx)”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical glutamine between 41% and 117% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b1896 or its homologs, e.g. “a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase or its homologs”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical glutamate between 48% and 165% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b2553 or its homologs, e.g. “the activity of a regulatory protein P-II for glutamine synthetase”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical proline between 76% and 563% is conferred and/or an increase of the fine chemical glutamine between 54% and 851% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b2664 or its homologs, e.g. “the activity of a hydrogenase Fe—S subunit”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical proline between 78% and 138% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b3116 or its homologs, e.g. “the activity of a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family)”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical glutamate between 67% and 91% is conferred.

[0552.2.0.4]: see [0552.2.0.0]

[0553.0.4.4]

-   1. A process for the production of arginine and/or glutamate and/or     proline and/or glutamine, which comprises     (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as indicated     in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 for     arginine and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406,     413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 for glutamate     and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 for     proline and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415,     416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 for glutamine     resp., or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism,     or in one or more parts thereof; and     (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or     glutamine resp. in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of arginine and/or glutamate and/or     proline and/or glutamine, comprising the increasing or generating in     an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic     acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the     group consisting of:     -   (a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430         for arginine     -   and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413,         414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 for glutamate     -   and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429         for proline     -   and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415,         416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 for         glutamine resp., or a fragment thereof, which confers an         increase in the amount of arginine and/or glutamate and/or         proline and/or glutamine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390,         405 and/or 430 for arginine and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396,         399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434,         and/or 435 for glutamate         -   and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or             429 for proline and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404,             407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or             431 to 433 for glutamine resp.;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of arginine and/or         glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine in an organism or a         part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of arginine and/or         glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine in an organism or a         part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of arginine         and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, columns 5 or 7, lines 34         to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 for arginine and/or lines 43, 386,         387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421,         424, 427, 434, and/or 435 for glutamate         -   and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or             429 for proline         -   and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415,             416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 for             glutamine resp., and conferring an increase in the amount of             arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine in             an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of arginine         and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 34 to 37,         390, 405 and/or 430 for arginine         -   and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406,             413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 for             glutamate         -   and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or             429 for proline         -   and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415,             416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 for             glutamine resp., and conferring an increase in the amount of             arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine in             an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine         produced by the selected mutated organisms or parts thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430         and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413,         414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to         56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392         to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423,         426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., or a fragment thereof, which         confers an increase in the amount of arginine and/or glutamate         and/or proline and/or glutamine in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390,         405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401,         403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435         and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429         and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415,         416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp.;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of arginine and/or         glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine in an organism or a         part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of arginine and/or         glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine in an organism or a         part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of arginine         and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 34 to         37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399         to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or         435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or         429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415,         416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., and         conferring an increase in the amount of arginine and/or         glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine in an organism or a         part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of arginine         and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 34 to 37,         390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to         401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or         435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or         429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415,         416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., and         conferring an increase in the amount of arginine and/or         glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine in an organism or a         part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof.         whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to         37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399         to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417, 418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or         435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389, 398, 411, 412, 425 and/or         429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402, 404, 407 to 410, 415,         416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431 to 433 resp., by         one or more nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 9 or 10 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 34 to 37, 390, 405 and/or 430 and/or     lines 43, 386, 387, 391, 396, 399 to 401, 403, 406, 413, 414, 417,     418, 421, 424, 427, 434, and/or 435 and/or lines 54 to 56, 388, 389,     398, 411, 412, 425 and/or 429 and/or lines 62, 392 to 395, 397, 402,     404, 407 to 410, 415, 416, 419, 420, 422, 423, 426, 428 and/or 431     to 433 resp., by one or more amino acids. -   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of arginine and/or     glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine in an organism or a part     thereof comprising:     (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which     express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of arginine and/or     glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine in an organism or a part     thereof with a candidate compound or a sample comprising a plurality     of compounds under conditions which permit the expression the     polypeptide;     (b) assaying the arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or     glutamine level or the polypeptide expression level in the cell,     tissue, plant or microorganism or the media the cell, tissue, plant     or microorganisms is cultured or maintained in; and     (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the measured     arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine level or     polypeptide expression level with a standard arginine and/or     glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine or polypeptide expression     level measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample     comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased level     over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample     comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased     level over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample     comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine     production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps:     a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining     a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of arginine     and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine in an organism or a     part thereof and a readout system capable of interacting with the     polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction     of the polypeptide with dais readout system in the presence of a     compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable     of providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a     compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the     expression of said readout system and of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of claim 5 conferring an increase in the     amount of arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine     in an organism or a part thereof;     b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting     the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said     readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or     glutamine production in a cell, comprising the following steps:     (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can     contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an     increase in arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or     glutamine after expression with the nucleic acid molecule of claim     6;     (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of claim     6;     (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells     appropriate for producing arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline     and/or glutamine;     (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells;     (e) assaying the arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or     glutamine level in the host cells; and     (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the arginine and/or glutamate     and/or proline and/or glutamine level in the host cell in the host     cell after expression compared to the wild type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or     glutamine production in a cell, comprising the following steps:     (a) identifiying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an     organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product     conferring an increase in the arginine and/or glutamate and/or     proline and/or glutamine amount or level in an organism or a part     thereof after expression, and which are at least 20% homolog to the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells     appropriate for producing arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline     and/or glutamine;     (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells;     (d) assaying the arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or     glutamine level in the host cells; and     (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the arginine and/or glutamate     and/or proline and/or glutamine level in the host cell after     expression compared to the wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine after     expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or     glutamine levels in an organism. -   25. Food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 14, the     plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim     16, the host cell of claims 10 to 12 or the gene product identified     according to the method of claim 19 or 20. -   26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claims 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20 for the protection of a plant against a arginine and/or glutamate     and/or proline and/or glutamine synthesis inhibiting herbicide.

[0554.0.0.4] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.0]

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.0.5] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0001.0.0.0].

[0002.0.5.5] Fatty acids are the building blocks of triglycerides, lipids, oils and fats. Some of the fatty acids such as linoleic or linolenic acid are “essential” because the human body is not able to synthesize them but needs them, so humans must ingest them through the diet. Other fatty acids can be synthesized by the human body, therefore they are not labeled as “essential”. Nevertheless very often the amount of production of for example fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (=EPA, C_(20:5) ^(Δ5,8,11,14,17)) or docosahexaenoic acid (=DHA, C₂₂₆ ^(Δ4,7,10,13,16,19)) in the body is not sufficient for an optimal body function. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (=PUFA) that means fatty acids, which have more than 1 double bond in the carbon chain are divided into families depending on where their end-most double bond is located. There are two main subtypes of fatty acids: the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The Omega-3's are those with their endmost double bond 3 carbons from their methyl end. The Omega-6's are those with their endmost double bond 6 carbons from their methyl end. Linoleic acid (an omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3) are the only true “essential” fatty acids. Both are used inside the body as starting material to synthesize others such as EPA or DHA.

[0003.0.5.5] Fatty acids and triglycerides have numerous applications in the food and feed industry, in cosmetics and in the drug sector. Depending on whether they are free saturated or unsaturated fatty acids or triglycerides with an increased content of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, they are suitable for the most varied applications; thus, for example, polyunsaturated fatty acids (=PUFAs) are added to infant formula to increase its nutritional value. The various fatty acids and triglycerides are mainly obtained from microorganisms such as fungi or from oil-producing plants including phytoplankton and algae, such as soybean, oilseed rape, sunflower and others, where they are usually obtained in the form of their triacylglycerides.

[0004.0.5.5] Principally microorganisms such as Mortierella or oil producing plants such as soybean, rapeseed or sunflower or algae such as Crytocodinium or Phaeodactylum are a common source for oils containing PUFAs, where they are usually obtained in the form of their triacyl glycerides. Alternatively, they are obtained advantageously from animals, such as fish. The free fatty acids are prepared advantageously by hydrolysis with a strong base such as potassium or sodium hydroxide. Higher poly unsaturated fatty acids such as DHA, EPA, ARA, Dihomo-γ-linoleic acid (C_(20.3) ^(Δ8,11,14)) or Docosapentaenoic acid (=DPA, C_(22:5) ^(Δ7,10,13,16,19) are not produced by oil producing plants such as soybean, rapeseed, safflower or sunflower. A natural sources for said fatty acids are fish for example herring, salmon, sardine, redfish, eel, carp, trout, halibut, mackerel, pike-perch or tuna or algae.)

[0005.0.5.5] Whether oils with unsaturated or with saturated fatty acids are preferred depends on the intended purpose; thus, for example, lipids with unsaturated fatty acids, specifically polyunsaturated fatty acids, are preferred in human nutrition since they have a positive effect on the cholesterol level in the blood and thus on the possibility of heart disease. They are used in a variety of dietetic foodstuffs or medicaments. In addition PUFAs are commonly used in food, feed and in the cosmetic industry. Poly unsaturated ω-3- and/or ω-6-fatty acids are an important part of animal feed and human food. Because of the common composition of human food poly unsaturated w-3-fatty acids, which are an essential component of fish oil, should be added to the food to increase the nutritional value of the food; thus, for example, polyunsaturated fatty acids such as DHA or EPA are added as mentioned above to infant formula to increase its nutritional value. The true essential fatty acids linoleic and linolenic fatty acid have a lot of positive effects in the human body such as a positive effect on healthy heart, arteries and skin. They bring for example relieve from eczema, diabetic neuropathy or PMS and cyclical breast pain.

[0006.0.5.5] Poly unsaturated ω-3- and ω-6-fatty acids are for example precursor of a family of paracrine hormones called eicosanoids such as prostaglandins which are products of the metabolism of Dihomo-γ-linoleic acid, ARA or EPA. Eicosanoids are involved in the regulation of lipolysis, the initiation of inflammatory responses, the regulation of blood circulation and pressure and other central functions of the body. Eicosanoids comprise prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxanes, and prostacyclins. ω-3-fatty acids seem to prevent artherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases primarily by regulating the levels of different eicosanoids. Other Eicosanoids are the thromboxanes and leukotrienes, which are products of the metabolism of ARA or EPA.

[0007.0.5.5] On account of their positive properties there has been no shortage of attempts in the past to make available genes which participate in the synthesis of fatty acids or triglycerides for the production of oils in various organisms having a modified content of unsaturated fatty acids.

[0008.0.5.5] Methods of recombinant DNA technology have also been used for some years to improve the oil content in microorganisms or plants by amplifying individual fatty acid biosynthesis genes and investigating the effect on fatty acid production. For example in WO 91/13972 a Δ-9-desaturase is described, which is involved in the synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids. In WO 93/11245 a Δ-15-desaturase and in WO 94/11516 a Δ-12-desaturase is claimed. Other desaturases are described, for example, in EP-A-0 550 162, WO 94/18337, WO 97/30582, WO 97/21340, WO 95/18222, EP-A-0 794 250, Stukey et al., J. Biol. Chem., 265, 1990: 20144-20149, Wada et al., Nature 347, 1990: 200-203 or Huang et al., Lipids 34, 1999: 649-659. To date, however, the various desaturases have been only inadequately characterized biochemically since the enzymes in the form of membrane-bound proteins are isolable and characterizable only with very great difficulty (McKeon et al., Methods in Enzymol. 71, 1981: 12141-12147, Wang et al., Plant Physiol. Biochem., 26, 1988: 777-792). Generally, membrane-bound desaturases are characterized by introduction into a suitable organism, which is then investigated for enzyme activity by means of analysis of starting materials and products. With regard to the effectiveness of the expression of desaturases and their effect on the formation of polyunsaturated fatty acids it may be noted that through expression of a desaturases and elongases as described to date only low contents of poly-unsaturated fatty acids/lipids have been achieved. Therefore, an alternative and more effective pathway with higher product yield is desirable.

[0009.0.5.5] As described above, the essential fatty acids are necessary for humans and many mammals, for example for livestock. In a study of middle-aged men disclosed by Finnish researchers (International Journal of Cancer, Sep. 1, 2004), high intake of linoleic acid seemed to lower the risk of prostate and other cancers. In another publication the positive influence on stroke is disclosed (Umemura et al., Stroke, 2002, vol. 33, pp. 2086-2093).

[0010.0.5.5] Therefore improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the food-and-feed industry. This is necessary since, for example, as mentioned above certain fatty acids, which occur in plants are limited with regard to the supply of mammals. Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible fatty acid profile in the diet since a great excess of omega-3-fatty acids above a specific concentration in the food has no positive effect unless the omega-3-fatty acid content is in balance to the omega-6-fatty acid content of the diet. A further increase in quality is only possible via addition of further fatty acids, which are limiting under these conditions. The targeted addition of the limiting fatty acid in the form of synthetic products must be carried out with extreme caution in order to avoid fatty acid imbalance.

[0011.0.5.5] To ensure a high quality of foods and animal feeds, it is therefore necessary to add a plurality of fatty acids in a balanced manner to suit the organism.

[0012.0.5.5] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode proteins which participate in the biosynthesis of fatty acids and make it possible to produce certain fatty acids specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0013.0.0.0] above.

[0014.0.5.5] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is linoleic acid or tryglycerides, lipids, oils or fats containing linoleic acid. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid”. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising linoleic acid and/or triglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid.

[0015.0.5.5] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, linoleic acid and its salts, ester, thioester or linoleic acid in free form or bound to other compounds such as triglycerides, glycolipids, phospholipids etc. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means linoleic acid, in free form or its salts or bound to triglycerides. Triglycerides, lipids, oils, fats or lipid mixture thereof shall mean any triglyceride, lipid, oil and/or fat containing any bound or free linoleic acid for example sphingolipids, phosphoglycerides, lipids, glycolipids such as glycosphingolipids, phospholipids such as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol or diphosphatidylglycerol, or as monoacylglyceride, diacylglyceride or triacylglyceride or other fatty acid esters such as acetyl-Coenzym A thioester, which contain further saturated or unsaturated fatty acids in the fatty acid molecule. In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” and the term “the respective fine chemical” mean at least one chemical compound with an activity of the above mentioned fine chemical.

[0016.0.5.5] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more b0730,     b3256, YBR089C-A, YDR447C, YOR024W, b0050, b0251, b0255, b0577,     b0849, b1097, b1693, b2710, b2822, b3064, b3166, b3457, b3644 and/or     b4129 protein(s) or of a protein having the sequence of a     polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I,     columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 in a non-human     organism or in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus, linoleic acid or fine     chemicals comprising linoleic acid, in said organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3,     lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or having the sequence of a     polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I,     column 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, in a non-human     organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, in particular linoleic acid.

[0017.0.0.5] and [0018.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0017.0.0.5] and [0018.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0017.0.0.0] and [0018.0.0.0] above.

[0019.0.5.5] Advantageously the process for the production of the fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the fine chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.

[0020.0.5.5] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of at least one of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein(s) indicated in Table II, Column 3, lines 65 to 67, and/or the Escherichia coli K12 protein(s) indicated in Table II, Column 3, lines 63 to 64 and 436 to 449 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the linoleic acid (or fine chemical) content of the transformed plants.

[0021.0.0.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0021.0.0.0] above.

[0022.0.5.5] The sequence of b0730 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, preferably linoleic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3256 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as acetyl CoA carboxylase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a acetyl CoA carboxylase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, preferably linoleic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a acetyl CoA carboxylase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YBR089C-A from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Feldmann et al., EMBO J., 13 (24), 5795-5809 (1994) and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its cellular activity has not been characterized yet. It shows homology to mammalian high mobility group proteins 1 and 2. Its function may be redundantly with the highly homologous gene NHP6A. Furthermore it shows homology to the high-mobility group non-histone chromatin protein Nhp6 bp. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a YBR089C-A activity from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, preferably linoleic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a YBR089C-A protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YDR447C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78, 1997, and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as ribosomal protein 51 (rp51) of the small (40 s) subunit; nearly identical to Rps17Ap and has similarity to rat S17 ribosomal protein; Rpsl7 bp. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “ribosomal protein 51” or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, preferably linoleic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a ribosomal protein 51 is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YOR024W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been submitted from de Haan to the EMBL Protein Sequence Database, July 1996 and its cellular activity has not been characterized yet. It is probably a membrane protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of YOR024W, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, preferably linoleic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a YOR024W is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0050 (Accession number NP_(—)414592) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a conserved protein potentially involved in protein protein interaction. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of said protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, preferably linoleic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of said protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0251 (Accession number NP_(—)414785) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as putative HTH-type transcriptional regulator. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a putative HTH-type transcriptional regulator protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, preferably linoleic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a putative HTH-type transcriptional regulator protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0255 (Accession number NP_(—)414789) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a CP4-6 prophage; IS911 homolog. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of said CP4-6 prophage; IS911 homolog protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, preferably linoleic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of said CP4-6 prophage; IS911 homolog protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0577 (Accession number NP_(—)415109) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative transport protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a putative transport protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, preferably linoleic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a putative transport protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0849 (Accession number NP_(—)415370) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a glutaredoxin 1 redox coenzyme for glutathione-dependent ribonucleotide reductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a glutaredoxin 1 redox coenzyme for glutathione-dependent ribonucleotide reductase protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, preferably linoleic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a glutaredoxin 1 redox coenzyme for glutathione-dependent ribonucleotide reductase protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1097 (Accession number NP_(—)415615) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative thymidylate kinase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a putative thymidylate kinase protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, preferably linoleic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a putative thymidylate kinase protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1693 (Accession number NP_(—)416208) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, preferably linoleic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2710 (Accession number NP_(—)417190) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a flavorubredoxin (FIRd) bifunctional NO and O₂ reductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a flavorubredoxin (FIRd) bifunctional NO and O₂ reductase protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, preferably linoleic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a flavorubredoxin (FIRd) bifunctional NO and O₂ reductase protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2822 (Accession number NP_(—)417299) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a DNA helicase, ATP-dependent dsDNA/ssDNA exonuclease V subunit, ssDNA endonuclease. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a DNA helicase, ATP-dependent dsDNA/ssDNA exonuclease V subunit, ssDNA endonuclease protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, preferably linoleic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a DNA helicase, ATP-dependent dsDNA/ssDNA exonuclease V subunit, ssDNA endonuclease protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3064 (Accession number NP_(—)417536) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative O-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase, with actin-like ATPase domain. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a putative O-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase, with actin-like ATPase domain protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, preferably linoleic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a putative 0-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase, with actin-like ATPase domain protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3166 (Accession number NP_(—)417635) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a tRNA pseudouridine 5S synthase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a tRNA pseudouridine 5S synthase protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, preferably linoleic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a tRNA pseudouridine 5S synthase protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3457 (Accession number NP_(—)417914) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a high-affinity branched-chain amino acid transport protein (ABC superfamily). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a high-affinity branched-chain amino acid transport protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, preferably linoleic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a high-affinity branched-chain amino acid transport protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3644 (Accession number NP_(—)418101) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as an uncharacterized stress-induced protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of an uncharacterized stress-induced protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, preferably linoleic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of an uncharacterized stress-induced protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b4129 (Accession number NP_(—)418553) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a lysine tRNA synthetase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a lysine tRNA synthetase protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid, preferably linoleic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a lysine tRNA synthetase protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

[0023.0.5.5] Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the fine chemical amount or content. Further, in the present invention, the term “homologue” relates to the sequence of an organism having the highest sequence homology to the herein mentioned or listed sequences of all expressed sequences of said organism.

However, the person skilled in the art knows, that, preferably, the homologue has said fine-chemical increasing activity and, if known, the same biological function or activity in the organism as at least one of the protein(s) indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, e.g. having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule comprising the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.

In one embodiment, the homolog of any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 65 to 67 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms and being derived from an Eukaryot. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 63, 64 and 436 to 449 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 65 to 67 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in an organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 63, 64 and 436 to 449 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof and being derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 65 to 67 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof and being derived from Ascomycota. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 63, 64 and 436 to 449 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 65 to 67 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 63, 64 and 436 to 449 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 65 to 67 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of the a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 63, 64 and 436 to 449 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 65 to 67 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms, and being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 63, 64 and 436 to 449 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Escherichia. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 65 to 67 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 65 to 67 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycetes.

[0023.1.0.5] and [0024.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0023.1.0.5] and [0024.0.0.5] see [0023.1.0.0] and [0024.0.0.0] above.

[0025.0.5.5] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449” if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid level in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism and the protein has the above mentioned activities of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449. Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to a protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 65 to 67 and/or a protein of E. coli K12 as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 63, 64 and 436 to 449.

[0025.1.0.5] and [0025.2.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0025.1.0.5] and [0025.2.0.5] see paragraphs [0025.1.0.0] and [0025.2.0.0] above.

[0026.0.0.5] to [0033.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0026.0.0.5] to [0033.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0026.0.0.0] and [0033.0.0.0] above.

[0034.0.5.5] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention. E.g., it differs by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, its biochemical or genetical causes and therefore shows the increased amount of the fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.5] to [0044.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0035.0.0.5] to [0044.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0035.0.0.0] and [0044.0.0.0] above.

[0045.0.5.5] In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0730 or its homologs e.g. a transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon e.g. a transcriptional regulator for regulation of C-compound and carbohydrate utilization, transcriptional control, prokaryotic nucleoid, transcriptional repressor, DNA binding e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 63, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of linoleic acid between 13% and 34% or more is conferred. In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3256 or its homologs e.g. a acetyl CoA carboxylase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 64, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of linoleic acid between 13% and 20% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBR089C-A or its homologs, e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YBR089C-A”, which shows homology to mammalian high mobility group proteins 1 and 2, gene NHP6A and to high-mobility group non-histone chromatin protein Nhp6 bp, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 65 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of linoleic acid between 36% and 70% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR447C or its homologs, e.g. a ribosomal protein 51 (rp51) of the small (40 s) subunit e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 66 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of linoleic acid between 18% and 140% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YOR024W or its homologs e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YOR024W”, which is probably a membrane protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 67 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of linoleic acid, between 16% and 33% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0050 or its homologs e.g. a conserved protein potentially involved in protein protein interaction e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 436, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of linoleic acid between 15% and 37% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0251 or its homologs e.g. a putative HTH-type transcriptional regulator e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 437, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of linoleic acid between 14% and 31% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0255 or its homologs e.g. a CP4-6 prophage; IS911 homolog e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 438, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of linoleic acid between 22% and 31% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0577 or its homologs e.g. a putative transport protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 439, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of linoleic acid between 17% and 40% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0849 or its homologs e.g. a glutaredoxin 1 redox coenzyme for glutathione-dependent ribonucleotide reductase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 440, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of linoleic acid between 19% and 34% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1097 or its homologs e.g. a putative thymidylate kinase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 441, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of linoleic acid between 15% and 30% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1693 or its homologs e.g. a 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 442, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of linoleic acid between 17% and 32% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2710 or its homologs e.g. a flavorubredoxin (FIRd) bifunctional NO and O₂ reductase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 443, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of linoleic acid between 15% and 29% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2822 or its homologs e.g. a DNA helicase, ATP-dependent dsDNA/ssDNA exonuclease V subunit, ssDNA endonuclease e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 444, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of linoleic acid between 15% and 27% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3064 or its homologs e.g. a putative O-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase, with actin-like ATPase domain e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 445, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of linoleic acid between 17% and 30% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3166 or its homologs e.g. a tRNA pseudouridine 5S synthase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 446, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of linoleic acid between 14% and 21% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3457 or its homologs e.g. a high-affinity branched-chain amino acid transport protein (ABC superfamily) e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 447, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of linoleic acid between 20% and 44% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3644 or its homologs e.g. an uncharacterized stress-induced protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 448, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of linoleic acid between 14% and 35% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4129 or its homologs e.g. a lysine tRNA synthetase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 449, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of linoleic acid between 20% and 47% or more is conferred.

[0046.0.5.5] In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0730 or its homologs e.g. a transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3256 or its homologs e.g. a acetyl CoA carboxylase is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YBR089C-A or its homologs e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YBR089C-A” is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR447C or its homologs, e.g. a ribosomal protein 51 (rp51) of the small (40 s) subunit is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR024W or its homologs e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YOR024W” is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0050 or its homologs e.g. a conserved protein potentially involved in protein protein interaction is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0251 or its homologs e.g. a putative HTH-type transcriptional regulator is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0255 or its homologs e.g. a CP4-6 prophage; IS911 homolog is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0577 or its homologs e.g. a putative transport protein is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0849 or its homologs e.g. a glutaredoxin 1 redox coenzyme for glutathione-dependent ribonucleotide reductase is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1097 or its homologs e.g. a putative thymidylate kinase is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1693 or its homologs e.g. a 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2710 or its homologs e.g. a flavorubredoxin (FIRd) bifunctional NO and O₂ reductase is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2822 or its homologs e.g. a DNA helicase, ATP-dependent dsDNA/ssDNA exonuclease V subunit, ssDNA endonuclease is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3064 or its homologs e.g. putative O-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase, with actin-like ATPase domain is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3166 or its homologs e.g. a tRNA pseudouridine 5S synthase is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3457 or its homologs e.g. a high-affinity branched-chain amino acid transport protein (ABC superfamily) is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3644 or its homologs e.g. an uncharacterized stress-induced protein is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4129 or its homologs e.g. a lysine tRNA synthetase is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid is conferred.

[0047.0.0.5] and [0048.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0047.0.0.5] and [0048.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0047.0.0.0] and [0048.0.0.0] above.

[0049.0.5.5] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular a polypeptide comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.5.5] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “linoleic acid” also encompasses the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of linoleic acid or the salts of linoleic acid with amines such as diethylamine.

[0051.0.5.5] and [0052.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0051.0.5.5] and [0052.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0051.0.0.0] and [0052.0.0.0] above.

[0053.0.5.5] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps

-   -   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of         a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention         or of the polypeptid of the invention or the nucleic acid         molecule or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention,         e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449         or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column         7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, having herein-mentioned the         fine chemical increasing activity;     -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a         protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or         the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention,         e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449         or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column         7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or of a mRNA encoding the         polypeptide of the present invention having herein mentioned         linoleic acid increasing activity;     -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the         increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid         molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present         invention or the nucleic acid molecule or the polypeptide used         in the method of the invention, having herein-mentioned linoleic         acid increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an         activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines         63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or its homolog's activity, e.g. as         indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449,         or decreasing the inhibitory regulation of the polypeptide of         the invention or of the polypeptide used in the method of the         invention;     -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or         artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a         protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded         by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic         acid molecule used in the method of the invention or of the         polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the         method of the invention having herein-mentioned linoleic acid         increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of         a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 63 to 67 and         436 to 449 or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table         II, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449;     -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased         expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of         the present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention         having herein-mentioned linoleic acid increasing activity, e.g.         of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in         Table II, column 3, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or its         homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7,         lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, by adding one or more exogenous         inducing factors to the organism or parts thereof;     -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring         the increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic         acid molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the         present invention, having herein-mentioned linoleic acid         increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of         a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 63 to 67 and         436 to 449 or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table         II, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449,     -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased         expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide         encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the         nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or the         polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the         method of the invention having herein-mentioned linoleic acid         increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of         a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 63 to 67 and         436 to 449 or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table         II, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449,     -   h) increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the         polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the         method of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having an activity         of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 63 to 67         and 436 to 449 or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in         Table II, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, by adding         positive expression or removing negative expression elements,         e.g. homologous recombination can be used to either introduce         positive regulatory elements like for plants the 35S enhancer         into the promoter or to remove repressor elements form         regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods can be used         to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity of         positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced         in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be         identified in which the positive elements have be integrated         near to a gene of the invention, the expression of which is         thereby enhanced;     -   i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,         that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein         of the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example         microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher         temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat         shock proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical         production.     -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the         proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized         resources and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the         elite crops.

[0054.0.5.5] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of linoleic acid after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.

[0055.0.0.5] to [0067.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0055.0.0.5] to [0067.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0055.0.0.0] to [0067.0.0.0] above.

[0068.0.5.5] and [0069.0.5.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0068.0.5.5] and [0069.0.5.5] see paragraphs [0068.0.0.0] and [0069.0.0.0] above.

[0070.0.5.5] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention as described below, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolites composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous fatty acid composition comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) fatty acids, like palmitate, palmitoleate, stearate and/or oleate.

[0071.0.5.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0071.0.0.0] above.

[0072.0.5.5] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to linoleic acid, triglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid compounds such as palmitate, palmitoleate, stearate and/or oleate.

[0073.0.5.5] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

-   -   a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a         non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal         tissue or a plant;     -   b) increasing the activity of a protein having the activity of a         polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the         method of the invention or a homolog thereof, e.g. as shown in         Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or of a         polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the         present invention and described below, i.e. conferring an         increase of the respective fine chemical in the organism,         preferably a microorganism, the a non-human animal, a plant or         animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or the plant,     -   c) growing the organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human         animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or the         plant under conditions which permit the production of the fine         chemical in the organism, preferably a microorganism, a plant         cell, a plant tissue or the plant; and     -   d) if desired, revovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or         bound the respective fine chemical and, optionally further free         and/or bound fatty acids synthetized by the organism, the         microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell,         the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.5.5] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound the fine chemical or the free and bound the fine chemical but as option it is also possible to produce, recover and, if desired isolate, other free or/and bound fatty acids, in particular oleic acid.

[0075.0.0.5] to [0084.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0075.0.0.5] to [0084.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0075.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0] above.

[0085.0.5.5] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) the nucleic acid sequence as depicted and shown in Table I,     columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or a derivative     thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted and     shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or a     derivative thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.5] and [0087.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0086.0.0.5] and [0087.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0086.0.0.0] and [0087.0.0.0] above.

[0088.0.5.5] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose fatty acid content is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for poultry is dependent on the abovementioned essential fatty acids and the general amount of fatty acids as energy source in feed. After the activity of a protein as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 has been increased or generated, or after the expression of nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide according to the invention has been generated or increased, the transgenic plant generated thus is grown on or in a nutrient medium or else in the soil and subsequently harvested.

[0088.1.0.5], [0089.0.0.5], [0090.0.0.5] and [0091.0.5.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0088.1.0.5], [0089.0.0.5], [0090.0.0.5] and [0091.0.5.5] see paragraphs [0088.1.0.0], [0089.0.0.0], [0090.0.0.0] and [0091.0.0.0] above.

[0092.0.0.5] to [0094.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0092.0.0.5] to [0094.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0092.0.0.0] to [0094.0.0.0] above.

[0095.0.5.5] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of free fatty acids in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the pure fine chemical.

[0096.0.5.5] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptid for example a fatty acid transporter protein or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired fatty acid for example for linoleic or linolenic acid in the organism is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical (see Bao and Ohlrogge, Plant Physiol. 1999 August; 120 (4): 1057-1062). Such fatty acid transporter protein may serve as a link between the location of fatty acid synthesis and the socalled sink tissue, in which fatty acids, triglycerides, oils and fats are stored.

[0097.0.5.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0097.0.0.0].

[0098.0.5.5] In a preferred embodiment, the fine chemical (linoleic acid) is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further fatty acids such as palmitic acid, stearic acid, palmitoleic acid and/or oleic acid mixtures thereof or mixtures of other fatty acids by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.5.5] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned fatty acids may accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the fatty acids or the fatty acid compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.5.5] Transgenic plants which comprise the fatty acids such as saturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the oils, lipids or fatty acids synthesized to be isolated. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. However, the fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, in the form of their oils, fats, lipids and/or free fatty acids. Fatty acids produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds. To increase the efficiency of oil extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material especially the seeds. In this context, the oils, fats, lipids and/or free fatty acids can be obtained by what is known as cold beating or cold pressing without applying heat. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, specifically the seeds, they are previously comminuted, steamed or roasted. The seeds, which have been pretreated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents such as warm hexane. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. In this manner, more than 96% of the compounds produced in the process can be isolated. Thereafter, the resulting products are processed further, i.e. degummed and/or refined. In this process, substances such as the plant mucilages and suspended matter are first removed. What is known as desliming can be affected enzymatically or, for example, chemico-physically by addition of acid such as phosphoric acid. Thereafter otionally, the free fatty acids are removed by treatment with a base like alkali, for example aqueous KOH or NaOH, or acid hydrolysis, advantageously in the presence of an alcohol such as methanol or ethanol, or via enzymatic cleavage, and isolated via, for example, phase separation and subsequent acidification via, for example, H₂SO₄. The fatty acids can also be liberated directly without the above-described processing step. If desired the resulting product can be washed thoroughly with water to remove traces of soap and the alkali remaining in the product and then dried. To remove the pigment remaining in the product, the products can be subjected to bleaching, for example using filler's earth or active charcoal. At the end, the product can be deodorized, for example using steam distillation under vacuum. These chemically pure fatty acids or fatty acid compositions are advantageous for applications in the food industry sector, the cosmetic sector and especially the pharmacological industry sector.

[0101.0.5.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0101.0.0.0].

[0102.0.5.5] Fatty acids can for example be detected advantageously via GC separation methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of fatty acid products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: GC, GC-MS or TLC, as described on several occasions by Christie and the references therein (1997, in: Advances on Lipid Methodology, Fourth Edition: Christie, Oily Press, Dundee, 119-169; 1998, Gaschromatographie-Massenspektrometrie-Verfahren [Gas chromatography/mass spectrometric methods], Lipide 33:343-353). One example is the analysis of fatty acids via FAME and GC-MS or TLC (abbreviations: FAME, fatty acid methyl ester; GC-MS, gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; TLC, thin-layer chromatography. The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods. After disruption, the material must be centrifuged. The sediment is resuspended in distilled water, heated for 10 minutes at 100° C., cooled on ice and recentrifuged, followed by extraction for one hour at 90° C. in 0.5 M sulfuric acid in methanol with 2% dimethoxypropane, which leads to hydrolyzed oil and lipid compounds, which give transmethylated lipids. These fatty acid methyl esters are extracted in petroleum ether and finally subjected to a GC analysis using a capillary column (Chrompack, WCOT Fused Silica, CP-Wax-52 CB, 25 μm, 0.32 mm) at a temperature gradient of between 170° C. and 240° C. for 20 minutes and 5 minutes at 240° C. The identity of the resulting fatty acid methyl esters must be defined using standards which are available from commercial sources (i.e. Sigma).

[0103.0.5.5] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide having a sequence as shown in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 in or a fragment     thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the respective     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of the nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as shown in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably of (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primer pairs having a sequence as shown     in Table III, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 and conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably of (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequence as shown in Table IV, column 7,     lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of a polypeptide as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     of (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0103.1.0.5] and [0103.2.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0103.1.0.5] and [0103.2.0.5] see paragraphs [0103.1.0.0] and [0103.2.0.0] above.

[0104.0.5.5] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process distinguishes over the sequence as shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably over the sequences as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequences shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably over the sequences as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of the sequence shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably over the sequences as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.

[0105.0.0.5] to [0107.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0105.0.0.5] to [0107.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0105.0.0.0] and [0107.0.0.0] above.

[0108.0.5.5] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from the amino acid sequences shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in Table IV, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of a protein as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or e.g. conferring a linoleic acid increase after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.5.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0109.0.0.0] above.

[0110.0.5.5] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0111.0.0.0] above.

[0112.0.5.5] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 and 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 and conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0113.0.0.5] to [0120.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0113.0.0.5] to [0120.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0113.0.0.0] and [0120.0.0.0] above.

[0121.0.5.5] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity.

[0122.0.0.5] to [0127.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0122.0.0.5] to [0127.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0122.0.0.0] and [0127.0.0.0] above.

[0128.0.5.5] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as shown in Table III, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or the sequences as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.

[0129.0.5.5] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence shown in Table IV, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 is derived from said alignments and represent such conserved regions.

[0130.0.5.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0130.0.0.0].

[0131.0.0.5] to [0138.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0131.0.0.5] to [0138.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0131.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0] above.

[0139.0.5.5] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to a sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the linoleic asid increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.5] to [0146.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0140.0.0.5] to [0146.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0140.0.0.0] and [0146.0.0.0] above.

[0147.0.5.5] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.5.5] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, or a functional portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular has the—fine-chemical-increasing activity after increasing its activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequence or its homologs.

[0149.0.5.5] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity and as indicated in indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably of Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical.

[00149.1.0.5] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably of Table II B, columns 3, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.

[0150.0.5.5] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of linoleic acid if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide sequence of the invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449. Preferred is Table I B, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.

[0151.0.0.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0151.0.0.0] above.

[0152.0.5.5] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to the amino acid sequence as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular a linoleic acid increasing activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.5.5] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 has for example an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 are described herein.

[0154.0.5.5] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 and having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.5] and [0156.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0155.0.0.5] and [0156.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0155.0.0.0] and [0156.0.0.0] above.

[0157.0.5.5] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptides comprising the consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or their functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, a consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449. Preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.

[0158.0.0.5] to [0160.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0158.0.0.5] to [0160.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0] above.

[0161.0.5.5] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0162.0.0.0] above.

[0163.0.5.5] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the respective fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0164.0.0.0] above.

[0165.0.5.5] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.

[0166.0.0.5] and [0167.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0166.0.0.5] and [0167.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0166.0.0.0] and [0167.0.0.0] above.

[0168.0.5.5] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, 95% homologous to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.

Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.

[0169.0.0.5] to [0175.0.5.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0169.0.0.5] to [0175.0.5.5] see paragraphs [0169.0.0.0] to [0175.0.0.0] above.

[0176.0.5.5] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as the polypeptide as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.

[0177.0.5.5] Functional equivalents derived from the nucleic acid sequence as shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as the polypeptide as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.

[0178.0.0.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0178.0.0.0] above.

[0179.0.5.5] A nucleic acid molecule encoding a homologous protein to a protein sequence of as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences for example into a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.5] to [0183.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0180.0.0.5] to [0183.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0] above.

[0184.0.5.5] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.5.5] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotide sequences not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.

[0186.0.5.5] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encode a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.

[0187.0.5.5] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 and comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.

[0188.0.5.5] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential biological activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 expressed under identical conditions.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention is a homolog consisting of or comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II B, columns 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.

[0189.0.5.5] Homologues of sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or of the derived sequences shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.5], [0191.0.5.5], [00191.1.0.5] and [0192.0.0.5] to [0203.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0190.0.0.5], [0191.0.5.5], [0191.1.0.5] and [0192.0.0.5] to [0203.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0190.0.0.0], [0191.0.0.0], [0191.1.0.0] and [0192.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0] above.

[0204.0.5.5] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63     to 67 and 436 to 449; preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 63     to 67 and 436 to 449; or a fragment thereof conferring an increase     in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7,     lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 preferably of Table I B, column 7,     lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449; or a fragment thereof conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to -   (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using the     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines     63 to 67 and 436 to 449 and conferring an increase in the amount of     the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence shown in Table IV, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and     436 to 449 and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of the polypeptide shown in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably of Table     II B, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449; and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of the nucleic acid molecule     shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or a     nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature form     of, the polypeptide shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to     67 and 436 to 449, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; or which     encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over the sequence as depicted in Table IA or     IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 by one or more     nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the     invention does not consist of the sequence shown in Table IA or IB,     columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449. In an other     embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at     least 30% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or     99% identical to the sequence shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or     7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449. In a further embodiment the     nucleic acid molecule does not encode the polypeptide sequence shown     in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.     Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention encodes in one embodiment a polypeptide which     differs at least in one or more amino acids from the polypeptide as     depicted in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436     to 449 and therefore does not encode a protein of the sequence shown     in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.     Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequence of     a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does not consist of the     sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67     and 436 to 449. In a further embodiment, the protein of the present     invention is at least 30% identical to protein sequence depicted in     Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 and     less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more     preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to the     sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67     and 436 to 449.

[0205.0.0.5] to [0226.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0205.0.0.5] to [0226.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0205.0.0.0] to [0226.0.0.0] above.

[0227.0.5.5] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to the sequence mentioned in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway such as for palmitate, palmitoleate, stearate and/or oleate is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the respective desired fine chemical since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine the sequences shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.5.5] In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore, organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of at least one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteins involved in the fatty acid metabolism, in particular in fatty acid synthesis.

[0229.0.5.5] Further advantageous nucleic acid sequences which can be expressed in combination with the sequences used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes are the sequences encoding further genes of the saturated, poly unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis such as desaturases like Δ-4-desaturases, Δ-5-desaturases, Δ-6-desaturases, Δ-8-desaturases, Δ-9-desaturases, Δ-12-desaturases, Δ-17-desaturases, ω-3-desaturases, elongases like Δ-5-elongases, Δ-6-elongases, 9-elongases, acyl-CoA-dehydrogenases, acyl-ACP-desaturases, acyl-ACP-thioesterases, fatty acid acyl-transferases, acyl-CoA lysophospholipid-acyltransferases, acyl-CoA carboxylases, fatty acid synthases, fatty acid hydroxylases, acyl-CoA oxydases, acetylenases, lipoxygenases, triacyl-lipases etc. as described in WO 98/46765, WO 98/46763, WO 98/46764, WO 99/64616, WO 00/20603, WO 00/20602, WO 00/40705, US 20040172682, US 20020156254, U.S. Pat. No. 6,677,145 US 20040053379 or US 20030101486. These genes lead to an increased synthesis of the essential fatty acids.

[0230.0.5.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0230.0.0.0] above.

[0231.0.5.5] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a linoleic acid degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.5] to [0276.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0232.0.0.5] to [0276.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0232.0.0.0] to [0276.0.0.0] above.

[0277.0.5.5] The fatty acids produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. For example via extraction, salt precipitation and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously. The fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can be isolated as mentioned above from the organisms, advantageously plants, in the form of their oils, fats, lipids and/or free fatty acids. Fatty acids produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds. Hexane is preferably used as solvent in the process, in which more than 96% of the compounds produced in the process can be isolated. Thereafter, the resulting products are processed further, i.e. degummed, refined, bleached and/or deodorized.

[0278.0.0.5] to [0282.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0278.0.0.5] to [0282.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0278.0.0.0] to [0282.0.0.0] above.

[0283.0.5.5] Moreover, native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, in particular, an antibody against polypeptides as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or an antigenic part thereof, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing polypeptides comprising or consisting of abovementioned sequences, e.g. the polypeptide of the present invention or fragment thereof. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies specifically binding to polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.

[0284.0.0.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0284.0.0.0] above.

[0285.0.5.5] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having the sequence shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or as coded by the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.5.5] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a poylpeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.

[0287.0.0.5] to [0290.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0287.0.0.5] to [0290.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0287.0.0.0] to [0290.0.0.0] above.

[0291.0.5.5] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over the sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In another embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.

[0292.0.0.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0292.0.0.0] above.

[0293.0.5.5] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence, which distinguishes from the sequence as shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 by one or more amino acids. In another embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by the nucleic acid molecules shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.

[0294.0.5.5] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449, which distinguishes over the sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.5], [0296.0.0.5] and [0297.0.5.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0295.0.0.5], [0296.0.0.5] and [0297.0.5.5] see paragraphs [0295.0.0.0] to [0297.0.0.0] above.

[00297.1.0.5] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity and/or the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 3, 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.

[0298.0.5.5] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to confer the activity of the present invention. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.

[0299.0.5.5] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the amino acid sequences of Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence of Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.5.5] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449.

[0301.0.0.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0301.0.0.0] above.

[0302.0.5.5] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0303.0.0.0] above.

[0304.0.5.5] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.5.5], [0306.0.5.5] and [0306.1.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0305.0.5.5], [0306.0.5.5] and [0306.1.0.5] see paragraphs [0305.0.0.0], [0306.0.0.0] and [0306.1.0.0] above.

[0307.0.0.5] and [0308.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0307.0.0.5] and [0308.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0307.0.0.0 and [0308.0.0.0] above.

[0309.0.0.5] In one embodiment, a reference to protein (=polypeptide)” of the invention e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide” or “other polypeptide” e.g. not indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide having a protein activity, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein and which is derived from the same or a different organism.

[0310.0.0.5] to [0334.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0310.0.0.5] to [0334.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0310.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0] above.

[0335.0.5.5] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence of one of the sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.5] to [0342.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0336.0.0.5] to [0342.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0] above.

[0343.0.5.5] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence of one of the sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.5] to [0350.0.0.5], [0351.0.5.5] and [0352.0.0.5] to [0361.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0344.0.0.5] to [0350.0.0.5], [0351.0.5.5] and [0352.0.0.5] to [0361.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0344.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0] above.

[0362.0.5.5] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. encoding a polypeptide having an activity of a protein such as the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449. Due to the above mentioned activity the fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a protein such as the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449. Activity means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, the activity of polypeptide having an activity of a protein such as the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or a similar activity, which is increased in the cell or organism or part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.5], [0364.0.5.5] and [0365.0.0.5] to [0379.0.5.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0363.0.0.5], [0364.0.5.5] and [0365.0.0.5] to [0379.0.5.5] see paragraphs [0363.0.0.0] to [0379.0.0.0] above.

[0380.0.5.5] The fatty acids obtained in the process are suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates a method for the production of a pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the fatty acid composition produced or the fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the fatty acids produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

[0381.0.0.5] and [0382.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0381.0.0.5] and [0382.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0381.0.0.0] and [0382.0.0.0] above.

[0383.0.5.5] For preparing fatty acid compound-containing fine chemicals, in particular the fine chemical, it is possible to use as fatty acid source organic compounds such as, for example, oils, fats and/or lipids comprising fatty acids such as fatty acids having a carbon back bone between C₁₀- to C₁₆-carbon atoms and/or small organic acids such acetic acid, propionic acid or butanoic acid as precursor compounds.

[0384.0.0.5] and [0385.0.5.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0384.0.0.5] and [0385.0.5.5] see paragraphs [0384.0.0.0] and [0385.0.0.0] above.

[0386.0.5.5] However, it is also possible to purify the fatty acid produced further. For this purpose, the product-containing composition is subjected for example to a thin layer chromatography on silica gel plates or to a chromatography such as a Florisil column (Bouhours J. F., J. Chromatrogr. 1979, 169, 462), in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use. An alternative method to purify the fatty acids is for example a crystallization in the presence of urea. These methods can be combined with each other.

[0387.0.0.5] to [0392.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0387.0.0.5] to [0392.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0387.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0] above.

[0393.0.5.5] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   -   (a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a         sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a         nucleic acid library, which can contain a candidate gene         encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the respective         fine chemical after expression, with the nucleic acid molecule         of the present invention;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of the present invention in particular to the nucleic         acid molecule sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines         63 to 67 and 436 to 449, preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or         7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 and, optionally, isolating the         full length cDNA clone or complete genomic clone;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells, preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism,         appropriate for producing the respective fine chemical;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host         cells; and     -   (f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product         which expression confers an increase in the respective fine         chemical level in the host cell after expression compared to the         wild type.

[0394.0.0.5] to [0415.0.0.5] and [0416.0.5.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0394.0.0.5] to [0415.0.0.5] and [0416.0.5.5] see paragraphs [0394.0.0.0] to [0416.0.0.0] above.

[0417.0.5.5] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the fatty acid production biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect an organism such as a microorganism or a plant against inhibitors, which block the fatty acid, in particular the fine chemical, synthesis in said organism. Examples of inhibitors or herbicides blocking the fatty acid synthesis in organism such as microorganism or plants are for example cerulenin, Thiolactomycin, Diazoborines or Triclosan, which inhibit the fatty acids (beta-ketoacyl thioester synthetase inhibitors) and sterol biosynthesis inhibitors, aryloxyphenoxypropionates such as diclofop, fenoxaprop, haloxyfop, fluazifop or quizalofop or cyclohexanediones such as clethodim or sethoxydim [(2-[1-{ethoxyimino}butyl]-542-{ethylthio}propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one], which inhibit the plant acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase or thiocarbamates such as butylate, EPTC [=S-ethyl dipropylcarbamothioat] or vernolate.

[0418.0.0.5] to [0430.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0418.0.0.5] to

[0430.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0418.0.0.0] to [0430.0.0.0] above.

[0431.0.5.5], [0432.0.5.5], [0433.0.0.5] and [0434.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0431.0.5.5], [0432.0.5.5], [0433.0.0.5] and [0434.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0431.0.0.0] to [0434.0.0.0] above.

[0435.0.5.5] Example 3 In-Vivo and In-Vitro Mutagenesis

[0436.0.5.5] An in vivo mutagenesis of organisms such as Saccharomyces, Mortierella, Escherichia and others mentioned above, which are beneficial for the production of fatty acids can be carried out by passing a plasmid DNA (or another vector DNA) containing the desired nucleic acid sequence or nucleic acid sequences through E. coli and other microorganisms (for example Bacillus spp. or yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which are not capable of maintaining the integrity of its genetic information. Usual mutator strains have mutations in the genes for the DNA repair system [for example mutHLS, mutD, mutT and the like; for comparison, see Rupp, W. D. (1996) DNA repair mechanisms in Escherichia coli and Salmonella, pp. 2277-2294, ASM: Washington]. The skilled worker knows these strains. The use of these strains is illustrated for example in Greener, A. and Callahan, M. (1994) Strategies 7; 32-34.

In-vitro mutation methods such as increasing the spontaneous mutation rates by chemical or physical treatment are well known to the skilled person. Mutagens like 5-bromo-uracil, N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (=NTG), ethyl methanesulfonate (=EMS), hydroxylamine and/or nitrous acid are widly used as chemical agents for random in-vitro mutagensis. The most common physical method for mutagensis is the treatment with UV irradiation. Another random mutagenesis technique is the error-prone PCR for introducing amino acid changes into proteins. Mutations are deliberately introduced during PCR through the use of error-prone DNA polymerases and special reaction conditions known to a person skilled in the art. For this method randomized DNA sequences are cloned into expression vectors and the resulting mutant libraries screened for altered or improved protein activity as described below. Site-directed mutagensis method such as the introduction of desired mutations with an M13 or phagemid vector and short oligonucleotides primers is a well-known approach for site-directed mutagensis. The clou of this method involves cloning of the nucleic acid sequence of the invention into an M13 or phagemid vector, which permits recovery of single-stranded recombinant nucleic acid sequence. A mutagenic oligonucleotide primer is then designed whose sequence is perfectly complementary to nucleic acid sequence in the region to be mutated, but with a single difference: at the intended mutation site it bears a base that is complementary to the desired mutant nucleotide rather than the original. The mutagenic oligonucleotide is then allowed to prime new DNA synthesis to create a complementary full-length sequence containing the desired mutation. Another site-directed mutagensis method is the PCR mismatch primer mutagensis method also known to the skilled person. Dpnl site-directed mutagensis is a further known method as described for example in the Stratagene Quickchange™ site-directed mutagenesis kit protocol. A huge number of other methods are also known and used in common practice.

Positive mutation events can be selected by screening the organisms for the production of the desired fine chemical.

[0437.0.5.5] Example 4 DNA Transfer Between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Mortierella alpina

[0438.0.5.5] Shuttle vectors such as pYE22m, pPAC-ResQ, pClasper, pAUR224, pAMH10, pAML10, pAMT10, pAMU10, pGMH10, pGML10, pGMT10, pGMU10, pPGAL1, pPADH1, pTADH1, pTAex3, pNGA142, pHT3101 and derivatives thereof which allow the transfer of nucleic acid sequences between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or Mortierella alpina are available to the skilled worker. An easy method to isolate such shuttle vectors is disclosed by Soni R. and Murray J. A. H. [Nucleic Acid Research, vol. 20 no. 21, 1992: 5852]: If necessary such shuttle vectors can be constructed easily using standard vectors for E. coli (Sambrook, J. et al., (1989), “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons) and/or the aforementioned vectors, which have a replication origin for, and suitable marker from, Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Mortierella alpina added. Such replication origins are preferably taken from endogenous plasmids, which have been isolated from species used in the inventive process. Genes, which are used in particular as transformation markers for these species are genes for kanamycin resistance (such as those which originate from the Tn5 or Tn-903 transposon) or for chloramphenicol resistance (Winnacker, E. L. (1987) “From Genes to Clones—Introduction to Gene Technology, VCH, Weinheim) or for other antibiotic resistance genes such as for G418, gentamycin, neomycin, hygromycin or tetracycline resistance.

[0439.0.5.5] Using standard methods, it is possible to clone a gene of interest into one of the above-described shuttle vectors and to introduce such hybrid vectors into the microorganism strains used in the inventive process. The transformation of Saccharomyces can be achieved for example by LiCI or sheroplast transformation (Bishop et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 6, 1986: 3401-3409; Sherman et al., Methods in Yeasts in Genetics, [Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y.] 1982, Agatep et al., Technical Tips Online 1998, 1:51: P01525 or Gietz et al., Methods Mol. Cell. Biol. 5, 1995: 255-269) or electroporation (Delorme E., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., vol. 55, no. 9, 1989: 2242-2246).

[0440.0.5.5] If the transformed sequence(s) is/are to be integrated advantageously into the genome of the microorganism used in the inventive process for example into the yeast or fungi genome, standard techniques known to the skilled worker also exist for this purpose. Solinger et al. (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA., 2001 (15): 8447-8453) and Freedman et al. (Genetics, Vol. 162, 15-27, September 2002,) teaches a homolog recombination system dependent on rad 50, rad51, rad54 and rad59 in yeasts. Vectors using this system for homologous recombination are vectors derived from the Ylp series. Plasmid vectors derived for example from the 2p-Vector are known by the skilled worker and used for the expression in yeasts. Other preferred vectors are for example pART1, pCHY21 or pEVP11 as they have been described by McLeod et al. (EMBO J. 1987, 6:729-736) and Hoffman et al. (Genes Dev. 5, 1991: :561-571.) or Russell et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 258, 1983: 143-149.). Other beneficial yeast vectors are plasmids of the REP, REP-X, pYZ or RIP series.

[0441.0.0.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0441.0.0.0] above.

[0442.0.5.5] The observations of the acivity of a mutated, or transgenic, protein in a transformed host cell are based on the fact that the protein is expressed in a similar manner and in a similar quantity as the wild-type protein. A suitable method for determining the transcription quantity of the mutant, or transgenic, gene (a sign for the amount of mRNA which is available for the translation of the gene product) is to carry out a Northern blot (see, for example, Ausubel et al., (1988) Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Wiley: New York), where a primer which is designed in such a way that it binds to the gene of interest is provided with a detectable marker (usually a radioactive or chemiluminescent marker) so that, when the total RNA of a culture of the organism is extracted, separated on a gel, applied to a stable matrix and incubated with this probe, the binding and quantity of the binding of the probe indicates the presence and also the amount of mRNA for this gene. Another method is a quantitative PCR. This information detects the extent to which the gene has been transcribed. Total cell RNA can be isolated for example from yeasts or E. coli by a variety of methods, which are known in the art, for example with the Ambion kit according to the instructions of the manufacturer or as described in Edgington et al., Promega Notes Magazine Number 41, 1993, p. 14.

[0443.0.0.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0443.0.0.0] above.

[0444.0.5.5] Example 6 Growth of Genetically Modified Organism: Media and Culture Conditions

[0445.0.5.5] Genetically modified Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are grown in synthetic or natural growth media known by the skilled worker. A number of different growth media for Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are well known and widely available. A method for culturing Mortierella is disclosed by Jang et al. [Bot. Bull. Acad. Sin. (2000) 41:41-48]. Mortierella can be grown at 20° C. in a culture medium containing: 10 g/l glucose, 5 g/l yeast extract at pH 6.5. Furthermore Jang et al. teaches a submerged basal medium containing 20 g/l soluble starch, 5 g/l Bacto yeast extract, 10 g/l KNO₃, 1 g/l KH₂PO₄, and 0.5 g/l MgSO₄.7H₂O, pH 6.5.

[0446.0.0.5] to [0453.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0446.0.0.5] to [0453.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0446.0.0.0] to [0453.0.0.0] above.

[0454.0.5.5] Example 8 Analysis of the Effect of the Nucleic Acid Molecule on the Production of the Fatty Acid

[0455.0.5.5] The effect of the genetic modification in plants, fungi, algae or ciliates on the production of a desired compound (such as a fatty acid) can be determined by growing the modified microorganisms or the modified plant under suitable conditions (such as those described above) and analyzing the medium and/or the cellular components for the elevated production of desired product (i.e. of the lipids or a fatty acid). These analytical techniques are known to the skilled worker and comprise spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, various types of staining methods, enzymatic and microbiological methods and analytical chromatography such as high-performance liquid chromatography (see, for example, Ullman, Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. A2, p. 89-90 and p. 443-613, VCH: Weinheim (1985); Fallon, A., et al., (1987) “Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry” in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 17; Rehm et al. (1993) Biotechnology, Vol. 3, Chapter III: “Product recovery and purification”, p. 469-714, VCH: Weinheim; Belter, P. A., et al. (1988) Bioseparations: downstream processing for Biotechnology, John Wiley and Sons; Kennedy, J. F., and Cabral, J. M. S. (1992) Recovery processes for biological Materials, John Wiley and Sons; Shaeiwitz, J. A., and Henry, J. D. (1988) Biochemical Separations, in: Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. B3; Chapter 11, p. 1-27, VCH: Weinheim; and Dechow, F. J. (1989) Separation and purification techniques in biotechnology, Noyes Publications).

In addition to the abovementioned processes, plant lipids are extracted from plant material as described by Cahoon et al. (1999) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 96 (22): 12935-12940 and Browse et al. (1986) Analytic Biochemistry 152:141-145. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of lipids or fatty acids is described by Christie, William W., Advances in Lipid Methodology, Ayr/Scotland: Oily Press (Oily Press Lipid Library; 2); Christie, William W., Gas Chromatography and Lipids. A Practical Guide—Ayr, Scotland: Oily Press, 1989, Repr. 1992, IX, 307 pp. (Oily Press Lipid Library; 1); “Progress in Lipid Research, Oxford: Pergamon Press, 1 (1952)—16 (1977) under the title: Progress in the Chemistry of Fats and Other Lipids CODEN.

[0456.0.0.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0456.0.0.0] above.

[0457.0.5.5] Example 9 Purification of the Fatty Acid

[0458.0.5.5] One example is the analysis of fatty acids (abbreviations: FAME, fatty acid methyl ester; GC-MS, gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; TAG, triacylglycerol; TLC, thin-layer chromatography).

The unambiguous detection for the presence of fatty acid products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: GC, GC-MS or TLC, as described on several occasions by Christie and the references therein (1997, in: Advances on Lipid Methodology, Fourth Edition: Christie, Oily Press, Dundee, 119-169; 1998, Gaschromatographie-Massenspektrometrie-Verfahren [Gas chromatography/mass spectrometric methods], Lipide 33:343-353). The total fatty acids produced in the organism for example in yeasts used in the inventive process can be analysed for example according to the following procedure: The material such as yeasts, E. coli or plants to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods. After disruption, the material must be centrifuged (1000×g, 10 min., 4° C.) and washed once with 100 mM NaHCO₃, pH 8.0 to remove residual medium and fatty acids. For preparation of the fatty acid methyl esters (FAMES) the sediment is resuspended in distilled water, heated for 10 minutes at 100° C., cooled on ice and recentrifuged, followed by extraction for one hour at 90° C. in 0.5 M sulfuric acid in methanol with 2% dimethoxypropane, which leads to hydrolyzed oil and lipid compounds, which give transmethylated lipids.

The FAMES are then extracted twice with 2 ml petrolether, washed once with 100 mM NaHCO₃, pH 8.0 and once with distilled water and dried with Na₂SO₄. The organic solvent can be evaporated under a stream of Argon and the FAMES were dissolved in 50 μl of petrolether. The samples can be separated on a ZEBRON ZB-Wax capillary column (30 m, 0.32 mm, 0.25 μm; Phenomenex) in a Hewlett Packard 6850 gas chromatograph with a flame ionisation detector. The oven temperature is programmed from 70° C. (1 min. hold) to 200° C. at a rate of 20° C./min., then to 250° C. (5 min. hold) at a rate of 5° C./min and finally to 260° C. at a rate of 5° C./min. Nitrogen is used as carrier gas (4.5 ml/min. at 70° C.). The identity of the resulting fatty acid methyl esters can be identified by comparison with retention times of FAME standards, which are available from commercial sources (i.e. Sigma).

Plant material is initially homogenized mechanically by comminuting in a pestle and mortar to make it more amenable to extraction.

This is followed by heating at 100° C. for 10 minutes and, after cooling on ice, by resedimentation. The cell sediment is hydrolyzed for one hour at 90° C. with 1 M methanolic sulfuric acid and 2% dimethoxypropane, and the lipids are transmethylated. The resulting fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) are extracted in petroleum ether. The extracted FAMEs are analyzed by gas liquid chromatography using a capillary column (Chrompack, WCOT Fused Silica, CP-Wax-52 CB, 25 m, 0.32 mm) and a temperature gradient of from 170° C. to 240° C. in 20 minutes and 5 minutes at 240° C. The identity of the fatty acid methyl esters is confirmed by comparison with corresponding FAME standards (Sigma). The identity and position of the double bond can be analyzed further by suitable chemical derivatization of the FAME mixtures, for example to give 4,4-dimethoxyoxazoline derivatives (Christie, 1998) by means of GC-MS.

The methodology is described for example in Napier and Michaelson, 2001, Lipids. 36(8):761-766; Sayanova et al., 2001, Journal of Experimental Botany. 52(360):1581-1585, Sperling et al., 2001, Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 388(2):293-298 and Michaelson et al., 1998, FEBS Letters. 439(3):215-218.

[0459.0.5.5] If required and desired, further chromatography steps with a suitable resin may follow. Advantageously the fatty acids can be further purified with a so-called RTHPLC. As eluent different an acetonitrile/water or chloroform/acetonitrile mixtures are advantageously is used. For example canola oil can be separated said HPLC method using an RP-18-column (ET 250/3 Nucleosil 120-5 C₁₈ Macherey and Nagel, Düren, Germany). A chloroform/acetonitrile mixture (v/v 30:70) is used as eluent. The flow rate is beneficial 0.8 ml/min. For the analysis of the fatty acids an ELSD detector (evaporative light-scattering detector) is used. MPLC, dry-flash chromatography or thin layer chromatography are other beneficial chromatography methods for the purification of fatty acids. If necessary, these chromatography steps may be repeated, using identical or other chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the selection of suitable chromatography resin and the most effective use for a particular molecule to be purified.

[0460.0.5.5] In addition depending on the produced fine chemical purification is also possible with cristalisation or destilation. Both methods are well known to a person skilled in the art.

[0461.0.5.5] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 4464 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0462.0.0.0] above.

[0463.0.5.5] SEQ ID NO: 4464 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.5.5] The composition for the protocol of the Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase was as follows: 1×PCR buffer (Stratagene), 0.2 mM of each dNTP, 100 ng genomic DNA of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain S288C; Research Genetics, Inc., now Invitrogen) or Escherichia coli (strain MG1655; E. coli Genetic Stock Center), 50 μmol forward primer, 50 μmol reverse primer, 2.5 u Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The amplification cycles were as follows:

[0465.0.5.5] 1 cycle of 3 minutes at 94-95° C., followed by 25-36 cycles of in each case 1 minute at 95° C. or 30 seconds at 94° C., 45 seconds at 50° C., 30 seconds at 50° C. or 30 seconds at 55° C. and 210-480 seconds at 72° C., followed by 1 cycle of 8 minutes at 72° C., then 4° C.

[0466.0.0.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0466.0.0.0] above.

[0467.0.5.5] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 4464:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 4556) atgggacaca agcccttata ccg ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 4557) ttatcgcgat gattttcgct gcg

[0468.0.0.5] to [0479.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0468.0.0.5] to [0479.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0468.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0] above.

[0480.0.5.5] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 4464

[0481.0.0.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0481.0.0.0] above.

[0482.0.0.5] to [0513.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0482.0.0.5] to [0513.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0482.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0] above.

[0514.0.5.5] As an alternative, the fatty acids can be detected advantageously via HPLC separation in ethanolic extract as described by Geigenberger et al. (Plant Cell & Environ, 19, 1996: 43-55).

-   -   The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the         table which follows:

TABLE 1 ORF Metabolite Method Min Max b0730 Linoleic Acid (C18:2 (c9,c12)) GC 1.13 1.34 b3256 Linoleic Acid (C18:2 (c9,c12)) GC 1.13 1.20 YBR089C-A Linoleic Acid (C18:2 (c9,c12)) GC 1.36 1.70 YDR447C Linoleic Acid (C18:2 (c9,c12)) GC 1.18 2.40 YOR024W Linoleic Acid (C18:2 (c9,c12)) GC 1.16 1.33 b0050 Linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2) GC 1.15 1.37 b0251 Linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2) GC 1.14 1.31 b0255 Linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2) GC 1.22 1.31 b0577 Linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2) GC 1.17 1.40 b0849 Linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2) GC 1.19 1.34 b1097 Linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2) GC 1.15 1.30 b1693 Linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2) GC 1.17 1.32 b2710 Linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2) GC 1.15 1.29 b2822 Linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2) GC 1.15 1.27 b3064 Linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2) GC 1.17 1.30 b3166 Linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2) GC 1.14 1.21 b3457 Linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2) GC 1.20 1.44 b3644 Linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2) GC 1.14 1.35 b4129 Linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2) GC 1.20 1.47

[0515.0.5.5] Column 2 shows the fatty acid analyzed. Columns 4 and 5 shows the ratio of the analyzed fatty acid between the transgenic plants and the wild type; Increase of the metabolites: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type)-Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type). Decrease of the metabolites: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (minimal decrease), Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (maximal decrease). Column 3 indicates the analytical method.

[0516.0.0.5] and [0517.0.5.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0516.0.0.5] and [0517.0.5.5] see paragraphs [0516.0.0.0] and [0517.0.0.0] above.

[0518.0.0.5] to [0529.0.0.5] and [0530.0.5.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0518.0.0.5] to [0529.0.0.5] and [0530.0.5.5] see paragraphs [0518.0.0.0] to [0530.0.0.0] above.

[0530.1.0.5] to [0530.6.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0530.1.0.5] to [0530.6.0.5] see paragraphs [0530.1.0.0] to [0530.6.0.0] above.

[0531.0.0.5] to [0533.0.0.5] and [0534.0.5.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0531.0.0.5] to [0533.0.0.5] and [0534.0.5.5] see paragraphs [0531.0.0.0] to [0534.0.0.0] above.

[0535.0.0.5] to [0537.0.0.5] and [0538.0.5.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0535.0.0.5] to [0537.0.0.5] and [0538.0.5.5] see paragraphs [0535.0.0.0] to [0538.0.0.0] above.

[0539.0.0.5] to [0542.0.0.5] and [0543.0.5.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0539.0.0.5] to [0542.0.0.5] and [0543.0.5.5] see paragraphs [0539.0.0.0] to [0543.0.0.0] above.

[0544.0.0.5] to [0547.0.0.5] and [0548.0.5.5] to [0552.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0544.0.0.5] to [0547.0.0.5] and [0548.0.5.5] to [0552.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0544.0.0.0] to [0552.0.0.0] above.

[0552.2.0.5] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0552.2.0.0] above.

[0553.0.5.5]

-   1. A process for the production of linoleic acid, which comprises     -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to         449 or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism,         or in one or more parts thereof; and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of linoleic acid in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of linoleic acid, comprising the     increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the     expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a     nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or a         fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         linoleic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436         to 449;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of linoleic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of linoleic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of linoleic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 63 to 67         and 436 to 449 and conferring an increase in the amount of         linoleic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of linoleic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 63         to 67 and 436 to 449 and conferring an increase in the amount of         linoleic acid in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         linoleic acid in an organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound linoleic acid. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         linoleic acid produced by the selected mutated organisms or         parts thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 or a         fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         linoleic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436         to 449;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of linoleic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of linoleic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of linoleic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, columns 5 or 7, lines 63         to 67 and 436 to 449 and conferring an increase in the amount of         the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of linoleic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 63         to 67 and 436 to 449 and conferring an increase in the amount of         linoleic acid in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         linoleic acid in an organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to         67 and 436 to 449 by one or more nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 63 to 67 and 436 to 449 by one or more     amino acids -   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of linoleic acid in an     organism or a part thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 5 conferring an increase in the amount of linoleic acid         in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a         sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions         which permit the expression the polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the linoleic acid level or the polypeptide         expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or         the media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured         or maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured linoleic acid level or polypeptide expression level         with a standard of linoleic acid or polypeptide expression level         measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample         comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased         level over the standard indicates that the compound or the         sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and         a decreased level over the standard indicates that the compound         or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an         antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased linoleic acid production in a plant or microorganism,     comprising the steps:     -   (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of linoleic acid in an organism or a part thereof and a         readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under         suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the         polypeptide with dais readout system in the presence of a         compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and         capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the         binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which         permit the expression of said readout system and of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6         conferring an increase in the amount of linoleic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in linoleic acid production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in linoleic acid after expression with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing linoleic acid;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the linoleic acid level in the host cells; and     -   (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the linoleic acid level in the         host cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild         type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in linoleic acid production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the linoleic acid amount or         level in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and         which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing linoleic acid;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the linoleic acid level in the host cells; and     -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the linoleic acid level in the         host cell after expression compared to the wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     linoleic acid after expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of linoleic acid levels in an organism. -   25. Food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the     plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim     16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified     according to the method of claim 19 or 20. -   26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according     to the method of claim 19 or 20 for the protection of a plant     against a linoleic acid synthesis inhibiting herbicide.

[0554.0.0.5] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.0]

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.0.6] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.6] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0001.0.0.0].

[0002.0.5.6] to [0008.0.5.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0002.0.5.6] to [0008.0.5.6] see [0002.0.0.0] and [0008.0.0.0] above.

[0009.0.6.6] As described above, the essential fatty acids are necessary for humans and many mammals, for example for livestock. Essential fatty acids, such as alpha-linolenic acid, are extremely important for healing and maintaining good health. Compounds made from alpha-linolenic acid have been shown to decrease blood clotting and decrease inflammatory processes in the body.

[0010.0.6.6] to [0012.0.6.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0010.0.6.6] to [0012.0.6.6] see [0010.0.0.0] and [0012.0.0.0] above.

[0013.0.0.6] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0013.0.0.0] above.

[0014.0.6.6] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is α-linolenic acid or tryglycerides, lipids, oils or fats containing α-linolenic acid. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid”. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising α-linolenic acid and/or triglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid.

[0015.0.6.6] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, α-linolenic acid and its salts, ester, thioester or α-linolenic acid in free form or bound to other compounds such as triglycerides, glycolipids, phospholipids etc. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means α-linolenic acid, in free form or its salts or bound to triglycerides. Triglycerides, lipids, oils, fats or lipid mixture thereof shall mean any triglyceride, lipid, oil and/or fat containing any bound or free α-linolenic acid for example sphingolipids, phosphoglycerides, lipids, glycolipids such as glycosphingolipids, phospholipids such as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol or diphosphatidylglycerol, or as monoacylglyceride, diacylglyceride or triacylglyceride or other fatty acid esters such as acetyl-Coenzym A thioester, which contain further saturated or unsaturated fatty acids in the fatty acid molecule.

[0016.0.6.6] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a b2699, YER173W,     YGL205W, YIL150C, b0050, b0251, b0376, b0577, b0849, b2822, b3129,     b3457, b3462 and/or b3644 protein(s) or of a protein having the     sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule     indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459     in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus, α-linolenic acid or fine     chemicals comprising α-linolenic acid, in said organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3,     lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or having the sequence of a     polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I,     column 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, in a non-human     organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, in particular α-linolenic acid.

[0017.0.0.6] and [0018.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0017.0.0.6] and [0018.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0017.0.0.0] and [0018.0.0.0] above.

[0019.0.6.6] Advantageously the process for the production of the fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the fine chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

[0020.0.6.6] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of at least one of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein(s) indicated in Table II, Column 3, lines 69 to 71, and/or the Escherichia coli K12 protein(s) indicated in Table II, Column 3, lines 68 and 450 to 459 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the α-linolenic acid (or fine chemical) content of the transformed plants.

[0021.0.0.6] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0021.0.0.0] above.

[0022.0.6.6] The sequence of b2699 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as DNA-dependent ATPase or DNA- and ATP-dependent coprotease. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a DNA-dependent ATPase or DNA- and ATP-dependent coprotease from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, preferably α-linolenic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a DNA-dependent ATPase or DNA- and ATP-dependent coprotease is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YER173W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dietrich et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 78-81 (1997) and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its cellular activity has not been characterized yet. It seams to be a “checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints; subunit of a clamp loader that loads Rad17p-Mec3p-Ddc1p onto DNA. Its properly a homolog of human and S. pombe Rad17 protein”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a YER173W activity from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, preferably α-linolenic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a YER173W protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YGL205W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Tettelin et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 81-84 (1997), and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as a “fatty-acyl coenzyme A oxidase, which is involved in the fatty acid beta-oxidation pathway; localized to the peroxisomal matrix”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “fatty-acyl coenzyme A oxidase” or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, preferably α-linolenic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a fatty-acyl coenzyme A oxidase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YIL150C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Churcher et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 84-87 (1997) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity is being defined as “chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initation or completion”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a chromatin binding protein, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, preferably α-linolenic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a chromatin binding protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0050 (Accession number NP_(—)414592) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a conserved protein potentially involved in protein protein interaction. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of said protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, preferably α-linolenic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of said protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0251 (Accession number NP_(—)414785) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as putative HTH-type transcriptional regulator. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a putative HTH-type transcriptional regulator protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, preferably α-linolenic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a putative HTH-type transcriptional regulator protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0376 (Accession number NP_(—)414910) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a beta-lactamase/D-ala carboxypeptidase, penicillin binding protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a beta-lactamase/D-ala carboxypeptidase, penicillin binding protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, preferably α-linolenic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a beta-lactamase/D-ala carboxypeptidase, penicillin binding protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0577 (Accession number NP_(—)415109) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative transport protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a putative transport protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, preferably α-linolenic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a putative transport protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0849 (Accession number NP_(—)415370) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a glutaredoxin 1 redox coenzyme for glutathione-dependent ribonucleotide reductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a glutaredoxin 1 redox coenzyme for glutathione-dependent ribonucleotide reductase protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, preferably α-linolenic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a glutaredoxin 1 redox coenzyme for glutathione-dependent ribonucleotide reductase protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2822 (Accession number NP_(—)417299) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a DNA helicase, ATP-dependent dsDNA/ssDNA exonuclease V subunit, ssDNA endonuclease. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a DNA helicase, ATP-dependent dsDNA/ssDNA exonuclease V subunit, ssDNA endonuclease protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, preferably α-linolenic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a DNA helicase, ATP-dependent dsDNA/ssDNA exonuclease V subunit, ssDNA endonuclease protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3129 (Accession number NP_(—)417598) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative protease; htrA suppressor protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a putative protease; htrA suppressor protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, preferably α-linolenic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a putative protease; htrA suppressor protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3457 (Accession number NP_(—)417914) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a high-affinity branched-chain amino acid transport protein (ABC superfamily). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a high-affinity branched-chain amino acid transport protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, preferably α-linolenic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a high-affinity branched-chain amino acid transport protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3462 (Accession number NP_(—)417919) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a integral membrane cell division protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a integral membrane cell division protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, preferably α-linolenic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a integral membrane cell division protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3644 (Accession number NP_(—)418101) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as an uncharacterized stress-induced protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of an uncharacterized stress-induced protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid, preferably α-linolenic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of an uncharacterized stress-induced protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

[0023.0.6.6] Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the fine chemical amount or content. Further, in the present invention, the term “homologue” relates to the sequence of an organism having the highest sequence homology to the herein mentioned or listed sequences of all expressed sequences of said organism.

However, the person skilled in the art knows, that, preferably, the homologue has said fine-chemical increasing activity and, if known, the same biological function or activity in the organism as at least one of the protein(s) indicated in Table II, Column 3, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, e.g. having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule comprising the sequence indicated in indicated in Table I, Column 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

In one embodiment, the homolog of any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, lines 69 to 71 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms and being derived from an Eukaryot. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 and 450 to 459 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 69 to 71 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in an organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 and 450 to 459 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof and being derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 69 to 71 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof and being derived from Ascomycota. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 and 450 to 459 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 69 to 71 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 and 450 to 459 is a homolog having the samie or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 69 to 71 is a homolog having the samie or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of the a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 and 450 to 459 is a homolog having the samie or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 69 to 71 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms, and being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 and 450 to 459 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Escherichia. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 69 to 71 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 69 to 71 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycetes.

[0023.1.0.6] and [0024.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0023.1.0.6] and [0024.0.0.6] see [0023.1.0.0] and [0024.0.0.0] above.

[0025.0.6.6] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459” if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased α-linolenic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid level in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism and the protein has the above mentioned activities of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459. Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to a protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 69 to 71 and/or a protein of E. coli K12 as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 and 450 to 459.

[0025.1.0.6] and [0025.2.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0025.1.0.6] and [0025.2.0.6] see paragraphs [0025.1.0.0] and [0025.2.0.0] above.

[0026.0.0.6] to [0033.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0026.0.0.6] to [0033.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0026.0.0.0] to [0033.0.0.0] above.

[0034.0.6.6] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention. E.g., it differs by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, its biochemical or genetical causes and therefore shows the increased amount of the fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.6] to [0038.0.0.6] and [0039.0.5.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0035.0.0.6] to [0038.0.0.6] and [0039.0.5.6] see paragraphs [0035.0.0.0] to [0039.0.0.0] above.

[0040.0.0.6] to [0044.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0040.0.0.6] to [0044.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0035.0.0.0] and [0044.0.0.0] above.

[0045.0.6.6] In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs e.g. a DNA-dependent ATPase or DNA- and ATP-dependent coprotease protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 68, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of α-linolenic acid between 13% and 32% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER173W or its homologs, e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YER173W”, which seams to be a “checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints; subunit of a clamp loader that loads Rad17p-Mec3p-Ddc1p onto DNA. Its properly a homolog of human and S. pombe Rad17 protein” e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 69, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of α-linolenic acid between 15% and 54% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGL205W or its homologs, e.g. a fatty-acyl coenzyme A oxidase protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 70, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of α-linolenic acid between 13% and 24% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs e.g. a “chromatin binding protein” e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 71, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of α-linolenic acid, by at least 243%.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0050 or its homologs e.g. a conserved protein potentially involved in protein protein interaction e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 450, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of α-linolenic acid between 11% and 19% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0251 or its homologs e.g. a putative HTH-type transcriptional regulator e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 451, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of α-linolenic acid between 14% and 29% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0376 or its homologs e.g. a beta-lactamase/D-ala carboxypeptidase, penicillin binding protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 452, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of α-linolenic acid between 15% and 34% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0577 or its homologs e.g. a putative transport protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 453, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of α-linolenic acid between 12% and 96% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0849 or its homologs e.g. a glutaredoxin 1 redox coenzyme for glutathione-dependent ribonucleotide reductase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 454, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of α-linolenic acid between 13% and 31% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2822 or its homologs e.g. a DNA helicase, ATP-dependent dsDNA/ssDNA exonuclease V subunit, ssDNA endonuclease e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 455, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of α-linolenic acid between 15% and 20% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3129 or its homologs e.g. a putative protease; htrA suppressor protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 456, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of α-linolenic acid between 12% and 26% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3457 or its homologs e.g. a high-affinity branched-chain amino acid transport protein (ABC superfamily) e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 457, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of α-linolenic acid between 15% and 28% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3462 or its homologs e.g. a integral membrane cell division protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 458, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of α-linolenic acid between 13% and 17% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3644 or its homologs e.g. an uncharacterized stress-induced protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 459, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of α-linolenic acid between 13% and 36% or more is conferred.

[0046.0.6.6] In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs e.g. a DNA-dependent ATPase or DNA- and ATP-dependent coprotease protein is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YER173W or its homologs e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YER173W” is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGL205W or its homologs, e.g. a fatty-acyl coenzyme A oxidase protein is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs e.g. a “chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initation or completion” is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0050 or its homologs e.g. a conserved protein potentially involved in protein protein interaction is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0251 or its homologs e.g. a putative HTH-type transcriptional regulator is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0376 or its homologs e.g. a beta-lactamase/D-ala carboxypeptidase, penicillin binding protein is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0577 or its homologs e.g. a putative transport protein is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0849 or its homologs e.g. a glutaredoxin 1 redox coenzyme for glutathione-dependent ribonucleotide reductase is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2822 or its homologs e.g. a DNA helicase, ATP-dependent dsDNA/ssDNA exonuclease V subunit, ssDNA endonuclease is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3129 or its homologs e.g. a putative protease; htrA suppressor protein is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3457 or its homologs e.g. a high-affinity branched-chain amino acid transport protein (ABC superfamily) is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3462 or its homologs e.g. a integral membrane cell division protein is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3644 or its homologs e.g. an uncharacterized stress-induced protein is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid is conferred.

[0047.0.0.6] to [0048.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0047.0.0.6] and [0048.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0047.0.0.0] and [0048.0.0.0] above.

[0049.0.6.6] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular a polypeptide comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or of the polypeptide as shown in the amino acid sequences as disclosed in table II, columns 5 and 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by the nucleic acid molecule as shown in table I, columns 5 and 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.6.6] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “α-linolenic acid” also encompasses the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of α-linolenic acid or the salts of α-linolenic acid with amines such as diethylamine.

[0051.0.5.6] and [0052.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0051.0.5.6] and [0052.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0051.0.0.0] and [0052.0.0.0] above.

[0053.0.6.6] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps

-   -   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of         a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention         or of the polypeptid of the invention or the nucleic acid         molecule or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention,         e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459         or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column         7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, having herein-mentioned the         fine chemical increasing activity;     -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a         protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or         the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention,         e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459         or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column         7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or of a mRNA encoding the         polypeptide of the present invention having herein-mentioned         α-linolenic acid increasing activity;     -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the         increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid         molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present         invention or the nucleic acid molecule or the polypeptide used         in the method of the invention, having herein-mentioned         α-linolenic acid increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide         having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column         3, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or its homologs activity, e.g.         as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to         459, or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation of the polypeptide         of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the method of the         invention;     -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or         artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a         protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded         by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic         acid molecule used in the method of the invention or of the         polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the         method of the invention having herein-mentioned α-linolenic acid         increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of         a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 to 71 and         450 to 459 or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table         II, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459;     -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased         expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of         the present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention         having herein-mentioned α-linolenic acid increasing activity,         e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459         or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column         7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, by adding one or more         exogenous inducing factors to the organisms or parts thereof;     -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring         the increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic         acid molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the         present invention, having herein-mentioned α-linolenic acid         increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of         a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 to 71 and         450 to 459 or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table         II, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459;     -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased         expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide         encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the         nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or the         polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the         method of the invention having herein-mentioned α-linolenic acid         increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of         a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 to 71 and         450 to 459 or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table         II, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459;     -   h) increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the         polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the         method of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having an activity         of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 to 71         and 450 to 459 or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in         Table II, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, by adding         positive expression or removing negative expression elements,         e.g. homologous recombination can be used to either introduce         positive regulatory elements like for plants the 35S enhancer         into the promoter or to remove repressor elements form         regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods can be used         to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity of         positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced         in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be         identified in which the positive elements have be integrated         near to a gene of the invention, the expression of which is         thereby enhanced;     -   i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,         that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein         of the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example         microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher         temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat         shock proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical         production.     -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the         proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized         resources and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the         elite crops.

[0054.0.6.6] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of α-linolenic acid after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

[0055.0.0.6] to [0067.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0055.0.0.6] to [0067.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0055.0.0.0] to [0067.0.0.0] above.

[0068.0.5.6] and [0069.0.5.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0068.0.5.6] and [0069.0.5.6] see paragraphs [0068.0.0.0] and [0069.0.0.0] above.

[0070.0.6.6] and [0071.0.5.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0070.0.6.6] and [0071.0.5.6] see paragraphs [0070.0.5.5] and [0071.0.0.0] above.

[0072.0.6.6] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to α-linolenic acid, triglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing α-linolenic acid compounds such as palmitate, palmitoleate, stearate, oleate and/or linoleic acid.

[0073.0.6.6] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

-   -   a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a         non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal         tissue or a plant;     -   b) increasing the activity of a protein having the activity of a         polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the         method of the invention or a homolog thereof, e.g. as shown in         Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or of a         polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the         present invention and described below, i.e. conferring an         increase of the respective fine chemical in the organism,         preferably a microorganism, the a non-human animal, a plant or         animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or the plant,     -   c) growing the organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human         animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or the         plant under conditions which permit the production of the fine         chemical in the organism, preferably a microorganism, a plant         cell, a plant tissue or the plant; and     -   d) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or         bound the respective fine chemical and, optionally further free         and/or bound fatty acids synthetized by the organism, the         microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell,         the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.5.6] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0074.0.5.5] above.

[0075.0.0.6] to [0084.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0075.0.0.6] to [0084.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0075.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0] above.

[0085.0.6.6] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   -   a) the nucleic acid sequence as shown in table I, lines 68 to 71         and 450 to 459, columns 5 and 7 or a derivative thereof, or     -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which         is functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as shown         table I, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, columns 5 and 7 or a         derivative thereof, or     -   c) (a) and (b)         is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or         has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods,         it being possible for the modification to be, by way of example,         a substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of         one or more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the         natural chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the         presence in a genomic library. In the case of a genomic library,         the natural, genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is         preferably at least partially still preserved. The environment         flanks the nucleic acid sequence at least on one side and has a         sequence length of at least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp,         particularly preferably at least 1000 bp, very particularly         preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.6] and [0087.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0086.0.0.6] and [0087.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0086.0.0.0] and [0087.0.0.0] above.

[0088.0.6.6] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose fatty acid content is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for poultry is dependent on the abovementioned essential fatty acids and the general amount of fatty acids as energy source in feed. After the activity of a protein as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 has been increased or generated, or after the expression of nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide according to the invention has been generated or increased, the transgenic plant generated thus is grown on or in a nutrient medium or else in the soil and subsequently harvested.

[0088.1.0.6], [0089.0.0.6], [0090.0.0.6] and [0091.0.5.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0088.1.0.6], [0089.0.0.6], [0090.0.0.6] and [0091.0.5.6] see paragraphs [0088.1.0.0], [0089.0.0.0], [0090.0.0.0] and [0091.0.0.0] above.

[0092.0.0.6] to [0094.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0092.0.0.6] to [0094.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0092.0.0.0] to [0094.0.0.0] above.

[0095.0.5.6], [0096.0.5.6] and [0097.0.5.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0095.0.5.6], [0096.0.5.6] and [0097.0.5.6] see paragraphs [0095.0.5.5], [0096.0.5.5] and [0097.0.0.0] above.

[0098.0.6.6] In a preferred embodiment, the fine chemical (α-linolenic acid) is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further fatty acids such as palmitic acid, stearic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid and/or linoleic acid mixtures thereof or mixtures of other fatty acids by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.5.6] and [0100.0.5.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0099.0.5.6] and [0100.0.5.6] see paragraphs [0099.0.5.5] and [0100.0.5.5] above.

[0101.0.5.6] and [0102.0.5.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0101.0.5.6] and [0102.0.5.6] see [0101.0.0.0] and [0102.0.5.5] above.

[0103.0.6.6] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide having a sequence as shown in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 in or a fragment     thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the respective     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of the nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as shown in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primer pairs having a sequence as shown     in Table III, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 and conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequence as shown in Table IV, column 7,     lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of a polypeptide as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0103.1.0.6] and [0103.2.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0103.1.0.6] and [0103.2.0.6] see paragraphs [0103.1.0.0] and [0103.2.0.0] above.

[0104.0.6.6] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process distinguishes over the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably over the sequences as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 by one or more nucleotides or does not consist of the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably does not consist of the sequences as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably to the sequences as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of the sequence shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably of the sequences as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

[0105.0.0.6] to [0107.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0105.0.0.6] to [0107.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0105.0.0.0] and [0107.0.0.0] above.

[0108.0.6.6] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from the amino acid sequences shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in Table IV, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of a protein as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or e.g. conferring a α-linolenic acid increase after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.5.6] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0109.0.0.0] above.

[0110.0.6.6] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.6] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0111.0.0.0] above.

[0112.0.6.6] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 and 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 and conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0113.0.0.6] to [0120.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0113.0.0.6] to [0120.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0113.0.0.0] and [0120.0.0.0] above.

[0121.0.6.6] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity.

[0122.0.0.6] to [0127.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0122.0.0.6] to [0127.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0122.0.0.0] and [0127.0.0.0] above.

[0128.0.6.6] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as shown in Table III, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or the sequences as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

[0129.0.6.6] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence shown in Table IV, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 is derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.6.6] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0130.0.0.0].

[0131.0.0.6] to [0138.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0131.0.0.6] to [0138.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0131.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0] above.

[0139.0.6.6] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to the sequences shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the α-linolenic acid increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.6] to [0146.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0140.0.0.6] to [0146.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0140.0.0.0] and [0146.0.0.0] above.

[0147.0.6.6] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.6.6] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, or a functional portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular has the—fine-chemical-increasing activity after increasing its activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequence or its homologs.

[0149.0.6.6] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably of Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical.

[00149.1.0.5] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

[0150.0.6.6] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of methionine if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide sequence of the invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459. Preferred is Table I B, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

[0151.0.0.6] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0151.0.0.0] above.

[0152.0.6.6] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to the amino acid sequence shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the fine chemical production, in particular a α-linolenic acid increasing the activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.6.6] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 has for example an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

[0154.0.6.6] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 and having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.6] and [0156.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0155.0.0.6] and [0156.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0155.0.0.0] and [0156.0.0.0] above.

[0157.0.6.6] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptides comprising the consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or their functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, a consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459. Preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

[0158.0.0.6] to [0160.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0158.0.0.6] to [0160.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0] above.

[0161.0.6.6] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.6] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0162.0.0.0] above.

[0163.0.6.6] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the respective fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.6] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0164.0.0.0] above.

[0165.0.6.6] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

[0166.0.0.6] and [0167.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0166.0.0.6] and [0167.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0166.0.0.0] and [0167.0.0.0] above.

[0168.0.6.6] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, 95% homologous to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

[0169.0.0.6] to [0175.0.5.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0169.0.0.6] to [0175.0.5.6] see paragraphs [0169.0.0.0] to [0175.0.0.0] above.

[0176.0.6.6] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as the polypeptide as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

[0177.0.6.6] Functional equivalents derived from the nucleic acid sequence as shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as the polypeptide as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

[0178.0.0.6] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0178.0.0.0] above.

[0179.0.6.6] A nucleic acid molecule encoding a homologous to a protein sequence of as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences for example into a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.6] to [0183.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0180.0.0.6] to [0183.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0] above.

[0184.0.6.6] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.6.6] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotide sequences not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

[0186.0.6.6] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encode a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

[0187.0.6.6] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

[0188.0.6.6] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential biological activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 expressed under identical conditions.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention is a homolog consisting of or comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II B, columns 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

[0189.0.6.6] Homologues of sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or of the derived sequences shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.6], [0191.0.5.6], [00191.1.0.6] and [0192.0.0.6] to [0203.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0190.0.0.6], [0191.0.5.6], [0191.1.0.6] and [0192.0.0.6] to [0203.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0190.0.0.0], [0191.0.0.0], [0191.1.0.0] and [0192.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0] above.

[0204.0.6.6] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68     to 71 and 450 to 459; preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 68     to 71 and 450 to 459; or a fragment thereof conferring an increase     in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7,     lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 preferably of Table I B, column 7,     lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459; or a fragment thereof conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to -   (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using the     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines     68 to 71 and 450 to 459 and conferring an increase in the amount of     the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence shown in Table IV, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and     450 to 459 and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domain of the polypeptide shown in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably of Table     II B, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459; and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of the nucleic acid molecule     shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or a     nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature form     of, the polypeptide shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to     71 and 450 to 459, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; or which     encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over the sequence as depicted in Table IA,     columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 by one or more     nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the     invention does not consist of the sequence shown in Table IA or IB,     columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459. In an other     embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at     least 30% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or     99% identical to the sequence shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or     7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459. In a further embodiment the     nucleic acid molecule does not encode the polypeptide sequence shown     in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.     Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention encodes in one embodiment a polypeptide which     differs at least in one or more amino acids from the polypeptide as     depicted in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450     to 459 and therefore does not encode a protein of the sequence shown     in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.     Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequence of     a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does not consist of the     sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71     and 450 to 459. In a further embodiment, the protein of the present     invention is at least 30% identical to protein sequence depicted in     Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 and     less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more     preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to the     sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71     and 450 to 459.

[0205.0.0.6] to [0226.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0205.0.0.6] to [0226.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0205.0.0.0] to [0226.0.0.0] above.

[0227.0.6.6] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to the sequence mentioned in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway such as for palmitate, palmitoleate, stearate and/or oleate is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine the sequences shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.5.6] to [0230.0.5.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0228.0.5.6] to [0230.0.5.6] see paragraphs [0228.0.0.0] to [0230.0.0.0] above.

[0231.0.6.6] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a α-linolenic acid degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.6] to [0276.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0232.0.0.6] to [0276.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0232.0.0.0] to [0276.0.0.0] above.

[0277.0.5.6] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0277.0.5.5] above.

[0278.0.0.6] to [0282.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0278.0.0.6] to [0282.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0278.0.0.0] to [0282.0.0.0] above.

[0283.0.6.6] Moreover, native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, in particular, an antibody against polypeptides as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or an antigenic part thereof, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing polypeptides comprising or consisting of abovementioned sequences, e.g. the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies specifically binding to polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

[0284.0.0.6] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0284.0.0.0] above.

[0285.0.6.6] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having the sequence shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or as coded by the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.6.6] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a poylpeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

[0287.0.0.6] to [0290.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0287.0.0.6] to [0290.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0287.0.0.0] to [0290.0.0.0] above.

[0291.0.6.6] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over the sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In another embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

[0292.0.0.6] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0292.0.0.0] above.

[0293.0.6.6] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence, which distinguishes from the sequence as shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 by one or more amino acids. In another embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by the nucleic acid molecules shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

[0294.0.6.6] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459, which distinguishes over the sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.6], [0296.0.0.6] and [0297.0.5.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0295.0.0.6], [0296.0.0.6] and [0297.0.5.6] see paragraphs [0295.0.0.0] to [0297.0.0.0] above.

[00297.1.0.6] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity and/or the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 3, 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

[0298.0.6.6] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to confer the activity of the present invention. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

[0299.0.6.6] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the amino acid sequences of Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence of Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.6.6] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459.

[0301.0.0.6] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0301.0.0.0] above.

[0302.0.6.6] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.6] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0303.0.0.0] above.

[0304.0.6.6] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.5.6], [0306.0.5.6] and [0306.1.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0305.0.5.6], [0306.0.5.6] and [0306.1.0.6] see paragraphs [0305.0.0.0], [0306.0.0.0] and [0306.1.0.0] above.

[0307.0.0.6] and [0308.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0307.0.0.6] and [0308.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0307.0.0.0 and [0308.0.0.0] above.

[0309.0.6.6] In one embodiment, a reference to protein (=polypeptide)” of the invention e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide” or “other polypeptide” e.g. not indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide having a protein activity, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein and which is derived from the same or a different organism.

[0310.0.0.6] to [0334.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0310.0.0.6] to [0334.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0310.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0] above.

[0335.0.6.6] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence of one of the sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.6] to [0342.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0336.0.0.6] to [0342.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0] above.

[0343.0.6.6] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence of one of the sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.6] to [0350.0.0.6], [0351.0.5.6] and [0352.0.0.6] to [0361.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0344.0.0.5] to [0350.0.0.5], [0351.0.5.5] and [0352.0.0.5] to [0361.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0344.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0] above.

[0362.0.6.6] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. encoding a polypeptide having an activity of a protein such as the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459. Due to the above mentioned activity the fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a protein such as the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459. Activity means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, the activity of polypeptide having an activity of a protein such as the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or a similar activity, which is increased in the cell or organism or part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.6], [0364.0.5.6] and [0365.0.0.6] to [0379.0.5.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0363.0.0.6], [0364.0.5.6] and [0365.0.0.6] to [0379.0.5.6] see paragraphs [0363.0.0.0] to [0379.0.0.0] above.

[0380.0.5.6], [0381.0.0.6] and [0382.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0380.0.5.6], [0381.0.0.6] and [0382.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0380.0.5.5], [0381.0.0.0] and [0382.0.0.0] above.

[0383.0.5.6], [0384.0.0.6], [0385.0.5.6] and [0386.0.5.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0383.0.5.6], [0384.0.0.6], [0385.0.5.6] and [0386.0.5.6] see paragraphs [0383.0.5.5], [0384.0.0.0], [0385.0.5.5] and [0386.0.5.5] above.

[0387.0.0.6] to [0392.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0387.0.0.6] to [0392.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0387.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0] above.

[0393.0.6.6] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   -   (a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a         sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a         nucleic acid library, which can contain a candidate gene         encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the respective         fine chemical after expression, with the nucleic acid molecule         of the present invention;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of the present invention in particular to the nucleic         acid molecule sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines         68 to 71 and 450 to 459, preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or         7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 and, optionally, isolating the         full length cDNA clone or complete genomic clone;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells, preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism,         appropriate for producing the respective fine chemical;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host         cells; and     -   (f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product         which expression confers an increase in the respective fine         chemical level in the host cell after expression compared to the         wild type.

[0394.0.0.6] to [0415.0.0.6] and [0416.0.5.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0394.0.0.6] to [0415.0.0.6] and [0416.0.5.6] see paragraphs [0394.0.0.0] to [0416.0.0.0] above.

[0417.0.5.6] and [0418.0.0.6] to [0430.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0417.0.5.6] and [0418.0.0.6] to [0430.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0417.0.5.5] and [0418.0.0.0] to [0430.0.0.0] above.

[0431.0.5.6], [0432.0.5.6], [0433.0.0.6] and [0434.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0431.0.5.6], [0432.0.5.6], [0433.0.0.6] and [0434.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0431.0.0.0] to [0434.0.0.0] above.

[0435.0.5.6] to [0440.0.5.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0435.0.5.6] to [0440.0.5.6] see paragraphs [0435.0.5.5] to [0440.0.5.5] above.

[0441.0.0.6] and [0442.0.5.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0441.0.0.6] and [0442.0.5.6] see [0441.0.0.0] and [0442.0.5.5] above.

[0443.0.0.6] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0443.0.0.0] above.

[0444.0.5.6] and [0445.0.5.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0444.0.5.6] and [0445.0.5.6] see [0444.0.5.5] and [0445.0.5.5] above.

[0446.0.0.6] to [0453.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0446.0.0.6] to [0453.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0446.0.0.0] to [0453.0.0.0] above.

[0454.0.5.6] and [0455.0.5.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0454.0.5.6] and [0455.0.5.6] see [0454.0.5.5] and [0455.0.5.5] above.

[0456.0.0.6] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0456.0.0.0] above.

[0457.0.5.6] to [0460.0.5.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0457.0.5.6] to [0460.0.6.6] see paragraphs [0457.0.5.5] to [0460.0.5.5] above.

[0461.0.6.6] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 5304 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.6] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0462.0.0.0] above.

[0463.0.6.6] SEQ ID NO: 5304 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.5.6], [0465.0.5.6] and [0466.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0464.0.5.6], [0465.0.5.6] and [0466.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0464.0.5.5], [0465.0.5.5] and [0466.0.0.0] above.

[0467.0.6.6] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 5304:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 5640) atggctatcg acgaaaacaa acag ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 5641) ttaaaaatct tcgttagttt ctgctac

[0468.0.0.6] to [0479.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0468.0.0.6] to [0479.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0468.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0] above.

[0480.0.6.6] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 5304

[0481.0.0.6] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0481.0.0.0] above.

[0482.0.0.6] to [0513.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0482.0.0.6] to [0513.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0482.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0] above.

[0514.0.6.6] As an alternative, the fatty acids can be detected advantageously via HPLC separation in ethanolic extract as described by Geigenberger et al. (Plant Cell & Environ, 19, 1996: 43-55).

The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the table which follows:

TABLE 1 ORF Metabolite Method Min Max b2699 alpha Linolenic Acid GC 1.13 1.32 (C18:3 (c9,c12,c15)) YER173W alpha Linolenic Acid GC 1.15 1.54 (C18:3 (c9,c12,c15)) YGL205W alpha Linolenic Acid GC 1.13 1.24 (C18:3 (c9,c12,c15)) YIL150C alpha Linolenic Acid GC 3.43 3.43 (C18:3 (c9,c12,c15)) b0050 alpha Linolenic Acid GC 1.11 1.19 (C18:3 (c9,c12,c15)) b0251 alpha Linolenic Acid GC 1.14 1.29 (C18:3 (c9,c12,c15)) b0376 alpha Linolenic Acid GC 1.15 1.34 (C18:3 (c9,c12,c15)) b0577 alpha Linolenic Acid GC 1.12 1.96 (C18:3 (c9,c12,c15)) b0849 alpha Linolenic Acid GC 1.13 1.31 (C18:3 (c9,c12,c15)) b2822 alpha Linolenic Acid GC 1.15 1.20 (C18:3 (c9,c12,c15)) b3129 alpha Linolenic Acid GC 1.12 1.26 (C18:3 (c9.c12.c151) b3457 alpha Linolenic Acid GC 1.15 1.28 (C18:3 (c9,c12,c15)) b3462 alpha Linolenic Acid GC 1.13 1.17 (C18:3 (c9,c12,c15)) b3644 alpha Linolenic Acid GC 1.13 1.36 (C18:3 (c9,c12,c15))

[0515.0.5.6] Column 2 shows the fatty acid analyzed. Columns 4 and 5 shows the ratio of the analyzed fatty acid between the transgenic plants and the wild type; Increase of the metabolites: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type)-Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type). Decrease of the metabolites: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (minimal decrease), Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (maximal decrease). Column 3 indicates the analytical method.

[0516.0.0.6] and [0517.0.5.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0516.0.0.6] and [0517.0.5.6] see paragraphs [0516.0.0.0] and [0517.0.0.0] above.

[0518.0.0.6] to [0529.0.0.6] and [0530.0.5.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0518.0.0.6] to [0529.0.0.6] and [0530.0.5.6] see paragraphs [0518.0.0.0] to [0530.0.0.0] above.

[0530.1.0.6] to [0530.6.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0530.1.0.6] to [0530.6.0.6] see paragraphs [0530.1.0.0] to [0530.6.0.0] above.

[0531.0.0.6] to [0533.0.0.6] and [0534.0.5.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0531.0.0.6] to [0533.0.0.6] and [0534.0.5.6] see paragraphs [0531.0.0.0] to [0534.0.0.0] above.

[0535.0.0.6] to [0537.0.0.6] and [0538.0.5.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0535.0.0.6] to [0537.0.0.6] and [0538.0.5.6] see paragraphs [0535.0.0.0] to [0538.0.0.0] above.

[0539.0.0.6] to [0542.0.0.6] and [0543.0.5.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0539.0.0.6] to [0542.0.0.6] and [0543.0.5.6] see paragraphs [0539.0.0.0] to [0543.0.0.0] above.

[0544.0.0.6] to [0547.0.0.6] and [0548.0.5.6] to [0552.0.0.6] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0544.0.0.6] to [0547.0.0.6] and [0548.0.5.6] to [0552.0.0.6] see paragraphs [0544.0.0.0] to [0552.0.0.0] above.

[0552.1.6.6]: Example 15 Metabolite Profiling Info from Zea mays

Zea mays plants were engineered, grown and transformed as described in Example 14c.

The results of the different Zea mays plants analysed can be seen from Table 2, which follows:

TABLE 2 ORF_NAME Metabolite Min Max YIL150C alpha Linolenic Acid (C18:3 (c9,c12,c15)) 1.47 2.24

Table 2 exhibits the metabolic data from maize, shown in either TO or T1, describing the increase in α-linolenic acid in genetically modified corn plants expressing the Saccharomyces cerevisiae nucleic acid sequence YIL150C.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. a “chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion” or its homologs, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical α-linolenic acid between 47% and 124% is conferred.

[0552.2.0.6] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0552.2.0.0] above.

[0553.0.6.6]

-   1. A process for the production of α-linolenic acid, which comprises     -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to         459 or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism,         or in one or more parts thereof; and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of α-linolenic acid in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of α-linolenic acid, comprising the     increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the     expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a     nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or a         fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         α-linolenic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450         to 459;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of α-linolenic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of α-linolenic acid in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of α-linolenic acid in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 68 to 71         and 450 to 459 and conferring an increase in the amount of         α-linolenic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of α-linolenic         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 68         to 71 and 450 to 459 and conferring an increase in the amount of         α-linolenic acid in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         α-linolenic acid in an organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound α-linolenic acid. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         α-linolenic acid produced by the selected mutated organisms or         parts thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 or a         fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         α-linolenic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in

Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459;

-   -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of α-linolenic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of α-linolenic acid in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of α-linolenic acid in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 68 to 71         and 450 to 459 and conferring an increase in the amount of         α-linolenic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of α-linolenic         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 68         to 71 and 450 to 459 and conferring an increase in the amount of         α-linolenic acid in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         α-linolenic acid in an organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to         71 and 450 to 459 by one or more nucleotides.

-   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements.

-   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7.

-   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host.

-   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5.

-   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell.

-   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium.

-   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12.

-   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 68 to 71 and 450 to 459 by one or more     amino acids 15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the     polypeptide as claimed in claim 14.

-   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium.

-   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of α-linolenic acid in     an organism or a part thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of α-linolenic         acid in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound         or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions         which permit the expression the polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the α-linolenic acid level or the polypeptide         expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or         the media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured         or maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured α-linolenic acid level or polypeptide expression level         with a standard of α-linolenic acid or polypeptide expression         level measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a         sample comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an         increased level over the standard indicates that the compound or         the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist         and a decreased level over the standard indicates that the         compound or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is         an antagonist.

-   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased α-linolenic acid production in a plant or microorganism,     comprising the steps:     -   (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of α-linolenic acid in an organism or a part thereof and         a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide         under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the         polypeptide with dais readout system in the presence of a         compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and         capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the         binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which         permit the expression of said readout system and of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6         conferring an increase in the amount of α-linolenic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system.

-   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in α-linolenic acid production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in α-linolenic acid after expression with the nucleic         acid molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing α-linolenic acid;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the α-linolenic acid level in the host cells; and     -   (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the α-linolenic acid level in         the host cell in the host cell after expression compared to the         wild type.

-   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in α-linolenic acid production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the α-linolenic acid amount or         level in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and         which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing α-linolenic acid;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the α-linolenic acid level in the host cells; and     -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the α-linolenic acid level in         the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

-   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture.

-   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier.

-   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     α-linolenic acid after expression.

-   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of α-linolenic acid levels in an organism.

-   25. Food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the     plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim     16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified     according to the method of claim 19 or 20.

-   26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according     to the method of claim 19 or 20 for the protection of a plant     against a α-linolenic acid synthesis inhibiting herbicide.

[0554.0.0.6] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.0]

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.0.7] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.7] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0001.0.0.0].

[0002.0.7.7] Fatty acids and triglycerides have numerous applications in the food and feed industry, in cosmetics and in the drug sector. Depending on whether they are free saturated or unsaturated fatty acids or triglycerides with an increased content of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, they are suitable for the most varied applications; thus, for example, polyunsaturated fatty acids (=PUFAs) are added to infant formula to increase its nutritional value. The various fatty acids and triglycerides are mainly obtained from microorganisms such as fungi or from oil-producing plants including phytoplankton and algae, such as soybean, oilseed rape, sunflower and others, where they are usually obtained in the form of their triacylglycerides.

[0003.0.7.7] Stearic acid (=octadecanoic acid) is one of the many useful types of saturated fatty acids that comes from many animal and vegetable fats and oils. It is a waxy solid that melts at around 70° C. Commenly stearic acid is either prepared by treating animal fat with water at a high pressure and temperature or starting with vegetable oils by hydrogenation of said oils. It is useful as an ingredient in making candles, soaps, and cosmetics and for softening rubber.

[0004.0.7.7] Principally microorganisms such as Mortierella or oil producing plants such as soybean, rapeseed or sunflower or algae such as Crytocodinium or Phaeodactylum are a common source for oils containing fatty acids, where they are usually obtained in the form of their triacyl glycerides. Alternatively, they are obtained advantageously from animals, such as fish. The free fatty acids are prepared advantageously by hydrolysis with a strong base such as potassium or sodium hydroxide.

[0005.0.5.7] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0005.0.5.5] above.

[0006.0.7.7] Unlike most saturated fats, stearic acid does not seem to increase cholesterol levels in the blood, because liver enzymes convert it to an unsaturated fat during digestion.

[0007.0.7.7] Stearic acid is the most common one of the long-chain fatty acids. It is found in many foods, such as beef fat, and cocoa butter. It is widely used as mentioned above as a lubricant, in soaps, cosmetics, food packaging, deodorant sticks, toothpastes, and as a softener in rubber.

[0008.0.7.7] Encouraging research shows that stearic acid, one of the components of the fat found in the cocoa butter of chocolate, may have some positive effects on platelets. The mechanism believed to be responsible for the potential platelet activation by stearic acid involves Arachidonic metabolism, which includes thromboxane A2, a potent aggregating compound, and prostaglandin 12, a potent anti-aggregating compound.

[0009.0.7.7] As described above, fatty acids are used in a lot of different applications, for example in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and in feed and food.

[0010.0.7.7] Therefore improving the productivity of such fatty acids and improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the different industries.

[0011.0.7.7] To ensure a high productivity of certain fatty acids in plants or microorganism, it is necessary to manipulate the natural biosynthesis of fatty acids in said organism.

[0012.0.7.7] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes which participate in the biosynthesis of fatty acids and make it possible to produce certain fatty acids specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of fatty acids on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.7] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0013.0.0.0] above.

[0014.0.7.7] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is stearic acid or tryglycerides, lipids, oils or fats containing stearic acid. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid”. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising stearic acid and/or triglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid.

[0015.0.7.7] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, stearic acid and its salts, ester, thioester or stearic acid in free form or bound to other compounds such as triglycerides, glycolipids, phospholipids etc. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means stearic acid, in free form or its salts or bound to triglycerides. Triglycerides, lipids, oils, fats or lipid mixture thereof shall mean any triglyceride, lipid, oil and/or fat containing any bound or free stearic acid for example sphingolipids, phosphoglycerides, lipids, glycolipids such as glycosphingolipids, phospholipids such as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol or diphosphatidylglycerol, or as monoacylglyceride, diacylglyceride or triacylglyceride or other fatty acid esters such as acetyl-Coenzym A thioester, which contain further saturated or unsaturated fatty acids in the fatty acid molecule.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” and the term “the respective fine chemical” mean at least one chemical compound with an activity of the above mentioned fine chemical.

[0016.0.7.7] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a b2699, b2095, b3256,     b2699, b1093,

YOR024W, YBR089C, YFR042W, YIL150C, YDR513W, YLR010C, b0161, b1896 and/or b3457 protein(s) or of a protein having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and

-   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus, stearic acid or fine     chemicals comprising stearic acid, in said organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3,     lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or having the sequence of a     polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I,     column 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, in a non-human     organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, in particular stearic acid.

[0017.0.0.7] and [0018.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0017.0.0.7] and [0018.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0017.0.0.0] and [0018.0.0.0] above.

[0019.0.7.7] Advantageously the process for the production of the fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the fine chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.

[0020.0.7.7] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of at least one of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein(s) indicated in Table II, Column 3, lines 75 to 80 and/or the Escherichia coli K12 protein(s) indicated in Table II, Column 3, lines 72 to 74, 81 and 460 to 462 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the stearic acid (or fine chemical) content of the transformed plants.

[0021.0.0.7] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0021.0.0.0] above.

[0022.0.7.7] The sequence of b3256 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as acetyl CoA carboxylase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a acetyl CoA carboxylase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, preferably stearic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a acetyl CoA carboxylase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2699 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as DNA-dependent ATPase or DNA- and ATP-dependent coprotease. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a DNA-dependent ATPase or DNA- and ATP-dependent coprotease from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of stearic and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, preferably stearic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a DNA-dependent ATPase or DNA- and ATP-dependent coprotease is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. The sequence of b2095 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as putative tagatose-6-phosphate kinase 1. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a putative tagatose-6-phosphate kinase 1 from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, preferably stearic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a putative tagatose-6-phosphate kinase 1 is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1093 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as 3-oxoacyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] reductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a 3-oxoacyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] reductase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, preferably stearic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a 3-oxoacyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] reductase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YOR024W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been submitted from de Haan to the EMBL Protein Sequence Database, July 1996 and its cellular activity has not been characterized yet. It is probably a membrane protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of YOR024W, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, preferably stearic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a YOR024W is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YBR089C-A from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Feldmann et al., EMBO J., 13 (24), 5795-5809 (1994) and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its cellular activity has not been characterized yet. It shows homology to mammalian high mobility group proteins 1 and 2. Its function may be redundantly with the highly homologous gene NHP6A. Furthermore it shows homology to the high-mobility group non-histone chromatin protein Nhp6 bp. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a YBR089C-A activity from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, preferably stearic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a YBR089C-A protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YFR042W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Murakami et al., Nat. Genet. 10 (3), 261-268 (1995) and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its cellular activity has not been clearly characterized yet. It seams to be a “protein, which is required for cell viability”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a YFR042W activity from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, preferably stearic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a YFR042W protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YIL150C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Churcher et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 84-87 (1997) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity has not been characterized yet. It seams to be a “protein required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of YIL150C, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, preferably stearic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a YIL150C protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YDR513w from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78 (1997) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity has characterized as glutaredoxin (thioltransferase, glutathione reductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of YDR513w, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, preferably stearic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a glutaredoxin is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YLR010c from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Johnston et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 87-90 (1997) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity has not been characterized yet. It seams to be a “protein involved in telomeric pathways in association with Stn1”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of YLR010C, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, preferably stearic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a YLR010C protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0161 (Accession number NP_(—)414703) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a periplasmic serine protease (heat shock protein). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a periplasmic serine protease from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, preferably stearic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a periplasmic serine protease is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1896 (Accession number NP_(—)416410) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, preferably stearic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. The sequence of b3457 (Accession number NP_(—)417914) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a high-affinity branched-chain amino acid transport protein (ABC superfamily). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a high-affinity branched-chain amino acid transport protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, preferably stearic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a high-affinity branched-chain amino acid transport protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

[0023.0.7.7] Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the fine chemical amount or content. Further, in the present invention, the term “homologue” relates to the sequence of an organism having the highest sequence homology to the herein mentioned or listed sequences of all expressed sequences of said organism.

However, the person skilled in the art knows, that, preferably, the homologue has said fine-chemical increasing activity and, if known, the same biological function or activity in the organism as at least one of the protein(s) indicated in Table II, Column 3, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, e.g. having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule comprising the sequence indicated in Table I, Column 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.

In one embodiment, the homolog of any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, lines 75 to 80 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms and being derived from an Eukaryot. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 72 to 74, 81 and 460 to 462 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 75 to 80 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in an organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines lines 72 to 74, 81 and 460 to 462 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof and being derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 75 to 80 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof and being derived from Ascomycota. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 72 to 74, 81 and 460 to 462 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 75 to 80 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 72 to 74, 81 and 460 to 462 is a homolog having the samie or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 75 to 80 is a homolog having the samie or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of the a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines lines 72 to 74, 81 and 460 to 462 is a homolog having the samie or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 75 to 80 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms, and being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 72 to 74, 81 and 460 to 462 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Escherichia. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 75 to 80 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 75 to 80 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycetes.

[0023.1.0.7] and [0024.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0023.1.0.7] and [0024.0.0.7] see [0023.1.0.0] and [0024.0.0.0] above.

[0025.0.7.7] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462” if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid level in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism and the protein has the above mentioned activities of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462. Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to a protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 75 to 80 and/or a protein of E. coli K12 as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 72 to 74, 81 and 460 to 462.

[0025.1.0.7] and [0025.2.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0025.1.0.7] and [0025.2.0.7] see paragraphs [0025.1.0.0] and [0025.2.0.0] above.

[0026.0.0.7] to [0033.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0026.0.0.7] to [0033.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0026.0.0.0] to [0033.0.0.0] above.

[0034.0.7.7] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention. E.g., it differs by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, its biochemical or genetical causes and therefore shows the increased amount of the fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.7] to [0038.0.0.7] and [0039.0.5.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0035.0.0.7] to [0038.0.0.7] and [0039.0.5.7] see paragraphs [0035.0.0.0] to [0039.0.0.0] above.

[0040.0.0.7] to [0044.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0040.0.0.7] to [0044.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0035.0.0.0] and [0044.0.0.0] above.

[0045.0.7.7] In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3256 or its homologs e.g. a acetyl CoA carboxylase protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 72, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of stearic acid between 17% and 25% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs e.g. a DNA-dependent ATPase or DNA- and ATP-dependent coprotease protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 73, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of stearic acid between 22% and 83% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2095 or its homologs e.g. a putative tagatose-6-phosphate kinase 1 e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 74, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of stearic acid between 17% and 26% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1093 or its homologs e.g. a 3-oxoacyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] reductase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 81, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of stearic acid between 16% and 31% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR024W or its homologs, e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YOR024W”, which seams to be “probably a membrane protein” e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 75 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of stearic acid between 16% and 40% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBR089C-A or its homologs, e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YBR089C-A”, which seams to have “homology to mammalian high mobility group proteins 1 and 2” e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 76 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of stearic acid between 36% and 134% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFR042W or its homologs, e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YFR042W”, which seams to be a “protein, which is required for cell viability” e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 77 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of stearic acid between 19% and 26% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YIL150C”, which is probably a “protein required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion” e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 78 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of stearic acid between 34% and 220% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR513W or its homologs, e.g. a “glutaredoxin (thioltransferase, glutathione reductase)” e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 79 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of stearic acid between 16% and 51% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLR010C or its homologs, e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YLR010C”, which is probably a “protein involved in telomeric pathways in association with Stn1” e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 80 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of stearic acid between 16% and 76% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0161 or its homologs e.g. a periplasmic serine protease e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 460, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of stearic acid between 16% and 129% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1896 or its homologs e.g. a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 461, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of stearic acid between 23% and 30% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3457 or its homologs e.g. a high-affinity branched-chain amino acid transport protein (ABC superfamily) e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 462, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of stearic acid between 18% and 34% or more is conferred.

[0046.0.7.7] In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3256 or its homologs e.g. a acetyl CoA carboxylase protein, is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs e.g. a DNA-dependent ATPase or DNA- and ATP-dependent coprotease protein, is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2095 or its homologs e.g. a putative tagatose-6-phosphate kinase 1, is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1093 or its homologs e.g. a 3-oxoacyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] reductase, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR024W or its homologs, e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YOR024W”, which seams to be “probably a membrane protein” is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBR089C-A or its homologs, e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YBR089C-A”, which seams to have “homology to mammalian high mobility group proteins 1 and 2” is increased, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFR042W or its homologs, e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YFR042W”, which seams to be a “protein, which is required for cell viability” is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YIL150C”, which is probably a “protein required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion” is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR513W or its homologs, e.g. a “glutaredoxin (thioltransferase, glutathione reductase)” is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLR010C or its homologs, e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YLR010C”, which is probably a “protein involved in telomeric pathways in association with Stn1” is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0161 or its homologs e.g. a periplasmic serine protease is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1896 or its homologs e.g. a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3457 or its homologs e.g. a high-affinity branched-chain amino acid transport protein (ABC superfamily) is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid is conferred.

[0047.0.0.7] to [0048.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0047.0.0.7] and [0048.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0047.0.0.0] and [0048.0.0.0] above.

[0049.0.7.7] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular a polypeptide comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or of the polypeptide as shown in the amino acid sequences as disclosed in table II, columns 5 and 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by the nucleic acid molecule as shown in table I, columns 5 and 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.7.7] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “stearic acid” also encompasses the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of stearic acid or the salts of stearic acid with amines such as diethylamine.

[0051.0.5.7] and [0052.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0051.0.5.7] and [0052.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0051.0.0.0] and [0052.0.0.0] above.

[0053.0.7.7] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps

-   -   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of         a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention         or of the polypeptid of the invention or the nucleic acid         molecule or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention,         e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462         or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column         7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, having herein-mentioned         stearic acid increasing activity;     -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a         protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or         the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention,         e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462         or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column         7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or of a mRNA encoding the         polypeptide of the present invention having herein-mentioned         stearic acid increasing activity;     -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the         increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid         molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present         invention or the nucleic acid molecule or the polypeptide used         in the method of the invention, having herein-mentioned stearic         acid increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an         activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines         72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or its homologs activity, e.g. as         indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462,         or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation of the polypeptide of         the invention or of the polypeptide used in the method of the         invention;     -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or         artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a         protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded         by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic         acid molecule used in the method of the invention or of the         polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the         method of the invention having herein-mentioned stearic acid         increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of         a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 72 to 81 and         460 to 462 or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table         II, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462;     -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased         expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of         the present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention         having herein-mentioned stearic acid increasing activity, e.g.         of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in         Table II, column 3, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or its         homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7,         lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, by adding one or more exogenous         inducing factors to the organisms or parts thereof;     -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring         the increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic         acid molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the         present invention, having herein-mentioned stearic acid         increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of         a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 72 to 81 and         460 to 462 or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table         II, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462;     -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased         expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide         encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the         nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or the         polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the         method of the invention having herein-mentioned stearic acid         increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of         a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 72 to 81 and         460 to 462 or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table         II, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462;     -   h) increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the         polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the         method of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having an activity         of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 72 to 81         and 460 to 462 or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in         Table II, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, by adding         positive expression or removing negative expression elements,         e.g. homologous recombination can be used to either introduce         positive regulatory elements like for plants the 35S enhancer         into the promoter or to remove repressor elements form         regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods can be used         to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity of         positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced         in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be         identified in which the positive elements have be integrated         near to a gene of the invention, the expression of which is         thereby enhanced;     -   i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,         that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein         of the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example         microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher         temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat         shock proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical         production.     -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the         proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized         resources and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the         elite crops.

[0054.0.7.7] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of stearic acid after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.

[0055.0.0.7] to [0067.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0055.0.0.7] to [0067.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0055.0.0.0] to [0067.0.0.0] above.

[0068.0.5.7] and [0069.0.5.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0068.0.5.7] and [0069.0.5.7] see paragraphs [0068.0.0.0] and [0069.0.0.0] above.

[0070.0.6.7] and [0071.0.5.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0070.0.6.7] and [0071.0.5.7] see paragraphs [0070.0.5.5] and [0071.0.0.0] above.

[0072.0.7.7] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to stearic acid, triglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid compounds such as palmitate, palmitoleate, stearate, oleate, α-linolenic acid and/or linoleic acid.

[0073.0.7.7] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant; b) increasing the activity of a protein having the activity of a polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or a homolog thereof, e.g. as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and described below, i.e. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in the organism, preferably a microorganism, the a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or the plant, c) growing the organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or the plant under conditions which permit the production of the fine chemical in the organism, preferably a microorganism, a plant cell, a plant tissue or the plant; and d) if desired, revovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or bound the respective fine chemical and, optionally further free and/or bound fatty acids synthetized by the organism, the microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.5.7] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0074.0.5.5] above.

[0075.0.0.7] to [0084.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0075.0.0.7] to [0084.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0075.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0] above.

[0085.0.7.7] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   -   a) the nucleic acid sequence as shown in table I, lines 72 to 81         and 460 to 462, columns 5 and 7 or a derivative thereof, or     -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which         is functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as shown         table I, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, columns 5 and 7 or a         derivative thereof, or     -   c) (a) and (b)         is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or         has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods,         it being possible for the modification to be, by way of example,         a substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of         one or more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the         natural chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the         presence in a genomic library. In the case of a genomic library,         the natural, genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is         preferably at least partially still preserved. The environment         flanks the nucleic acid sequence at least on one side and has a         sequence length of at least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp,         particularly preferably at least 1000 bp, very particularly         preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.7] and [0087.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0086.0.0.7] and [0087.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0086.0.0.0] and [0087.0.0.0] above.

[0088.0.7.7] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose fatty acid content is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for poultry is dependent on the abovementioned essential fatty acids and the general amount of fatty acids as energy source in feed. After the activity of a protein as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 has been increased or generated, or after the expression of nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide according to the invention has been generated or increased, the transgenic plant generated thus is grown on or in a nutrient medium or else in the soil and subsequently harvested.

[0088.1.0.7], [0089.0.0.7], [0090.0.0.7] and [0091.0.5.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0088.1.0.7], [0089.0.0.7], [0090.0.0.7] and [0091.0.5.7] see paragraphs [0088.1.0.0], [0089.0.0.0], [0090.0.0.0] and [0091.0.0.0] above.

[0092.0.0.7] to [0094.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0092.0.0.7] to [0094.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0092.0.0.0] to [0094.0.0.0] above.

[0095.0.5.7], [0096.0.5.7] and [0097.0.5.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0095.0.5.7], [0096.0.5.7] and [0097.0.5.7] see paragraphs [0095.0.5.5], [0096.0.5.5] and [0097.0.0.0] above.

[0098.0.7.7] In a preferred embodiment, the fine chemical (stearic acid) is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further fatty acids such as palmitic acid, stearic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid and/or linoleic acid mixtures thereof or mixtures of other fatty acids by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.5.7] and [0100.0.5.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0099.0.5.7] and [0100.0.5.7] see paragraphs [0099.0.5.5] and [0100.0.5.5] above.

[0101.0.5.7] and [0102.0.5.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0101.0.5.7] and [0102.0.5.7] see [0101.0.0.0] and [0102.0.5.5] above.

[0103.0.7.7] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide having a sequence as shown in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 in or a fragment     thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the respective     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of the nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as shown in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primer pairs having a sequence as shown     in Table III, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 and conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequence as shown in Table IV, column 7,     lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of a polypeptide as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0103.1.0.7] and [0103.2.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0103.1.0.7] and [0103.2.0.7] see paragraphs [0103.1.0.0] and [0103.2.0.0] above.

[0104.0.7.7] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process distinguishes over the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably over the sequences as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 by one or more nucleotides or does not consist of the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably over the sequences as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably over the sequences as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of the sequence shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably of the sequences as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.

[0105.0.0.7] to [0107.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0105.0.0.7] to [0107.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0105.0.0.0] and [0107.0.0.0] above.

[0108.0.7.7] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from the amino acid sequences shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in Table IV, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of a protein as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or e.g. conferring a linoleic acid increase after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.5.7] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0109.0.0.0] above.

[0110.0.7.7] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.7] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0111.0.0.0] above.

[0112.0.7.7] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 and 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 and conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0113.0.0.7] to [0120.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0113.0.0.7] to [0120.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0113.0.0.0] and [0120.0.0.0] above.

[0121.0.7.7] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity.

[0122.0.0.7] to [0127.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0122.0.0.7] to [0127.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0122.0.0.0] and [0127.0.0.0] above.

[0128.0.7.7] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as shown in Table III, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or the sequences as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.

[0129.0.7.7] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence shown in Table IV, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 is derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.7.7] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0130.0.0.0].

[0131.0.0.7] to [0138.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0131.0.0.7] to [0138.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0131.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0] above.

[0139.0.7.7] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to the sequences shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the stearic acid increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.7] to [0146.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0140.0.0.7] to [0146.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0140.0.0.0] and [0146.0.0.0] above.

[0147.0.7.7] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.7.7] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, or a functional portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular has the—fine-chemical-increasing activity after increasing its activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequence or its homologs.

[0149.0.7.7] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably of Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical.

[00149.1.0.7] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.

[0150.0.7.7] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of methionine if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide sequence of the invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462. Preferred is Table I B, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.

[0151.0.0.7] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0151.0.0.0] above.

[0152.0.7.7] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to the amino acid sequence shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the fine chemical production, in particular a stearic acid increasing the activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.7.7] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or protion thereof as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 has for example an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 are described herein.

[0154.0.7.7] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 and having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.7] and [0156.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0155.0.0.7] and [0156.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0155.0.0.0] and [0156.0.0.0] above.

[0157.0.7.7] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptides comprising the consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or their functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, a consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462. Preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.

[0158.0.0.7] to [0160.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0158.0.0.7] to [0160.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0] above.

[0161.0.7.7] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.7] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0162.0.0.0] above.

[0163.0.7.7] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the respective fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.7] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0164.0.0.0] above.

[0165.0.7.7] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.

[0166.0.0.7] and [0167.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0166.0.0.7] and [0167.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0166.0.0.0] and [0167.0.0.0] above.

[0168.0.7.7] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, 95% homologous to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.

Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, and indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.

[0169.0.0.7] to [0175.0.5.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0169.0.0.7] to [0175.0.5.7] see paragraphs [0169.0.0.0] to [0175.0.0.0] above.

[0176.0.7.7] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as the polypeptide as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.

[0177.0.7.7] Functional equivalents derived from the nucleic acid sequence as shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as the polypeptide as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.

[0178.0.0.7] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0178.0.0.0] above.

[0179.0.7.7] A nucleic acid molecule encoding a homologous to a protein sequence of as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences for example into a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.7] to [0183.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0180.0.0.7] to [0183.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0] above.

[0184.0.7.7] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.7.7] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotide sequences not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.

[0186.0.7.7] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encode a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.

[0187.0.7.7] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.

[0188.0.7.7] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential biological activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 expressed under identical conditions.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention is a homolog consisting of or comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II B, columns 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.

[0189.0.7.7] Homologues of sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or of the derived sequences shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.7], [0191.0.5.7], [00191.1.0.7] and [0192.0.0.7] to [0203.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0190.0.0.7], [0191.0.5.7], [0191.1.0.7] and [0192.0.0.7] to [0203.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0190.0.0.0], [0191.0.0.0], [0191.1.0.0] and [0192.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0] above.

[0204.0.7.7] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72     to 81 and 460 to 462; preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 72     to 81 and 460 to 462; or a fragment thereof conferring an increase     in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7,     lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 preferably of Table I B, column 7,     lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462; or a fragment thereof conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to -   (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using the     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines     72 to 81 and 460 to 462 and conferring an increase in the amount of     the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence shown in Table IV, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and     460 to 462 and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of the polypeptide shown in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably of Table     II B, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462; and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of the nucleic acid molecule     shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or a     nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature form     of, the polypeptide shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to     81 and 460 to 462, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; or which     encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over the sequence as depicted in Table IA,     columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 by one or more     nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the     invention does not consist of the sequence shown in Table IA or IB,     columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462. In an other     embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at     least 30% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or     99% identical to the sequence shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or     7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462. In a further embodiment the     nucleic acid molecule does not encode the polypeptide sequence shown     in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.     Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention encodes in one embodiment a polypeptide which     differs at least in one or more amino acids from the polypeptide as     depicted in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460     to 462 and therefore does not encode a protein of the sequence shown     in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.     Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequence of     a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does not consist of the     sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81     and 460 to 462. In a further embodiment, the protein of the present     invention is at least 30% identical to protein sequence depicted in     Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 and     less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more     preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to the     sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81     and 460 to 462.

[0205.0.0.7] to [0226.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0205.0.0.7] to [0226.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0205.0.0.0] to [0226.0.0.0] above.

[0227.0.7.7] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to the sequence mentioned in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway such as for palmitate, palmitoleate, stearate and/or oleate is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine the sequences shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.5.7] to [0230.0.5.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0228.0.5.7] to [0230.0.5.7] see paragraphs [0228.0.0.0] to [0230.0.0.0] above.

[0231.0.7.7] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a stearic acid degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.7] to [0276.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0232.0.0.7] to [0276.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0232.0.0.0] to [0276.0.0.0] above.

[0277.0.5.7] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0277.0.5.5] above.

[0278.0.0.7] to [0282.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0278.0.0.7] to [0282.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0278.0.0.0] to [0282.0.0.0] above.

[0283.0.7.7] Moreover, native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, in particular, an antibody against polypeptides as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or an antigenic part thereof, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing polypeptides comprising or consisting of abovementioned sequences, e.g. the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies specifically binding to polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.

[0284.0.0.7] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0284.0.0.0] above.

[0285.0.7.7] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having the sequence shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or as coded by the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.7.7] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a poylpeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.

[0287.0.0.7] to [0290.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0287.0.0.7] to [0290.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0287.0.0.0] to [0290.0.0.0] above.

[0291.0.7.7] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over the sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In another embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.

[0292.0.0.7] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0292.0.0.0] above.

[0293.0.7.7] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence, which distinguishes from the sequence as shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 by one or more amino acids. In another embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by the nucleic acid molecules shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.

[0294.0.7.7] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, which distinguishes over the sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.7], [0296.0.0.7] and [0297.0.5.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0295.0.0.7], [0296.0.0.7] and [0297.0.5.7] see paragraphs [0295.0.0.0] to [0297.0.0.0] above.

[00297.1.0.7] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity and/or the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 3, 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.

[0298.0.7.7] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to confer the activity of the present invention. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.

[0299.0.7.7] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the amino acid sequences of Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence of Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.7.7] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462.

[0301.0.0.7] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0301.0.0.0] above.

[0302.0.7.7] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.7] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0303.0.0.0] above.

[0304.0.7.7] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.5.7], [0306.0.5.7] and [0306.1.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0305.0.5.7], [0306.0.5.7] and [0306.1.0.7] see paragraphs [0305.0.0.0], [0306.0.0.0] and [0306.1.0.0] above.

[0307.0.0.7] and [0308.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0307.0.0.7] and [0308.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0307.0.0.0 and [0308.0.0.0] above.

[0309.0.7.7] In one embodiment, a reference to protein (=polypeptide)” of the invention e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide” or “other polypeptide” e.g. not indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide having a protein activity, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein and which is derived from the same or a different organism.

[0310.0.0.7] to [0334.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0310.0.0.7] to [0334.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0310.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0] above.

[0335.0.7.7] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence of one of the sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.7] to [0342.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0336.0.0.7] to [0342.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0] above.

[0343.0.7.7] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence of one of the sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.7] to [0350.0.0.7], [0351.0.5.7] and [0352.0.0.7] to [0361.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0344.0.0.7] to [0350.0.0.7], [0351.0.5.7] and [0352.0.0.7] to [0361.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0344.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0] above.

[0362.0.7.7] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. encoding a polypeptide having an activity of a protein such as the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462. Due to the above mentioned activity the fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a protein such as the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462. Activity means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, the activity of polypeptide having an activity of a protein such as the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or a similar activity, which is increased in the cell or organism or part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.7], [0364.0.5.7] and [0365.0.0.7] to [0379.0.5.7 for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0363.0.0.7], [0364.0.5.7] and [0365.0.0.7] to [0379.0.5.7] see paragraphs [0363.0.0.0] to [0379.0.0.0] above.

[0380.0.5.7], [0381.0.0.7] and [0382.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0380.0.5.7], [0381.0.0.7] and [0382.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0380.0.5.5], [0381.0.0.0] and [0382.0.0.0] above.

[0383.0.5.7], [0384.0.0.7], [0385.0.5.7] and [0386.0.5.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0383.0.5.7], [0384.0.0.7], [0385.0.5.7] and [0386.0.5.7] see paragraphs [0383.0.5.5], [0384.0.0.0], [0385.0.5.5] and [0386.0.5.5] above.

[0387.0.0.7] to [0392.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0387.0.0.7] to [0392.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0387.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0] above.

[0393.0.7.7] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

(a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical after expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462, preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 and, optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete genomic clone; (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells, preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for producing the respective fine chemical; (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (e) assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host cells; and (f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the respective fine chemical level in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.7] to [0415.0.0.7] and [0416.0.5.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0394.0.0.7] to [0415.0.0.7] and [0416.0.5.7] see paragraphs [0394.0.0.0] to [0416.0.0.0] above.

[0417.0.5.7] and [0418.0.0.7] to [0430.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0417.0.5.7] and [0418.0.0.7] to [0430.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0417.0.5.5] and [0418.0.0.0] to [0430.0.0.0] above.

[0431.0.5.7], [0432.0.5.7], [0433.0.0.7] and [0434.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0431.0.5.7], [0432.0.5.7], [0433.0.0.7] and [0434.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0431.0.0.0] to [0434.0.0.0] above.

[0435.0.5.7] to [0440.0.5.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0435.0.5.7] to [0440.0.5.7] see paragraphs [0435.0.5.5] to [0440.0.5.5] above.

[0441.0.0.7] and [0442.0.5.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0441.0.0.7] and [0442.0.5.7] see [0441.0.0.0] and [0442.0.5.5] above.

[0443.0.0.7] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0443.0.0.0] above.

[0444.0.5.7] and [0445.0.5.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0444.0.5.7] and [0445.0.5.7] see [0444.0.5.5] and [0445.0.5.5] above.

[0446.0.0.7] to [0453.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0446.0.0.7] to [0453.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0446.0.0.0] to [0453.0.0.0] above.

[0454.0.5.7] and [0455.0.5.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0454.0.5.7] and [0455.0.5.7] see [0454.0.5.5] and [0455.0.5.5] above.

[0456.0.0.7] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0456.0.0.0] above.

[0457.0.5.7] to [0460.0.5.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0457.0.5.7] to [0460.0.6.7] see paragraphs [0457.0.5.5] to [0460.0.5.5] above.

[0461.0.7.7] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 5818 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.7] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0462.0.0.0] above.

[0463.0.7.7] SEQ ID NO: 5818 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.5.7], [0465.0.5.7] and [0466.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0464.0.5.7], [0465.0.5.7] and [0466.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0464.0.5.5], [0465.0.5.5] and [0466.0.0.0] above.

[0467.0.7.7] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 5818:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 6426) ttatttttcc tgaagaccga gttttt ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 6427) atgctggata aaattgttat tgcc

[0468.0.0.7] to [0479.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0468.0.0.7] to [0479.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0468.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0] above.

[0480.0.7.7] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 5818

[0481.0.0.7] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0481.0.0.0] above.

[0482.0.0.7] to [0513.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0482.0.0.7] to [0513.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0482.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0] above.

[0514.0.7.7] As an alternative, the amino acids can be detected advantageously via HPLC separation in ethanolic extract as described by Geigenberger et al. (Plant Cell & Environ, 19, 1996: 43-55).

The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the table, which follows:

TABLE 1 ORF Metabolite Method Min Max b3256 Stearic Acid (C18:0) GC 1.17 1.25 b2699 Stearic Acid (C18:0) GC 1.22 1.83 b2095 Stearic Acid (C18:0) GC 1.17 1.26 YOR024W Stearic Acid (C18:0) GC 1.16 1.40 YBR089C-A Stearic Acid (C18:0) GC 1.36 2.34 YFR042W Stearic Acid (C18:0) GC 1.19 1.26 YIL150C Stearic Acid (C18:0) GC 1.34 3.20 YDR513W Stearic Acid (C18:0) GC 1.16 1.51 YLR010C Stearic Acid (C18:0) GC 1.16 1.76 b1093 Stearic Acid (C18:0) GC 1.16 1.31 b0161 Stearic acid (C18:0) GC 1.16 2.29 b1896 Stearic acid (C18:0) GC 1.23 1.30 b3457 Stearic acid (C18:0) GC 1.18 1.34

[0515.0.5.7] Column 2 shows the fatty acid analyzed. Columns 4 and 5 shows the ratio of the analyzed fatty acid between the transgenic plants and the wild type; Increase of the metabolites: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type)-Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type). Decrease of the metabolites: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (minimal decrease), Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (maximal decrease). Column 3 indicates the analytical method.

[0516.0.0.7] and [0517.0.5.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0516.0.0.7] and [0517.0.5.7] see paragraphs [0516.0.0.0] and [0517.0.0.0] above.

[0518.0.0.7] to [0529.0.0.7] and [0530.0.5.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0518.0.0.7] to [0529.0.0.7] and [0530.0.5.7] see paragraphs [0518.0.0.0] to [0530.0.0.0] above.

[0530.1.0.5] to [0530.6.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0530.1.0.5] to [0530.6.0.5] see paragraphs [0530.1.0.0] to [0530.6.0.0] above.

[0531.0.0.7] to [0533.0.0.7] and [0534.0.5.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0531.0.0.7] to [0533.0.0.7] and [0534.0.5.7] see paragraphs [0531.0.0.0] to [0534.0.0.0] above.

[0535.0.0.7] to [0537.0.0.7] and [0538.0.5.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0535.0.0.7] to [0537.0.0.7] and [0538.0.5.7] see paragraphs [0535.0.0.0] to [0538.0.0.0] above.

[0539.0.0.7] to [0542.0.0.7] and [0543.0.5.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0539.0.0.7] to [0542.0.0.7] and [0543.0.5.7] see paragraphs [0539.0.0.0] to [0543.0.0.0] above.

[0544.0.0.7] to [0547.0.0.7] and [0548.0.5.7] to [0552.0.0.7] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0544.0.0.7] to [0547.0.0.7] and [0548.0.5.7] to [0552.0.0.7] see paragraphs [0544.0.0.0] to [0552.0.0.0] above.

[0552.1.7.7]: Example 15 Metabolite Profiling Info from Zea mays

Zea mays plants were engineered, grown and analyzed as described in Example 14c.

The results of the different Zea mays plants analysed can be seen from Table 2, which follows:

TABLE 2 ORF_NAME Metabolite Min Max YIL150C Stearic Acid (C18:0) 1.67 2.24 b1896 Stearic Acid (C18:0) 1.41 1.74 b3457 Stearic Acid (C18:0) 1.35 1.64

Table 2 exhibits the metabolic data from maize, shown in either TO or T1, describing the increase in stearic acid in genetically modified corn plants expressing the Saccharomyces cerevisiae nucleic acid sequence YIL150Cor E. coli nucleic acid sequence b1896 or b3457 resp.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. a “chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical stearic acid between 67% and 124% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b1896 or its homologs, e.g. “a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical stearic acid between 41% and 74% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b3457 or its homologs, e.g. “a high-affinity branched-chain amino acid transport protein (ABC superfamily)”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical stearic acid between 35% and 64% is conferred.

[0552.2.0.7] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0552.2.0.0] above.

[0553.0.7.7]

-   1. A process for the production of stearic acid, which comprises     -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to         462 or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism,         or in one or more parts thereof; and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of stearic acid in said organism.

2. A process for the production of stearic acid, comprising the increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or a         fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         stearic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460         to 462;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of stearic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of stearic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of stearic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 72 to 81         and 460 to 462 and conferring an increase in the amount of         stearic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of stearic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 72         to 81 and 460 to 462 and conferring an increase in the amount of         stearic acid in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         stearic acid in an organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto.

-   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound stearic acid.

-   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         stearic acid produced by the selected mutated organisms or parts         thereof.

-   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably.

-   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 or a         fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         stearic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460         to 462;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of stearic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of stearic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of stearic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 72 to 81         and 460 to 462 and conferring an increase in the amount of         stearic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of stearic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 72         to 81 and 460 to 462 and conferring an increase in the amount of         stearic acid in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         stearic acid in an organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to         81 and 460 to 462 by one or more nucleotides.

-   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements.

-   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7.

-   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host.

-   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5.

-   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell.

-   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium.

-   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12.

-   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 by one or more     amino acids 15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the     polypeptide as claimed in claim 14.

-   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium.

-   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of stearic acid in an     organism or a part thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of stearic acid         in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a         sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions         which permit the expression the polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the stearic acid level or the polypeptide         expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or         the media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured         or maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured stearic acid level or polypeptide expression level with         a standard of stearic acid or polypeptide expression level         measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample         comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased         level over the standard indicates that the compound or the         sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and         a decreased level over the standard indicates that the compound         or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an         antagonist.

-   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased stearic acid production in a plant or microorganism,     comprising the steps:     -   (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of stearic acid in an organism or a part thereof and a         readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under         suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the         polypeptide with dais readout system in the presence of a         compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and         capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the         binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which         permit the expression of said readout system and of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6         conferring an increase in the amount of stearic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system.

-   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in stearic acid production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in stearic acid after expression with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing stearic acid;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the stearic acid level in the host cells; and     -   (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the stearic acid level in the         host cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild         type.

-   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in stearic acid production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the stearic acid amount or         level in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and         which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing stearic acid;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the stearic acid level in the host cells; and     -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the stearic acid level in the         host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

-   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture.

-   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier.

-   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     stearic acid after expression.

-   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of stearic acid levels in an organism.

-   25. Food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the     plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim     16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified     according to the method of claim 19 or 20.

-   26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according     to the method of claim 19 or 20 for the protection of a plant     against a stearic acid synthesis inhibiting herbicide.

[0554.0.0.7] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.0]

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.0.8] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.8] and [0002.0.7.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0001.0.0.8] and [0002.0.7.8] see paragraphs [0001.0.0.0] and [0002.0.7.7] above.

[0003.0.8.8] Palmitic acid is a major component for manufacturing of soaps, lubricating oils and waterproofing materials. Furhermore it is used for the synthesis of metallic palmitates. Additional applications are as food additive and in the synthesis of food-grade additives; as a constituent of cosmetic formulations. Palmitic acid is a major component of many natural fats and oils in the form of a glyceryl ester, e.g. palm oil, and in most commercial-grade stearic acid products.

[0004.0.7.8] and [0005.0.5.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0004.0.7.8] and [0005.0.5.8] see paragraphs [0004.0.7.7] and [0005.0.5.5] above.

[0006.0.8.8] Palmitic acid is as mentioned above the major fat in meat and dairy products.

[0007.0.8.8] Further uses or palmitic acid are as food ingredients raw material for emulsifiers or personal care emulsifier for facial creams and lotions. Palmitic acid is also used in shaving cream formulations, waxes or fruit wax formulations.

[0008.0.8.8] Palmitic acid is also used in shaving cream formulations, waxes or fruit wax formulations.

[0009.0.7.8] to [0012.0.7.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0009.0.7.8] to [0012.0.7.8] see paragraphs [0009.0.7.7] and [0012.0.7.7] above.

[0013.0.0.8] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0013.0.0.0] above.

[0014.0.8.8] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is palmitic acid or tryglycerides, lipids, oils or fats containing palmitic acid. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid”. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising palmitic acid and/or triglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid.

[0015.0.8.8] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, palmitic acid and its salts, ester, thioester or palmitic acid in free form or bound to other compounds such as triglycerides, glycolipids, phospholipids etc. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means palmitic acid, in free form or its salts or bound to triglycerides. Triglycerides, lipids, oils, fats or lipid mixture thereof shall mean any triglyceride, lipid, oil and/or fat containing any bound or free palmitic acid for example sphingolipids, phosphoglycerides, lipids, glycolipids such as glycosphingolipids, phospholipids such as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol or diphosphatidylglycerol, or as monoacylglyceride, diacylglyceride or triacylglyceride or other fatty acid esters such as acetyl-Coenzym A thioester, which contain further saturated or unsaturated fatty acids in the fatty acid molecule.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” and the term “the respective fine chemical” mean at least one chemical compound with an activity of the above mentioned fine chemical.

[0016.0.8.8] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a YDR513W, YDR447C,     YBR089C-A, b3256, YGR126W, YPL099C, b0399, b0849, b3457, b3578,     b3644 and/or b4129 protein(s) or of a protein having the sequence of     a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table     I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 in a non-human     organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus, palmitic acid or fine     chemicals comprising palmitic acid, in said organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3,     lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or having the sequence of a     polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I,     column 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, in a non-human     organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, in particular palmitic acid.

[0017.0.0.8] and [0018.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0017.0.0.8] and [0018.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0017.0.0.0] and [0018.0.0.0] above.

[0019.0.8.8] Advantageously the process for the production of the fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the fine chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

[0020.0.8.8] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of at least one of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein(s) indicated in Table II, Column 3, lines 82 to 84 and 86 and 87, and/or the Escherichia coli K12 protein(s) indicated in Table II, Column 3, lines 85 and 88 and 463 to 467 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the palmitic acid (or fine chemical) content of the transformed plants.

[0021.0.0.8] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0021.0.0.0] above.

[0022.0.8.8] The sequence of b3256 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as acetyl CoA carboxylase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a acetyl CoA carboxylase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, preferably palmitic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a acetyl CoA carboxylase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0399 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a positive response regulator for the pho regulon. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a positive response regulator for the pho regulon from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of palmitic and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, preferably palmitic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a positive response regulator for the pho regulon is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YDR513W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78 (1997) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity has characterized as glutaredoxin (thioltransferase, glutathione reductase). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a glutaredoxin, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, preferably palmitic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a glutaredoxin is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YDR447C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in

Jacq et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78 (1997) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity has been characterized as a ribosomal protein 51 (rp51) of the small (40 s) subunit; nearly identical to rps17Ap and has similarity to rat S17 ribosomal protein; rps17 bp. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a ribosomal protein 51 (rp51) of the small (40 s) subunit, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, preferably palmitic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a ribosomal protein 51 (rp51) of the small (40 s) subunit is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YBR089C-A from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Feldmann et al., EMBO J., 13 (24), 5795-5809 (1994) and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its cellular activity has not been characterized yet. It shows homology to mammalian high mobility group proteins 1 and 2. Its function may be redundantly with the highly homologous gene NHP6A. Furthermore it shows homology to the high-mobility group non-histone chromatin protein Nhp6 bp. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a YBR089C-A activity from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, preferably palmitic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a YBR089C-A protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YGR126W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Tettelin et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 81-84 (1997) and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its cellular activity has not been characterized yet. It seams to be a “putative open reading frame”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a YGR126W activity from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, preferably palmitic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a YGR126W protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YPL099C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Bussey et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 103-105 (1997) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity has not been characterized yet. “The authentic, non-tagged protein was localized to the mitochondria”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of YPL099C, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, preferably palmitic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a YPL099C protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0849 (Accession number NP_(—)415370) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a glutaredoxin 1 redox coenzyme for glutathione-dependent ribonucleotide reductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a glutaredoxin 1 redox coenzyme for glutathione-dependent ribonucleotide reductase protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, preferably palmitic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a glutaredoxin 1 redox coenzyme for glutathione-dependent ribonucleotide reductase protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. The sequence of b3457 (Accession number NP_(—)417914) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a high-affinity branched-chain amino acid transport protein (ABC superfamily). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a high-affinity branched-chain amino acid transport protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, preferably palmitic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a high-affinity branched-chain amino acid transport protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3578 (Accession number YP 026232) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as putative component of transport system. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a putative component of transport system from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, preferably palmitic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a putative component of transport system is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3644 (Accession number NP_(—)418101) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as an uncharacterized stress-induced protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of an uncharacterized stress-induced protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, preferably palmitic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of an uncharacterized stress-induced protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b4129 (Accession number NP_(—)418553) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a lysine tRNA synthetase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a lysine tRNA synthetase protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, preferably palmitic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a lysine tRNA synthetase protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

[0023.0.8.8] Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the fine chemical amount or content.

Further, in the present invention, the term “homologue” relates to the sequence of an organism having the highest sequence homology to the herein mentioned or listed sequences of all expressed sequences of said organism.

However, the person skilled in the art knows, that, preferably, the homologue has said fine-chemical increasing activity and, if known, the same biological function or activity in the organism as at least one of the protein(s) indicated in Table II, Column 3, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, e.g. having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule comprising the sequence indicated in indicated in Table I, Column 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

In one embodiment, the homolog of any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, lines 82 to 84 and 86 and 87 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms and being derived from an Eukaryot. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 85 and 88 and 463 to 467 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 84 and 86 and 87 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in an organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 85 and 88 and 463 to 467 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof and being derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 84 and 86 and 87 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof and being derived from Ascomycota. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 85 and 88 and 463 to 467 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 84 and 86 and 87 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 85 and 88 and 463 to 467 is a homolog having the samie or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 84 and 86 and 87 is a homolog having the samie or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of the a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 85 and 88 and 463 to 467 is a homolog having the samie or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 84 and 86 and 87 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms, and being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 85 and 88 and 463 to 467 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Escherichia. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 84 and 86 and 87 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 82 to 84 and 86 and 87 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycetes.

[0023.1.0.8] and [0024.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0023.1.0.8] and [0024.0.0.8] see [0023.1.0.0] and [0024.0.0.0] above.

[0025.0.8.8] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467” if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid level in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism and the protein has the above mentioned activities of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467. Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to a protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 84 and 86 and 87 and/or a protein of E. coli K12 as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 85 and 88 and 463 to 467.

[0025.1.0.8] and [0025.2.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0025.1.0.8] and [0025.2.0.8] see paragraphs [0025.1.0.0] and [0025.2.0.0] above.

[0026.0.0.8] to [0033.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0026.0.0.8] to [0033.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0026.0.0.0] to [0033.0.0.0] above.

[0034.0.8.8] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention. E.g., it differs by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, its biochemical or genetical causes and therefore shows the increased amount of the fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.8] to [0038.0.0.8] and [0039.0.5.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0035.0.0.8] to [0038.0.0.8] and [0039.0.5.8] see paragraphs [0035.0.0.0] to [0039.0.0.0] above.

[0040.0.0.8] to [0044.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0040.0.0.8] to [0044.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0035.0.0.0] and [0044.0.0.0] above.

[0045.0.8.8] In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3256 or its homologs e.g. a acetyl CoA carboxylase protein, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 85, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of palmitic acid between 15% and 17% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0399 or its homologs e.g. a positive response regulator for the pho regulon, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 88, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of palmitic acid between 20% and 27% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR513W or its homologs, e.g. a “glutaredoxin”, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 82, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of palmitic acid between 17% and 74% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR447C or its homologs, e.g. a “ribosomal protein 51 (rp51) of the small (40 s) subunit”, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 83, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of palmitic acid between 19% and 181% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBR089C-A or its homologs, e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YBR089C-A”, which seams to have “homology to mammalian high mobility group proteins 1 and 2”, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 84, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of palmitic acid between 55% and 95% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGR126W or its homologs, e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YGR126W”, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 86, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of palmitic acid between 34% and 167% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YPL099C or its homologs e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YPL099C”, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 87, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of of palmitic acid between 21% and 55% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0849 or its homologs e.g. a glutaredoxin 1 redox coenzyme for glutathione-dependent ribonucleotide reductase protein, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 463, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of palmitic acid between 17% and 30% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3457 or its homologs e.g. a high-affinity branched-chain amino acid transport protein (ABC superfamily), e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 464, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of palmitic acid between 16% and 36% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3578 or its homologs e.g. a putative component of transport system, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 465, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of palmitic acid between 16% and 27% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3644 or its homologs e.g. an uncharacterized stress-induced protein, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 466, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of palmitic acid between 16% and 42% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4129 or its homologs e.g. a lysine tRNA synthetase, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 467, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of palmitic acid between 33% and 36% or more is conferred.

[0046.0.8.8] In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3256 or its homologs e.g. a acetyl CoA carboxylase protein, is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0399 or its homologs e.g. a positive response regulator for the pho regulon protein, is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR513W or its homologs, e.g. a “glutaredoxin protein” is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR447C or its homologs, e.g. a “ribosomal protein 51 (rp51) of the small (40 s) subunit protein”, which is required for cell viability” is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBR089C-A or its homologs, e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YBR089C-A”, which seams to have “homology to mammalian high mobility group proteins 1 and 2” is increased, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGR126W or its homologs, e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YGR126W” is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YPL099C or its homologs e.g. a “uncharacterized protein YPL099C protein” is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0849 or its homologs e.g. a glutaredoxin 1 redox coenzyme for glutathione-dependent ribonucleotide reductase protein is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3457 or its homologs e.g. a high-affinity branched-chain amino acid transport protein (ABC superfamily) is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3578 or its homologs e.g. a putative component of transport system is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3644 or its homologs e.g. an uncharacterized stress-induced protein is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4129 or its homologs e.g. a lysine tRNA synthetase is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid is conferred.

[0047.0.0.8] to [0048.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0047.0.0.8] and [0048.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0047.0.0.0] and [0048.0.0.0] above.

[0049.0.8.8] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular a polypeptide comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or of the polypeptide as shown in the amino acid sequences as disclosed in table II, columns 5 and 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by the nucleic acid molecule as shown in table I, columns 5 and 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.8.8] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “palmitic acid” also encompasses the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of palmitic acid or the salts of palmitic acid with amines such as diethylamine.

[0051.0.5.8] and [0052.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0051.0.5.8] and [0052.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0051.0.0.0] and [0052.0.0.0] above.

[0053.0.8.8] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps

-   -   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of         a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention         or of the polypeptid of the invention or the nucleic acid         molecule or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention,         e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467         or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column         7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, having herein-mentioned the         fine chemical increasing activity;     -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a         protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or         the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention,         e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467         or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column         7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or of a mRNA encoding the         polypeptide of the present invention having herein-mentioned         palmitic acid increasing activity;     -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the         increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid         molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present         invention or the nucleic acid molecule or the polypeptide used         in the method of the invention, having herein-mentioned palmitic         acid increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an         activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines         82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or its homologs activity, e.g. as         indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467,         or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation of the polypeptide of         the invention or of the polypeptide used in the method of the         invention;     -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or         artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a         protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded         by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic         acid molecule used in the method of the invention or of the         polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the         method of the invention having herein-mentioned palmitic acid         increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of         a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 88 and         463 to 467 or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table         II, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467;     -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased         expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of         the present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention         having herein-mentioned palmitic acid increasing activity, e.g.         of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in         Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or its         homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7,         lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, by adding one or more exogenous         inducing factors to the organisms or parts thereof;     -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring         the increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic         acid molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the         present invention, having herein-mentioned palmitic acid         increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of         a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 88 and         463 to 467 or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table         II, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467;     -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased         expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide         encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the         nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or the         polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the         method of the invention having herein-mentioned palmitic acid         increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of         a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 88 and         463 to 467 or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table         II, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467;     -   h) increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the         polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the         method of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having an activity         of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 88         and 463 to 467 or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in         Table II, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, by adding         positive expression or removing negative expression elements,         e.g. homologous recombination can be used to either introduce         positive regulatory elements like for plants the 35S enhancer         into the promoter or to remove repressor elements form         regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods can be used         to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity of         positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced         in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be         identified in which the positive elements have be integrated         near to a gene of the invention, the expression of which is         thereby enhanced;     -   i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,         that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein         of the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example         microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher         temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat         shock proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical         production.     -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the         proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized         resources and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the         elite crops.

[0054.0.8.8] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of palmitic acid after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

[0055.0.0.8] to [0067.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0055.0.0.8] to [0067.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0055.0.0.0] to [0067.0.0.0] above.

[0068.0.5.8] and [0069.0.5.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0068.0.5.8] and [0069.0.5.8] see paragraphs [0068.0.0.0] and [0069.0.0.0] above.

[0070.0.6.8] and [0071.0.5.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0070.0.6.8] and [0071.0.5.8] see paragraphs [0070.0.5.5] and [0071.0.0.0] above.

[0072.0.8.8] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to palmitic acid, triglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid compounds such as palmitate, palmitoleate, stearate, oleate, α-linolenic acid and/or linoleic acid.

[0073.0.8.8] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

-   -   a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a         non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal         tissue or a plant;     -   b) increasing the activity of a protein having the activity of a         polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the         method of the invention or a homolog thereof, e.g. as shown in         Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or of a         polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the         present invention and described below, i.e. conferring an         increase of the respective fine chemical in the organism,         preferably a microorganism, the a non-human animal, a plant or         animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or the plant,     -   c) growing the organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human         animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or the         plant under conditions which permit the production of the fine         chemical in the organism, preferably a microorganism, a plant         cell, a plant tissue or the plant; and     -   d) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or         bound the respective fine chemical and, optionally further free         and/or bound fatty acids synthetized by the organism, the         microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell,         the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.5.8] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0074.0.5.5] above.

[0075.0.0.8] to [0084.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0075.0.0.8] to [0084.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0075.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0] above.

[0085.0.8.8] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   -   a) the nucleic acid sequence as shown in table I, lines 82 to 88         and 463 to 467, columns 5 and 7 or a derivative thereof, or     -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which         is functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as shown         table I, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, columns 5 and 7 or a         derivative thereof, or     -   c) (a) and (b)         is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or         has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods,         it being possible for the modification to be, by way of example,         a substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of         one or more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the         natural chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the         presence in a genomic library. In the case of a genomic library,         the natural, genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is         preferably at least partially still preserved. The environment         flanks the nucleic acid sequence at least on one side and has a         sequence length of at least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp,         particularly preferably at least 1000 bp, very particularly         preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.8] and [0087.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0086.0.0.8] and [0087.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0086.0.0.0] and [0087.0.0.0] above.

[0088.0.8.8] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose fatty acid content is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for poultry is dependent on the abovementioned essential fatty acids and the general amount of fatty acids as energy source in feed. After the activity of a protein as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 has been increased or generated, or after the expression of nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide according to the invention has been generated or increased, the transgenic plant generated thus is grown on or in a nutrient medium or else in the soil and subsequently harvested.

[0088.1.0.8], [0089.0.0.8], [0090.0.0.8] and [0091.0.5.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0088.1.0.8], [0089.0.0.8], [0090.0.0.8] and [0091.0.5.8] see paragraphs [0088.1.0.0], [0089.0.0.0], [0090.0.0.0] and [0091.0.0.0] above.

[0092.0.0.8] to [0094.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0092.0.0.8] to [0094.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0092.0.0.0] to [0094.0.0.0] above.

[0095.0.5.8], [0096.0.5.8] and [0097.0.5.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0095.0.5.8], [0096.0.5.8] and [0097.0.5.8] see paragraphs [0095.0.5.5], [0096.0.5.5] and [0097.0.0.0] above.

[0098.0.8.8] In a preferred embodiment, the fine chemical (palmitic acid) is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further fatty acids such as stearic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, α-linolenic acid and/or linoleic acid mixtures thereof or mixtures of other fatty acids by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.5.8] and [0100.0.5.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0099.0.5.8] and [0100.0.5.8] see paragraphs [0099.0.5.5] and [0100.0.5.5] above.

[0101.0.5.8] and [0102.0.5.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0101.0.5.8] and [0102.0.5.8] see [0101.0.0.0] and [0102.0.5.5] above.

[0103.0.8.8] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide having a sequence as shown in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 in or a fragment     thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the respective     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of the nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as shown in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to -   (c) and and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primer pairs having a sequence as shown     in Table III, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 and conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequence as shown in Table IV, column 7,     lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of a polypeptide as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0103.1.0.8] and [0103.2.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0103.1.0.8] and [0103.2.0.8] see paragraphs [0103.1.0.0] and [0103.2.0.0] above.

[0104.0.8.8] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process distinguishes over the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably over the sequences as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 by one or more nucleotides or does not consist of the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably not of the sequences as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably to the sequences as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of the sequence shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably of the sequences as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

[0105.0.0.8] to [0107.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0105.0.0.8] to [0107.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0105.0.0.0] and [0107.0.0.0] above.

[0108.0.8.8] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from the amino acid sequences shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in Table IV, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of a protein as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or e.g. conferring a linoleic acid increase after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.5.8] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0109.0.0.0] above.

[0110.0.8.8] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.8] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0111.0.0.0] above.

[0112.0.8.8] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 and 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 and conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0113.0.0.8] to [0120.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0113.0.0.8] to [0120.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0113.0.0.0] and [0120.0.0.0] above.

[0121.0.8.8] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity.

[0122.0.0.8] to [0127.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0122.0.0.8] to [0127.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0122.0.0.0] and [0127.0.0.0] above.

[0128.0.8.8] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as shown in Table III, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or the sequences as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

[0129.0.8.8] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequences shown in Table IV, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 are derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.8.8] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0130.0.0.0].

[0131.0.0.8] to [0138.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0131.0.0.8] to [0138.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0131.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0] above.

[0139.0.8.8] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to the sequences shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the palmitic acid increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.8] to [0146.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0140.0.0.8] to [0146.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0140.0.0.0] and [0146.0.0.0] above.

[0147.0.8.8] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.8.8] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, or a functional portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular has the—fine-chemical-increasing activity after increasing its activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequence or its homologs.

[0149.0.8.8] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably of Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical.

[00149.1.0.8] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

[0150.0.8.8] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of methionine if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide sequence of the invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467. Preferred is Table I B, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

[0151.0.0.8] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0151.0.0.0] above.

[0152.0.8.8] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to the amino acid sequence shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the fine chemical production, in particular a palmitic acid increasing the activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.8.8] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 has for example an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

[0154.0.8.8] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 and having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.8] and [0156.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0155.0.0.8] and [0156.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0155.0.0.0] and [0156.0.0.0] above.

[0157.0.8.8] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptides comprising the consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or their functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, a consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467. Preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

[0158.0.0.8] to [0160.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0158.0.0.8] to [0160.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0] above.

[0161.0.8.8] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.8] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0162.0.0.0] above.

[0163.0.8.8] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the respective fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.8] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0164.0.0.0] above.

[0165.0.8.8] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

[0166.0.0.8] and [0167.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0166.0.0.8] and [0167.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0166.0.0.0] and [0167.0.0.0] above.

[0168.0.8.8] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, 95% homologous to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

[0169.0.0.8] to [0175.0.5.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0169.0.0.8] to [0175.0.5.8] see paragraphs [0169.0.0.0] to [0175.0.0.0] above.

[0176.0.8.8] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as the polypeptide as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

[0177.0.8.8] Functional equivalents derived from the nucleic acid sequence as shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as the polypeptide as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

[0178.0.0.8] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0178.0.0.0] above.

[0179.0.8.8] A nucleic acid molecule encoding a homologous protein to a protein sequence of as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences for example into a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.8] to [0183.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0180.0.0.8] to [0183.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0] above.

[0184.0.8.8] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.8.8] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotide sequences not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

[0186.0.8.8] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encode a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

[0187.0.8.8] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 and comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

[0188.0.8.8] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential biological activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 expressed under identical conditions.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention is a homolog consisting of or comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II B, columns 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

[0189.0.8.8] Homologues of sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or of the derived sequences shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.8], [0191.0.5.8], [00191.1.0.8] and [0192.0.0.8] to [0203.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0190.0.0.8], [0191.0.5.8], [0191.1.0.8] and [0192.0.0.8] to [0203.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0190.0.0.0], [0191.0.5.5], [0191.1.0.0] and [0192.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0] above.

[0204.0.8.8] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82     to 88 and 463 to 467; preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 82     to 88 and 463 to 467; or a fragment thereof conferring an increase     in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7,     lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 preferably of Table I B, column 7,     lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467; or a fragment thereof conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using the     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines     82 to 88 and 463 to 467 and conferring an increase in the amount of     the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence shown in Table IV, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and     463 to 467 and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of the polypeptide shown in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, preferably of Table     II B, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467; and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of the nucleic acid molecule     shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or a     nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature form     of, the polypeptide shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to     88 and 463 to 467, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; or which     encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over the sequence as depicted in Table IA or     IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 by one or more     nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the     invention does not consist of the sequence shown in Table IA or IB,     columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467. In an other     embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at     least 30% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or     99% identical to the sequence shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or     7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467. In a further embodiment the     nucleic acid molecule does not encode the polypeptide sequence shown     in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.     Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention encodes in one embodiment a polypeptide which     differs at least in one or more amino acids from the polypeptide as     depicted in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463     to 467 and therefore does not encode a protein of the sequence shown     in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.     Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequence of     a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does not consist of the     sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88     and 463 to 467. In a further embodiment, the protein of the present     invention is at least 30% identical to protein sequence depicted in     Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 and     less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more     preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to the     sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88     and 463 to 467.

[0205.0.0.8] to [0226.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0205.0.0.8] to [0226.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0205.0.0.0] to [0226.0.0.0] above.

[0227.0.8.8] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to the sequence mentioned in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway such as for palmitate, palmitoleate, stearate and/or oleate is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine the sequences shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.5.8] to [0230.0.5.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0228.0.5.8] to [0230.0.5.8] see paragraphs [0228.0.0.0] to [0230.0.0.0] above.

[0231.0.8.8] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a palmitic acid degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.8] to [0276.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0232.0.0.8] to [0276.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0232.0.0.0] to [0276.0.0.0] above.

[0277.0.5.8] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0277.0.5.5] above.

[0278.0.0.8] to [0282.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0278.0.0.8] to [0282.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0278.0.0.0] to [0282.0.0.0] above.

[0283.0.8.8] Moreover, native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, in particular, an antibody against polypeptides as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or an antigenic part thereof, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing polypeptides comprising or consisting of abovementioned sequences, e.g. the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies specifically binding to polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

[0284.0.0.8] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0284.0.0.0] above.

[0285.0.8.8] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having the sequence shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or as coded by the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.8.8] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a poylpeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

[0287.0.0.8] to [0290.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0287.0.0.8] to [0290.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0287.0.0.0] to [0290.0.0.0] above.

[0291.0.8.8] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over the sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In another embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

[0292.0.0.8] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0292.0.0.0] above.

[0293.0.8.8] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence, which distinguishes from the sequence as shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 by one or more amino acids. In another embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by the nucleic acid molecules shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

[0294.0.8.8] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467, which distinguishes over the sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.8], [0296.0.0.8] and [0297.0.5.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0295.0.0.8], [0296.0.0.8] and [0297.0.5.8] see paragraphs [0295.0.0.0] to [0297.0.0.0] above.

[00297.1.0.8] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity and/or the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 3, 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

[0298.0.8.8] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to confer the activity of the present invention. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

[0299.0.8.8] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the amino acid sequences of Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence of Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.8.8] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467.

[0301.0.0.8] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0301.0.0.0] above.

[0302.0.8.8] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.8] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0303.0.0.0] above.

[0304.0.8.8] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.5.8], [0306.0.5.8] and [0306.1.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0305.0.5.8], [0306.0.5.8] and [0306.1.0.8] see paragraphs [0305.0.0.0], [0306.0.0.0] and [0306.1.0.0] above.

[0307.0.0.8] and [0308.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0307.0.0.8] and [0308.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0307.0.0.0 and [0308.0.0.0] above.

[0309.0.8.8] In one embodiment, a reference to protein (=polypeptide)” of the invention e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide” or “other polypeptide” e.g. not indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide having a protein activity, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein and which is derived from the same or a different organism.

[0310.0.0.8] to [0334.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0310.0.0.8] to [0334.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0310.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0] above.

[0335.0.8.8] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence of one of the sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.8] to [0342.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0336.0.0.8] to [0342.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0] above.

[0343.0.8.8] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence of one of the sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.8] to [0350.0.0.8], [0351.0.5.8] and [0352.0.0.8] to [0361.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0344.0.0.8] to [0350.0.0.8], [0351.0.5.8] and [0352.0.0.8] to [0361.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0344.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0] above.

[0362.0.8.8] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. encoding a polypeptide having an activity of a protein such as the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467. Due to the above mentioned activity the fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a protein such as the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467. Activity means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, the activity of polypeptide having an activity of a protein such as the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or a similar activity, which is increased in the cell or organism or part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.8], [0364.0.5.8] and [0365.0.0.8] to [0379.0.5.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0363.0.0.8], [0364.0.5.8] and [0365.0.0.8] to [0379.0.5.8] see paragraphs [0363.0.0.0] to [0379.0.0.0] above.

[0380.0.5.8], [0381.0.0.8] and [0382.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0380.0.5.8], [0381.0.0.8] and [0382.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0380.0.5.5], [0381.0.0.0] and [0382.0.0.0] above.

[0383.0.5.8], [0384.0.0.8], [0385.0.5.8] and [0386.0.5.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0383.0.5.8], [0384.0.0.8], [0385.0.5.8] and [0386.0.5.8] see paragraphs [0383.0.5.5], [0384.0.0.0], [0385.0.5.5] and [0386.0.5.5] above.

[0387.0.0.8] to [0392.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0387.0.0.8] to [0392.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0387.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0] above.

[0393.0.8.8] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   (a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to     467, preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463     to 467 and, optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or     complete genomic clone; -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the respective fine chemical; -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   (e) assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host cells;     and -   (f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the respective fine chemical level     in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.8] to [0415.0.0.8] and [0416.0.5.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0394.0.0.8] to [0415.0.0.8] and [0416.0.5.8] see paragraphs [0394.0.0.0] to [0416.0.0.0] above.

[0417.0.5.8] and [0418.0.0.8] to [0430.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0417.0.5.8] and [0418.0.0.8] to [0430.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0417.0.5.5] and [0418.0.0.0] to [0430.0.0.0] above.

[0431.0.5.8], [0432.0.5.8], [0433.0.0.8] and [0434.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0431.0.5.8], [0432.0.5.8], [0433.0.0.8] and [0434.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0431.0.0.0] to [0434.0.0.0] above.

[0435.0.5.8] to [0440.0.5.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0435.0.5.8] to [0440.0.5.8] see paragraphs [0435.0.5.5] to [0440.0.5.5] above.

[0441.0.0.8] and [0442.0.5.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0441.0.0.8] and [0442.0.5.8] see [0441.0.0.0] and [0442.0.5.5] above.

[0443.0.0.8] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0443.0.0.0] above.

[0444.0.5.8] and [0445.0.5.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0444.0.5.8] and [0445.0.5.8] see [0444.0.5.5] and [0445.0.5.5] above.

[0446.0.0.8] to [0453.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0446.0.0.8] to [0453.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0446.0.0.0] to [0453.0.0.0] above.

[0454.0.5.8] and [0455.0.5.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0454.0.5.8] and [0455.0.5.8] see [0454.0.5.5] and [0455.0.5.5] above.

[0456.0.0.8] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0456.0.0.0] above.

[0457.0.5.8] to [0460.0.5.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0457.0.5.8] to [0460.0.6.8] see paragraphs [0457.0.5.5] to [0460.0.5.5] above.

[0461.0.8.8] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 7435 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.8] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0462.0.0.0] above.

[0463.0.8.8] SEQ ID NO: 7435 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.5.8], [0465.0.5.8] and [0466.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0464.0.5.8], [0465.0.5.8] and [0466.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0464.0.5.5], [0465.0.5.5] and [0466.0.0.0] above.

[0467.0.8.8] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 7435:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 7569) atggagacca atttttcctt cgact ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 7570) ctattgaaat accggcttca atattt

[0468.0.0.8] to [0479.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0468.0.0.8] to [0479.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0468.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0] above.

[0480.0.8.8] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 7435

[0481.0.0.8] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0481.0.0.0] above.

[0482.0.0.8] to [0513.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0482.0.0.8] to [0513.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0482.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0] above.

[0514.0.8.8] As an alternative, the amino acids can be detected advantageously via HPLC separation in ethanolic extract as described by Geigenberger et al. (Plant Cell & Environ, 19, 1996: 43-55).

The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the table, which follows:

TABLE 1 ORF Metabolite Method Min Max YDR513W Palmitic Acid (C16:0) GC 1.17 1.74 YDR447C Palmitic Acid (C16:0) GC 1.19 2.81 YBR089C-A Palmitic Acid (C16:0) GC 1.55 1.95 b3256 Palmitic Acid (C16:0) GC 1.15 1.17 YGR126W Palmitic Acid (C16:0) GC 1.34 2.67 YPL099C Palmitic Acid (C16:0) GC 1.21 1.55 b0399 Palmitic Acid (C16:0) GC 1.20 1.27 b0849 Palmitic Acid (C16:0) GC 1.17 1.303 b3457 Palmitic Acid (C16:0) GC 1.16 1.36 b3578 Palmitic Acid (C16:0) GC 1.16 1.271 b3644 Palmitic Acid (C16:0) GC 1.16 1.42 b4129 Palmitic Acid (C16:0) GC 1.33 1.36

[0515.0.5.8] Column 2 shows the fatty acid analyzed. Columns 4 and 5 shows the ratio of the analyzed fatty acid between the transgenic plants and the wild type; Increase of the metabolites: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type)-Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type). Decrease of the metabolites: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (minimal decrease), Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (maximal decrease). Column 3 indicates the analytical method.

[0516.0.0.8] and [0517.0.5.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0516.0.0.8] and [0517.0.5.8] see paragraphs [0516.0.0.0] and [0517.0.0.0] above.

[0518.0.0.8] to [0529.0.0.8] and [0530.0.5.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0518.0.0.8] to [0529.0.0.8] and [0530.0.5.8] see paragraphs [0518.0.0.0] to [0530.0.0.0] above.

[0530.1.0.8] to [0530.6.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0530.1.0.8] to [0530.6.0.8] see paragraphs [0530.1.0.0] to [0530.6.0.0] above.

[0531.0.0.8] to [0533.0.0.8] and [0534.0.5.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0531.0.0.8] to [0533.0.0.8] and [0534.0.5.8] see paragraphs [0531.0.0.0] to [0534.0.0.0] above.

[0535.0.0.8] to [0537.0.0.8] and [0538.0.5.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0535.0.0.8] to [0537.0.0.8] and [0538.0.5.8] see paragraphs [0535.0.0.0] to [0538.0.0.0] above.

[0539.0.0.8] to [0542.0.0.8] and [0543.0.5.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0539.0.0.8] to [0542.0.0.8] and [0543.0.5.8] see paragraphs [0539.0.0.0] to [0543.0.0.0] above.

[0544.0.0.8] to [0547.0.0.8] and [0548.0.5.8] to [0552.0.0.8] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0544.0.0.8] to [0547.0.0.8] and [0548.0.5.8] to [0552.0.0.8] see paragraphs [0544.0.0.0] to [0552.0.0.0] above.

[0552.1.8.8] Example 15 Metabolite Profiling Info from Zea mays

Zea mays plants were engineered, grown and analyzed as described in Example 14c. The results of the different Zea mays plants analysed can be seen from Table 2 which follows:

TABLE 2 ORF_NAME Metabolite Min Max b3644 Palmitic aicid (C16:0) 1.23 1.34

Table 2 exhibits the metabolic data from maize, shown in either TO or T1, describing the increase in palmitic acid in genetically modified corn plants expressing the E. coli nucleic acid sequence b3644 resp.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b3644 or its homologs, e.g. “an uncharacterized stress-induced protein”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical palmitic acid between 23% and 34% is conferred.

[0552.2.0.8] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0552.2.0.0] above.

[0553.0.8.8]

-   1. A process for the production of palmitic acid, which comprises     -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to         467 or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism,         or in one or more parts thereof; and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of palmitic acid in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of palmitic acid, comprising the     increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the     expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a     nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or a         fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         palmitic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463         to 467;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of palmitic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of palmitic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of palmitic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 82 to 88         and 463 to 467 and conferring an increase in the amount of         palmitic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of palmitic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 82         to 88 and 463 to 467 and conferring an increase in the amount of         palmitic acid in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         palmitic acid in an organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound palmitic acid. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         palmitic acid produced by the selected mutated organisms or         parts thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 or a         fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         palmitic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463         to 467;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of palmitic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of palmitic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of palmitic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 82 to 88         and 463 to 467 and conferring an increase in the amount of         palmitic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of palmitic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 82         to 88 and 463 to 467 and conferring an increase in the amount of         palmitic acid in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         palmitic acid in an organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to         88 and 463 to 467 by one or more nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 82 to 88 and 463 to 467 by one or more     amino acids -   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of palmitic acid in an     organism or a part thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of palmitic acid         in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a         sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions         which permit the expression the polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the palmitic acid level or the polypeptide         expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or         the media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured         or maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured palmitic acid level or polypeptide expression level         with a standard of palmitic acid or polypeptide expression level         measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample         comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased         level over the standard indicates that the compound or the         sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and         a decreased level over the standard indicates that the compound         or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an         antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased palmitic acid production in a plant or microorganism,     comprising the steps:     -   (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of palmitic acid in an organism or a part thereof and a         readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under         suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the         polypeptide with dais readout system in the presence of a         compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and         capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the         binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which         permit the expression of said readout system and of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6         conferring an increase in the amount of palmitic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in palmitic acid production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in palmitic acid after expression with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing palmitic acid;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the palmitic acid level in the host cells; and     -   (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the palmitic acid level in the         host cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild         type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in palmitic acid production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the palmitic acid amount or         level in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and         which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing palmitic acid;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the palmitic acid level in the host cells; and     -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the palmitic acid level in the         host cell after expression compared to the wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     palmitic acid after expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of palmitic acid levels in an organism. -   25. Food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the     plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim     16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified     according to the method of claim 19 or 20. -   26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according     to the method of claim 19 or 20 for the protection of a plant     against a palmitic acid synthesis inhibiting herbicide.

[0554.0.0.8] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.0]

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.0.9] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

DESCRIPTION

[0001.0.0.9] see [0001.0.0.0]

[0002.0.9.9] Due to their plastids, plants possess some biosynthetic pathways, which are, besides in cyanobacteria, unique in living organisms. Some plastidic compounds are indispensable for human and animal nutrition and are therefore called vitamins. Two essential lipophilic components for nutrition are provitamin A (beta-carotene) and vitamin E.

Vitamin E is classified by its pharmacological effect and chromanol ring structure and not by biosynthesis. It comprises a class of 8 lipid-soluble components, being subdivided into tocopherols and tocotrienols. While tocopherols share an isoprenoid side chain derived from phytyl-PP, tocotrienol side chains are derivates of geranylgeranyl-PP. The α, β, γ and δ-members of these subclasses differ in their degree of methylation in the 6-chromanol-ring structure.

The tocopherol group (1a-d) has a saturated side chain, and the tocotrienol group (2a-d) has an unsaturated side chain:

In the present invention, vitamin E means all of the aforementioned tocopherols and tocotrienols with vitamin E activity.

[0003.0.9.9] The four major forms of tocopherols, α, β, γ, and δ, differ in the position and number of methyl groups. The predominant form in the leaves of higher plants is α-tocopherol, whereas in seeds γ-tocopherol is often the major isoform. Tocopherols predominantly function as antioxidants in vivo in photosynthetic organisms and in animals, as well as in isolated compounds such as oils. The antioxidant properties of tocopherols derive from their ability to quench free radicals and different tocopherols may be optimal as antioxidants for different biological systems. For human and animal utility, α-tocopherol has the highest vitamin E activity and has been implicated in a variety of health areas, including possible benefits in preventing cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and cataract formation. The amounts of vitamin E needed to achieve these effects are often quite high, 100 to 400 International Units (I.U.) and even up to 800 I.U. compared with the recommended daily allowance of 40 I.U. In fats and oils, tocopherols protect unsaturated fatty acids from oxidation. In these systems, γ-tocopherol appears to have the greater utility. In fact, tocopherols are often included in processed oils to help stabilize the fatty acids. For human health as well as food and feed utility, it is desirable to have plants with increased tocopherol content along with those where the tocopherol composition is customized.

[0004.0.9.9] Tocopherols contain an aromatic head group, which is derived from homogentisic acid (HGA) and a hydrocarbon portion, which arises from phytyldiphosphate (phytyl-DP). HGA is derived from the shikimic acid pathway and phytyl-DP is generated from the condensation of four isoprenoid units. The isoprenoid contribution to tocopherol biosynthesis is thought to come primarily from the plastidal methyl-erythritol phosphate pathway, and not the cytosolic mevalonic acid pathway. The condensation of HGA and phytyl-DP to form 2-methyl-6-phytylplastoquinol, the first committed step in tocopherol biosynthesis, is a prenyltransferase reaction that is performed by a homogentisate phytyltransferase (HPT). Subsequent cyclization and methylation reactions result in the formation of the four major tocopherols. The enzymatic reactions in tocopherol biosynthesis were identified 15 to 20 years ago, but cloning of the genes encoding these enzymes has only occurred in the last few years.

[0005.0.9.9] Tocopherol biosynthesis takes place in the plastid and the enzymes are associated with the chloroplast envelope. The membrane association of the enzymes has made purification difficult. With the advent of genomics and the availability of complete genome sequences of a number of organisms, including Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and Arabidopsis, it has become possible to use bioinformatics techniques to identify and clone additional genes in the tocopherol pathway.

The first enzyme cloned in the tocopherol pathway, γ-tocopherol methyl transferase (γ-TMT), was identified in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and Arabidopsis using bioinformatics. In that study, the Arabidopsis γ-TMT was shown to alter seed tocopherol composition when overexpressed in Arabidopsis. γ-Tocopherol, normally the predominant tocopherol isomer in Arabidopsis seeds, was almost completely converted to α-tocopherol.

HPT catalyzes the first committed reaction in the tocopherol pathway, and was unidentified previously. Concomitant with this study, slr1736 was found to encode a HPT in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and the Arabidopsis HTP was identified.

There are prenyltransferases that condense prenyl groups with allylic chains and those that condense prenyl chains with aromatic groups. The prenyltransferases that catalyze sequential condensations of isopentenylpyrophosphate with allylic chains share common features, including Asp-rich motifs, and lead to the formation of compounds with two isoprenoid units, such as geranylpyrophosphate, or to much longer molecules, such as rubber, which contains greater than 1,000 isoprenoid units. Prenyltransferases that catalyze condensations with nonisoprenoid groups have an Asp-rich motif distinct from that of the allylic class, and include UbiA, which attaches a prenyl group to 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and chlorophyll synthase, which attaches a prenyl group to chlorophyllide.

[0006.0.9.9] The first committed step in tocopherol biosynthesis is catalyzed by an aromatic prenyltransferase that transfers a phytyl chain to HGA

Classification by head groups would arrange tocopherols, tocotrienols and plastoquinones in one group, being quinones with antioxidant properties and having homogentisic acid as a precursor. Plastoquinones are important components of the quinone-pool in the photosynthetic electron transport chains of plastids, also interfering in the biosynthesis of provitamin A (beta-carotene; Norris S R, (1995). Plant Cell 7, 2139-2149).

[0007.0.9.9] Vitamin E is predominantly delivered by the ingestion of vegetable oils. It plays an important role as a membrane-associated antioxidant scavenger. During past years several additional functions of vitamin E as anti-hypercholesterolemic and immunostimulatory agent in humans have been proposed (Beharka (1997). Methods Enzymol. 282, 247-263).

These compounds with vitamin E activity are important natural fat-soluble antioxidants. A vitamin E deficiency leads to pathophysiological situations in humans and animals. Vitamin E compounds therefore are of high economical value as additives in the food and feed sectors, in pharmaceutical formulations and in cosmetic applications.

[0008.0.9.9] In plastids of plants many isoprenoid pathways are localized, which are interconnected by their substrates, end products and by regulation. These are, e.g. monoterpene-, diterpene-, giberillic acid-, abscisic acid-, chlorophyll-, phylloquinone-, carotenoid-, tocopherol-, tocotrienol- and plastoquinone-biosynthesis. In all these pathways prenyltransferases are involved in the biosynthesis of these compounds. With respect to the length of their side chains diterpenes, chlorophylls, phylloquinones, tocopherols and tocotrienols can be arranged into a C₂₀-group of isoprenoids. Another classification by degree of desaturation of the side chain, would arrange e.g. chlorophylls, phylloquinones and tocopherols into a phytyl-group and e.g. diterpenes, tocotrienols, plastoquinones and carotenoids into a group of desaturated isoprenoid compounds.

[0009.0.9.9] An economical method for producing vitamin E or its precursor and food- and feedstuffs with increased vitamin E content are therefore very important. Particularly economical methods are biotechnological methods utilizing vitamin E-producing organisms which are either natural or optimized by genetic modification.

There is a constant need for providing novel enzyme activities or direct or indirect regulators and thus alternative methods with advantageous properties for producing vitamin E or its precursor in organisms, e.g. in transgenic organisms.

Attempts are known to achieve an increase in the flow of metabolites so as to increase the tocopherol and/or tocotrienol content by overexpressing Phytyl/prenyltransferasegenes in transgenic organisms; WO 00/63391, WO 00/68393, WO 01/62781 and WO 02/33060.

[0010.0.9.9] Therefore improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the food-and-feed industry. This is necessary since, for example, Vitamin E, which occur in plants and some microorganisms are limited with regard to the supply of mammals. Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible a vitamin profile in the diet since a great excess of some vitamins above a specific concentration in the food has only some or little or no positive effect. A further increase in quality is only possible via addition of further vitamins, which are limiting.

[0011.0.9.9] To ensure a high quality of foods and animal feeds, it is therefore necessary to add one or a plurality of vitamins in a balanced manner to suit the organism.

[0012.0.9.9] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes which participate in the biosynthesis of vitamins, in particular vitamin E and make it possible to produce them specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for or regulators of biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of vitamins like vitamin E; on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.9] see [0013.0.0.0]

[0014.0.9.9] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is Vitamin E. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to a “Vitamin E”. Further, in an other embodiment the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to compositions of the fine chemicals comprising Vitamin E.

[0015.0.9.9] In one embodiment, the term “Vitamin E” or “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means at least one chemical compound with vitamin E activity selected from the group “alpha-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, delta-tocopherol, alpha-tocotrienol, beta-tocotrienol, gamma-tocotrienol and delta-tocotrienol”. In an preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or the term “Vitamin E” or the term “the respective fine chemical” means at least one chemical compound with vitamin E activity selected from the group “alpha-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol, and gamma-tocopherol”.

An increased vitamin E content normally means an increased total vitamin E content. However, an increased vitamin E content also means, in particular, a modified content of the above-described 8 compounds with vitamin E activity, without the need for an inevitable increase in the total vitamin E content. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means vitamin E in free form or its salts or its ester or bound. In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” and the term “the respective fine chemical” mean at least one chemical compound with an activity of the above mentioned fine chemical.

[0016.0.9.9] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of Vitamin E comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more     -   YFL019C, YPL268W, YFL013C, b1829, and/or b1827-protein(s);     -   b0161, b0970, b3160, b4063, b2699, b0112, and/or         b1829-protein(s);     -   b0785, b3938, YFL053W, b1827, b0986, b1829 and/or         b0175-protein(s); and/or     -   b0175, b0785, b0986, b3838, YFL053W and/or b1829-protein(s);     -   in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof; and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus, vitamin E, in particular     alpha-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol, and/or gamma-tocopherol and/or     the vitamin E precursor 2,3-Dimethyl-5-pythylquinol, respectively,     in said organism.

In particular, the present invention relates to a process for the production of 2,3-Dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, alpha-Tocopherol, beta-Tocopherol, and/or gamma-Tocopherol comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more     -   YFL019C, YPL268W, YFL013C, b1829, and/or b1827-protein(s) for         2,3-Dimethyl-5-phytylquinol;     -   b0161, b0970, b3160, b4063, b2699, b0112, and/or         b1829-protein(s) for alpha-Tocopherol,     -   b0785, b3938, YFL053W, b1827, b0986, b1829 and/or         b0175-protein(s) for beta-Tocopherol; and/or     -   b0175, b0785, b0986, b3838, YFL053W and/or b1829-protein(s) for         gamma-Tocopherol;     -   in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof; and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of alpha-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol, and/or     gamma-tocopherol or the vitamin E precursor     2,3-Dimethyl-5-pythylquinol, respectively, in said organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of vitamin E comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3,     lines 89 to 102 or lines 472 to 482 or having the sequence of a     polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I,     column 5 or 7, lines 89 to 102 or lines 472 to 482, in a non-human     organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus, vitamin E, in particular     alpha-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol, and/or gamma-tocopherol and/or     the vitamin E precursor 2,3-Dimethyl-5-pythylquinol, resp.

Particularly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of vitamin E comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of a protein indicated in     -   Table II, column 3, lines 89 to 92 or 482 for         2,3-Dimethyl-5-phytylquinol;     -   Table II, column 3, lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 for         alpha-Tocopherol;     -   Table II, column 3, lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 for         beta-Tocopherol; and/or     -   Table II, column 3, lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481 for         gamma-Tocopherol; e.g. having the sequence of a polypeptide         encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in     -   Table I, column 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 for         2,3-Dimethyl-5-phytylquinol;     -   Table I, column 5 or 7, lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 for         alpha-Tocopherol;     -   Table I, column 5 or 7, lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 for         beta-Tocopherol; and/or     -   Table I, column 5 or 7, lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481 for         gamma-Tocopherol; in a non-human organism in one or more parts         thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, in particular alpha-tocopherol,     beta-tocopherol, and/or gamma-tocopherol and/or the vitamin E     precursor 2,3-Dimethyl-5-pythylquinol.

[0016.1.9.9] Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means in one embodiment “2,3-dimethyl-5-pythylquinol” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 89 to 92 or 482 or homologs thereof and means in one embodiment “alpha-tocopherol” in relation to all sequences listed in Tables I to IV, lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 or homologs thereof and means in one embodiment “beta-tocopherol” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I, lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477, and means in one embodiment “gamma-tocopherol” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481.

In one embodiment, the method of the present invention confers the increase of the content of more than one of the respective fine chemicals, i.e. of alpha-, beta-, gamma-tocopherol or 2,3-dimethyl-5-pythylquinol. Accordingly, in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol”, “beta-tocopherol” and “gamma-tocopherol” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 91, 94, 100 or 102, i.e. the method of the present invention confers the increase of the content of more than one of the respective fine chemicals, i.e. of 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, alpha-, beta- and gamma-tocopherol. Preferably the method of the invention confers the increase the content of 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, alpha-, beta- and gamma-tocopherol. In one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol” and “beta-tocopherol” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 92 or 97, i.e. the method of the present invention confers the increase of the content of 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol and beta-tocopherol. In one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “beta-tocopherol” and “gamma-tococpherol in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 96, 98, 99, 101, 476, 477, 478, 479, 480, or 481.

Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” can mean “2,3-dimethyl-5-pythylquinol”, “alpha-tocopherol”, “beta-tocopherol”, and/or “gamma-tocopherol”, owing to circumstances and the context. In order to illustrate that the meaning of the term “the fine chemical” means “2,3-dimethyl-5-pythylquinol”, “alpha-tocopherol”, “beta-tocopherol”, and/or “gamma-tocopherol” the term “the respective fine chemical” is also used.

[0017.0.0.9] to [0018.0.0.9]: see [0017.0.0.0] to [0018.0.0.0]

[0019.0.9.9] Advantageously the process for the production of the respective fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the respective fine chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the respective fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89 to 102 and 472 to 482 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 102 and 472 to 482.

[0020.0.9.9] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of at least one of the proteins of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein(s) YFL019C, YPL268W and/or YFL013C, and/or the Escherichia coli K12 protein(s) b1829, and/or b1827 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, which is a precursor in the biosynthesis of vitamin E, in particular of gamma-tocopherol and thus alpha-tocopherol. Thus, an increase in the level of this precursor of the tocopherol biosynthesis can be advantageous for the production of vitamin E. For example, in one embodiment the level of 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol is increased in combination with the modulation of the expression of other genes of the biosynthesis of vitamin E, in particular of genes encoding enzymes metabolising 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol to produce vitamin E or a precursor thereof, such as the 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol-Cyclase and/or gamma-tocopherol-methyltransferasellor with genes encoding the polypeptides indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 102 or 472 to 482.

Surprisingly, it was found that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein(s) b0161, b0970, b3160, b4063, b2699, b1829, and/or b0112 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the alpha-tocopherol content of the transformed plants.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL053W and/or of the Escherichia coli K12 protein(s) b0785, b3938, b1827, b1829, b0986, and/or b0175 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the beta-tocopherol content of the transformed plants.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL053W, and/or the Escherichia coli K12 protein(s) b0175, b0785, b03938, b0986, b1829 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in gamma-tocopherol content of the transformed plants.

Accordingly, it was surprisingly found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1829 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, alpha-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol, and/or gamma-tocopherol (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of 2,3-Dimethyl-5-phytylquinol; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of alpha-tocopherol; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of beta-tocopherol; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of gamma-tocopherol; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: 2,3-Dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, alpha-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol, and gamma-tocopherol.

Accordingly, it was surprisingly found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1827 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in 2,3-Dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, and/or beta-tocopherol (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of 2,3-Dimethyl-5-phytylquinol; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of beta-tocopherol; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of 2,3-Dimethyl-5-phytylquinol and beta-tocopherol.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL053W and the E. coli protein b0785, b3938, b0986 or b0175 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in beta-tocopherol and/or gamma-tocopherol (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of beta-tocopherol; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of gamma-tocopherol, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of beta-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol.

[0021.0.0.9] see [0021.0.0.0]

[0022.0.9.9] The sequence of b1829 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a heat shock protein with protease activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein of the stress response, the pheromone response, the mating type determination, protein modification or having a proteolytic degradation activity or being a sex specific protein, in particular the use of a protease, in particular of a heat shock protein with protease activity, preferably of the superfamily of the heat shock protein htpX, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of vitamin E, e.g. alpha-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol and/or gamma-tocopherol, e.g. via increasing of the vitamin E biosynthesis precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, preferably in free or bound form, in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the b1829 protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the vitamin E biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of vitamin E via transformation of the intermediate 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquiol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protease, in particular of a heat shock protein with protease activity, preferably of the superfamily of the heat shock protein htpX, is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1827 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (IcIR family), preferably of the acetate operon repressor superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein of the acetate operon repressor superfamily, preferably such protein is having a transcriptional control activity, in particular an activity of a putative transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (IcIR family), e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of vitamin E, e.g. beta-tocopherol, e.g. via increasing the biosynthesis of the vitamin E precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, preferably in free or bound form, in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the b1827 protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the vitamin E biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of vitamin E from the intermediate 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquiol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a putative transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (IcIR family), preferably of the acetate operon repressor superfamily is increased or generated from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0785 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a Molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis protein E. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein involved in the metabolism of vitamins, cofactors, and prosthetic groups; other metal binding; protein binding; molybdopterin binding, preferably of the molybdopterin biosynthesis protein E chain superfamily, preferably of a Molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis protein E, e.g. from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning vitamin E, in particular beta-tocopherol and/or gamma-tocopherol, preferably in free or bound form, in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a Molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis protein E is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3938 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcriptional repressor for methionine biosynthesis. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein of the metJ protein superfamily, preferably of a transcriptional repressor for methionine biosynthesis, e.g from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning vitamin E, in particular beta-tocopherol and/or gamma-tocopherol, preferably in free or bound form, in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a transcriptional repressor for methionine biosynthesis is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0175 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a CDP-diglyceride synthase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein involved in the nucleotide-metabolism, phospholipid biosynthesis, lipid, fatty-acid or isoprenoids metabolism, cellular communication, signal transduction, or cellular sensing and response, preferably of the phophatidate cytidylyltransferase superfamily, preferably of a CDP-diglyceride synthase, e.g from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning vitamin E, in particular beta-tocopherol and/or gamma-tocopherol, preferably in free or bound, form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a phosphatidate cytidylytransf erase, in particular of a CDP-diglyceride synthase, is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2699 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with a DNA recombination and DNA repair activity, a pheromone response activity, a mating-type determination activity, a sex-specific protein activity, a nucleotide binding activity and/or a protease and nuclease activity, in particular a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity, in particular of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of vitamin E, in particular for increasing the amount of alpha-tocopherol, preferably in free or bound form, in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a protease and nuclease activity, in particular a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity, in particular of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3160 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative monooxygenase with luciferase-like ATPase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a putative monooxygenase with luciferase-like ATPase activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of alpha-tocopherol, in particular for increasing the amount of alpha-tocopherol, preferably alpha-tocopherol in free or bound form, in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a putative monooxygenase with luciferase-like ATPase activity is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0161 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a periplasmic serine protease and/or heat shock protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of extracellular/secretion proteins, or proteins involved in cell growth/morphogenesis, proteolytic degradation, protein binding, intracellular signalling, preferably being a protein of the superfamily of Helicobacter serine proteinase, preferably a periplasmic serine protease (heat shock protein) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of alpha-tocopherol, in particular for increasing the amount of alpha-tocopherol, preferably alpha-tocopherol in free or bound form, in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a periplasmic serine protease (heat shock protein) is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0970 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as probable glutamate receptor. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein being involved in apoptosis (type I programmed cell death), transmembrane signal transduction, channel/pore class transporters, unspecified signal transduction and/or protein binding, preferably from the Escherichia coli ybhL protein superfamily, in particular of a probable glutamate receptor from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of vitamin E, in particular for increasing the amount of alpha-tocopherol, preferably in free or bound form, in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. an probable glutamate receptor, in particular of the superfamily of Escherichia coli ybhL protein, is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b4063 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as transcriptional activator for superoxide response. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein being involved in transcriptional control, DNA binding, inorganic chemical agent resistance (e.g. heavy metals), regulation of amino acid metabolism and/or regulation of nitrogen and sulphur utilization, in particular of a transcriptional activator for superoxide response from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of vitamin E, in particular for increasing the amount of alpha-tocopherol, preferably in free or bound form, in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. a transcriptional activator for superoxide response, in particular of the superfamily of Escherichia coli ybhL protein, is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0112 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as aromatic amino acid transport protein (APC family). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with a amino acid transporter activity, a cellular transport activity, preferably from the arginine permease superfamily, in particular of a aromatic amino acid transport protein (APC family) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of vitamin E, in particular for increasing the amount of alpha-tocopherol, preferably in free or bound form, in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a protein of the APC family, in particular an aromatic amino acid transport protein, in particular of the superfamily of arginine permease, is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0986 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a lipoprotein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a lipoprotein, preferably from the superfamily of the hypothetical protein b1706, from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of vitamin E, in particular for increasing the amount of beta-tocopherol and/or gamma-tocopherol, preferably in free or bound form, in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a lipoprotein, in particular of the superfamily the hypothetical protein b1706, is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YFL019C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Murakami Y. et al., Nat. Genet. 10:261-268(1995) and its activity has not been characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with a YFL019C activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of vitamin E, e.g. via increasing the biosynthesis of the vitamin E precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, preferably in free or bound form, in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the YFL019C protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the vitamin E biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of vitamin E from the intermediate 2,3-Dimethyl-5-phytylquiol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said YFL019C activity is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YFL013C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Murakami, Y et al., Nat. Genet. 10 (3), 261-268 (1995), and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as subunit of the INO80 chromatin remodelling complex. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein having the activity of a subunit of the INO80 chromation remodelling complex, in particular of a subunit of the INO80 chromation remodelling complex of the superfamily of the probable membrane protein YFL013c, e.g. from E. coli or its homolog, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning vitamin E, e.g. via increasing the biosynthesis of the vitamin E precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, preferably in free or bound form, in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the YFL013C protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the vitamin E biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of vitamin E from the intermediate 2,3-Dimethyl-5-phytylquiol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a subunit of the INO80 chromation remodelling complex is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YPL268W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Bussey, H. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 103-105 (1997), and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as phophoinositide phospholipase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein involved in the breakdown of lipids, fatty acids and isoprenoids, cell growth and morphogenesis, mitotic cell cycle, cell cycle control, intracellular signal transduction activities, or DNA processing, in particular of the superfamiliy of the yeast 1-phosphatidylinostiol-4,5-bisphophate phosphodiesterase, preferably having a phophoinositide phospholipase activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of vitamin E, e.g. via increasing the biosynthesis of the vitamin E precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, preferably in free or bound form, in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the YPL268W protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the vitamin E biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of vitamin E from the intermediate 2,3-Dimethyl-5-phytylquiol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. of a protein of the yeast 1-phosphatidylinostiol-4,5-bisphophate phosphodiesterase superfamily or preferably having a phophoinositide phospholipase activity is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YFL053W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Murakami, Y et al., Nat. Genet. 10 (3), 261-268 (1995), and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as dihydroxyacetone kinase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein involved in the utilization of c-compound and carbohydrate, stress response, modification by phosphorylation or dephosphorylation, in particular of the superfamiliy glyerone kinase DAK1, preferably having a dihydroxyacetone kinase activity, or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of vitamin E, e.g. gamma- and/or beta-tocopherol, preferably in free or bound form, in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. of a protein of the superfamiliy glyerone kinase DAK1, preferably having a dihydroxyacetone kinase activity, is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

[0023.0.9.9] Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the respective fine chemical amount or content. Further, in the present invention, the term “homologue” relates to the sequence of an organism having the highest sequence homology to the herein mentioned or listed sequences of all expressed sequences of said organism. However, the person skilled in the art knows, that, preferably, the homologue has said the—fine-chemical-increasing activity and, if known, the same biological function or activity in the organism as at least one of the protein(s) indicated in Table II, Column 3, lines 89 to 102 and/or 472 to 482, e.g. having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule comprising the sequence indicated in Table I, Column 5 or 7, lines 89 to 102 and/or 472 to 482.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 89 or 90 or 482, resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, resp. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of vitamin E via its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 89 or 90 or 482, resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 89 or 90 or 482 resp., is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 89 or 90 or 482, resp., is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 89 or 90 or 482, resp., is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 89 or 90 or 482, resp., is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 89 or 90 or 482, resp., is a homolog being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 89 or 90 or 482, resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 89 or 90 or 482, resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 96 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of vitamin E, preferably of beta-tocopherol. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 96. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 96., is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 96, is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 96, is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 96, is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 96, is a homolog being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 96, is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 96, is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 101. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of vitamin E, preferably of gamma-tocopherol. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 101. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 101., is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 101, is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 101, is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 101, is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 101, is a homolog being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 101, is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 101, is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 91 or 92 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably of vitamin E via its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 91 or 92, resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, 91 or 92 is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 91 or 92 is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 91 or 92 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 91 and 92 is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 91 or 92 is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 91 or 92 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity and being derived from Escherichia.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 93, 94, 95, 472, 473, 474, or 475 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of alpha-tocopherol. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 93, 94, 95, 472, 473, 474, or 475, resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 93, 94, 95, 472, 473, 474, or 475 is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 93, 94, 95, 472, 473, 474, or 475 is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 93, 94, 95, 472, 473, 474, or 475 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 93, 94, 95, 472, 473, 474, or 475 is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 93, 94, 95, 472, 473, 474, or 475 is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 93, 94, 95, 472, 473, 474, or 475 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity and being derived from Escherichia.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 97 to 100 or 476 or 477 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably beta-tocopherol. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 97 to 100 or 476 or 477, resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 97 to 100 or 476 or 477 is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 97 to 100 or 476 or 477 is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 97 to 100 or 476 or 477 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 97 to 100 or 476 or 477 is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 97 to 100 or 476 or 477 is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 97 to 100 or 476 or 477 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, being derived from Escherichia.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 102 or lines 478 to 481 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably gamma-tocopherol. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 102 or lines 478 to 481, resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 102 or lines 478 to 481 is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 102 or lines 478 to 481 is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 102 or lines 478 to 481 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 102 or lines 478 to 481 is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 102 or lines 478 to 481 is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 102 or lines 478 to 481 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, being derived from Escherichia.

[0023.1.9.9] Homologs of the polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89 to 102 or 472 to 482 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 89 to 102 or 472 to 482, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 89 to 102 or 472 to 482, resp. Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89 to 102 or 472 to 482 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 89 to 102 or 472 to 482, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 89 to 102 or 472 to 482.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89 to 92 or 482 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482, having a 2,3-Dimethyl-5-phytylquinol content- and/or amount-increasing activity. Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89 to 92 or 482 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 having a 2,3-Dimethyl-5-phytylquinol content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475, having a alpha-tocopherol content- and/or amount-increasing activity. Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 having a alpha-tocopherol content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, 96 to 100 or 476 to 477, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, 96 to 100 or 476 to 477, having a beta-tocopherol content- and/or amount-increasing activity. Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 having a beta-tocopherol content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, having a gamma-tocopherol content- and/or amount-increasing activity. Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in

Table II, column 3, 101 to 102 or 478 to 481 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, 101 to 102 or 478 to 481 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481 having a gamma-tocopherol content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

[0024.0.0.9] see [0024.0.0.0]

[0025.0.9.9] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein of the invention”, e.g. the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol level, in particular to a increased alpha-, beta-, and/or gamma-tocopherol, resp., in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism. In a preferred embodiment, the protein or polypeptide has the above-mentioned additional activities of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481. Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89, 90, 96, 101, or 482 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 91 to 95, 97 to 100, or 102 or 472 to 481 of E. coli K12.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary close to the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 and is expressed in an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the origin organism. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums whereas origin and the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 are derived from the same families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0025.1.0.9] see [0025.1.0.0]

[0025.2.0.9] see [0025.2.0.0]

[0025.3.9.9] In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary close to the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 and is expressed in an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the origin organism. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums whereas origin and the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 are derived from the same families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0026.0.0.9] to [0033.0.0.9]: see [0026.0.0.0] to [0033.0.0.0]

[0034.0.9.9] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention. E.g., it differs by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 and/or 102 and/or lines 478 to 481, resp., or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 and/or 102 and/or lines 478 to 481, resp., or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., its biochemical or genetical causes and therefore shows the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.9] to [0044.0.0.9]: see [0035.0.0.0] to [0044.0.0.0]

[0045.0.9.9] In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0161 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 472, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.9.9], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of alpha-tocopherol between 50% and 138% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0970 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 473, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.9.9], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of alpha-tocopherol between 47% and 54% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4063 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 475, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.9.9], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of alpha-tocopherol between 16% and 47% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0785 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 476 or 479, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.9.9], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of beta- and/or gamma-tocopherol between 34% and 40% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3938 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 477 or 481, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.9.9], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of beta- and/or gamma-tocopherol between 50% and 120% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3160, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 474, or a protein with the activity defined as putative monooxygenase with luciferase-like ATPase activity or its homologs, e.g. transcriptional regulator, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical alpha-tocopherol between 47% and 91% is conferred.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1829 or its homologs, e.g. having a heat shock protein or a protease activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 91, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the vitamin E precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, between 48% and 283% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1829 or its homologs, e.g. with a heat shock protein with protease activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 94, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of vitamin E, in particular of alpha-tocopherol, between 39% and 90% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1829 or its homologs, e.g. with a heat shock protein with protease activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 100 or 102, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the vitamin E in particular of beta- and/or gamma-tocopherol between 40% and 325% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1827 or its homologs, e.g. with a putative transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (IcIR family) activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 92, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the vitamin E precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, between 76% and 91% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1827 or its homologs, e.g. with a putative transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (IcIR family) activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 97, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the vitamin E, in particular beta-tocopherol, between 34% and 116% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs, e.g. a protein with a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease-activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 93, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the vitamin E, in particular of alpha-tocopherol, between 51% and 196% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0112 or its homologs, e.g. a protein with an aromatic amino acid transport protein (APC family)-activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 95, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the vitamin E, in particular of alpha-tocopherol, between 43% and 63% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0175 or its homologs, e.g. a CDP-diglyceride synthase-activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 99 or 478, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the vitamin E, in particular of beta- and/or gamma-tocopherol, between 34% and 40% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0986 or its homologs, e.g. a lipoprotein, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 98 and 480, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the vitamin E, in particular of beta and/or gamma-tocopherol, between 35% and 61% or more.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL019C or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 482, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.9.9], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of 2,3-Dimethyl-5-pythylquinol between 97% and 440% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL013C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a subunit of the INO80 chroamtion remodeling complex, in particular, of the superfamiliy of the membrane protein YFL013c, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, 90, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the vitamin E precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytyhlquinol between 97% and 440% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YPL268W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a phophoinositide phopholipase, in particular, of the superfamiliy of the yeast 1-phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate phophodiesterase, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, 89, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the vitamin E precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytyhlquinol between 44% and 51% or more.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL053W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a dihydroxaacetone kinase, in particular, of the superfamiliy of theglyerone kinase DAK1, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, 96 and 101, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of vitamin E, particularly of gamma and/or beta-tocopherol, between 45% and 123% or more.

[0046.0.9.9] In one embodiment the activity of a Escherichia coli K12 protein b0161 as disclosed in [0016.0.9.9] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 472, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.9.9], is increased conferring, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of alpha-tocopherol and of further vitamin E activity-having compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment the activity of a Escherichia coli K12 protein b0970 as disclosed in [0016.0.9.9] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 473, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.9.9], is increased conferring preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of alpha-tocopherol and of further vitamin E activity-having compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment the activity of a Escherichia coli K12 protein b3160 as disclosed in [0016.0.9.9] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 474, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.9.9], is increased conferring preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of alpha-tocopherol and of further vitamin E activity-having compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment the activity of a Escherichia coli K12 protein b4063 as disclosed in [0016.0.9.9] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 475, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.9.9], is increased conferring, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of alpha-tocopherol and of further vitamin E activity-having compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment the activity of a Escherichia coli K12 protein b0785 as disclosed in [0016.0.9.9] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 476 and 479, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.9.9] is increased conferring, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-tocopherol and/or gamma-tocopherol and of further vitamin E activity-having compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of a Escherichia coli K12 protein b3938 as disclosed in [0016.0.9.9] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 477 and 481, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.9.9] is increased conferring, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-tocopherol and/or gamma-tocopherol and of further vitamin E activity-having compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1829 or its homologs, e.g. having a heat shock protein with protease activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 91, 94, or 100, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of alpha-, beta- and/or gamma-tocopherol and/or 2,3-Dimethyl-5-phyhtylquinol, and of further vitamin E activity-having compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1827 or its homologs, e.g. with a putative transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (IcIR family) activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 92 or 97 is increased, conferring preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-tocopherol and/or 2,3-Dimethyl-5-phyhtylquinol, and of further vitamin E activity-having compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs, e.g. a protein with a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease-activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 93, is increased conferring, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of alpha-tocopherol and of further vitamin E activity-having compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0112 or its homologs, e.g. a protein with an aromatic amino acid transport protein (APC family)-activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 95, is increased conferring, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of alpha-tocopherol, and of further vitamin E activity-having compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0175 or its homologs, e.g. a CDP-diglyceride synthase-activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 99 or 478, is increased conferring, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-tocopherol and/or gamma-tocopherol, and of further vitamin E activity-having compounds or their precursor.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0986 or its homologs, e.g. a lipoprotein, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 98 and 480, is increased conferring, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-tocopherol and/or gamma-tocopherol, and of further vitamin E-activity having compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL013C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a subunit of the INO80 chroamtion remodeling complexes, in particular, of the superfamiliy of the membrane protein YFL013c, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, 90, is increased conferring, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of 2,3-Dimethyl-5-phyhtylquinol, and of further vitamin E activity having-compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL053W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a dihydroxaacetone kinase, in particular, of the superfamiliy of theglyerone kinase DAK1, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, 96 or 101, is increased conferring, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta- and/or gamma-tocopherol, and of further vitamin E activity-having compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YPL268W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a phophoinositide phopholipase, in particular, of the superfamiliy of the yeast 1-phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate phophodiesterase, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, 89, is increased conferring, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of 2,3-Dimethyl-5-phyhtylquinol, and of further vitamin E activity-having compounds or their precursors.

[0047.0.0.9] to [0048.0.0.9]: see [0047.0.0.0] to [0048.0.0.0]

[0049.0.9.9] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482, or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide which is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the beta-2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the alpha-tocopherol preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide which is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the alpha-tocopherol level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the beta-tocopherol preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the beta-tocopherol level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the gamma-tocopherol preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481 and/or the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the gamma-tocopherol level.

[0050.0.9.9] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “the respective fine chemical” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, resp., or their ester.

[0051.0.9.9] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the respective fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free chemical free or bound, e.g compositions comprising vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, resp., Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of various vitamin E compounds or their precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, resp., can be produced.

[0052.0.0.9] see [0052.0.0.0]

[0053.0.9.9] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the     method of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of     a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89 to 92 or 482     or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 or     lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 or lines 93 to 95 or     472 to 475 or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 or line 101 to102 or     lines 478 to 481, activity having herein-mentioned the respective     fine chemical-increasing activity; -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the     nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, e.g. of a     polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table     II, column 3, lines 89 to 92 or 482 or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475     or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 or lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481     or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5     or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 or lines     96 to 100 or 476 to 477 or lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, or of a     mRNA encoding the polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical-increasing activity; -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention or the nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide used in the     method of the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine     chemical-increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89     to 92 or 482 or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 or lines 96 to 100 or     476 to 477 or lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481 or its homologs     activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to     92 or 482 or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 or lines 96 to 100 or 476     to 477 or lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, or decreasing the     inhibitory regulation of the polypeptide of the invention or the     polypeptide used in the method of the invention; -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid     molecule used in the method of the invention or of the polypeptide     of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the     invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine     chemical-increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89     to 92 or 482 or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 or lines 96 to 100 or     476 to 477 or lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481 or its homologs     activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to     92 or 482 or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 or lines 96 to 100 or 476     to 477 or lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical-increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated     in Table II, column 3, lines 89 to 92 or 482 or lines 93 to 95 or     472 to 475 or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 or lines 101 to 102 or     478 to 481 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to     475 or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 or lines 101 to 102 or 478 to     481, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors to the     organism or parts thereof; -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned the respective fine     chemical-increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89     to 92 or 482 or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 or lines 96 to 100 or     476 to 477 or lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481 or its homologs     activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to     92 or 482 or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 or lines 96 to 100 or 476     to 477 or lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid     molecule used in the method of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention     having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical-increasing     activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as     indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89 to 92 or 482 or lines 93     to 95 or 472 to 475 or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 or lines 101 to     102 or 478 to 481 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to     475 or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 or lines 101 to 102 or 478 to     481, activity. -   h) Increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method     of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having an activity of a protein     as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89 to 92 or 482 or lines     93 to 95 or 472 to 475 or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 or lines 101     to 102 or 478 to 481 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 or lines 93 to 95 or     472 to 475 or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 or lines 101 to 102 or     478 to 481, by adding positive expression or removing negative     expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination can be used to     either introduce positive regulatory elements like for plants the     35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor elements form     regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods can be used to     disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity of positive     elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced in plants by     T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be identified in which     the positive elements have be integrated near to a gene of the     invention, the expression of which is thereby enhanced; -   i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical production and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, e.g. the elite crops.

[0054.0.9.9] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 89 to 92 or 482 or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 or lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 or lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp.

[0055.0.0.9] to [0067.0.0.9]: see [0055.0.0.0] to [0067.0.0.0]

[0068.0.9.9] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of the vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.9] see [0069.0.0.0]

[0070.0.9.9] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding a protein of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolites composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous composition of vitamins comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) of vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol.

[0071.0.0.9] see [0071.0.0.0]

[0072.0.9.9] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to of vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, further vitamins or provitamins or carotenoids.

[0073.0.9.9] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

-   -   e) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a         non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal         tissue or a plant;     -   f) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or         the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or a homolog         thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89         to 92 or 482 or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 or lines 96 to 100         or 476 to 477 or lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, or of a         polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the         present invention and described below, e.g. conferring an         increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism,         preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or         animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant,     -   g) growing an organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human         animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a         plant under conditions which permit the production of the         respective fine chemical in the organism, preferably the         microorganism, the plant cell, the plant tissue or the plant;         and     -   h) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or         bound the respective fine chemical and, optionally further free         and/or bound vitamin E or its precursor         2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol synthesized by the organism, the         microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell,         the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.9.9] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound the respective fine chemical or the free and bound the respective fine chemical but as option it is also possible to produce, recover and, if desired isolate, other free or/and bound of vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol.

[0075.0.0.9] to [0077.0.0.9]: see [0075.0.0.0] to [0077.0.0.0]

[0078.0.9.9] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, respective fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications, for example according to the disclosures made in U.S. Pat. No. 6,399,059: Thermally stable enzyme composition and method of preparing the same, U.S. Pat. No. 6,361,800: Multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, U.S. Pat. No. 6,348,200: Cosmetic composition, U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,854: Photoaging skin-care preparation and method of treating wrinkled skin, U.S. Pat. No. 6,323,188: Treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, heart attack, and stroke, primary and subsequent, with help of aspirin and certain vitamins, U.S. Pat. No. 6,299,896: Multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, U.S. Pat. No. 6,262,279: Preparation of tocopherols, U.S. Pat. No. 6,362,221: Compositions containing natural lycopene and natural tocopherol, U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,997: Tocopherol and tocotrienol compositions, U.S. Pat. No. 6,344,573: Process for extraction and concentration of liposoluble vitamins and provitamins, growth factors and animal and vegetable hormones from residues and by-products of industrialized animal and vegetable products, U.S. Pat. No. 6,242,227: Method of vitamin production, U.S. Pat. No. 6,207,187: Compositions based on tocopherols, U.S. Pat. No. 6,177,114: Refining of edible oil rich in natural carotenes and Vitamin E which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. The fermentation broth, fermentation products, plants or plant products can be purified as described in above mentioned applications or by other methods known to the person skilled in the art and described herein below.

In the method for producing vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol according to the invention, the cultivation step of the genetically modified organisms, also referred to as transgenic organisms herein below, is preferably followed by harvesting said organisms and isolating vitamin E from said organisms.

The organisms are harvested in a manner known per se and appropriate for the particular organism. Microorganisms such as bacteria, mosses, yeasts and fungi or plant cells which are cultured in liquid media by fermentation may be removed, for example, by centrifugation, decanting or filtration. Plants are grown on solid media in a manner known per se and harvested accordingly.

Vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol are isolated from the harvested biomass in a manner known per se, for example by extraction and, where appropriate, further chemical or physical purification processes such as, for example, precipitation methods, crystallography, thermal separation methods such as rectification methods or physical separation methods such as, for example, chromatography.

Vitamin E is isolated from oil-containing plants, for example, preferably by chemical conversion and distillation from vegetable oils or from the steam distillates obtained in the deodorization of vegetable oils (deodorizer condensates).

Further methods of isolating vitamin E from deodorizer condensates are described, for example, in DE 31 26 110 A1, EP 171 009 A2, GB 2 145 079, EP 333 472 A2 and WO 94/05650.

Products of these different work-up procedures are vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, e.g. alpha, beta, or gamma-tocopherol or vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol comprising compositions, e.g. compositions comprising alpha, beta, or gamma-tocopherol which still comprise fermentation broth, plant particles and cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably between below 50% by weight.

[0079.0.0.9] to [0084.0.0.9]: see [0079.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0]

[0084.1.9.9] The invention also contemplates embodiments in which the vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, or other vitamin E precursor compounds in the production of the respective fine chemical, is present in the phytosynthetically active organisms chosen as the host; for example, cyanobacteria, mosses, algae or plants which, even as a wild type, are capable of producing vitamin E. The invention also contemplates embodiments in which a host lacks vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol or other vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol precursors, such as the vinca. In a plant of the latter type, the inserted DNA includes genes that code for proteins producing vitamin E precursors (compounds that can be converted biologically into a compound with vitamin E activity) and one or more modifying enzymes which were originally absent in such a plant.

Preferred monocotyledonous plants are selected in particular from the monocotyledonous crop plants such as, for example, of the family of Gramineae such as rice, corn, wheat or other cereals species such as barley, millet, rye, triticale or oats, and sugarcane, and all grass species. The invention is particularly applied to dicotyledonous plant organisms. Preferred dicotyledonous plants are in particular selected from the dicotyledonous crop plants such as, for example,

-   -   Asteraceae such as sunflower, Tagetes or Calendula and many         others,     -   Compositae, especially the genus Lactuca, very especially the         species sativa (lettuce) and many others,     -   Cruciferae, especially the genus Brassica, very especially the         species napus (oilseed rape), campestris (beet), oleracea (e.g.         cabbage, cauliflower or broccoli and other cabbage types); and         of the genus Arabidopsis, very especially the species thaliana,         and cress or canola and many others,     -   Cucurbitaceae such as melon, pumpkin or zucchini and many         others,     -   Leguminosae especially the genus Glycine, very especially the         species max (soybean) soja and alfalfa, pea, beans or peanut and         many others,     -   Rubiaceae, preferably of the subclass Lamiidae such as, for         example, Coffea arabica or Coffea liberica (coffee plant) and         many others,     -   Solanaceae especially the genus Lycopersicon, very especially         the species esculentum (tomato) and the genus Solanum, very         especially the species tuberosum (potato) and melongena         (aubergine) and the genus Capsicum, very especially the species         annum (paprika), and tobacco and many others,     -   Sterculiaceae, preferably of the subclass Dilleniidae such as,         for example, Theobroma cacao (cocoa plant) and many others,     -   Theaceae, preferably of the subclass Dilleniidae such as, for         example, Camellia sinensis or Thea sinensis (tea plant) and many         others,     -   Umbelliferae, especially the genus Daucus (very especially the         species carota (carrot)) and Apium (very especially the species         graveolens dulce (celeriac)) and many others;         and linseed, soybean, cotton, hemp, flax, cucumber, spinach,         carrot, sugarbeet and the various tree, nut and grape species,         especially banana and kiwi.

Also comprised are ornamental plants, productive or ornamental trees, flowers, cut flowers, shrubs or turf. Non-restrictive examples which may be mentioned are angiosperms, bryophytes such as, for example, Hepaticae (liverworts) and Musci (mosses); pteridophytes such as ferns, horsetail and club mosses; gymnosperms such as conifers, cycads, ginkgo and gnetales, the families of Rosaceae such as rose, Ericaceae such as rhododendrons and azaleas, Euphorbiaceae such as poinsettias and croton, Caryophyllaceae such as carnations, Solanaceae such as petunias, Gesneriaceae such as African violet, Balsaminaceae such as touch-me-not, Orchidaceae such as orchids, Iridaceae such as gladioli, iris, freesia and crocus, Compositae such as marigold, Geraniaceae such as geraniums, Liliaceae such as the dragon tree, Moraceae such as ficus, Araceae such as philodendron and many others.

Particularly preferred plant organisms are those selected from the group of oil plants consisting of Borago officinalis, Brassica campestris, Brassica napus, Brassica rapa, Cannabis sativa, Carthamus tinctorius, Cocos nucifera, Crambe abyssinica, Cuphea species, Elaeis guineensis, Ekeis oleiferu, Glycine max, Gossypium hirsitum, Gossypium barbadense, Gossypium herbaceum, Helianthus annus, Linum usitatissimum, Oenothera biennis, Ozea europea, Oryza sativa, Ricinus communis, Sesamum indicum, Triticum species, Zea maize, walnut and almond.

In one embodiment, preferred plants include, but are not limited to: Tagetes erecta, Brassica napus, Nicotinana tabacum, sunflower, canola, Solanum sp. (potato), and soybean.

Preferred cyanobacteria are cyanobacteria of the genus Synechocystis, e.g. Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, or Physcometrella patens or Nostoc punctiforme ATCC 29133, Anabaena sp. PCC7120.

Preferred algae are green algae such as, for example, algae of the genus Chlorella, Haematococcus, Phaedactylum tricornatum, Volvox or Dunaliella, in particular e.g. Spongiococcum sp, e.g. Spongiococcum exentricum, Chlorella sp., Haematococcus, Phaedactylum tricornatum.

[0085.0.9.9] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7,     lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or     lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481,     resp., or a derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95     or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101     to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. or a derivative thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.9] to [0087.0.0.9]: see [0086.0.0.0] to [0087.0.0.0]

[0088.0.9.9] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose content the respective fine chemical is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for poultry is dependent on the abovementioned vitamin E and the general amount ofvitamin E as source in feed. Further, this is also important for the production of cosmetic compostions since, for example, the antioxidant level of plant extracts is depending on the abovementioned vitamin E and the general amount of vitamins e.g. as antioxidants.

[0088.1.0.9] see [0088.1.0.0]

[0089.0.0.9] to [0090.0.0.9]: see [0089.0.0.0] to [0090.0.0.0]

[0091.0.9.9] Thus, the content of plant components and preferably also further impurities is as low as possible, and the abovementioned vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol are obtained in as pure form as possible. In these applications, the content of plant components advantageously amounts to less than 10%, preferably 1%, more preferably 0.1%, very especially preferably 0.01% or less.

[0092.0.0.9] to [0094.0.0.9]: see [0092.0.0.0] to [0094.0.0.0]

[0095.0.9.9] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of said vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the essentially pure fine chemical.

[0096.0.9.9] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptid or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired fine chemical, for example vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol in the organism, is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0097.0.0.9] see [0097.0.0.0]

[0098.0.9.9] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical (vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol) is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further vitamins, provitamins or carotenoids, e.g. carotenes or xanthophylls, or mixtures thereof or mixtures with other compounds by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.9.9] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinolmay accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, and spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the respective fine chemical or the vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol comprising compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.9.9] Transgenic plants which comprise the vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinolsuch as alpha, beta, or gamma-tocopherol, synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the oils, lipids or fatty acids synthesized to be isolated. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue.

The site of vitamin E biosynthesis in plants is, inter alia, the leaf tissue so that the isolation of leafs makes sense. However, this is not limiting, since the expression may also take place in a tissue-specific manner in all of the remaining parts of the plant, in particular in fat-containing seeds. A further preferred embodiment therefore relates to a seed-specific isolation of vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol.

However, the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, in the form of their oils, fats, lipids, as extracts, e.g. ether, alcohol, or other organic solvents or water containing extract and/or free vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts, e.g. in the plant seeds. To increase the efficiency of extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material especially the seeds. E.g., oils, fats, and/or lipids comprising vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinolcan be obtained by what is known as cold beating or cold pressing without applying heat. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, specifically the seeds, they can previously be comminuted, steamed or roasted. Seeds, which have been pre-treated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents such as warm hexane. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. Thereafter, the resulting products can be processed further, i.e. degummed and/or refined. In this process, substances such as the plant mucilages and suspended matter can be first removed. What is known as desliming can be affected enzymatically or, for example, chemico-physically by addition of acid such as phosphoric acid.

Because vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol in microorganisms may be localized intracellular, their recovery essentials comes down to the isolation of the biomass. Well-established approaches for the harvesting of cells include filtration, centrifugation and coagulation/flocculation as described herein. Determination of tocopherols in cells has been described by Tan and Tsumura 1989, see also Biotechnology of Vitamins, Pigments and Growth Factors, Edited by Erik J. Vandamme, London, 1989, p. 96 to 103. Many further methods to determine the tocopherol content are known to the person skilled in the art.

[0101.0.0.9] see [0101.0.0.0]

[0102.0.9.9] Vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol can for example be analyzed advantageously via HPLC or GC separation methods and detected by MS or MSMS methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of Vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol containing products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: GC, GC-MS or TLC, as described on several occasions by Christie and the references therein (1997, in: Advances on Lipid Methodology, Fourth Edition: Christie, Oily Press, Dundee, 119-169; 1998, Gaschromatographie-Massenspektrometrie-Verfahren [Gas chromatography/mass spectrometric methods], Lipide 33:343-353). The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding, cooking, or via other applicable methods; see also Biotechnology of Vitamins, Pigments and Growth Factors, Edited by Erik J. Vandamme, London, 1989, p. 96 to 103.

[0103.0.9.9] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472     to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102     or 478 to 481, resp. or a fragment thereof, which confers an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95     or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101     to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines     93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or     line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. and conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table IV,     column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475     and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478     to 481, resp., and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or     lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481,     resp. and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0103.1.9.9] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp.: In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp.

[0103.2.9.9.] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over a or more sequence(s) indicated in Table I B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of a or more sequence(s) indicated in Table I B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp.

[0104.0.9.9] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention or the nucleic acid used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp.

[0105.0.0.9] to [0107.0.0.9] see [0105.0.0.0] to [0107.0.0.0]

[0108.0.9.9] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., nucleic acid molecules which are derived from an amino acid sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, meaning Vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol., in particular, alpha-, beta-, and/or gamma-tocopherol after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.9] see [0109.0.0.0]

[0110.0.9.9] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I or Table II, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.9] see [0111.0.0.0]

[0112.0.9.9] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 and 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., and conferring an increase in the level of vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol resp., in particular, of alpha-, beta-, and/or gamma-tocopherol.

[0113.0.0.9] to [0120.0.0.9]: see [0113.0.0.0] to [0120.0.0.0]

[0120.1.9.9]: Production strains which are also advantageously selected in the process according to the invention are microorganisms selected from the group of green algae, like Spongioccoccum exentricum, Chlorella sorokiniana (pyrenoidosa, 7-11-05), or algae of the genus Haematococcus, Phaedactylum tricornatum, Volvox or Dunaliella or form the group of fungi like fungi belonging to the Daccrymycetaceae family, or non-photosynthetic bacteria, like methylotrophs, flavobacteria, actinomycetes, like streptomyces chrestomyceticus, Mycobacteria like Mycobacterim phlei, or Rhodobacter capsulatus. Thus, the invention also contemplates embodiments in which a host lacks vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol or other vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol precursors, such as the vinca. In a plant of the latter type, the inserted DNA includes genes that code for proteins producing vitamin E precursors (compounds that can be converted biologically into a cmpound with vitamin E activity) and one or more modifiying enzymes which were originally absent in such a plant.

The invention also contemplates embodiments in which the vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, or other vitamin E precursor compounds in the production of the respective fine chemical, is present in the phytosynthetically active organisms chosen as the host; for example, cyanobacteria, mosses, algae or plants which, even as a wild type, are capable of producing vitamin E.

[0121.0.9.9] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring an increase in the level of 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytyhlquinol after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482; or conferring increase in the level of alpha-tocopherol after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475; or conferring increase in the level of beta-tocopherol after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477; or conferring increase in the level of gamma-tocopherol after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481.

[0122.0.0.9] to [0127.0.0.9]: see [0122.0.0.0] to [0127.0.0.0]

[0128.0.9.9] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. or the sequences derived from a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp.

[0129.0.9.9] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid sequence in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. is derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.9.9] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol resp., in particular, of alpha-, beta-, and/or gamma-tocopherol after increasing the expression or activity of the protein comprising said fragment.

[0131.0.0.9] to [0138.0.0.9]: see [0131.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0]

[0139.0.9.9] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical level, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to a sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482, preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 for 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol or indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475, preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 for alpha-tocopherol or indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477, preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 for beta-tocopherol or indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 for gamma-tocopherol under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the respective fine chemical, i.e. vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol resp., in particular, of alpha-, beta-, and/or gamma-tocopherol, resp., increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.9] to [0146.0.0.9]: see [0140.0.0.0] to [0146.0.0.0]

[0147.0.9.9] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482, and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences, thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.9.9] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular having a vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol resp., in particular, of alpha-, beta-, and/or gamma-tocopherol increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.9.9] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring increase of vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol resp., in particular, of alpha-, beta-, and/or gamma-tocopherol, resp., and optionally, the activity of a protein indicated in Table II.

[00149.1.9.9] Optionally, in one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table I B, columns 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481.

[0150.0.9.9] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol resp., in particular, of alpha-, beta-, and/or gamma-tocopherol resp., if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., can result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or its gene product.

[0151.0.0.9] see [0151.0.0.0]

[0152.0.9.9] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid used in the method of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular an activity increasing the level of vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol resp., in particular, of alpha-, beta-, and/or gamma-tocopherol, resp., as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.9.9] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., has for example an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp.

[0154.0.9.9] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.9] to [0156.0.0.9]: see [0155.0.0.0] to [0156.0.0.0]

[0157.0.9.9] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptides comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or the functional homologues.

Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, an amino acid sequence of a consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or the functional homologues. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably of Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481. Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481.

[0158.0.0.9] to [0160.0.0.9]: see [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0]

[0161.0.9.9] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.9] see [0162.0.0.0]

[0163.0.9.9] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the respective fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.9] see [0164.0.0.0]

[0165.0.9.9] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table I, preferably Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp.

[0166.0.0.9] to [0167.0.0.9]: see [0166.0.0.0] to [0167.0.0.0]

[0168.0.9.9] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481.

[0169.0.0.9] to [0172.0.0.9]: see [0169.0.0.0] to [0172.0.0.0]

[0173.0.9.9] For example a sequence, which has 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 8673 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 8673 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.9] see [0174.0.0.0]

[0175.0.9.9] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 8674 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 8674 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.9.9] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp.

[0177.0.9.9] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp.

[0178.0.0.9] see [0178.0.0.0]

[0179.0.9.9] A nucleic acid molecule encoding an homolog to a protein sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences of a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.9] to [0183.0.0.9]: see [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0]

[0184.0.9.9] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.9.9] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp.,

[0186.0.9.9] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp

[0187.0.9.9] In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table IIB, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp, comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp.

[0188.0.9.9] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential biological or enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., and is expressed under identical conditions.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention is a homolog consisting of or comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481.

[0189.0.9.9] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.9] to [0191.0.0.9] see [0190.0.0.0] to [0191.0.0.0]

[0191.1.9.9] -/-

[0192.0.0.9] to [0203.0.0.9] see [0192.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0]

[0204.0.9.9] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or     lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481,     resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or     lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477     and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp.; or a fragment thereof     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical, i.e. vitamin E or its precursor     2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol (lines 89 to 92 or 482), resp., in     particular, of alpha- (lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475), beta- (lines     96 to 100 or 476 to 477), and/or gamma-tocopherol (lines 101 to 102     or 478 to 481), resp., in an organism or a part thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5     or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475     and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478     to 481, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482     and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to     477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or a fragment     thereof conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines     89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96     to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp.,     and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical, i.e. vitamin E or its precursor     2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol (lines 89 to 92 or 482), resp., in     particular, of alpha- (lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475), beta- (lines     96 to 100 or 476 to 477), and/or gamma-tocopherol (lines 101 to 102     or 478 to 481), resp. in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 89 to     92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100     or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical, i.e. vitamin E or its precursor     2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol (lines 89 to 92 or 482), resp., in     particular, of alpha- (lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475), beta- (lines     96 to 100 or 476 to 477), and/or gamma-tocopherol (lines 101 to 102     or 478 to 481), resp., in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domain of a polypeptide as indicated in Table     II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or     472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to     102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 89     to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to     100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical, i.e. vitamin E or its precursor     2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol (lines 89 to 92 or 482), resp., in     particular, of alpha- (lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475), beta- (lines     96 to 100 or 476 to 477), and/or gamma-tocopherol (lines 101 to 102     or 478 to 481), resp., in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482     and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to     477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table I     B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to     475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or     478 to 481, resp., or a nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably     at least the mature form of, a polypeptide as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472     to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102     or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 89 to     92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100     or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; or which encompasses a sequence     which is complementary thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table I A,     columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472     to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102     or 478 to 481, resp., by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment,     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention does not consist of the     sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or     482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or     476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., In an other     embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at     least 30 identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99%     identical to a sequence as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7,     lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or     lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481,     resp. In a further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not     encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table II A, columns 5     or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475     and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478     to 481, resp. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention encodes in one embodiment a     polypeptide which differs at least in one or more amino acids from a     polypeptide indicated in Table II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92     or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or     476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., does not     encode a protein of a sequence as indicated in Table II A, columns 5     or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475     and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478     to 481, resp. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded by     a sequences of a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does not     consist of a sequence as indicated in Table II A, columns 5 or 7,     lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or     lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481,     resp. In a further embodiment, the protein of the present invention     is at least 30 identical to a protein sequence indicated in Table II     A, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or     472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to     102 or 478 to 481, resp., and less than 100%, preferably less than     99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%,     96% or 95% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II A,     columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472     to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102     or 478 to 481, resp.     whereby, in a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule     according to (a) to (l) distinguishes over a sequence as indicated     in Table I B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95     or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101     to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., by one or more nucleotides. In one     embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention does not     consist of the sequence as indicated in Table I B, column 7, lines     89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96     to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., In     an further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present     invention is at least 30 identical and less than 100%, 99.999%,     99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table I     B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to     475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or     478 to 481, resp. In a further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule     does not encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table II B,     column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475     and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478     to 481, resp. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention encodes in one embodiment a     polypeptide which differs at least in one or more amino acids from a     polypeptide indicated in Table II B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482     and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to     477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., does not encode a     protein of a sequence as indicated in Table II B, columns 5 or 7,     lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or     lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481,     resp. Accordingly, in one further embodiment, the protein encoded by     a sequences of a nucleic acid according to -   (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table II     B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to     475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or     478 to 481, resp. In a further embodiment, the protein of the     present invention is at least 30% identical to a protein sequence     indicated in Table II B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or     lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477     and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., and less than 100%,     preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less     than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as indicated     in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93     to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line     101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp.

[0205.0.0.9] to [0206.0.0.9]: see [0205.0.0.0] to [0206.0.0.0]

[0207.0.9.9] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes, are genes of the tocopherol metabolism, the tocotriene metabolism, the carotenoid metabolism, the amino acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acid metabolism or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.9] to [0226.0.0.9]: see [0208.0.0.0] to [0226.0.0.0]

[0227.0.9.9] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the tocopherol biosynthetic pathway such as for a vitamin E precursor, is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine one or more of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organism, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.9.9] In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore, organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of at least one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteins involved in the tocopherol metabolism, in particular in synthesis of alpha-, beta-, and/or gamma-tocopherol.

[0229.0.9.9] Further advantageous nucleic acid sequences which can be expressed in combination with the sequences used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes are the sequences encoding further genes of the tocopherol biosynthetic pathway, such as the homogentisate phytyltransferase (HPT) or the enzymes catalysing the subsequent cyclization and methylation reactions, γ-tocopherol methyl transf erase (γ-TMT), prenyltransferases that condense prenyl groups with allylic chains and those that condense prenyl chains with aromatic groups and others. These genes can lead to an increased synthesis of the essential vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol resp., in particular, of alpha-, beta-, and/or gamma-tocopherol, resp.

[0230.0.0.9] see [0230.0.0.0]

[0231.0.9.9] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a protein degrading vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol resp., in particular, alpha-, beta-, and/or gamma-tocopherol, resp., is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.9] to [0276.0.0.9]: see [0232.0.0.0] to [0276.0.0.0]

[0277.0.9.9] The respective fine chemical produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. For example, via extraction, salt precipitation, and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts.

[0278.0.0.9] to [0282.0.0.9]: see [0278.0.0.0] to [0282.0.0.0]

[0283.0.9.9] Moreover, a native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, e.g. an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. or an antigenic part thereof, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof, i.e., the polypeptide of this invention. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies specifically binding to polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp.

[0284.0.0.9]: see [0284.0.0.0]

[0285.0.9.9] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or as encoded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.9.9] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp

[0287.0.0.9] to [0290.0.0.9]: see [0287.0.0.0] to [0290.0.0.0]

[0291.0.9.9] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table II A orll B, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp.

[0292.0.0.9] see [0292.0.0.0]

[0293.0.9.9] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof and being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, said polypeptide is having a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. In a further embodiment, the polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical.

[0294.0.9.9] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.9] to [0297.0.0.9]: see [0295.0.0.0] to [0297.0.0.0]

[0297.1.9.9] Non polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 3, 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp.

[0298.0.9.9] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp.

[0299.0.9.9] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.9.9] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp.

[0301.0.0.9] see [0301.0.0.0]

[0302.0.9.9] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.9]: see [0303.0.0.0]

[0304.0.9.9] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.9] to [0306.0.0.9]: see [0305.0.0.0] to [0306.0.0.0]

[0306.1.9.9] Preferably, the compound is a composition comprising the essentially pure fine chemical, i.e. Vitamin E, i.e. alpha-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol, and/or gamma-tocopherol or the vitamin E precursor 2,3-Dimethyl-5-pythylquinol, respectively or a recovered or isolated Vitamin E, i.e. alpha-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol, and/or gamma-tocopherol or the vitamin E precursor 2,3-Dimethyl-5-pythylquinol, respectively, e.g. in free or in protein- or membrane-bound form.

[0307.0.0.9] to [0308.0.0.9]: see [0307.0.0.0] to [0308.0.0.0]

[0309.0.9.9] In one embodiment, a reference to a protein (=polypeptide) of the invention or as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.9] to [0334.0.0.9]: see [0310.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0]

[0335.0.9.9] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.9] to [0342.0.0.9]: see [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0]

[0343.0.9.9] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.9] to [0361.0.0.9]: see [0344.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0]

[0362.0.9.9] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. e.g. encoding a polypeptide having protein activity, as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. Due to the above mentioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. In one embodiment, transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp. e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention

[0363.0.0.9]: see [0363.0.0.0]

[0364.0.9.9] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of a promoter of a polypeptide of the invention as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., with the corresponding protein-encoding sequence as indicated in Table I, column 3, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., —becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modified by non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example, mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

[0365.0.0.9] to [0373.0.0.9]: see [0365.0.0.0] to [0373.0.0.0]

[0374.0.9.9] Transgenic plants comprising the respective fine chemical synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. Vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol resp., in particular, alpha-, beta-, and/or gamma-tocopherol resp., produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free vitamin E or bound in or to compounds or moieties. Vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol resp., in particular, alpha-, beta-, and/or gamma-tocopherol resp., produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography or other chromatographic methods of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.9] to [0376.0.0.9]: see [0375.0.0.0] to [0376.0.0.0]

[0377.0.9.9] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process according to the present invention whereby the produced vitamin E comprising composition or the produced the respective fine chemical is isolated.

[0378.0.9.9]: In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol resp., in particular, alpha-, beta-, and/or gamma-tocopherol, resp., produced in the process can be isolated. The resulting recovered, isolated or purified vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol resp., in particular, alpha-, beta-, and/or gamma-tocopherol resp., e.g. compositions comprising the former, can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.9.9] In one embodiment, the vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol resp., in particular, alpha-, beta-, and/or gamma-tocopherol resp., is a mixture comprising of one or more the respective fine chemicals. In one embodiment, the respective fine chemical means here vitamin E, in particular alpha-, beta-, or gamma-tocopherol. In one embodiment, vitamin E means here a mixture of the respective fine chemicals.

[0380.0.9.9] The vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, resp., in particular, alpha-, beta-, and/or gamma-tocopherol resp., obtained in the process are suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates a method for the production of pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the Vitamin E- or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol-comprising composition produced or the respective fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the Vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol resp., produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

[0381.0.0.9] to [0382.0.0.9]: see [0381.0.0.0] to [0382.0.0.0]

[0383.0.9.9]: ./.

[0384.0.0.9]: see [0384.0.0.0]

[0385.0.9.9] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, resp., in particular, alpha-, beta-, and/or gamma-tocopherol, resp., in mixtures with other compounds, in particular with other vitamins or e.g. with carotenoids, e.g. with astaxanthin, or fatty acids or containing microorganisms or parts of microorganisms, like plastids, containing vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol resp., in particular, alpha-, beta-, and/or gamma-tocopherol resp., in mixtures with other compounds, e.g. with carotenoids, normally have a dry matter content of from 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, e.g. at the end, for example over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 3 g/l during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed or isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it.

The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

As vitamin E is often localized in membranes or plastids, in one embodiment it is advantageous to avoid a leaching of the cells when the biomass is isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth. The dry biomass can directly be added to animal feed, provided the vitamin E concentration is sufficiently high and no toxic compounds are present. In view of the instability of vitamin E, conditions for drying, e.g. spray or flash-drying, can be mild and can be avoiding oxidation and cis/trans isomerization. For example antioxidants, e.g. BHT, ethoxyquin or other, can be added. In case the vitamin E concentration in the biomass is to dilute, solvent extraction can be used for their isolation, e.g. with alcohols, ether or other organic solvents, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, acetone, alcoholic potassium hydroxide, glycerol-fenol, liquefied fenol or for example with acids or bases, like trichloroacetatic acid or potassium hydroxide. A wide range of advantageous methods and techniques for the isolation of vitamin E can be found in the state of the art.

[0386.0.9.9] Accordingly, it is possible to further purify the produced vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol resp., in particular, alpha-, beta-, and/or gamma-tocopherol resp. For this purpose, the product-containing composition, e.g. a total or partial lipid extraction fraction using organic solvents, e.g. as described above, is subjected for example to a saponification to remove triglycerides, partition between e.g. hexane/methanol (separation of non-polar epiphase from more polar hypophasic derivates) and separation via e.g. an open column chromatography or HPLC in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use.

[0387.0.0.9] to [0392.0.0.9]: see [0387.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0]

[0393.0.9.9] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   -   (b) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a         sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a         nucleic acid library, which can contain a candidate gene         encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the respective         fine chemical after expression, with the nucleic acid molecule         of the present invention;     -   (c) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of the present invention in particular to the nucleic         acid molecule sequence as indicated in Table I, preferably I B,         columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or         472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101         to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., and, optionally, isolating the full         length cDNA clone or complete genomic clone;     -   (d) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells, preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism,         appropriate for producing the respective fine chemical;     -   (e) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (f) assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host         cells; and     -   (g) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product         which expression confers an increase in the respective the         respective fine chemical level in the host cell after expression         compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.9] to [0398.0.0.9]: see [0394.0.0.0] to [0398.0.0.0]

[0399.0.9.9] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to process for the identification of a compound conferring increased respective fine chemical production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps:

(g) culturing a cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide according to the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding said polypeptide and a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of said readout system and the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the invention; and (h) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said readout system.

The screen for a gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production can be performed by growth of an organism for example a microorganism in the presence of growth reducing amounts of an inhibitor of the synthesis of the respective fine chemical. Better growth, e.g. higher dividing rate or high dry mass in comparison to the control under such conditions would identify a gene or gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in fine chemical production.

[00399.1.9.9] One can think to screen for increased production of the respective fine chemical by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the respective fine chemical and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotype of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.9] to [0416.0.0.9]: see [0400.0.0.0] to [0416.0.0.0]

[0417.0.9.9] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the vitamin E production biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect an organism such as a microorganism or a plant against inhibitors, which block the vitamin E, in particular the respective fine chemical synthesis in said organism.

As vitamin E can protect organisms against damages of oxidative stress, especially singlet oxygen, a increased level of the respective fine chemical can protect plants against herbicides which cause the toxic build-up of oxidative compounds, e.g. singlet oxygen. For example, inhibition of the protoporphorineogen oxidase (Protox), an enzyme important in the synthesis of chlorophyll and heme biosynthesis results in the loss of chlorophyll and carotenoids and in leaky membranes; the membrane destruction is due to creation of free oxygen radicals (which is also reported for other classic photosynthetic inhibitor herbicides).

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the increase of the level of the respective fine chemical is used to protect plants against herbicides destroying membranes due to the creation of free oxygen radicals.

Examples of inhibitors or herbicides building up oxidative stress are aryl triazion, e.g. sulfentrazone, carfentrazone; or diphenylethers, e.g. acifluorfen, lactofen, or oxyfluorfen; or N-Phenylphthalimide, e.g. flumiclorac or flumioxazin; substituted ureas, e.g. fluometuron, tebuthiuron, diuron, or linuron; triazines, e.g. atrazine, prometryn, ametryn, metributzin, prometon, simazine, or hexazinone: or uracils, e.g. bromacil or terbacil.

[0418.0.0.9] to [0423.0.0.9]: see [0418.0.0.0] to [0423.0.0.0]

[0424.0.9.9] Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the respective fine chemical or of the respective fine chemical and one or more other carotenoids, vitamins or fatty acids. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention, the produced vitamin E is used to protect fatty acids against oxidization, e.g. it is in a further step added in a pure form or only partly isolated to a composition comprising fatty acids.

Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the respective fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0424.1.9.9] In a further embodiment the present invention relates to the use of the antagonist of the present invention, the plant of the present invention or a part thereof, the microorganism or the host cell of the present invention or a part thereof for the production a cosmetic composition or a pharmaceutical composition. Such a composition has an antioxidative activity, photoprotective activity, can be used to protect, treat or heal the above mentioned diseases, e.g. rhypercholesterolemic or cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and cataract formation or as immunostimulatory agent.

The vitamin E can be also used as stabilizer of other colours or oxygen sensitive compounds, like fatty acids, in particular unsaturated fatty acids.

[0425.0.0.9] to [0434.0.0.9]: see [0425.0.0.0] to [0434.0.0.0]

[0435.0.9.9] Example 3 In-Vivo and In-Vitro Mutagenesis

[0436.0.9.9] An in vivo mutagenesis of organisms such as algae (e.g. Spongiococcum sp, e.g. Spongiococcum exentricum, Chlorella sp., Haematococcus, Phaedactylum tricornatum, Volvox or Dunaliella), Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, Physcometrella patens, Saccharomyces, Mortierella, Escherichia and others mentioned above, which are beneficial for the production of vitamin E can be carried out by passing a plasmid DNA (or another vector DNA) containing the desired nucleic acid sequence or nucleic acid sequences, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the vector of the invention, through E. coli and other microorganisms (for example Bacillus spp. or yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which are not capable of maintaining the integrity of its genetic information. Usual mutator strains have mutations in the genes for the DNA repair system [for example mutHLS, mutD, mutT and the like; for comparison, see Rupp, W. D. (1996) DNA repair mechanisms in Escherichia coli and Salmonella, pp. 2277-2294, ASM: Washington]. The skilled worker knows these strains. The use of these strains is illustrated for example in Greener, A. and Callahan, M. (1994) Strategies 7; 32-34.

In-vitro mutation methods such as increasing the spontaneous mutation rates by chemical or physical treatment are well known to the skilled person. Mutagens like 5-bromo-uracil, N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (=NTG), ethyl methanesulfonate (=EMS), hydroxylamine and/or nitrous acid are widely used as chemical agents for random in-vitro mutagenesis. The most common physical method for mutagenesis is the treatment with UV irradiation. Another random mutagenesis technique is the error-prone PCR for introducing amino acid changes into proteins. Mutations are deliberately introduced during PCR through the use of error-prone DNA polymerases and special reaction conditions known to a person skilled in the art. For this method randomized DNA sequences are cloned into expression vectors and the resulting mutant libraries screened for altered or improved protein activity as described below.

Site-directed mutagenesis method such as the introduction of desired mutations with an M13 or phagemid vector and short oligonucleotides primers is a well-known approach for site-directed mutagenesis. The cloud of this method involves cloning of the nucleic acid sequence of the invention into an M13 or phagemid vector, which permits recovery of single-stranded recombinant nucleic acid sequence. A mutagenic oligonucleotide primer is then designed whose sequence is perfectly complementary to nucleic acid sequence in the region to be mutated, but with a single difference: at the intended mutation site it bears a base that is complementary to the desired mutant nucleotide rather than the original. The mutagenic oligonucleotide is then allowed to prime new DNA synthesis to create a complementary full-length sequence containing the desired mutation. Another site-directed mutagenesis method is the PCR mismatch primer mutagenesis method also known to the skilled person. Dpnl site-directed mutagenesis is a further known method as described for example in the Stratagene Quickchange™ site-directed mutagenesis kit protocol. A huge number of other methods are also known and used in common practice.

Positive mutation events can be selected by screening the organisms for the production of the desired fine chemical.

[0436.1.0.9] see [0436.1.0.0]

[0437.0.9.9] to [0445.0.9.9]: see [0437.0.5.5] to [0445.0.5.5]

[0445.1.9.9] Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 is a unicellular, non-nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium which has undergone thorough genetic investigation (Churin et al. (1995) J Bacteriol 177: 3337-3343), can easily be transformed (Williams (1988) Methods Enzymol 167:766-778) and has a very active homologous recombination potential. The strain PCC 6803 was isolated as Aphanocapsa N-1 from fresh water in California, USA, by R. Kunisawa in 1968 and is now obtainable through the “Pasteur Culture Collection of Axenic Cyanobacterial Strains” (PCC), Unite de Physiologie Microbienne, Paris, France. The complete genomic sequence of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 has been published from 1995 (Kaneko et al. (1995) DNA Research 2:153-166; Kaneko et al. (1995) DNA Research 2:191-198; Kaneko et al. (1996) DNA Research 3:109-136; Kaneko et al. (1996) DNA Research 3:185-209; Kaneko and Tabata (1997) Plant Cell Physiol 38:1171-1176; Kotani and Tabata (1998) Annu Rev Plant Physiol 49:151-171) and is published on the Internet (http://www.kazusa.or.jp/cyano/cyano.html) under the name “CyanoBase”. Efficient expression systems for Synechocystis 6803 are described in the literature (Mermet-Bouvier et al. (1993) Curr Microbiol 27:323-327; Mermet-Bouvier and Chauvat (1993) Curr Microbiol 28:145-148; Murphy and Stevens (1992) Appl Environ Microbiol 58:1650-1655; Takeshima et al. (1994) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 91:9685-9689; Xiaoqiang et al. (1997) Appl Environ Microbiol 63:4971-4975; Ren et al. (1998) FEMS Microbiol Lett 158:127-132).

[0445.2.9.9] Growing synechocystis

The cells of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 can be normally cultured autotrophically in BG11 medium. They have a diameter of 2.3 to 2.5 μm. For example, a cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 strain which is glucose-tolerant can be used, i.e. it is also able to grow heterotrophically in the dark with only a few minutes of weak blue light illumination per day. The culture conditions were developed by Anderson and McIntosh (Anderson and McIntosh (1991) J Bacteriol 173:2761-2767) and called light-activated heterotrophic growth (LANG). This makes it possible to cultivate these cyanobacteria without continuous photosynthesis and thus without production of oxygen.

BG 11 culture medium for Synechocystis

Stock solution 100×BG11:

NaNO₃ 1.76M = 149.58 g MgSO₄ × 7H₂O 30.4 mM = 7.49 g CaCl₂ × 2H₂O 24.5 mM = 3.6 g Citric acid 3.12 mM = 0.6 g  Na EDTA pH 8 0.279 mM = 0.104 g

The weighed substances can be dissolved in 900 ml of H₂O and made up to 1000 ml with 100 ml of the trace metal mix stock 1000×. The solution thus obtained is used as stock solution.

Trace Metal Mix Stock 1000×:

H₃BO₃ 46.3 mM = 2.86 g/l MnCl₂ × 4 H₂O 4.15 mM = 1.81 g/l ZnSO₄ × 7 H₂O 0.77 mM = 0.222 g/l Na₂MoO₄ × 2 H₂O 1.61 mM = 0.39 g/l CuSO₄ × 5 H₂O 0.32 mM = 0.079 g/l Co(NO₃)₂ × 6 H₂O 0.17 mM = 0.0494 g/l

The following solutions are required for 1 liter of BG11 culture solution:

1. 10 ml of stock solution 100×BG 11

2. 1 ml Na₂CO₃ (189 mM) 3. 5 ml TES (1 M, pH 8) 4. 1 ml K₂PO₄ (175 mM)

Whereas solution 2. and 3. ought to be sterilized by filtration, solution 4 must be autoclaved. The complete BG11 culture solution must be autoclaved before use and then be mixed with 1 ml of iron ammonium citrate (6 mg/ml) which has previously been sterilized by filtration. The iron ammonium citrate should never be autoclaved. For agar plates, 1.5% (w/v) bacto agar are added per liter of BG11 medium.

[0445.3.9.9] Amplification and cloning of DNA from Synechocystis spec. PCC 6803

The DNA can be amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from Synechocystis spec. PCC 6803 by the method of Crispin A. Howitt (Howitt C A (1996) BioTechniques 21:32-34).

[0445.4.9.9] Tocopherol production in Synechocystis spec. PCC 6803

The cells of each of independent Synechocystis spec. PCC 6803 strains cultured on the BG-11 km agar medium, and untransformed wild-type cells (on BG11 agar medium without kanamycin) can be used to inoculate liquid cultures. For this, cells of a mutant or of the wild-type Synechocystis spec. PCC 6803 are transferred from plate into 10 ml of liquid culture in each case. These cultures are cultivated at 28° C. and 30 μmol photons*(m²*s)⁻¹ (30 μE) for about 3 days. After determination of the OD₇₃₀ of the individual cultures, the OD₇₃₀ of all cultures is synchronized by appropriate dilutions with BG-11 (wild types) or e.g. BG-11 km (mutants). These cell density-synchronized cultures are used to inoculate three cultures of the mutant and of the wild-type control. It is thus possible to carry out biochemical analyses using in each case three independently grown cultures of a mutant and of the corresponding wild types. The cultures are grown until the optical density was OD₇₃₀=0.3.

The cell culture medium is removed by centrifugation in an Eppendorf bench centrifuge at 14000 rpm twice. The subsequent disruption of the cells and extraction of the tocopherols or vitamin E take place by incubation in an Eppendorf shaker at 30° C., 1000 rpm in 100% methanol for 15 minutes twice, combining the supernatants obtained in each case.

In order to avoid oxidation, the resulting extracts can be analyzed immediate after the extraction with the aid of a Waters Allience 2690 HPLC system. Tocopherols and vitamin E is separated on a reverse phase column (ProntoSil 200-3-C30, Bischoff) with a mobile phase of 100% methanol, and identified by means of a standard (Merck). The fluorescence of the substances (excitation 295 nm, emission 320 nm), which is detected with the aid of a Jasco FP 920 fluorescence detector, can serve as detection system.

[0446.0.0.9] to [0450.0.0.9]: see [0446.0.0.0] to [0450.0.0.0]

[0451.0.0.9]: see [0451.0.5.5]

[0452.0.0.9] to [0454.0.0.9]: see [0452.0.0.0] to [0454.0.0.0]

[0455.0.9.9] Characterization of the Transgenic Plants.

In order to confirm that vitamin E biosynthesis in the transgenic plants is influenced by the expression of the polypeptides described herein, the tocopherol and vitamin E contents in leaves and seeds of the plants transformed with the described constructs

(Arabidopsis thaliana, Brassica napus and Nicotiana tabacum) are analyzed. For this purpose, the transgenic plants are grown in a greenhouse, and plants which express the gene coding for polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention are identified at the Northern level. The tocopherol content or the vitamin E content in leaves and seeds of these plants is measured. In all, the tocopherol concentration is raised by comparison with untransformed plants.

[0456.0.0.9]: see [0456.0.0.0]

[0457.0.9.9] Example 9 Purification of the Vitamin E or its Precursor 2,3-Dimethyl-5-phytylquinol

[0458.0.9.9] Abbreviations: GC-MS, gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; TLC, thin-layer chromatography.

The unambiguous detection for the presence of vitamin E, like alpha-, beta-, or gamma-tocopherol, or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: GC, GC-MS or TLC, as described (1997, in: Advances on Lipid Methodology, Fourth Edition: Christie, Oily Press, Dundee, 119-169; 1998, Gaschromatographie-Massenspektrometrie-Verfahren [Gas chromatography/mass spectrometric methods], Lipide 33:343-353).

The total vitamin E produced in the organism for example in yeasts used in the inventive process can be analysed for example according to the following procedure: The material such as yeasts, E. coli or plants to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods.

Plant material is initially homogenized mechanically by comminuting in a pestle and mortar to make it more amenable to extraction.

A typical sample pretreatment consists of a total lipid extraction using such polar organic solvents as acetone or alcohols as methanol, or ethers, saponification, partition between phases, separation of non-polar epiphase from more polar hypophasic derivatives and chromatography. E.g.:

[0459.0.9.9]: If required and desired, further chromatography steps with a suitable resin may follow. Advantageously, the vitamin E, like alpha-, beta-, or gamma-tocopherol, or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, can be further purified with a so-called RTHPLC. As eluent acetonitrile/water or chloroform/acetonitrile mixtures can be used. If necessary, these chromatography steps may be repeated, using identical or other chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the selection of suitable chromatography resin and the most effective use for a particular molecule to be purified.

[0460.0.9.9] see [0460.0.0.0]

[0461.0.9.9] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 8673 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.9]: see [0462.0.0.0]

[0463.0.9.9] SEQ ID NO: 8673 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.9] to [0466.0.0.9]: see [0464.0.0.0] to [0466.0.0.0]

[0467.0.9.9] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 8673:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 8677) atggggaaga gagtatacga tcca ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 8678) tcactccagc ttaaacatgg cgg

[0468.0.0.9] to [0479.0.0.9]: see [0468.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0]

[0480.0.9.9]: Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 8673

[0481.0.0.9] to [0513.0.0.9]: see [0481.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0]

[0514.0.9.9]: As an alternative, the vitamin E, like alpha-, beta-, or gamma-tocopherol, or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, can be detected advantageously as described in Deli, J. & Molnar, P., Paprika carotenoids: Analysis, isolation, structure elucidation. Curr. Org. Chem. 6, 1197-1219 (2004) or Fraser, P. D., Pinto, M. E., Holloway, D. E. & Bramley, P. M. Technical advance: application of high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection to the metabolic profiling of plant isoprenoids. Plant J. 24, 551-558 (2000).

The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the table 1, which follows:

TABLE 1 ORF Metabolite Method Min Max YPL268W 2,3-Dimethy1-5- LC 1,44 1,51 phytylquinol YFL013C 2,3-Dimethy1-5- LC 1,97 5,40 phytylquinol b1829 2,3-Dimethy1-5- LC 1,48 3,83 phytylquinol b1827 2,3-Dimethy1-5- LC 1,76 1,91 phytylquinol YFL019C 2,3-Dimethy1-5- LC 1,97 5,40 phytylquinol b2699 alpha-Tocopherol GC 1,51 2,96 b1829 alpha-Tocopherol LC 1,39 1,90 b0112 alpha-Tocopherol LC 1,43 1,63 b0161 alpha-Tocopherol GC 1,50 2,38 b0970 alpha-Tocopherol LC 1,47 1,54 b3160 alpha-Tocopherol GC 1,47 1,91 b4063 alpha-Tocopherol LC 1,16 1,47 b1827 beta-Tocopherol LC 1,34 2,16 b0986 gamma + beta- LC 1,35 1,61 Tocopherol b0175 gamma + beta- LC 1,34 1,40 Tocopherol b0785 gamma + beta- LC 1,34 1,85 Tocopherol b3938 gamma + beta- LC 1,50 2,20 Tocopherol YFL053W gamma + beta- LC 1,45 2,23 Tocopherol b1829 gamma + beta- LC 1,40 4,25 Tocopherol

[0515.0.0.9] to [0552.0.0.9]: see [0515.0.0.0] to [0552.0.0.0] including [0530.1.0.0] to [0530.6.0.0]

[0552.1.9.9] Example 15 Metabolite Profiling Info from Zea mays

Zea mays plants were engineered, grown and analyzed as described in Example 14c.

The results of the different Zea mays plants analysed can be seen from Table 2 which follows:

TABLE 2 ORF_NAME Metabolite Min Max b0112 alpha-Tocopherol 1.61 2.33 b0970 alpha-Tocopherol 1.13 2.45 b0986 beta/gamma-Tocopherol 1.84 4.62 b1829 alpha-Tocopherol 1.22 1.86 b1829 beta/gamma-Tocopherol 1.62 2.74 b1829 2,3-Dimethyl-5- 1.64 2.39 phytylquinol b2699 alpha-Tocopherol 1.71 1.93

Table 2 exhibits the metabolic data from maize, shown in either TO or T1, describing the increase in alpha-Tocopherol and/or beta/gamma-Tocopherol and/or 2,3-Dimethyl-5-phytylquinol in genetically modified corn plants expressing the E. coli nucleic acid sequence b0112, b0970, b0986, b1829 or b2699 resp.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b0112 or its homologs, e.g. “a protein with an aromatic amino acid transport protein (APC family)-activity”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical alpha-Tocopherol between 61% and 133% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b0970 or its homologs, e.g. “its activity is being defined as probable glutamate receptor”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical alpha-Tocopherol between 13% and 145% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b0986 or its homologs, e.g. “a lipoprotein”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical beta and/or gamma-Tocopherol between 84% and 362% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b1829 or its homologs, e.g. “having a heat shock protein with protease activity”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical alpha-Tocopherol between 22% and 86% is conferred and/or an increase of the fine chemical beta and/or gamma-Tocopherol between 62% and 174% is conferred and/or an increase of the fine chemical 2,3-Dimethyl-5-phytylquinol between 64% and 139% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b2699 or its homologs, e.g. “a protein with a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease-activity”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical alpha-Tocopherol between 71% and 93% is conferred.

[0552.2.0.9]: see [0552.2.0.0]

[0553.0.9.9]

-   1. A process for the production of vitamin E or its precursor     2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, which comprises     -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more         proteins as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to         92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to         100 or 476 to 477 and/or lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481 resp.,         preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or         lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to         477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or a functional         equivalent thereof in a non-human organism, or in one or more         parts thereof; and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of vitamin E or its precursor         2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of vitamin E or its precursor     2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, comprising the increasing or generating     in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one     nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected     from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines         93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477         and/or lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table         II B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or         472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101         to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., or a fragment thereof, which         confers an increase in the amount of vitamin E or its precursor         2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinolin an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482         and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or         476 to 477 and/or lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp.,         preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or         lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to         477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp.;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of vitamin E or its         precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of vitamin E or its         precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of vitamin E or its         precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 89 to 92         or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to         100 or 476 to 477 and/or lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481 and         conferring an increase in the amount of vitamin E or its         precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinolin an organism or a part         thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of vitamin E or         its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol in an organism or a         part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or         482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100         or 476 to 477 and/or lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481 and         conferring an increase in the amount of vitamin E or its         precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol in an organism or a part         thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol in an         organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, wherein 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol     is isolated. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol produced         by the selected mutated organisms or parts thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines         93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477         and/or lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481 resp., preferably Table II         B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472         to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to         102 or 478 to 481, resp., or a fragment thereof, which confers         an increase in the amount of vitamin E or its precursor         2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in

Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or line 101 to 102 or 478 to 481, resp.,;

-   -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of vitamin E or its         precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of vitamin E or its         precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of vitamin E or its         precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 89 to 92         or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to         100 or 476 to 477 and/or lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481 and         conferring an increase in the amount of vitamin E or its         precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of vitamin E or         its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol in an organism or a         part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 89 to 92 or         482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100         or 476 to 477 and/or lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481 and         conferring an increase in the amount of vitamin E or its         precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol in an organism or a part         thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol in an         organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to         92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or 472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to         100 or 476 to 477 and/or lines 101 to 102 or 478 to 481 by one         or more nucleotides.

-   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements.

-   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7.

-   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host.

-   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5.

-   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell.

-   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium.

-   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12.

-   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 89 to 92 or 482 and/or lines 93 to 95 or     472 to 475 and/or lines 96 to 100 or 476 to 477 and/or lines 101 to     102 or 478 to 481 by one or more amino acids

-   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14.

-   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium.

-   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of vitamin E or its     precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol in an organism or a part     thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of vitamin E or         its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol in an organism or a         part thereof with a candidate compound or a sample comprising a         plurality of compounds under conditions which permit the         expression the polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the vitamin E level or its precursor         2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol level or the polypeptide expression         level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or the media         the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured or         maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol         level or polypeptide expression level with a standard vitamin E         or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol acid or polypeptide         expression level measured in the absence of said candidate         compound or a sample comprising said plurality of compounds,         whereby an increased level over the standard indicates that the         compound or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is         an agonist and a decreased level over the standard indicates         that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality of         compounds is an antagonist.

-   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol     production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps:     -   (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol         in an organism or a part thereof and a readout system capable of         interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which         permit the interaction of the polypeptide with said readout         system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a         plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable         signal in response to the binding of a compound to said         polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of said         readout system and of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic         acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of         vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system.

-   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol     production in a cell, comprising the following steps:     -   (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in vitamin E or its precursor         2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol after expression with the nucleic         acid molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing vitamin E or its precursor         2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the vitamin E or its precursor         2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol level in the host cells; and     -   (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the vitamin E or its precursor         2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol level in the host cell in the host         cell after expression compared to the wild type.

-   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol     production in a cell, comprising the following steps:     -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the vitamin E or its precursor         2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol amount or level in an organism or a         part thereof after expression, and which are at least 20%         homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing vitamin E or its precursor         2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the vitamin E or its precursor         2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol level in the host cells; and     -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the vitamin E or its precursor         2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol level in the host cell after         expression compared to the wild type.

-   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture.

-   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier.

-   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol after     expression.

-   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of vitamin E or its precursor 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol     levels in an organism.

-   25. Cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food or feed composition comprising     the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14,     the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9,     the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the     antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20.

-   26. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid     construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or     agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15,     the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of     claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product     identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the     vitamin E is alpha-, beta-, or gamma-tocopherol, resp.

-   27. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claims 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20 for the protection of a plant against a oxidative stress.

-   28. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20 for the protection of a plant against a oxidative stress causing     herbicide.

-   29. Use of the agonist identified according to claim 17, the plant     or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, or     the host cell of claim 10 to 12 for the production of a cosmetic or     pharmaceutical composition.

[0554.0.0.9] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.0]

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.0.10] see [0000.0.0.1]

[0001.0.0.10] see [0001.0.0.0]

[0002.0.10.10] Carotenoids are red, yellow and orange pigments that are widely distributed in nature. Although specific carotenoids have been identified in photosynthetic centers in plants, in bird feathers, in crustaceans and in marigold petals, they are especially abundant in yellow-orange fruits and vegetables and dark green, leafy vegetables. Of the more than 700 naturally occurring carotenoids identified thus far, as many as 50 may be absorbed and metabolized by the human body. To date, only 14 carotenoids have been identified in human serum.

In animals some carotenoids (particularly beta-carotene) serve as dietary precursors to Vitamin A, and many of them may function as fat-soluble antioxidants. In plants carotenes serve for example as antioxidants to protect the highly reactive photosystems and act as accessory photopigments. In vitro experiments have shown that lycopene, alpha-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein and cryptoxanthin quench singlet oxygen and inhibit lipid peroxidation. The isolation and identification of oxidized metabolites of lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene provide direct evidence of the antioxidant action of these carotenoids.

Carotenoids are 40-carbon (C₄₀) terpenoids generally comprising eight isoprene (C₅) units joined together. Linking of the units is reversed at the center of the molecule. “Ketocarotenoid” is a general term for carotenoid pigments that contain a keto group in the ionene ring portion of the molecule, whereas “hydroxycarotenoid” refers to carotenoid pigments that contain a hydroxyl group in the ionene ring. Trivial names and abbreviations will be used throughout this disclosure, with IUPAC-recommended semi-systematic names usually being given in parentheses after first mention of a trivial name.

Carotenoids are synthesized from a five carbon atom metabolic precursor, isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP). There are at least two known biosynthetic pathways in the formation of IPP, the universal isoprene unit. One pathway begins with mevalonic acid, the first specific precursor of terpenoids, formed from acetyl-CoA via HMG-CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA), that is itself converted to isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP). Later, condensation of two geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) molecules with each other produces colorless phytoene, which is the initial carotenoid. Studies have also shown the existence of an alternative, mevalonate-independent pathway for IPP formation that was characterized initially in several species of eubacteria, a green alga, and in the plastids of higher plants. The first reaction in this alternative pathway is the transketolase-type condensation reaction of pyruvate and D-glyceraldehylde-3-phosphate to yield 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate (DXP) as an intermediate.

Through a series of desaturation reactions, phytoene is converted to phytofluene, -carotene, neurosporene and finally to lycopene. Subsequently, lycopene is converted by a cyclization reaction to β-carotene that contains two β-ionene rings. A keto-group and/or a hydroxyl group are introduced into each ring of β-carotene to thereby synthesize canthaxanthin, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin. A hydroxylase enzyme has been shown to convert canthaxanthin to astaxanthin. Similarly, a ketolase enzyme has been shown to convert zeaxanthin to astaxanthin. The ketolase also converts β-carotene to canthaxanthin and the hydroxylase converts β-carotene to zeaxanthin.

Carotenoids absorb light in the 400-500 nm region of the visible spectrum. This physical property imparts the characteristic red/yellow color of the pigments. A conjugated backbone composed of isoprene units is usually inverted at the center of the molecule, imparting symmetry. Changes in geometrical configuration about the double bonds result in the existence of many cis- and trans-isomers. Hydroxylated, oxidized, hydrogenated or ring-containing derivatives also exist. Hydrocarbon carotenoids are classified as carotenes while those containing oxygen are known as xanthophylls.

In animals, carotenoids are absorbed from the intestine with the aid of dietary fat and incorporated into chylomicrons for transport in the serum. The different structural features possessed by carotenoids account for selective distribution in organ tissue, biological activity and pro-vitamin A potency, or in vivo conversion to vitamin A. Due to the hydrophobic character, carotenoids are associated with lipid portions of human tissues, cells, and membranes. In general, 80-85% of carotenoids are distributed in adipose tissue, with smaller amounts found in the liver, muscle, adrenal glands, and reproductive organs. Approximately 1% circulate in the serum on high and low density lipoproteins. Serum concentrations are fairly constant and slow to change during periods of low intake. The estimated half-life was estimated to be 11-14 days for lycopene, -carotene, -carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Evidence for the existence of more than one body pool has been published. The major serum carotenoids are -carotene, -carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene and cryptoxanthin. Smaller amounts of polyenes such as phytoene and phytofluene are also present.

Human serum levels reflect lifestyle choices and dietary habits within and between cultures. Approximately only 15 circulate in the blood, on HDL and LDL. Variations can be attributed to different intakes, unequal abilities to absorb certain carotenoids, and different rates of metabolism and tissue uptake. Decreased serum levels occur with alcohol consumption, the use of oral contraceptives, smoking and prolonged exposure to UV light.

-Carotene, -carotene and -cryptoxanthin can be converted to retinol or vitamin A in the intestine and liver by the enzyme 15-15′-b-carotenoid dioxygenase. Such in vivo formation of retinol appears to be homeostatically controlled, such that conversion to retinol is limited in persons having adequate vitamin A status.

[0003.0.10.10] The established efficacy of beta-carotene in quenching singlet oxygen and intercepting deleterious free radicals and reactive oxygen species makes it part of the diverse antioxidant defense system in humans. Reactive oxygen species have been implicated in the development of many diseases, including ischemic heart disease, various cancers, cataracts and macular degeneration. Because the conjugated polyene portion of beta-carotene confers its antioxidant capability and all carotenoids possess this structural feature, research efforts have been directed at evaluating the efficacy of other carotenoids in the prevention of free radical-mediated diseases. Indeed, in vitro experiments have demonstrated that lycopene, alpha-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein and cryptoxanthin quench singlet oxygen and inhibit lipid peroxidation. The isolation and identification of oxidized metabolites of lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene may provide direct evidence of the antioxidant action of these carotenoids.

In addition to antioxidant capability, other biological actions of carotenoids include the ability to enhance immunocompetence and in vitro gap junction communication, reduce or inhibited mutagenesis and inhibit cell transformations in vitro.

Many epidemiological studies have established an inverse correlation between dietary intake of yellow-orange fruit and dark green, leafy vegetables and the incidence of various cancers, especially those of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, lung, stomach, cervix and bladder. While a number of protective compounds may be responsible for this observation, the co-incidence of carotenoids in these foods has been noted. Because nutritionists and medical professionals currently recognize the occurrence of a large number of distinct carotenoids in food, interest in their functions and biological impact on health is burgeoning.

Lutein exists in the retina. It functions to protect photoreceptor cells from light-generated oxygen radicals, and thus plays a key role in preventing advanced macular degeneration. Lutein possesses chemopreventive activity, induces gap junction communication between cells and inhibits lipid peroxidation in vitro more effectively than beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and lycopene. High levels of lutein in serum have been inversely correlated with lung cancer.

In addition to lutein, zeaxanthin exists in the retina and confers protection against macular degeneration. Zeaxanthin is also prevalent in ovaries and adipocyte tissue. This xanthophyll does not possess provitamin A activity.

Alcohol consumption has been shown to influence lipid peroxidation. Anhydrolutein, an oxidative by-product of lutein and zeaxanthin, was higher in plasma after alcohol ingestion, while concentrations of these xanthophylls were reduced. Lutein and zeaxanthin may therefore have protective effects against LDL oxidation.

The all-trans isomer of Lycopene is typically quantified in serum, although signals for 9-, 13- and 15-cis isomers are detectable and account for as much as 50% of the total lycopene. In experiments performed in vitro, lycopene quenched singlet oxygen more efficiently than alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein and cryptoxanthin. Lycopene induces gap junction communication, inhibits lipid peroxidation and has displays chemopreventive activity. Serum levels of lycopene have been inversely related to the risk of cancer in the pancreas and cervix. This carotenoid has been identified in tissues of the thyroid, kidneys, adrenals, spleen, liver, heart, testes and pancreas. Lycopene is not converted to retinol in vivo.

beta-Cryptoxanthin is capable of quenching singlet oxygen. beta-Cryptoxanthin is used to color butter. beta-Cryptoxanthin exhibits provitamin A activity.

The all-trans isomer of this carotenoid is the major source of dietary retinoids, due to its high provitamin A activity. One molecule of trans-beta-carotene can theoretically provide two molecules of trans retinaldehyde in vivo. Signals for 13- and 15-cis isomers of beta-carotene are also observed in the carotenoid profile and account for 10% or less of the total beta-carotene in serum. beta-Carotene quenches singlet oxygen, induces gap junction communication and inhibits lipid peroxidation. High serum levels of beta-carotene are correlated with low incidences of cancer in the mouth, lung, breast, cervix, skin and stomach. beta-Carotene has been identified in tissues of the thyroid, kidney, spleen, liver, heart, pancreas, fat, ovaries and adrenal glands.

alpha-Carotene is similar to beta-carotene in its biological activity, but quenches singlet oxygen more effectively. alpha-Carotene improves gap junction communication, prevents lipid peroxidation and inhibits the formation and uptake of carcinogens in the body. High serum levels have been associated with lower risks of lung cancer. With one half the provitamin A potency of beta-carotene, alpha-carotene also restores normal cell growth and differentiation. Serum levels are usually between 10 and 20% of the values for total beta-carotene.

Alpha-Carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin can be converted to Vitamin A in the intestine and liver. Vitamin A is essential for the immune response and is also involved in other defenses against infectious agents. Nevertheless, in many individuals, this conversion is slow and ineffectual, particularly for older. Some individuals are known as non or low-responders because they do not convert beta-carotene to Vitamin A at the rate as expected. A number of factors can inhibit this conversion of beta-carotene to Vitamin A. The major reason why so many Americans have a poor vitamin A status is the regular use of excessive alcohol. Intestinal parasites can be a factor. And, any prescription drug that requires liver metabolism will decrease the liver conversion of beta-carotene to retinol in the liver. Diabetics and individuals with hypothyroidism or even borderline hypothyroidism are likely to be low-responders.

[0004.0.10.10] In plants, approximately 80-90% of the carotenoids present in green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli, kale, spinach and brussel sprouts are xanthophylls, whereas 10-20% are carotenes. Conversely, yellow and orange vegetables including carrots, sweet potatoes and squash contain predominantly carotenes. Up to 60% of the xanthophylls and 15% of the carotenes in these foods are destroyed during microwave cooking. Of the xanthophylls, lutein appears to be the most stable.

Lutein occurs in mango, papaya, oranges, kiwi, peaches, squash, peas, lima beans, green beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, kale, lettuce, prunes, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and honeydew melon. Commercial sources are obtained from the extraction of marigold petals. Lutein does not possess provitamin A activity.

Dietary sources of Zeaxanthin include peaches, squash, apricots, oranges, papaya, prunes, pumpkin, mango, kale, kiwi, lettuce, honeydew melon and yellow corn.

The red color of fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, pink grapefruit, the skin of red grapes, watermelon and red guavas is due to lycopene. Other dietary sources include papaya and apricots.

beta-Cryptoxanthin occurs in oranges, mango, papaya, cantaloupe, peaches, prunes, squash.

Dietary sources of beta-Carotene include mango, cantaloupe, carrots, pumpkin, papaya, peaches, prunes, squash, sweet potato, apricots, cabbage, lima beans, green beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, kiwi, lettuce, peas, spinach, tomatoes, pink grapefruit, honeydew melon and oranges.

Dietary sources of alpha-Carotene include sweet potatoes, apricots, pumpkin, cantaloupe, green beans, lima beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, kale, kiwi, lettuce, peas, spinach, prunes, peaches, mango, papaya, squash and carrots.

[0005.0.10.10] Some carotenoids occur particularly in a wide variety of marine animals including fish such as salmonids and sea bream, and crustaceans such as crab, lobster, and shrimp. Because animals generally cannot biosynthesize carotenoids, they obtain those carotenoids present in microorganisms or plants upon which they feed.

Carotenoids e.g. xanthophylls, e.g. as astaxanthin, supplied from biological sources, such as crustaceans, yeast, and green alga is limited by low yield and costly extraction methods when compared with that obtained by organic synthetic methods. Usual synthetic methods, however, produce by-products that can be considered unacceptable. It is therefore desirable to find a relatively inexpensive source of carotenoids, in particular xantophylls, to be used as a feed supplement in aquaculture and as a valuable chemical for other industrial uses and for diets. Sources of Xanthophylls include crustaceans such as a krill in the Antarctic Ocean, cultured products of the yeast Phaffia, cultured products of a green alga Haematococcus pluvialis, and products obtained by organic synthetic methods. However, when crustaceans such as a krill or the like are used, a great deal of work and expense are required for the isolation of xanthophylls from contaminants such as lipids and the like during the harvesting and extraction. Moreover, in the case of the cultured product of the yeast Phaffia, a great deal of expense is required for the gathering and extraction of astaxanthin because the yeast has rigid cell walls and produces xantophylls only in a low yield. One approach to increase the productivity of some xantophylls' production in a biological system is to use genetic engineering technology.

[0006.0.10.10] In many plants, lycopene is a branch point in carotenoid biosynthesis. Thus, some of the plant's lycopene is made into beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, and sometimes zeaxanthin diglucoside, whereas remaining portions of lycopene are formed into alpha-carotene and lutein (3,3′-dihydroxy-α-carotene), another hydroxylated compound. Carotenoids in higher plants; i.e., angiosperms, are found in plastids; i.e., chloroplasts and chromoplasts. Plastids are intracellular storage bodies that differ from vacuoles in being surrounded by a double membrane rather than a single membrane. Plastids such as chloroplasts can also contain their own DNA and ribosomes, can reproduce independently and synthesize some of their own proteins. Plastids thus share several characteristics of mitochondria. In leaves, carotenoids are usually present in the grana of chloroplasts where they provide a photoprotective function. Beta-carotene and lutein are the predominant carotenoids, with the epoxidized carotenoids violaxanthin and neoxanthin being present in smaller amounts.

Carotenoids accumulate in developing chromoplasts of flower petals, usually with the disappearance of chlorophyll. As in flower petals, carotenoids appear in fruit chromoplasts as they develop from chloroplasts. Most enzymes that take part in conversion of phytoene to carotenes and xanthophylls are labile, membrane-associated proteins that lose activity upon solubilization. In maize, cartonoids were present in horny endosperm (74% to 86%), floury endosperm (9%-23%) and in the germ and bran of the kernel.

[0007.0.10.10] At the present time only a few plants are widely used for commercial colored carotenoid production. However, the productivity of colored carotenoid synthesis in most of these plants is relatively low and the resulting carotenoids are expensively produced.

Dried marigold petals and marigold petal concentrates obtained from so-called xanthophyll marigolds are used as feed additives in the poultry industry to intensify the yellow color of egg yolks and broiler skin. The pigmenting ability of marigold petal meal resides largely in the carotenoid fraction known as the xanthophylls, primarily lutein esters. The xanthophyll zeaxanthin, also found in marigold petals, has been shown to be effective as a broiler pigmenter, producing a highly acceptable yellow to yellow-orange color. Of the xanthophylls, the pigments lutein and zeaxanthin are the most abundant in commercially available hybrids. Structural formulas for lutein and zeaxanthin are shown below.

Carotenoids have been found in various higher plants in storage organs and in flower petals. For example, marigold flower petals accumulate large quantities of esterified lutein as their predominant xanthophyll carotenoid (about 75 to more than 90 percent), with smaller amounts of esterified zeaxanthin. Besides lutein and zeaxanthin, marigold flower petals also typically exhibit a small accumulation of β-carotene and epoxidized xanthophylls, but do not produce or accumulate canthaxanthin or astaxanthin because a 4-keto-β-ionene ring-forming enzyme is absent in naturally-occurring marigolds or their hybrids.

[0008.0.10.10] One way to increase the productive capacity of biosynthesis is to apply recombinant DNA technology. Thus, it would be desirable to produce colored carotenoids generally and, with the use of recent advances in determining carotenoid biosynthesis from β-carotene to xanthophylls to control the production of carotenoids. That type of production permits control over quality, quantity and selection of the most suitable and efficient producer organisms. The latter is especially important for commercial production economics and therefore availability to consumers.

Methods of recombinant DNA technology have been used for some years to improve the production of Xanthophylls in microorganisms, in particular algae or in plants by amplifying individual xanthophyll biosynthesis genes and investigating the effect on xanthophyll production. It is for example reported, that the five ketocarotenoids, e.g. the xanthophyll astaxanthin could be produced in the nectaries of transgenic tobacco plants. Those transgenic plants were prepared by Argobacterium tumifaciens-mediated transformation of tobacco plants using a vector that contained a ketolase-encoding gene from H. pluvialis denominated crtO along with the Pds gene from tomato as the promoter and to encode a leader sequence. The Pds gene was said by those workers to direct transcription and expression in chloroplasts and/or chromoplast-containing tissues of plants. Those results indicated that about 75 percent of the carotenoids found in the flower of the transformed plant contained a keto group. Further, in maize the phytonene synthase (Psy), Phytone desaturase (Pds), and the -carotene desaturase were identified and it was shown, that PSY activity is an important control point for the regulation of the flux.

Genes suitable for conversion of microorganisms have also been reported (U.S. Pat. No. 6,150,130 WO 99/61652). Two different genes that can convert a carotenoid β-ionene ring compound into astaxanthin have been isolated from the green alga Haematococcus pluvialis. Zeaxanthin or -carotene were also found in the marine bacteria Agrobacterium aurantiacum, Alcaligenes PC-1, Erwinia uredovora. An A. aurantiacum crtZ gene was introduced to an E. coli transformant that accumulated all-trans-β-carotene. The transformant so formed produced zeaxanthin. A gene cluster encoding the enzymes for a carotenoid biosynthesis pathway has been also cloned from the purple photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus. A similar cluster for carotenoid biosynthesis from ubiquitous precursors such as farnesyl pyrophosphate and geranyl pyrophosphate has been cloned from the non-photosynthetic bacteria Erwinia herbicola. Yet another carotenoid biosynthesis gene cluster has been cloned from Erwinia uredovora. It is yet unknown and unpredictable as to whether enzymes encoded by other organisms behave similarly to that of A. aurantiacum in vitro or in vivo after transformation into the cells of a higher plant.

[0009.0.10.10] In addition to the above said about the biological importance of carotenoids, e.g. in vision, bone growth, reproduction, immune function, gene expression, emboryonic expression, cell division and cell differation, and respiration, it should be mentioned that in the world, the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency ranges from 100 to 250 million children and an estimated 250.000 to 500.000 children go blind each year from vitamin A deficiency.

Thus, it would be advantageous if an algae or other microorganism were available who produce large amounts of β-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, or other carotenoids. It might be advantageous that only small amounts or no lutein is produced so that such organisms could be transformed with e.g. one or more of an appropriate hydroxylase gene and/or an appropriate ketolase gene to produce cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin or astaxanthin. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganisms. It would also be advantageous if a marigold or other plants were available whose flowers produced large amounts of β-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, or other carotenoids. It might be advantageous that only small amounts or no lutein is produced so that such plants could be transformed with one or more of an appropriate hydroxylase gene and an appropriate ketolase gene to produce cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin or astaxanthin from e.g the flowers of the resulting transformants. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed plants.

[0010.0.10.10] Therefore improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the food-and-feed industry. This is necessary since, for example, as mentioned above xanthophylls, which occur in plants and some microorganisms are limited with regard to the supply of mammals. Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible a carotenoids profile in the diet since a great excess of some carotenoids above a specific concentration in the food has only some positive effect. A further increase in quality is only possible via addition of further carotenoids, which are limiting.

[0011.0.10.10] To ensure a high quality of foods and animal feeds, it is therefore necessary to add one or a plurality of carotenoids in a balanced manner to suit the organism.

[0012.0.10.10] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes which participate in the biosynthesis of carotenoids, e.g. xanthophylls, e.g. like beta-crypotxanthin, or zeaxanthin, or astaxanthin, and make it possible to produce them specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of carotenoids like xanthophylls; on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.10] see [0013.0.0.0]

[0014.0.10.10] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is a xanthophyll. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to a “Xanthophyll”. Further, in an other embodiment the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to compositions of fine chemicals comprising xanthophylls.

[0015.0.10.10] In one embodiment, the term xanthophylls” or “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means at least one chemical compound with xanthophylls activity selected from the group comprising zeaxanthin or cryptoxanthin.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means a xanthophyll. In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means beta-cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin depending on the context in which the term is used. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means a xanthophyll, in particular beta cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin, its salts, ester, thioester or in free form or bound to other compounds such sugars or sugarpolymers, like glucoside, e.g. diglucoside. In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemicals” means beta-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin, in free form or their salts or their ester or bound to a glucoside, e.g a diglucoside. In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” and the term “the respective fine chemical” mean at least one chemical compound with an activity of the above mentioned fine chemical.

[0016.0.10.10] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more b0050,     b0851, b2211, b3926, b0986, b3684, b4401, and/or YCL040W protein(s)     or a b2699 and/or YHR055C protein(s) or of a protein having the     sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule     indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 103 to 108 or 468 to 471 in a     non-human organism in one or more parts thereof; and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus, beta-cryptoxanthin or     zeaxanthin, resp., or fine chemicals comprising beta-cryptoxanthin     or zeaxanthin, resp., in said organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3,     lines 103 to 108 or 468 to 471, resp., or having the sequence of a     polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I,     column 5 or 7, lines 103 to 108 or 468 to 471, resp., in a non-human     organism in one or more parts thereof; and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus, beta-cryptoxanthin or     zeaxanthin, resp., or fine chemicals comprising beta-cryptoxanthin     or zeaxanthin, resp., in said organism.

[0016.1.0.10] Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means “beta-cryptoxanthin” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to Table IV, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or homologs thereof and means “zeaxanthin” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to Table IV, lines 107 and 108 or homologs thereof. Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” can mean “zeaxanthin” or “cryptoxanthin”, owing to circumstances and the context. In order to illustrate that the meaning of the term “the respective fine chemical” means “cryptoxanthin”, and/or “zeaxanthin” owing to the sequences listed in the context the term “the respective fine chemical” is also used.

The terms “beta-cryptoxanthin” and “cryptoxanthin” are used as equivalent terms.

[0017.0.0.10] to [0018.0.0.10]: see [0017.0.0.0] to [0018.0.0.0]

[0019.0.10.10] Advantageously the process for the production of the respective fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the respective fine chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the respective fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 103 to 108 or 468 to 471 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 108 or 468 to 471.

[0020.0.10.10] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of at least one of the proteins of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YCL040W, and/or the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0050, b0851, b2211, b3926, b0986, b3684 and/or b4401 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the beta-cryptoxanthin (“the fine chemical” or “the fine respective chemical” in respect to said proteins and their homologs as wells as the encoding nucleic acid molecules, in particular as indicated in Table I or II, column 3, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471) content of the transformed plants.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YHR055C, and/or the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the zeaxanthin (“the fine chemical” or “the fine respective chemical” in respect to said proteins and their homologs as wells as the encoding nucleic acid molecules, in particular as indicated in Table I or II, column 3, lines 107 and 108 of) content of the transformed plants.

[0021.0.0.10] see [0021.0.0.0]

[0022.0.10.10] The sequence of b0050 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as conserved protein potentially involved in protein-protein interaction of the superfamily of apaG protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with an activity for proteolytic degradation, protein modification, modification by ubiquitination, deubiquitination, and/or protein binding, in particular being a conserved protein potentially involved in protein-protein interaction, in particular being a conserved protein potentially involved in protein-protein interaction of the superfamily of apaG protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of xanthophylls, in particular for increasing the amount of beta-cryptoxanthin, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a conserved protein potentially involved in protein-protein interaction of the superfamily of apaG protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0851 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as oxygen insensitive NADPH nitroreductase of the superfamily of NADPH-flavin oxidoreductase homologs. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with an activity for nitrogen metabolism, sulfur metabolism, electron transport and membrane-associated energy conservation, stress response, electron/hydrogen carrier, C-compound and carbohydrate utilization, and/or utilization of vitamins, cofactors, and prosthetic groups and/or as a resistance protein, in particular being a oxygen insensitive NADPH nitroreductase, in particular being a oxygen insensitive NADPH nitroreductase of the superfamily of NADPH-flavin oxidoreductase homologs from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of xanthophylls, in particular for increasing the amount of beta-cryptoxanthin, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a oxygen insensitive NADPH nitroreductase of the superfamily of NADPH-flavin oxidoreductase homologs is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2211 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as ATP-binding transport protein of the ABC superfamily of the superfamily of unassigned ATP-binding cassette proteins. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with an activity for nucleotide binding, ABC transporters, and/or CELLULAR TRANSPORT AND TRANSPORT MECHANISMS, in particular being a ATP-binding transport protein of the ABC superfamily, in particular being a ATP-binding transport protein of the ABC superfamily of the superfamily of unassigned ATP-binding cassette proteins from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of xanthophylls, in particular for increasing the amount of beta-cryptoxanthin, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of an ATP-binding transport protein of the ABC superfamily of the superfamily of unassigned ATP-binding cassette proteins is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3926 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as glycerol kinase of the superfamily of xylulokinase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with an activity in the C-compound and carbohydrate catabolism, phospholipid biosynthesis, glycolipid biosynthesis, unspecified signal transduction, enzyme mediated signal transduction, and/or phosphotransferase system, in particular being a glycerol kinase, in particular being a glycerol kinase of the superfamily of xylulokinase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of xanthophylls, in particular for increasing the amount of beta-cryptoxanthin, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a glycerol kinase of the superfamily of xylulokinase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0986 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a lipoprotein of the superfamily of the hypothetical protein b1706. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a lipoprotein, in particular of a lipoprotein of the superfamily of the hypothetical protein b1706 from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of xanthophylls, in particular for increasing the amount of beta-cryptoxanthin, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a lipoprotein, in particular of a lipoprotein of the superfamily of the hypothetical protein b1706 is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3684 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcriptional regulator of the GntR family. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of protein having a transcriptional control activity, a regulation of C-compound and carbohydrate utilization activity, a DNA binding activity, a transcriptional repressor activity, a regulation of lipid, fatty-acid and/or isoprenoid metabolism activity, and/or a regulation of C-compound and carbohydrate utilization activity, e.g. of a transcriptional regulator, in particular of a transcriptional regulator of the GntR family from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of xanthophylls, in particular for increasing the amount of beta-cryptoxanthin, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a transcriptional regulator, in particular of a transcriptional regulator of the GntR family is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b4401 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a response regulator of the OmpR family. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein of a transcriptional control activity, a unspecified signal transduction activity, a two-component signal transduction system (e.g. response regulator component activity, a transcriptional activator activity, a regulation of respiration activity, an aerobic respiration activity, and/or an anaerobic respiration activity, e.g. of a response regulator, in particular of a response regulator of the OmpR family from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of xanthophylls, in particular for increasing the amount of beta-cryptoxanthin, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a response regulator, in particular of a response regulator of the OmpR family is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2699 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with a DNA recombination and DNA repair activity, a pheromone response activity, a mating-type determination activity, a sex-specific protein activity, a nucleotide binding activity and/or a protease and nuclease activity, in particular a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity, in particular of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of xanthophylls, in particular for increasing the amount of zeaxanthin, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a protease and nuclease activity, in particular a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity, in particular of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YCL040W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Oliver, S. G., et al., Nature 357 (6373), 38-46 (1992), and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as glucokinase of the superfamily hexokinase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein having a C-compound and carbohydrate utilization activity, a C-compound or carbohydrate transport activity, a activity in the glycolysis and/or a activity in the gluconeogenesis, and/or a cellular import activity, in particular of a hexokinase, preferably of a glucinase or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of xanthophylls, in particular for increasing the amount of beta-cryptoxanthin in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a glucokinase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YHR055C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Johnston, Metal., Science 265 (5181), 2077-2082 (1994), and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as copper binding metallothionein of the superfamily metallothionein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein having a detoxification activity, particular of a metallothionein, preferably of copper binding metallothionein or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of xanthophylls, in particular for increasing the amount of zeaxanthin in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a metellothionein, preferably of a copper binding metellothionein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

[0023.0.10.10] Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the respective fine chemical amount or content. Further, in the present invention, the term “homologue” relates to the sequence of an organism having the highest sequence homology to the herein mentioned or listed sequences of all expressed sequences of said organism. However, the person skilled in the art knows, that, preferably, the homologue has said the—fine-chemical-increasing activity and, if known, the same biological function or activity in the organism as at least one of the protein(s) indicated in Table II, Column 3, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471, e.g. having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule comprising the sequence indicated in Table I, Column 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471.

In one embodiment, the homolog of any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 103 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably beta-cryptoxanthin. In one embodiment, the homologue is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 103, resp. In one embodiment, the homologue of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 103 is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homologue is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homologue of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 103 is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homologue of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 103 is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homologue of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 103 is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 103 is a homologue being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homologue of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 103 is a homologue having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homologue of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 103 is a homologue having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 104 to 106 or 468 to 471 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably cryptoxanthin. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 104 to 106 or 468 to 471, resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 104 to 106 or 468 to 471 is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 104 to 106 or 468 to 471 is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 104 to 106 or 468 to 471 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 104 to 106 or 468 to 471 is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 104 to 106 or 468 to 471 is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 104 to 106 or 468 to 471 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the beta-cryptoxanthin in the organisms or part thereof being derived from Escherichia.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 107 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably zeaxanthin. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 107, resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 107 is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 107 is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 1071 ines 65 to 67 is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines line 107 is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 107 is a homolog being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 107 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 107 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 108 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably zeaxanthin. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 108, resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 108 is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 108 is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 108 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 108 is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 108 is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 108 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the zeaxanthin in the organisms or part thereof being derived from Escherichia.

[0023.1.0.10] Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 103 to 108 or 468 to 471 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 103 to 108 or 468 to 471 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 103 to 108 or 468 to 471. Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 103 to 108 or 468 to 471 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 103 to 108 or 468 to 471 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 103 to 108 or 468 to 471.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471, having a cryptoxanthin content and/or amount increasing activity. Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 having a cryptoxanthin content and/or amount increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 107 and/or 108 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 107 and/or 108, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 107 and/or 108, having a zeaxanthin content and/or amount increasing activity. Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 107 and/or 108 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 107 and/or 108 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 107 and/or 108 having a zeaxanthin content and/or amount increasing activity.

[0024.0.0.10] see [0024.0.0.0]

[0025.0.10.10] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein of the invention”, e.g. the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased xanthophylls level, in particular to a increased beta-cryptoxanthin level or zeaxanthin level, resp., in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism. In a preferred embodiment, the protein or polypeptide has the above-mentioned additional activities of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108. Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to any one of the proteins indicated in

Table II, column 3, line 103 or line 107 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 104 to 106 or line 108 and/or lines 468 to 471 of E. coli K12.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary close to the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 and is expressed in an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the origin organism. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums whereas origin and the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 are derived from the same families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0025.1.0.10] see [0025.1.0.0]

[0025.2.0.10] see [0025.2.0.0]

[0026.0.0.10] to [0033.0.0.10]: see [0026.0.0.0] to [0033.0.0.0]

[0034.0.10.10] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention. E.g., it differs by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, its biochemical or genetic causes. It therefore shows the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.10] to [0044.0.0.10]: see [0035.0.0.0] to [0044.0.0.0]

[0045.0.10.10] In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0050 or its homologs e.g. a conserved protein potentially involved in protein-protein interaction, in particular of a conserved protein potentially involved in protein-protein interaction of the superfamily of apaG proteins, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 468, is increased conferring preferably an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-cryptoxanthin of between 42% and 84% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0851 or its homologs, e.g. oxygen insensitive NADPH nitroreductase, in particular of a oxygen insensitive NADPH nitroreductase of the superfamily of NADPH-flavin oxidoreductase homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 469, is increased conferring preferably an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-cryptoxanthin of between 57% and 76% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2211 or its homologs, e.g. an ATP-binding transport protein of the ABC superfamily, in particular of an ATP-binding transport proteins of the ABC superfamily of the superfamily of unassigned ATP-binding cassette proteins, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 470, is increased conferring preferably an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-cryptoxanthin of between 5% and 26% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3926 or its homologs, e.g. a glycerol kinase, in particular of a glycerol kinase of the superfamily of xylulokinases, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 471, is increased conferring preferably an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-cryptoxanthin of around 33% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0986 or its homologs e.g. a lipoprotein, in particular of a lipoprotein of the superfamily of the hypothetical protein b1706, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 104, is increased, conferring preferably, the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-cryptoxanthin between 33% and 40% or more.

Thus, in one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3684 or its homologs is increased. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein having a transcriptional control activity, a regulation of C-compound and carbohydrate utilization activity, a DNA binding activity, a transcriptional repressor activity, a regulation of lipid, fatty-acid and/or isoprenoid metabolism activity, and/or a regulation of C-compound and carbohydrate utilization activity, e.g. of a transcriptional regulator, in particular of a transcriptional regulator of the GntR family, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 105, is increased, preferably, conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-cryptoxanthin between 35% and 67% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4401 or its homologs e.g. a protein of a transcriptional control activity, a unspecified signal transduction activity, a two-component signal transduction system (e.g. response regulator component activity, a transcriptional activator activity, a regulation of respiration activity, an aerobic respiration activity, and/or an anaerobic respiration activity, e.g. of a response regulator, in particular of a response regulator of the OmpR family, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 106, is increased, preferably, conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-cryptoxanthin between 48% and 60% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YCL040W or its homologs, e.g. a protein having a C-compound and carbohydrate utilization activity, a C-compound or carbohydrate transport activity, a activity in the glycolysis and/or a activity in the gluconeogenesis, and/or a cellular import activity, in particular of a hexokinase, preferably of a glucinase, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 103, is increased, preferably, conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-cryptoxanthin between 36% and 51% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs e.g. a DNA recombination and DNA repair activity, a pheromone response activity, a mating-type determination activity, a sex-specific protein activity, a nucleotide binding activity and/or a protease and nuclease activity, in particular a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity, in particular of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 108, is increased, preferably, conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of zeaxanthin between 25% and 48% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YHR055C or its homologs, e.g. a protein having a detoxification activity, particular of a metallothionein, preferably of copper binding metallothionein or its homolog, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 107, is increased, preferably, conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of zeaxanthin between 05% and 38% or more.

[0046.0.10.10] In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0050 or its homologs e.g. a conserved protein potentially involved in protein-protein interaction, in particular of a conserved protein potentially involved in protein-protein interaction of the superfamily of apaG proteins, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 468, is increased conferring preferably an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further carotenoids, preferably xanthophylls.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0851 or its homologs, e.g. oxygen insensitive NADPH nitroreductase, in particular of a oxygen insensitive NADPH nitroreductase of the superfamily of NADPH-flavin oxidoreductase homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 469, is increased conferring preferably an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further carotenoids, preferably xanthophylls.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2211 or its homologs, e.g. an ATP-binding transport protein of the ABC superfamily, in particular of an ATP-binding transport proteins of the ABC superfamily of the superfamily of unassigned ATP-binding cassette proteins, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 470, is increased conferring preferably an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further carotenoids, preferably xanthophylls.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3926 or its homologs, e.g. a glycerol kinase, in particular of a glycerol kinase of the superfamily of xylulokinases, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 471, is increased conferring preferably an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further carotenoids, preferably xanthophylls.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0986 or its homologs e.g. lipoprotein, in particular of a lipoprotein of the superfamily of the hypothetical protein b1706, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 104, is increased; conferring preferably an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further carotenoids, preferably xanthophylls.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3684 or its homologs, meaning e.g. a transcriptional regulator of the GntR family, is increased; preferably an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further carotenoids, preferably xanthophylls is conferred. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein having a transcriptional control activity, a regulation of C-compound and carbohydrate utilization activity, a DNA binding activity, a transcriptional repressor activity, a regulation of lipid, fatty-acid and/or isoprenoid metabolism activity, and/or a regulation of C-compound and carbohydrate utilization activity, e.g. the activity of a transcriptional regulator, in particular of a transcriptional regulator of the GntR family, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 105, preferably conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further carotenoids, preferably xanthophylls.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4401 or its homologs e.g. a protein of a transcriptional control activity, a unspecified signal transduction activity, a two-component signal transduction system (e.g. response regulator component activity, a transcriptional activator activity, a regulation of respiration activity, an aerobic respiration activity, and/or an anaerobic respiration activity, e.g. of a response regulator, in particular of a response regulator of the OmpR family, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 106, is increased, preferably conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further carotenoids, preferably xanthophylls.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YCL040W or its homologs, e.g. a protein having a C-compound and carbohydrate utilization activity, a C-compound or carbohydrate transport activity, a activity in the glycolysis and/or a activity in the gluconeogenesis, and/or a cellular import activity, in particular of a hexokinase, preferably of a glucinase, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 103, is increased, preferably conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further carotenoids, preferably xanthophylls.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs e.g. a DNA recombination and DNA repair activity, a pheromone response activity, a mating-type determination activity, a sex-specific protein activity, a nucleotide binding activity and/or a protease and nuclease activity, in particular a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity, in particular of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 108, is increased, preferably conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further carotenoids, preferably xanthophylls.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YHR055C or its homologs, e.g. a protein having a detoxification activity, particular of a metallothionein, preferably of copper binding metallothionein or its homolog, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 107, is increased, preferably conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further carotenoids, preferably xanthophylls is conferred.

[0047.0.0.10] to [0048.0.0.10]: see [0047.0.0.0] to [0048.0.0.0]

[0049.0.10.10] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical cryptoxanthin preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 103 to 107 or and/or 468 to 471 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471, or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the beta-cryptoxanthin level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the zeaxanthin preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 107 and 108 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 107 or 108 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 107 or 108 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the zeaxanthin level.

[0050.0.10.10] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “the respective fine chemical” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin, resp., or their ester, or glucoside thereof, e.g. the diglucoside thereof.

[0051.0.10.10] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the respective fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free chemical free or bound, e.g. compositions comprising xanthophylls, in particular cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin. Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of various xanthophylls, in particular beta-cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin. can be produced.

[0052.0.0.10] see [0052.0.0.0]

[0053.0.10.10] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps

-   -   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of         a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention         or of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used         in the method of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having an         activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines         103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or line 107 and/or 108 or its         homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines         103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or line 107 and/or 108, activity         having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical increasing         activity;     -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a         protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or         the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention,         e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to         471 or line 107 and/or 108 or its homologs activity, e.g. as         indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or         468 to 471 or line 107 and/or 108, or of a mRNA encoding the         polypeptide of the present invention having herein-mentioned the         respective fine chemical increasing activity;     -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the         increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid         molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present         invention or the nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide used in         the method of the invention having herein-mentioned the         respective fine chemical increasing activity, e.g. of a         polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in         Table II, column 3, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or line         107 and/or 108 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in         Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or         line 107 and/or 108, or decreasing the inhibitory regulation of         the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the         method of the invention;     -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or         artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a         protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded         by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic         acid molecule used in the method of the invention or of the         polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the         method of the invention having herein-mentioned the respective         fine chemical increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having         an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3,         lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or line 107 and/or 108 or its         homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or         7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or line 107 and/or 108;     -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased         expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of         the present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention         having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical increasing         activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein         as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468         to 471 or line 107 and/or 108 or its homologs activity, e.g. as         indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or         468 to 471 or line 107 and/or 108, by adding one or more         exogenous inducing factors to the organism or parts thereof;     -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring         the increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic         acid molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the         present invention, having herein-mentioned the respective fine         chemical increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an         activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines         103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or line 107 and/or 108 or its         homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or         7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or line 107 and/or 108,         and/or     -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased         expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide         encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the         nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or the         polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the         method of the invention having herein-mentioned the respective         fine chemical increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having         an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3,         lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or line 107 and/or 108 or its         homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines         103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or line 107 and/or 108, activity.     -   h) Increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the         polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the         method of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having an activity         of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 103 to         106 and/or 468 to 471 or line 107 and/or 108 or its homologs         activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines         103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or line 107 and/or 108, by adding         positive expression or removing negative expression elements,         e.g. homologous recombination can be used to either introduce         positive regulatory elements like for plants the 35S enhancer         into the promoter or to remove repressor elements form         regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods can be used         to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity of         positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced         in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be         identified in which the positive elements have be integrated         near to a gene of the invention, the expression of which is         thereby enhanced;     -   i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,         that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein         of the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example         microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher         temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat         shock proteins, which can lead an enhanced respective fine         chemical production and/or     -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the         proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized         resources and breeding them into the target organisms, e.g. the         elite crops.

[0054.0.10.10] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or line 107 and/or 108, resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or line 107 and/or 108, resp.,

[0055.0.0.10] to [0067.0.0.10]: see [0055.0.0.0] to [0067.0.0.0]

[0068.0.10.10] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of the xanthophylls, in particular of beta-cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.10.10] see [0069.0.0.0]

[0070.0.10.10] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding a protein of the invention into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolites composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous composition of carotenoids, in particular xanthophylls, e.g. comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) carotenoids, in particular xanthophylls, like beta-cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin.

[0071.0.0.10] see [0071.0.0.0]

[0072.0.10.10] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to beta-cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin further carotenoids, e.g. carotenes or xanthophylls, in particular ketocarentoids, or hydrocarotenoids, e.g. Lutein, lycopene, alpha-carotene, or beta-carentene, or compounds for which beta-cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin are precursor compounds, in particular astaxanthin.

[0073.0.10.10] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

(f) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant; (g) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or a homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or line 107 and/or 108, or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and described below, e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism, preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant, (h) growing an organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and (i) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or bound the respective fine chemical and, optionally further free and/or bound carotenoids, in particular xanthophylls, e.g. astaxanthin, synthesized by the organism, the microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.10.10] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound the respective fine chemical or the free and bound the respective fine chemical but as option it is also possible to produce, recover and, if desired isolate, other free or/and bound carotenoids, in particular xanthophylls, e.g. astaxanthin.

[0075.0.0.10] to [0077.0.0.10]: see [0075.0.0.0] to [0077.0.0.0]

[0078.0.10.10] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, the respective fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications, for example according to the disclosures made in U.S. Pat. No. 6,380,442; U.S. Pat. No. 6,329,557, U.S. Pat. No. 6,329,432, U.S. Pat. No. 6,316,012, U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,883; U.S. Pat. No. 6,291,533, U.S. Pat. No. 6,291,294, U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,615, U.S. Pat. No. 6,262,284, U.S. Pat. No. 6,262,284, U.S. Pat. No. 6,261,622, U.S. Pat. No. 6,261,598, U.S. Pat. No. 6,235,315, U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,876, U.S. Pat. No. 6,221,417, U.S. Pat. No. 6,221,412, U.S. Pat. No. 6,218,436, U.S. Pat. No. 6,207,409, U.S. Pat. No. 6,319,872, U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,790, U.S. Pat. No. 6,124,113 U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,478, U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,348, U.S. Pat. No. 6,087,152, or U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,962. (Pharmaceutical and other compositions comprising zeaxanthin are e.g. described in: U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,523, U.S. Pat. No. 6,368,621, U.S. Pat. No. 6,362,221, U.S. Pat. No. 6,348,200, U.S. Pat. No. 6,316,012: Cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition comprising, in combination, a peroxidase and an anti-singlet oxygen agent, U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,880: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for managing skin conditions U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,877: Stable, aqueous dispersions and stable, water-dispersible dry xanthophyll powder, their production and use, U.S. Pat. No. 6,261,598: Carotenoid formulations, comprising a mixture of B-carotens, lycopene and lutein, U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,378: Enhanced food products, U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,374: Stabilized food additive. Processes for the isolation are described e.g. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,380,442, U.S. Pat. No. 6,362,221: Compositions containing natural lycopene and natural tocopherol, U.S. Pat. No. 6,291,204: Fermentative carotenoid production, U.S. Pat. No. 6,262,284: Process for extraction and purification of lutein, zeaxanthin and rare carotenoids from marigold flowers and plants, or U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,876: Isolation and formulations of nutrient-rich carotenoids. The cited literatures describe some preferred embodiments. Said applications describe some advantageous embodiments without meant to be limiting. The fermentation broth, fermentation products, plants or plant products can be purified as described in above mentioned applications and other methods known to the person skilled in the art, e.g. as described in Methods in Enzymology: Carotenoids, Part A: Chemistry, Separation, Quantitation and Antioxidation, by John N Abelson or Part B, Metabolism, Genetics, and Biochemistry, or described herein below. Products of these different work-up procedures are xanthophylls, in particular zeaxanthin or beta-cryptoxanthin or xanthophylls, in particular zeaxanthin or cryptoxanthin comprising compositions which still comprise fermentation broth, plant particles and cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably between below 50% by weight.

[0079.0.0.10] to [0084.0.0.10]: see [0079.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0]

[0084.1.0.10] The invention also contemplates embodiments in which the β-carotene, or other carotenoid precursor compounds in the production of the respective fine chemical, is present in the flowers of the flowering plant chosen as the host (for example, marigolds). The invention also contemplates embodiments in which a host plant's flowers lack β-carotene or other carotenoid precursors, such as the vinca. In a plant of the latter type, the inserted DNA includes genes that code for carotenoid precursors (compounds that can be converted biologically into β-carotene) and a ketolase, as well as a hydroxylase, if otherwise absent. In one embodiment, preferred flowering plants include, but are not limited to: Amaryllidaceae (Allium, Narcissus); Apocynaceae (Catharanthus); Asteraceae, alternatively Compositae (Aster, Calendula, Callistephus, Cichorium, Coreopsis, Dahlia, Dendranthema, Gazania, Gerbera, Helianthus, Helichrysum, Lactuca, Rudbeckia, Tagetes, Zinnia); Balsaminaceae (Impatiens); Begoniaceae (Begonia); Caryophyllaceae (Dianthus); Chenopodiaceae (Beta, Spinacia); Cucurbitaceae (Citrullus, Curcurbita, Cucumis); Cruciferae (Alyssum, Brassica, Erysimum, Matthiola, Raphanus); Gentinaceae (Eustoma); Geraniaceae (Pelargonium); Graminae, alternatively Poaceae, (Avena, Horedum, Oryza, Panicum, Pennisetum, Poa, Saccharum, Secale, Sorghum, Triticum, Zea); Euphorbiaceae (Poinsettia); Labiatae (Salvia); Leguminosae (Glycine, Lathyrus, Medicago, Phaseolus, Pisum); Liliaceae (Cilium); Lobeliaceae (Lobelia); Malvaceae (Abelmoschus, Gossypium, Melva); Plumbaginaceae (Limonium); Polemoniaceae (Phlox); Primulaceae (Cyclamen); Ranunculaceae (Aconitum, Anemone, Aquilegia, Caltha, Delphinium, Ranunculus); Rosaceae (Rosa); Rubiaceae (Pentas); Scrophulariaceae (Angelonia, Antirrhinum, Torenia); Solanaceae (Capsicum, Lycopersicon, Nicotiana, Petunia, Solanum); Umbelliferae (Apium, Daucus, Pastinaca); Verbenaceae (Verbena, Lantana); Violaceae (Viola).

[0085.0.10.10] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   -   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or         7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108,         or a derivative thereof, or     -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which         is functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated         in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471         or lines 107 and/or 108, or a derivative thereof, or     -   c) (a) and (b)         is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or         has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods,         it being possible for the modification to be, by way of example,         a substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of         one or more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the         natural chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the         presence in a genomic library. In the case of a genomic library,         the natural, genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is         preferably at least partially still preserved. The environment         flanks the nucleic acid sequence at least on one side and has a         sequence length of at least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp,         particularly preferably at least 1000 bp, very particularly         preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.10] to [0087.0.0.10]: see [0086.0.0.0] to [0087.0.0.0]

[0088.0.10.10] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose content of the respective fine chemical is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for poultry is dependent on the abovementioned xanthophylls and the general amount of xanthohylls as energy source in feed. Further, this is also important for the production of cosmetic compostions since, for example, the antioxidant level of plant extraction is dependent on the amount of th abovementioned of xanthophylls and/or the amount of carotenoids as antioxidants.

[0088.1.0.10] see [0088.1.0.0]

[0089.0.0.10] to [0090.0.0.10]: see [0089.0.0.0] to [0090.0.0.0]

[0091.0.10.10] Thus, the content of plant components and preferably also further impurities is as low as possible, and the abovementioned xanthophylls, in particular the fine chemical, is/are obtained in as pure form as possible. In these applications, the content of plant components advantageously amounts to less than 10%, preferably 1%, more preferably 0.1%, very especially preferably 0.01% or less.

[0092.0.0.10] to [0094.0.0.10]: see [0092.0.0.0] to [0094.0.0.0]

[0095.0.10.10] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of said carotenoids, in particular xanthophylls, preferably cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the essentially pure respective fine chemical.

[0096.0.10.10] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptid or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired fine chemical, for example zeaxanthin or cryptoxanthin in the organism, is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical. It has been reported, that the inhibition of Lyopene production increases the amount of other xanthophylls in the cell. Further it may be, that the inhibition of enzymes using zeaxanthin or cryptoxanthin as substrate increases the amount of said chemicals in a cell. For example, in one embodiment, it can be advantageous to inhibit the production of astaxanthin, if a high amount of cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin is desired.

[0097.0.10.10] Glucosides, in particular, dicglucosides of the zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin as well as other modification of zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin are known to a person skilled in the art. In may also be advantageous to increase the content of the bound respective fine chemical, e.g. of modification of zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin, in particular its glucosides, e.g. diglucosides.

[0098.0.10.10] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further carotenoids, e.g. carotenes or xanthophylls, in particular ketocarentoids or hydrocarotenoids, e.g. lutein, lycopene, alpha-carotene, or beta-carentene, or compounds for which the respective fine chemical is a biosynthesis precursor compounds, e.g. astaxanthin, or mixtures thereof or mixtures of other carotenoids, in particular of xanthophylls, by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.10.10] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned desired fine chemical may accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, and spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the respective fine chemical comprising compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.10.10] Transgenic plants which comprise the carotenoids such as said xanthophylls, e.g. cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin (or astaxanthin as it is synthesized from cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin) synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the carotenoids synthesized to be isolated. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. However, the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, (in the form of their oils, fats, lipids, as extracts, e.g. ether, alcohol, or other organic solvents or water containing extract and/or free xanthophylls. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts. To increase the efficiency of extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material.E.g., oils, fats, and/or lipids comprising xanthophylls can be obtained by what is known as cold beating or cold pressing without applying heat. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, specifically the seeds, they can previously be comminuted, steamed or roasted. Seeds, which have been pretreated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents such as warm hexane. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. Thereafter, the resulting products can be processed further, i.e. degummed and/or refined. In this process, substances such as the plant mucilages and suspended matter canb be first removed. What is known as desliming can be affected enzymatically or, for example, chemico-physically by addition of acid such as phosphoric acid.

Because carotenoids in microorganisms are localized intracellular, their recovery essentials comes down to the isolation of the biomass. Well-established approaches for the harvesting of cells include filtration, centrifugation and coagulation/flocculation as described herein. Of the residual hydrocarbon, adsorbed on the cells, has to be removed. Solvent extraction or treatment with surfactants have been suggested for this purpose. However, it can be advantageous to avoid this treatment as it can result in cells devoid of most carotenoids.

[0101.0.10.10] The identity and purity of the compound(s) isolated can be determined by prior-art techniques. They encompass high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assays or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are compiled in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11 27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19:67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Bd. A27, VCH Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michal, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 17.

[0102.0.10.10] Xanthophylls, in particular beta-cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin can for example be detected advantageously via HPLC, LC or GC separation methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of xanthophylls, in particular beta-cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin containing products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MS, MS or TLC). The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding, cooking, or via other applicable methods

[0103.0.10.10] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107     and/or 108, or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines     107 and/or 108, -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridization     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471     or lines 107 and/or 108 and conferring an increase in the amount of     the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table IV,     column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108     and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0103.1.10.10] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108: In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108.

[0103.2.10.10.] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108: In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108.

[0104.0.10.10] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process or the nucleic acid used in the process of the invention of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108.

[0105.0.0.10] to [0107.0.0.10]: see [0105.0.0.0] to [0107.0.0.0]

[0108.0.10.10] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from an amino acid sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical, meaning beta-cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin, resp., after increasing its expression or activity, are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.10.10] In one embodiment, said sequences are cloned into nucleic acid constructs, either individually or in combination. These nucleic acid constructs enable an optimal synthesis of the respective fine chemicals, in particular beta-cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin, produced in the process according to the invention.

[0110.0.10.10] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I or Table II, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 1088, can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.10] see [0111.0.0.0]

[0112.0.10.10] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 and 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 and conferring an increase in the cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin level.

[0113.0.0.10] to [01200.0.10]: see [0113.0.0.0] to [0120.0.0.0]

[0120.1.10.10]: Production strains which are also advantageously selected in the process according to the invention are microorganisms selected from the group green algae, like Spongioccoccum exentricum, Chlorella sorokiniana (pyrenoidosa, 7-11-05), or form the group of fungi like fungi belonging to the Daccrymycetaceae family, or non-photosynthetic bacteria, like methylotrophs, flavobacteria, actinomycetes, like streptomyces chrestomyceticus, Mycobacteria like Mycobacterim phlei, or Rhodobacter capsulatus.

[0121.0.10.10] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a cryptoxanthin level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or conferring a zeaxanthin level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 107 and/or 108.

[0122.0.0.10] to [0127.0.0.10]: see [0122.0.0.0] to [0127.0.0.0]

[0128.0.10.10] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471, resp., or lines 107 and/or 108, resp. or the sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471, resp., or lines 107 and/or 108, resp.

[0129.0.10.10] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 is derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.10.10] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of zeaxanthin or cryptoxanthin after increasing the expression or activity the protein comprising said fragment.

[0131.0.0.10] to [0138.0.0.10]: see [0131.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0]

[0139.0.10.10] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical level increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridise to a sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 for cryptoxanthin or indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 107 and/or 108, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 107 and/or 108 for zeaxanthin under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the respective fine chemical, i.e. cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin, resp., increasing-activity.

[0140.0.0.10] to [0146.0.0.10]: see [0140.0.0.0] to [0146.0.0.0]

[0147.0.10.10] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridise to one of said nucleotide sequences, thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridisation conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.10.10] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular having a cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.10.10] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring a of cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin increase, resp., and optionally, the activity of protein indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471, or lines 107 and/or 108, preferably of Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108.

[00149.1.10.10] Optionally, in one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108.

[0150.0.10.10] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin, resp., if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 can result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 or its gene product.

[0151.0.0.10]: see [0151.0.0.0]

[0152.0.10.10] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid used in the method of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular a cryptoxanthin (lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471) or zeaxanthin (lines 107 and/or 108) increasing activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.10.10] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108.

[0154.0.10.10] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.10] to [0156.0.0.10]: see [0155.0.0.0] to [0156.0.0.0]

[0157.0.10.10] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as polypeptides comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 or as polypeptides depicted in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 or the functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, an amino acid sequence of a consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., preferably of Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108. Preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108.

[0158.0.0.10] to [0160.0.0.10]: see [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0]

[0161.0.10.10] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.10] see [0162.0.0.0]

[0163.0.10.10] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the amount of the respective fine chemical in a organism or a part thereof, e.g. a tissue, a cell, or a compartment of a cell, after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.10] see [0164.0.0.0]

[0165.0.10.10] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp.,

[0166.0.0.10] to [0167.0.0.10]: see [0166.0.0.0] to [0167.0.0.0]

[0168.0.10.10] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp.

[0169.0.0.10] to [0172.0.0.10]: see [0169.0.0.0] to [0172.0.0.0]

[0173.0.10.10] For example a sequence, which has 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 10237 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 10237 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.10]: see [0174.0.0.0]

[0175.0.10.10] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 10238 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 10238 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.10.10] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp.,

[0177.0.10.10] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp.

[0178.0.0.10] see [0178.0.0.0]

[0179.0.10.10] A nucleic acid molecule encoding an homologous to a protein sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences of a sequences for example as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.10] to [0183.0.0.10]: see [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0]

[0184.0.10.10] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.10.10] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides or nucleotide sequences not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp.,

[0186.0.10.10] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp. preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108.

[0187.0.10.10] In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108.

[0188.0.10.10] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., preferably compared to a sequence as indicated in Table II, column 3 and 5, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, and expressed under identical conditions.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention is a homolog consisting of or comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II B, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108.

[0189.0.10.10] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.10]: see [0190.0.0.0]

[0191.0.0.10] see [0191.1.0.0]

[0192.0.0.10] to [0203.0.0.10]: see [0192.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0]

[0204.0.10.10] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108,     preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to     471 or lines 107 and/or 108 resp.; or a fragment thereof conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, i.e.     beta-cryptoxanthin (lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471) or     zeaxanthin (lines 107 and/or 108), resp., in an organism or a part     thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5     or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108,     preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to     471 or lines 107 and/or 108 resp., or a fragment thereof conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines     103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 and conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, i.e.     beta-cryptoxanthin (lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471) or     zeaxanthin (lines 107 and/or 108), resp., in an organism or a part     thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 103 to     106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, i.e.     beta-cryptoxanthin (lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471) or     zeaxanthin (lines 107 and/or 108), resp., in an organism or a part     thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domain of a polypeptide as indicated in Table     II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107     and/or 108, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 103 to 106     and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, i.e.     beta-cryptoxanthin (lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471) or     zeaxanthin (lines 107 and/or 108), resp., in an organism or a part     thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468     to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, preferably of Table II B, column 7,     lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp.,     or a nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form of, a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108,     preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to     471 or lines 107 and/or 108 resp., and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof;     -   or which encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;         whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)         to (l)         distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA, columns 5         or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, by one or more         nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does         not consist of the sequence shown and indicated in Table I A or         I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines         107 and/or 108: In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule is         less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a         sequence indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines         103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108. In another         embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a         polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II A or II B,         columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107         and/or 108. In an other embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of         the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60%         identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99%         identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5         or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107         and/or 108. In a further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule         does not encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table II         A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or         lines 107 and/or 108. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the         nucleic acid molecule of the differs at least in one or more         residues from a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I A or         I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines         107 and/or 108. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid         molecule of the present invention encodes a polypeptide, which         differs at least in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide         indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to         106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108. In another         embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I A or I         B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines         107 and/or 108 does not encode a protein of a sequence indicated         in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or         468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108. Accordingly, in one         embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid         according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as         indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to         106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108. In a further         embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at least         30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical to a protein sequence indicated         in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or         468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 and less than 100%,         preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably         less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as         indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to         106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108.

[0205.0.0.10] to [0206.0.0.10]: see [0205.0.0.0] to [0206.0.0.0]

[0207.0.10.10] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes, are genes of the carotenoid metabolism, the xanthophyll metabolism, the astaxanthin metabolism, the amino acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acid metabolism or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.10] to [0226.0.0.10]: see [0208.0.0.0] to [0226.0.0.0]

[0227.0.10.10] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 or its derivatives, it is advantageous to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the xanthophyll biosynthetic pathway such as for cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin, e.g. one of the above mentioned genes of this pathway, or e.g. for the synthesis of astaxanthin or for another provitamin A or for another carotenoids is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine one or more of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organism, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.10.10] In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore, organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of at least one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteins involved in the xanthophylls metabolism, in particular in synthesis of beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin or lutein.

[0229.0.10.10] Further advantageous nucleic acid sequences which can be expressed in combination with the sequences used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes are the sequences encoding further genes of the carotenoids biosynthetic pathway, such as phytoene synthase (Psy), which is an important control point for the regulation of the flux (Fraser et al., 2002), phytoene desaturase (Pds), z-carotene desaturase, above mentioned enzymes (s. introduction of the application), e.g. hydroxylases such as beta-carotene hydroxylase (U.S. Pat. No. 6,214,575), ketolases, or cyclases such as the beta-cyclase (U.S. Pat. No. 6,232,530) or oxygenases such as the beta-C4-oxygenase described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,218,599 or homologs thereof, astaxanthin synthase (U.S. Pat. No. 6,365,386), or other genes as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,150,130. These genes can lead to an increased synthesis of the essential carotenoids, in particular xanthophylls.

[0230.0.0.10] see [230.0.0.0].

[0231.0.10.10] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a zeaxanthin or cryptoxanthin degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene. A person skilled in the art knows for example, that the inhibition of the lutein synthesis from carotene increases the amount of cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin in an organism, in particular in plants. In one embodiment, the level of astaxanthin in the organism shall be increased. Thus, astaxanthin degrading enzymes are attenuated but not enzymes catalyzing the synthesis of astaxanthin from zeaxanthin or cryptoxanthin.

[0232.0.0.10] to [0276.0.0.10]: see [0232.0.0.0] to [0276.0.0.0]

[0277.0.10.10] The respective fine chemical produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker are familiar, for example via extraction, salt precipitation, and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously. The fine chemical and other xanthophylls produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts

[0278.0.0.10] to [0282.0.0.10]: see [0278.0.0.0] to [0282.0.0.0]

[0283.0.10.10] Moreover, native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, e.g. an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., or an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., or an antigenic part thereof, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing polypeptides comprising or consisting of above mentioned sequences, e.g. the polypeptide of the present invention or a fragment thereof, i.e., the polypeptide of this invention. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies specifically binding to polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108.

[0284.0.0.10] see [0284.0.0.0]

[0285.0.10.10] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., or as coded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.10.10] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid. or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108.

[0287.0.0.10] to [0289.0.0.10]: see [0287.0.0.0] to [0289.0.0.0]

[00290.0.10.10] The alignment was performed with the Software AlignX (Sep. 25, 2002) a component of Vector NTI Suite 8.0, InforMax™, Invitrogen™ life science software, U.S. Main Office, 7305 Executive Way, Frederick, Md. 21704, USA with the following settings: For pairwise alignments: gap opening penalty: 10.0; gap extension penalty 0.1. For multiple alignments: Gap opening penalty: 10.0; Gap extension penalty: 0.1; Gap separation penalty range: 8; Residue substitution matrix: blosum62; Hydrophilic residues: G P S N D Q E K R; Transition weighting: 0.5; Consensus calculation options: Residue fraction for consensus: 0.9. Presettings were selected to allow also for the alignment of conserved amino acids.

[0291.0.10.10] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table II A or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form a sequence as indicated in Table II A or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 by more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108.

[0292.0.0.10] see [0292.0.0.0]

[0293.0.10.10] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table I A or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108.

[0294.0.10.10] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.10] to [0297.0.0.10]: see [0295.0.0.0] to [0297.0.0.0]

[00297.1.0.10] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity and/or amino acid sequence of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 3, 5 or 7, lines 103 to 108 or 468 to 471, resp.,

[0298.0.10.10] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp.

[0299.0.10.10] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.10.10] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp.,

[0301.0.0.10] see [0301.0.0.0]

[0302.0.10.10] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.10] see [0303.0.0.0]

[0304.0.10.10] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.10] to [0306.0.0.10]: see [0305.0.0.0] to [0306.0.0.0]

[0306.1.0.10] Preferably, the compound is a composition comprising the essentially pure cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin or a recovered or isolated cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin, in particular, the respective fine chemical, free or in protein-bound form.

[0307.0.0.10] to [0308.0.0.10]: see [0307.0.0.0] to [0308.0.0.0]

[0309.0.10.10] In one embodiment, a reference to a protein (=polypeptide) of the invention or as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.10] to [0334.0.0.10]: see [0310.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0]

[0335.0.10.10] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived there from), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.10] to [0342.0.0.10]: see [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0]

[0343.0.10.10] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.10] to [0361.0.0.10]: see [0344.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0]

[0362.0.10.10] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., e.g. encoding a polypeptide having protein activity, as indicated in Table II, columns 3, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., Due to the above mentioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. In one embodiment, transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention

[0363.0.0.10] see [0363.0.0.0]

[0364.0.10.10] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of a promoter of a gene encoding a polypeptide of the invention as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., with the corresponding protein-encoding sequence as indicated in Table I, column 3, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., —becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modified by non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example, mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

[0365.0.0.10] to [0373.0.0.10]: see [0365.0.0.0] to [0373.0.0.0]

[0374.0.10.10] Transgenic plants comprising the respective fine chemical synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. Xanthophylls, in particular the respective fine chemical, produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free xanthophylls, in particular the free respective fine chemical, or bound in or to compounds or moieties, like glucosides, e.g. diglucosides. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography or other chromatographic methods of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.10] to [0376.0.0.10]: see [0375.0.0.0] to [0376.0.0.0]

[0377.0.10.10] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process according to the present invention whereby the produced carotenoids comprising, in particular the xanthophylls comprising composition is isolated. In one embodiment, the produced respective fine chemical is isolated.

[0378.0.10.10] In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the xanthophylls, in particular the respective fine chemical produced in the process can be isolated. The resulting recovered, isolated or purified xanthophylls, e.g. the composition comprising xanthophylls can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.10.10] In one embodiment, the xanthophylls are a mixture of the respective fine chemicals. In one embodiment, the xanthophylls are the respective fine chemical. In one embodiment, the xanthophylls are a mixture of the respective fine chemicals with astaxanthin.

[0380.0.10.10] The xanthophylls, in particular the respective fine chemicals obtained in the process are suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates a method for the production of pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the carotenoids containing, in particular xanthophylls containing composition produced or the respective fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the carentoids or xanthophylls produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals or for the production of astaxanthin, e.g. in after isolation of the respective fine chemical or without, e.g. in situ, e.g. in the organism used for the process for the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0381.0.0.10] to [0382.0.0.10]: see [0381.0.0.0] to [0382.0.0.0]

[0383.0.10.10] ./.

[0384.0.0.10] see [0384.0.0.0]

[0385.0.10.10] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular zeaxanthin or beta-cryptoxanthin in mixtures with other carotenoids, in particular with other xanthophylls, e.g. with astaxanthin, or containing microorganisms or parts of microorganisms, like plastids, containing zeaxanthin or beta-cryptoxanthin in mixtures with other carotenoids, in particular with other xanthophylls, e.g. with astaxanthin, normally have a dry matter content of from 1 to 70% by weight, preferably 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, e.g. at the end, for example over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 10 g/l, preferably to 0 to 3 g/l during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed or isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it.

The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

As carotenoids are often localized in membranes or plastids, in one embodiment it is advantageous to avoid a leaching of the cells when the biomass is isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth. The dry biomass can directly be added to animal feed, provided the carotenoids concentration is sufficiently high and no toxic compounds are present. In view of the instability of carentoids, conditions for drying, e.g. spray or flash-drying, can be mild and can be avoiding oxidation and cis/trans isomerization. For example antioxidants, e.g. BHT, ethoxyquin or other, can be added. In case the carotenoids concentration in the biomass is to dilute, solvent extraction can be used for their isolation, e.g. with alcohols, ether or other organic solvents, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, acetone, alcoholic potassium hydroxide, glycerol-phenol, liquefied phenol or for example with acids or bases, like trichloroacetatic acid or potassium hydroxide. A wide range of advantageous Methods and techniques for the isolation of carotenoids, in particular of xanthophylls, in particular of zeaxanthin or cryptoxanthin can be found in the state of the art. In case phenol is used it can for example be removed with ether and water extraction and the dry eluate comprises a mixture of the carotenoids of the biomass.

[0386.0.10.10] Accordingly, it is possible to purify the carotenoids, in particular the xanthophylls produced according to the invention further. For this purpose, the product-containing composition, e.g. a total or partial lipid extraction fraction using organic solvents, e.g. as described above, is subjected for example to a saponification to remove triglycerides, partition between e.g. hexane/methanol (separation of non-polar epiphase from more polar hypophasic derivates) and separation via e.g. an open column chromatography or HPLC in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use.

[0387.0.0.10] to [0392.0.0.10]: see [0387.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0]

[0393.0.10.10] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   -   (a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a         sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a         nucleic acid library, which can contain a candidate gene         encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the respective         fine chemical after expression, with the nucleic acid molecule         of the present invention;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of the present invention in particular to the nucleic         acid molecule sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7,         lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108,         preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or         468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108, resp., and, optionally,         isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete genomic clone;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells, preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism,         appropriate for producing the respective fine chemical;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host         cells; and     -   (f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product         which expression confers an increase in the respective fine         chemical level in the host cell after expression compared to the         wild type.

[0394.0.0.10] to [0398.0.0.10]: see [0394.0.0.0] to [0398.0.0.0]

[0399.0.10.10] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to process for the identification of a compound conferring increased the respective fine chemical production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps:

-   -   (h) culturing a cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a         plant expressing the polypeptide according to the invention or a         nucleic acid molecule encoding said polypeptide and a readout         system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under         suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the         polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a         compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and         capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the         binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which         permit the expression of said readout system and the polypeptide         of the present invention or used in the process of the         invention; and     -   (i) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system.

The screen for a gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production can be performed by growth of an organism for example a microorganism in the presence of growth reducing amounts of an inhibitor of the synthesis of the respective fine chemical. Better growth, e.g. higher dividing rate or high dry mass in comparison to the control under such conditions would identify a gene or gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in respective fine chemical production.

[00399.1.0.10] One can think to screen for increased production of the respective fine chemical by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the respective fine chemical and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotype of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.10] to [0416.0.0.10]: see [0400.0.0.0] to [0416.0.0.0]

[0417.0.10.10] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the carotenoids production biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect an organism such as a microorganism or a plant against inhibitors, which block the carotenoid synthesis, in particular the respective fine chemical synthesis in said organism. Examples of inhibitors or herbicides blocking the synthesis of carotenoids in organism such as microorganism or plants are for example classified in two groups. The first group consists of inhibitors that cause the accumulation of early intermediates in the pathway, particularly the colorless phytene, e.g. diphenylamine. Other inhibitors preferentially block late reactions in the pathway, notably the cyclization of lycopene. Inhibitors are e.g. nicotine, 2-(4-chlorophenylthio)-triethylamine and other substituted amines as well as nitrogenous heterocyclic bases, e.g. imidazole.

As xanthophylls can protect organisms against damages of oxidative stress, especially singlet oxygen, a increased level of the respective fine chemical can protect plants against herbicides which cause the toxic build-up of oxidative compounds, e.g. singlet oxygen. For example, inhibition of the protoporphorineogen oxidase (Protox), an enzyme important in the synthesis of chlorophyll and heme biosynthesis results in the loss of chlorophyll and carotenoids and in leaky membranes; the membrane destruction is due to creation of free oxygen radicals (which is also reported for other classic photosynthetic inhibitor herbicides).

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the increase of the level of the respective fine chemical is used to protect plants against herbicides destroying membranes due to the creation of free oxygen radicals.

Examples of inhibitors or herbicides building up oxidative stress are aryl triazion, e.g. sulfentrazone, carfentrazone, or diphenylethers, e.g. acifluorfen, lactofen, or oxyfluorfen, or N-Phenylphthalimide, e.g. flumiclorac or flumioxazin, substituted ureas, e.g. fluometuron, tebuthiuron, or diuron, linuron, or triazines, e.g. atrazine, prometryn, ametryn, metributzin, prometon, simazine, or hexazinone, or uracils, e.g. bromacil or terbacil.

Carotenoid inhibitors are e.g. Pyridines and Pyridazinones, e.g. norflurazon, fluridone or dithiopyr. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of an increase of the respective respective fine chemical according to the present invention for the protection of plants against carotenoids inhibitors as pyridines and pyridazinones.

[0418.0.0.10] to [0423.0.0.10]: see [0418.0.0.0] to [0423.0.0.0]

[0424.0.10.10] Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptid used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the respective fine chemical or of the respective fine chemical and one or more other carotenoids, in particular other xanthophylls, e.g. astaxanthin.

Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the respective fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0424.1.0.10] In a further embodiment the present invention relates to the use of the antagonist of the present invention, the plant of the present invention or a part thereof, the microorganism or the host cell of the present invention or a part thereof for the production a cosmetic composition or a pharmaceutical composition. Such a composition has antioxidative activity, photoprotective activity, tanning activity, can be used for the treating of high levels of cholesterol and/or lipids, can be used to protect, treat or heal the above mentioned diseases, e.g. retinal disorders, hyperholsterolemia, hyperlipidemia, and ahterosclerosis, or can be used for the cleaning, conditioning, and/or treating of the skin, e.g. if combined with a pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable carrier.

The xanthophylls can be also used as stabilizer of other colours or oxygen sensitive compounds.

[0425.0.0.10] to [0434.0.0.10]: see [0425.0.0.0] to [0434.0.0.0]

[0435.0.10.10] Example 3 In-Vivo and In-Vitro Mutagenesis

[0436.0.10.10] An in vivo mutagenesis of organisms such as green algae (e.g. Spongiococcum sp, e.g. Spongiococcum exentricum, Chlorella sp.), Saccharomyces, Mortierella, Escherichia and others mentioned above, which are beneficial for the production of xanthophylls can be carried out by passing a plasmid DNA (or another vector DNA) containing the desired nucleic acid sequence or nucleic acid sequences, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the vector of the invention, through E. coli and other microorganisms (for example Bacillus spp. or yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which are not capable of maintaining the integrity of its genetic information. Usual mutator strains have mutations in the genes for the DNA repair system [for example mutHLS, mutD, mutT and the like; for comparison, see Rupp, W. D. (1996) DNA repair mechanisms in Escherichia coli and Salmonella, pp. 2277-2294, ASM: Washington]. The skilled worker knows these strains. The use of these strains is illustrated for example in Greener, A. and Callahan, M. (1994) Strategies 7; 32-34.

In-vitro mutation methods such as increasing the spontaneous mutation rates by chemical or physical treatment are well known to the skilled person. Mutagens like 5-bromo-uracil, N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (=NTG), ethyl methanesulfonate (=EMS), hydroxylamine and/or nitrous acid are widly used as chemical agents for random in-vitro mutagensis. The most common physical method for mutagensis is the treatment with UV irradiation. Another random mutagenesis technique is the error-prone PCR for introducing amino acid changes into proteins. Mutations are deliberately introduced during PCR through the use of error-prone DNA polymerases and special reaction conditions known to a person skilled in the art. For this method randomized DNA sequences are cloned into expression vectors and the resulting mutant libraries screened for altered or improved protein activity as described below.

Site-directed mutagensis method such as the introduction of desired mutations with an M13 or phagemid vector and short oligonucleotides primers is a well-known approach for site-directed mutagensis. The clou of this method involves cloning of the nucleic acid sequence of the invention into an M13 or phagemid vector, which permits recovery of single-stranded recombinant nucleic acid sequence. A mutagenic oligonucleotide primer is then designed whose sequence is perfectly complementary to nucleic acid sequence in the region to be mutated, but with a single difference: at the intended mutation site it bears a base that is complementary to the desired mutant nucleotide rather than the original. The mutagenic oligonucleotide is then allowed to prime new

DNA synthesis to create a complementary full-length sequence containing the desired mutation. Another site-directed mutagensis method is the PCR mismatch primer mutagensis method also known to the skilled person. Dpnl site-directed mutagensis is a further known method as described for example in the Stratagene Quickchange™ site-directed mutagenesis kit protocol. A huge number of other methods are also known and used in common practice.

Positive mutation events can be selected by screening the organisms for the production of the desired respective fine chemical.

[0436.1.0.10] see [0436.1.0.0]

[0437.0.10.10] Example 4 DNA Transfer Between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Mortierella alpina

[0438.0.10.10] Shuttle vectors such as pYE22m, pPAC-ResQ, pClasper, pAUR224, pAMH10, pAML10, pAMT10, pAMU10, pGMH10, pGML10, pGMT10, pGMU10, pPGAL1, pPADH1, pTADH1, pTAex3, pNGA142, pHT3101 and derivatives thereof which allow the transfer of nucleic acid sequences between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or Mortierella alpina are available to the skilled worker. An easy method to isolate such shuttle vectors is disclosed by Soni R. and Murray J. A. H. [Nucleic Acid Research, vol. 20 no. 21, 1992: 5852]: If necessary such shuttle vectors can be constructed easily using standard vectors for E. coli (Sambrook, J. et al., (1989), “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons) and/or the aforementioned vectors, which have a replication origin for, and suitable marker from, Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Mortierella alpina added. Such replication origins are preferably taken from endogenous plasmids, which have been isolated from species used in the inventive process. Genes, which are used in particular as transformation markers for these species are genes for kanamycin resistance (such as those which originate from the Tn5 or Tn-903 transposon) or for chloramphenicol resistance (Winnacker, E. L. (1987) “From Genes to Clones—Introduction to Gene Technology, VCH, Weinheim) or for other antibiotic resistance genes such as for G418, gentamycin, neomycin, hygromycin or tetracycline resistance.

[0439.0.10.10] Using standard methods, it is possible to clone a gene of interest into one of the above-described shuttle vectors and to introduce such hybrid vectors into the microorganism strains used in the inventive process. The transformation of Saccharomyces can be achieved for example by LiCI or sheroplast transformation (Bishop et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 6, 1986: 3401-3409; Sherman et al., Methods in Yeasts in Genetics, [Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y.] 1982, Agatep et al., Technical Tips Online 1998, 1:51: P01525 or Gietz et al., Methods Mol. Cell. Biol. 5, 1995: 255f) or electroporation (Delorme E., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., vol. 55, no. 9, 1989: 2242-2246).

[0440.0.10.10] If the transformed sequence(s) is/are to be integrated advantageously into the genome of the microorganism used in the inventive process for example into the yeast or fungi genome, standard techniques known to the skilled worker also exist for this purpose. Solinger et al. (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA., 2001 (15): 8447-8453) and Freedman et al. (Genetics, Vol. 162, 15-27, September 2002,) teaches a homolog recombination system dependent on rad 50, rad51, rad54 and rad59 in yeasts. Vectors using this system for homologous recombination are vectors derived from the Ylp series. Plasmid vectors derived for example from the 2p-Vector are known by the skilled worker and used for the expression in yeasts. Other preferred vectors are for example pART1, pCHY21 or pEVP11 as they have been described by McLeod et al. (EMBO J. 1987, 6:729-736) and Hoffman et al. (Genes Dev. 5, 1991:561-571.) or Russell et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 258, 1983: 143-149.). Other beneficial yeast vectors are plasmids of the REP, REP-X, pYZ or RIP series.

[0441.0.0.10] to [0443.0.0.10] see [0441.0.0.0] to [0443.0.0.0]

[0444.0.10.10] Example 6 Growth of Genetically Modified Organism: Media and Culture Conditions

[0445.0.10.10] Genetically modified Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are grown in synthetic or natural growth media known by the skilled worker. A number of different growth media for Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are well known and widely available. A method for culturing Mortierella is disclosed by Jang et al. [Bot. Bull. Acad. Sin. (2000) 41:41-48]. Mortierella can be grown at 20° C. in a culture medium containing: 10 g/l glucose, 5 g/l yeast extract at pH 6.5. Furthermore Jang et al. teaches a submerged basal medium containing 20 g/l soluble starch, 5 g/l Bacto yeast extract, 10 g/l KNO₃, 1 g/l KH₂PO₄, and 0.5 g/l MgSO₄.7H₂O, pH 6.5.

[0446.0.0.10] to [0454.0.0.10]: see [0446.0.0.0] to [0454.0.0.0]

[0455.0.10.10] The effect of the genetic modification in plants, fungi, algae, ciliates or on the production of a desired compound (such as a fatty acid) can be determined by growing the modified microorganisms or the modified plant under suitable conditions (such as those described above) and analyzing the medium and/or the cellular components for the elevated production of desired product (i.e. of the lipids or a fatty acid). These analytical techniques are known to the skilled worker and comprise spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, various types of staining methods, enzymatic and microbiological methods and analytical chromatography such as high-performance liquid chromatography (see, for example, Ullman, Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. A2, p. 89-90 and p. 443-613, VCH: Weinheim (1985); Fallon, A., et al., (1987) “Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry” in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 17; Rehm et al. (1993) Biotechnology, Vol. 3, Chapter III: “Product recovery and purification”, p. 469-714, VCH: Weinheim; Better, P. A., et al. (1988) Bioseparations: downstream processing for Biotechnology, John Wiley and Sons; Kennedy, J. F., and Cabral, J. M. S. (1992) Recovery processes for biological Materials, John Wiley and Sons; Shaeiwitz, J. A., and Henry, J. D. (1988) Biochemical Separations, in: Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. B3; Chapter 11, p. 1-27, VCH: Weinheim; and Dechow, F. J. (1989) Separation and purification techniques in biotechnology, Noyes Publications).

In addition to the abovementioned processes, plant lipids are extracted from plant material as described by Cahoon et al. (1999) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 96 (22): 12935-12940 and Browse et al. (1986) Analytic Biochemistry 152:141-145. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of lipids is described by Christie, William W., Advances in Lipid Methodology, Ayr/Scotland: Oily Press (Oily Press Lipid Library; 2); Christie, William W., Gas Chromatography and Lipids. A Practical Guide—Ayr, Scotland: Oily Press, 1989, Repr. 1992, IX, 307 pp. (Oily Press Lipid Library; 1); “Progress in Lipid Research, Oxford: Pergamon Press, 1 (1952)—16 (1977) under the title: Progress in the Chemistry of Fats and Other Lipids CODEN.

[0456.0.0.10]: see [0456.0.0.0]

[0457.0.10.10] Example 9 Purification of the Xanthophylls and Determination of the Carotenoids Content

[0458.0.10.10] Abbreviations: GC-MS, gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; TLC, thin-layer chromatography.

The unambiguous detection for the presence of Xanthophylls can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MSMS or TLC, as described The total xanthophylls produced in the organism for example in yeasts used in the inventive process can be analysed for example according to the following procedure:

The material such as yeasts, E. coli or plants to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods.

Plant material is initially homogenized mechanically by comminuting in a pestle and mortar to make it more amenable to extraction.

A typical sample pretreatment consists of a total lipid extraction using such polar organic solvents as acetone or alcohols as methanol, or ethers, saponification, partition between phases, separation of non-polar epiphase from more polar hypophasic derivatives and chromatography. E.g.:

For analysis, solvent delivery and aliquot removal can be accomplished with a robotic system comprising a single injector valve Gilson 232XL and a 402 2S1V diluter [Gilson, Inc. USA, 3000 W. Beltline Highway, Middleton, Wis.]. For saponification, 3 ml of 50% potassium hydroxide hydro-ethanolic solution (4 water:1 ethanol) can be added to each vial, followed by the addition of 3 ml of octanol. The saponification treatment can be conducted at room temperature with vials maintained on an IKA HS 501 horizontal shaker [Labworld-online, Inc., Wilmington, N.C.] for fifteen hours at 250 movements/minute, followed by a stationary phase of approximately one hour.

Following saponification, the supernatant can be diluted with 0.10 ml of methanol. The addition of methanol cqan be conducted under pressure to ensure sample homogeneity. Using a 0.25 ml syringe, a 0.1 ml aliquot can be removed and transferred to HPLC vials for analysis.

For HPLC analysis, a Hewlett Packard 1100 HPLC, complete with a quaternary pump, vacuum degassing system, six-way injection valve, temperature regulated autosampler, column oven and Photodiode Array detector can be used [Agilent

Technologies available through Ultra Scientific Inc., 250 Smith Street, North Kingstown, R.I.]. The column can be a Waters YMC30, 5-micron, 4.6×250 mm with a guard column of the same material [Waters, 34 Maple Street, Milford, Mass.]. The solvents for the mobile phase can be 81 methanol: 4 water: 15 tetrahydrofuran (THF) stabilized with 0.2% BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol). Injections were 20 l. Separation can be isocratic at 30° C. with a flow rate of 1.7 ml/minute. The peak responses can be measured by absorbance at 447 nm.

Carotenoid compositions can be determined for wild-type and mutant samples selected from those identified in a screening procedure. Petal samples can be stored in a −80° C. freezer until mutants were identified. Samples can be lyophilized, and the dried tissue can be stored under argon at −80° C. until ready for analysis.

Extraction procedures can be performed under red light. Dried petals can be ground to pass through a No. 40 sieve mesh size. A ground sample can be accurately weighed and transferred into a 100 ml red volumetric flask. To the sample, 500 microliters I) of H₂O can be added, and the mixture can be swirled for 1 minute. Thirty ml of extractant solvent (10 ml hexane+7 ml acetone+6 ml absolute alcohol+7 ml toluene) can be added, and the flask can be shaken at 160 rpm for 10 minutes.

For saponification, 2 ml of 40% methanolic KOH can be added into the flask, which can be then swirled for one minute. The flask can be placed in a 56° C. H₂O bath for 20 minutes. An air condenser can be attached to prevent loss of solvent. The sample can be cooled in the dark for one hour with the condenser attached. After cooling, 30 ml of hexane can be added, and the flask can be shaken at 160 rpm for 10 minutes.

The shaken sample can be diluted to volume (100 ml) with 10% sodium sulfate solution and shaken vigorously for one minute. The sample can be remained in the dark for at least 30 minutes. A 35 ml aliquot can be removed from the approximately 50 ml upper phase, and transferred to a sample cup. An additional 30 ml of hexane can be added into the flask that can be then shaken at 160 rpm for 10 minutes. After approximately one hour, the upper phases can be combined. For HPLC analysis, 10 ml aliquots can be dried under nitrogen and stored under argon at −80° C.

HPLC equipment comprised an Alliance 2690 equipped with a refrigerated autosampler, column heater and a Waters Photodiode Array 996 detector (Waters Corp., 34 Maple Street Milford, Mass. 01757). Separation can be obtained with a YMC30 column, 3 m, 2.0×150 mm with a guard column of the same material. Standards can be obtained from ICC Indorespective fine chemicals Somerville, N.J. 088876 and from DHI-Water & Environment, DK-2970 Horsholm, Denmark. The dried mutant samples can be resuspended in tetrahydrofuran and methanol to a total volume of 200 l and filtered, whereas the control can be not additionally concentrated. Carotenoids can be separated using a gradient method. Initial gradient conditions can be 90% methanol: 5% water: 5% methyl tert-butyl ether at a flow rate of 0.4 milliliters per minute (ml/min). From zero to 15 minutes, the mobile phase can be changed from the initial conditions to 80 methanol: 5 water: 15 methyl tert-butyl ether, and from 15 to 60 minutes to 20 methanol: 5 water: 75 methyl tert-butyl ether. For the following 10 minutes, the mobile phase can be returned to the initial conditions and the column equilibrated for an additional 10 minutes. The column temperature can be maintained at 27° C. and the flow rate was 0.4 ml/minute. Injections were 10 l. The majority of peak responses can be measured at 450 nm and additional areas added from 286, 348, 400 and 472 nm extracted channels.

[0459.0.10.10] If required and desired, further chromatography steps with a suitable resin may follow. Advantageously, the xanthophylls can be further purified with a so-called RTHPLC. As eluent acetonitrile/water or chloroform/acetonitrile mixtures can be used. If necessary, these chromatography steps may be repeated, using identical or other chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the selection of suitable chromatography resin and the most effective use for a particular molecule to be purified.

[0460.0.10.10] see [0460.0.0.0]

[0461.0.10.10] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 10215 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.10] see [0462.0.0.0]

[0463.0.10.10] SEQ ID NO: 10215 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.10] to [0466.0.0.10]: see [0464.0.0.0] to [0466.0.0.0]

[0466.1.0.10] In case the Herculase enzyme can be used for the amplification, the PCR amplification cycles were as follows: 1 cycle of 2-3 minutes at 94° C., followed by 25-30 cycles of in each case 30 seconds at 94° C., 30 seconds at 55-60° C. and 5-10 minutes at 72° C., followed by 1 cycle of 10 minutes at 72° C., then 4° C.

[0467.0.10.10] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 10215:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 10235) atgcgccctc ttattttatc gatttt ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 10236) ttatggtgcg ggtttaagaa acgtc

[0468.0.0.10] to [0479.0.0.10]: see [0468.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0]

[0480.0.10.10] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 10215

[0481.0.0.10] to [0513.0.0.10]: see [0481.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0]

[0514.0.10.10] As an alternative, xanthophylls can be detected as described in Deli, J. & Molnar, P. Paprika carotenoids: Analysis, isolation, structure eucidation. Curr. Org. Chem. 6, 1197-1219 (2004) or Fraser, P. D., Pinto, M. E., Holloway, D. E. & Bramley, P. M. Technical advance: application of high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection to the metabolic profiling of plant isoprenoids. Plant J. 24, 551-558 (2000).

The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the table 1 which follows:

TABLE 1 ORF Metabolite Method Min Max YCL040W Cryptoxanthin LC 1,36 1,51 b0986 Cryptoxanthin LC 1,33 1,40 b3684 Cryptoxanthin LC 1,35 1,67 b4401 Cryptoxanthin LC 1,48 1,60 b3926 Cryptoxanthin LC 1.33 1.33 b0851 Cryptoxanthin LC 1.57 1.76 b2211 Cryptoxanthin LC 1.05 1.26 b0050 Cryptoxanthin LC 1.42 1.84 YHR055C Zeaxanthin LC 1,05 1,38 b2699 Zeaxanthin LC 1,25 1,48

[0515.0.0.10] to [0552.0.0.10]: see [0515.0.0.0] to [0552.0.0.0] including [0530.1.0.0] to [0530.6.0.0] as well as [0552.1.0.0] and [0552.2.0.0]

[0553.0.10.10]

-   1. A process for the production of xanthopyhlls, which comprises     (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins as     indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468     to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 or a functional equivalent thereof in     a non-human organism, or in one or more parts thereof; and     (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of xanthopyhlls in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of xanthopyhlls, comprising the     increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the     expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a     nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471         or lines 107 and/or 108 or a fragment thereof, which confers an         increase in the amount of xanthopyhlls in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or         468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of xanthopyhlls in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of xanthopyhlls in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of         xanthopyhlls in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, columns 7, lines 103 to         106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 and conferring an         increase in the amount of xanthopyhllsrespective fine chemical         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of xanthopyhlls         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 103 to 106         and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 and conferring an         increase in the amount of xanthopyhllsrespective fine chemical         in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         xanthopyhllsrespective fine chemical in an organism or a part         thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound xanthopyhlls. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         xanthopyhlls produced by the selected mutated organisms or parts         thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471         or lines 107 and/or 108 or a fragment thereof, which confers an         increase in the amount of xanthopyhlls in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or         468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of xanthopyhlls in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of xanthopyhlls in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of         xanthopyhlls in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, columns 7, lines 103 to         106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 and conferring an         increase in the amount of xanthopyhllsrespective fine chemical         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of xanthopyhlls         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 103 to 106         and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 and conferring an         increase in the amount of xanthopyhllsrespective fine chemical         in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         xanthopyhllsrespective fine chemical in an organism or a part         thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to         106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines 107 and/or 108 by one or more         nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 103 to 106 and/or 468 to 471 or lines     107 and/or 108 by one or more amino acids -   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of xanthopyhlls in an     organism or a part thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of xanthopyhlls         in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a         sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions         which permit the expression the polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the linoleic acid level or the polypeptide         expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or         the media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured         or maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured xanthopyhlls level or polypeptide expression level with         a standard linoleic acid or polypeptide expression level         measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample         comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased         level over the standard indicates that the compound or the         sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and         a decreased level over the standard indicates that the compound         or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an         antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased xanthopyhlls production in a plant or microorganism,     comprising the steps:     -   (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of xanthopyhlls in an organism or a part thereof and a         readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under         suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the         polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a         compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and         capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the         binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which         permit the expression of said readout system and of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6         conferring an increase in the amount of xanthopyhlls in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in xanthopyhlls production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in xanthopyhlls after expression with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing xanthopyhlls;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the xanthopyhlls level in the host cells; and     -   (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the xanthopyhlls level in the         host cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild         type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in xanthopyhlls production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an     organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product     conferring an increase in the xanthopyhllsamount or level in an     organism or a part thereof after expression, and which are at least     20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells     appropriate for producing xanthopyhlls;     (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells;     (d) assaying the xanthopyhllslevel in the host cells; and     (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the xanthopyhlls level in the host     cell after expression compared to the wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     xanthopyhlls after expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of xanthopyhlls levels in an organism. -   25. Cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food or feed composition comprising     the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14,     the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9,     the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the     antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20. -   26. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid     construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or     agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15,     the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of     claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product     identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the     xanthylphyll is beta-cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin, resp. -   27. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20 for the protection of a plant against a oxidative stress. -   28. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20 for the protection of a plant against a oxidative stress causing     or a carotenoid synthesis inhibiting herbicide. -   29. Use of the agonist identified according to claim 17, the plant     or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, or     the host cell of claim 10 to 12 for the production of a cosmetic     composition.

[0554.0.0.10] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.0]

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.0.11] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.11] see [0001.0.0.0]

[0002.0.11.11] Carotenoids are red, yellow and orange pigments that are widely distributed in nature. Although specific carotenoids have been identified in photosynthetic centers in plants, in bird feathers, in crustaceans and in marigold petals, they are especially abundant in yellow-orange fruits and vegetables and dark green, leafy vegetables. Of the more than 700 naturally occurring carotenoids identified thus far, as many as 50 may be absorbed and metabolized by the human body. To date, only 14 carotenoids have been identified in human serum.

In animals some carotenoids (particularly beta-carotene) serve as dietary precursors to Vitamin A, and many of them may function as fat-soluble antioxidants. In plants carotenes serve for example as antioxidants to protect the highly reactive photosystems and act as accessory photopigments. In vitro experiments have shown that lycopene, alpha-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein and cryptoxanthin quench singlet oxygen and inhibit lipid peroxidation. The isolation and identification of oxidized metabolites of lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene provide direct evidence of the antioxidant action of these carotenoids.

Carotenoids are 40-carbon (C₄₀) terpenoids generally comprising eight isoprene (C₅) units joined together. Linking of the units is reversed at the center of the molecule. “Ketocarotenoid” is a general term for carotenoid pigments that contain a keto group in the ionene ring portion of the molecule, whereas “hydroxycarotenoid” refers to carotenoid pigments that contain a hydroxyl group in the ionene ring. Trivial names and abbreviations will be used throughout this disclosure, with IUPAC-recommended semi-systematic names usually being given in parentheses after first mention of a trivial name. Owing to its three chiral centers, there are 2³ or 8 stereoisomers of lutein.

The principal natural stereoisomer of lutein and the form of lutein in the plasma is (3R,3′R,6′R)-lutein, thus a preferred form of the compound. Lutein is also known as xanthophyll (also, the group name of the oxygen-containing carotenoids), vegetable lutein, vegetable luteol and beta, epsilon-carotene-3,3′diol. The molecular formula of lutein is C₄₀H₅₆O₂ and its molecular weight is 568.88 daltons. The chemical name of the principal natural stereoisomer of lutein is (3R,3′R,6′R)-beta,epsilon-carotene-3,3′-diol.

Lutein and zeaxanthin esters are hydrolyzed in the small intestine via esterases and lipases. Lutein and zeaxanthin that are derived from supplements or released from the matrices of foods, are either solubilized in the lipid core of micelles (formed from bile salts and dietary lipids) in the lumen of the small intestine, or form clathrate complexes with conjugated bile salts. Micelles and possibly clathrate complexes deliver lutein and zeaxanthin to the enterocytes. Lutein and zeaxanthin are released from the enterocytes into the lymphatics in the form of chylomicrons. They are transported by the lymphatics to the general circulation via the thoracic duct. In the circulation, lipoprotein lipase hydrolyzes much of the triglycerides in the chylomicrons, resulting in the formation of chylomicron remnants. Chylomicron remnants retain apolipoproteins E and B48 on their surfaces and are mainly taken up by the hepatocytes and to a smaller degree by other tissues. Within hepatocytes, lutein and zeaxanthin are incorporated into lipoproteins. Lutein and zeaxanthin appear to be released into the blood mainly in the form of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and, to a lesser extent, in the form of very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL). Lutein and zeaxanthin are transported in the plasma predominantly in the form of HDL. Lutein and zeaxanthin are mainly accumulated in the macula of the retina, where they bind to the retinal protein tuberlin. Zeaxanthin is specifically concentrated in the macula, especially in the fovea. Lutein is distributed throughout the retina. Zeaxanthin found in plasma is predominantly (3R,3′R)-zeaxanthin. Lutein appears to undergo some metabolism in the retina to meso-zeaxanthin.

Carotenoids are synthesized from a five carbon atom metabolic precursor, isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP). There are at least two known biosynthetic pathways in the formation of IPP, the universal isoprene unit. One pathway begins with mevalonic acid, the first specific precursor of terpenoids, formed from acetyl-CoA via HMG-CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA), that is itself converted to isopentenyl pyrophosphate

(IPP). Later, condensation of two geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) molecules with each other produces colorless phytoene, which is the initial carotenoid. Studies have also shown the existence of an alternative, mevalonate-independent pathway for IPP formation that was characterized initially in several species of eubacteria, a green alga, and in the plastids of higher plants. The first reaction in this alternative pathway is the transketolase-type condensation reaction of pyruvate and D-glyceraldehylde-3-phosphate to yield 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate (DXP or DOXP) as an intermediate.

Through a series of desaturation reactions, phytoene is converted to phytofluene, ζ-carotene, neurosporene and finally to lycopene. Subsequently, lycopene is converted by a cyclization reaction to β-carotene that contains two β-ionene rings. A keto-group and/or a hydroxyl group are introduced into each ring of β-carotene to thereby synthesize canthaxanthin, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin. A hydroxylase enzyme has been shown to convert canthaxanthin to astaxanthin. Similarly, a ketolase enzyme has been shown to convert zeaxanthin to astaxanthin. The ketolase also converts β-carotene to canthaxanthin and the hydroxylase converts β-carotene to zeaxanthin. In many plants, lycopene is a branch point in carotenoid biosynthesis. Thus, some of the plant's lycopene is made into beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, and sometimes zeaxanthin diglucoside, whereas remaining portions of lycopene are formed into alpha-carotene and lutein (3,3′-dihydroxy-α-carotene), another hydroxylated compound.

Lutein and zeaxanthin exist in several forms. Lutein and zeaxanthin also occur in plants in the form of mono- or diesters of fatty acids. For example, lutein and zeaxanthin dipalmitates, dimyristates and monomyristates are found in the petals of the marigold flower (Tagetes erecta). Many of the marketed lutein nutritional supplements contain lutein esters, with much smaller amounts of zeaxanthin esters, which are derived from the dried petals of marigold flowers. Lutein dipalmitate is found in the plant Helenium autumnale L. Compositae. It is also known as helenien and it is used in France for the treatment of visual disorders. Zeaxanthin in its fatty acid ester forms, is the principal carotenoid found in the plant Lycium chinese Mill. Lycium chinese Mill, also known as Chinese boxthorn, is used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of a number of disorders, including visual problems. Nutritional supplement forms are comprised of these carotenoids either in their free (non-esterified) forms or in the form of fatty acid esters.

Lutein and zeaxanthin exist in a matrix in foods. In the case of the chicken egg yolk, the matrix is comprised of lipids (cholesterol, phospholipid, triglycerides). The carotenoids are dispersed in the matrix along with fat-soluble nutrients, including vitamins A, D and E. In the case of plants, lutein and zeaxanthin are associated with chloroplasts or chromoplasts.

Carotenoids absorb light in the 400-500 nm region of the visible spectrum. This physical property imparts the characteristic red/yellow colour of the pigments. A conjugated backbone composed of isoprene units is usually inverted at the centre of the molecule, imparting symmetry. Changes in geometrical configuration about the double bonds result in the existence of many cis- and trans-isomers. Hydroxylated, oxidized, hydrogenated or ring-containing derivatives also exist. Hydrocarbon carotenoids are classified as carotenes while those containing oxygen are known as xanthophylls.

In animals, carotenoids are absorbed from the intestine with the aid of dietary fat and incorporated into chylomicrons for transport in the serum. The different structural features possessed by carotenoids account for selective distribution in organ tissue, biological activity and pro-vitamin A potency, or in vivo conversion to vitamin A. Due to the hydrophobic character, carotenoids are associated with lipid portions of human tissues, cells, and membranes. In general, 80-85% of carotenoids are distributed in adipose tissue, with smaller amounts found in the liver, muscle, adrenal glands, and reproductive organs. Approximately 1% circulate in the serum on high and low density lipoproteins. Serum concentrations are fairly constant and slow to change during periods of low intake. The estimated half-life was estimated to be 11-14 days for lycopene, -carotene, -carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Evidence for the existence of more than one body pool has been published. The major serum carotenoids are -carotene, -carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene and cryptoxanthin. Smaller amounts of polyenes such as phytoene and phytofluene are also present.

Human serum levels reflect lifestyle choices and dietary habits within and between cultures. Approximately only 15 carotenoids circulate in the blood, on HDL and LDL. Variations can be attributed to different intakes, unequal abilities to absorb certain carotenoids, and different rates of metabolism and tissue uptake. Decreased serum levels occur with alcohol consumption, the use of oral contraceptives, smoking and prolonged exposure to UV light.

[0003.0.11.11] The established efficacy of lutein in quenching singlet oxygen and intercepting deleterious free radicals and reactive oxygen species can make it part of the diverse antioxidant defense system in humans. Reactive oxygen species have been implicated in the development of many diseases, including ischemic heart disease, various cancers, cataracts and macular degeneration. Because the conjugated polyene portion of beta-carotene confers its antioxidant capability and all carotenoids possess this structural feature, research efforts have been directed at evaluating the efficacy of other carotenoids in the prevention of free radical-mediated diseases. Indeed, in vitro experiments have demonstrated that lycopene, alpha-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein and cryptoxanthin quench singlet oxygen and inhibit lipid peroxidation. The isolation and identification of oxidized metabolites of lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene may provide direct evidence of the antioxidant action of these carotenoids.

In addition to antioxidant capability, other biological actions of carotenoids include the ability to enhance immunocompetence and in vitro gap junction communication, reduce or inhibited mutagenesis and inhibit cell transformations in vitro.

Many epidemiological studies have established an inverse correlation between dietary intake of yellow-orange fruit and dark green, leafy vegetables and the incidence of various cancers, especially those of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, lung, stomach, cervix and bladder. While a number of protective compounds may be responsible for this observation, the co-incidence of carotenoids in these foods has been noted. Because nutritionists and medical professionals currently recognize the occurrence of a large number of distinct carotenoids in food, interest in their functions and biological impact on health is burgeoning.

Lutein exists in the retina. It functions to protect photoreceptor cells from light-generated oxygen radicals, and thus plays a key role in preventing advanced macular degeneration. Lutein possesses chemopreventive activity, induces gap junction communication between cells and inhibits lipid peroxidation in vitro more effectively than beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and lycopene. High levels of lutein in serum have been inversely correlated with lung cancer.

In addition to lutein, zeaxanthin exists in the retina and confers protection against macular degeneration. Zeaxanthin is also prevalent in ovaries and adipocyte tissue. This xanthophyll does not possess provitamin A activity.

Alcohol consumption has been shown to influence lipid peroxidation. Anhydrolutein, an oxidative by-product of lutein and zeaxanthin, was higher in plasma after alcohol ingestion, while concentrations of these xanthophylls were reduced. Lutein and zeaxanthin may therefore have protective effects against LDL oxidation.

[0004.0.11.11] In plants, approximately 80-90% of the carotenoids present in green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli, kale, spinach and brussel sprouts are xanthophylls, whereas 10-20% are carotenes. Conversely, yellow and orange vegetables including carrots, sweet potatoes and squash contain predominantly carotenes. Up to 60% of the xanthophylls and 15% of the carotenes in these foods are destroyed during microwave cooking. Of the xanthophylls, lutein appears to be the most stable.

Lutein occurs in mango, papaya, oranges, kiwi, peaches, squash, peas, lima beans, green beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, kale, lettuce, prunes, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and honeydew melon. Commercial sources are obtained from the extraction of marigold petals. Lutein does not possess provitamin A activity.

Dietary sources of Zeaxanthin include peaches, squash, apricots, oranges, papaya, prunes, pumpkin, mango, kale, kiwi, lettuce, honeydew melon and yellow corn.

[0005.0.11.11] Some carotenoids occur particularly in a wide variety of marine animals including fish such as salmonids and sea bream, and crustaceans such as crab, lobster, and shrimp. Because animals generally cannot biosynthesize carotenoids, they obtain those carotenoids present in microorganisms or plants upon which they feed.

Carotenoids, e.g. xanthophylls, in particular lutein, supplied from biological sources, such as crustaceans, yeast, and green alga is limited by low yield and costly extraction methods when compared with that obtained by organic synthetic methods. Synthetic methods are e.g. described in Hansgeorg Ernst, Pure Appl. Chem., Vol. 74, No. 8, pp. 1369-1382, 2002. Usual synthetic methods, however, produce by-products that can be considered unacceptable. It is therefore desirable to find a relatively inexpensive source of carotenoids, in particular lutein, to be used as a feed supplement in aquaculture and as a valuable chemical for other industrial uses and for diets. Sources of xanthophylls include crustaceans such as a krill in the Antarctic Ocean, cultured products of the yeast Phaffia, cultured products of a green alga Haematococcus pluvialis, and products obtained by organic synthetic methods. However, when crustaceans such as a krill or the like are used, a great deal of work and expense are required for the isolation of xanthophylls from contaminants such as lipids and the like during the harvesting and extraction. Moreover, in the case of the cultured product of the yeast Phaffia, a great deal of expense is required for the gathering and extraction of astaxanthin because the yeast has rigid cell walls and produces xanthophylls only in a low yield. One approach to increase the productivity of some xanthophylls' production in a biological system is to use genetic engineering technology.

[0006.0.11.11] Carotenoids in higher plants; i.e., angiosperms, are found in plastids; i.e., chloroplasts and chromoplasts. Plastids are intracellular storage bodies that differ from vacuoles in being surrounded by a double membrane rather than a single membrane. Plastids such as chloroplasts can also contain their own DNA and ribosomes, can reproduce independently, and synthesize some of their own proteins. Plastids thus share several characteristics of mitochondria. In leaves, carotenoids are usually present in the grana of chloroplasts where they provide a photoprotective function. Beta-carotene and lutein are the predominant carotenoids, with the epoxidized carotenoids violaxanthin and neoxanthin being present in smaller amounts. Carotenoids accumulate in developing chromoplasts of flower petals, usually with the disappearance of chlorophyll. As in flower petals, carotenoids appear in fruit chromoplasts as they develop from chloroplasts. Most enzymes that take part in conversion of phytoene to carotenes and xanthophylls are labile, membrane-associated proteins that lose activity upon solubilization. In maize, cartonoids were present in horny endosperm (74% to 86%), floury endosperm (9%-23%) and in the germ and bran of the kernel.

[0007.0.11.11] At the present time only a few plants are widely used for commercial coloured carotenoid production. However, the productivity of coloured carotenoid synthesis in most of these plants is relatively low and the resulting carotenoids are expensively produced.

Dried marigold petals and marigold petal concentrates obtained from so-called xanthophyll marigolds are used as feed additives in the poultry industry to intensify the yellow color of egg yolks and broiler skin. The pigmenting ability of marigold petal meal resides largely in the carotenoid fraction known as the xanthophylls, primarily lutein esters. The xanthophyll zeaxanthin, also found in marigold petals, has been shown to be effective as a broiler pigmenter, producing a highly acceptable yellow to yellow-orange color. Of the xanthophylls, the pigments lutein and zeaxanthin are the most abundant in commercially available hybrids.

Carotenoids have been found in various higher plants in storage organs and in flower petals. For example, marigold flower petals accumulate large quantities of esterified lutein as their predominant xanthophyll carotenoid (about 75 to more than 90 percent), with smaller amounts of esterified zeaxanthin. Besides lutein and zeaxanthin, marigold flower petals also typically exhibit a small accumulation of β-carotene and epoxidized xanthophylls, but do not produce or accumulate canthaxanthin or astaxanthin because a 4-keto-β-ionene ring-forming enzyme is absent in naturally-occurring marigolds or their hybrids.

[0008.0.11.11] One way to increase the productive capacity of biosynthesis is to apply recombinant DNA technology. Thus, it would be desirable to produce coloured carotenoids generally and, with the use of recent advances in determining carotenoid biosynthesis from β-carotene to xanthophylls to control the production of carotenoids. That type of production permits control over quality, quantity, and selection of the most suitable and efficient producer organisms. The latter is especially important for commercial production economics and therefore availability to consumers.

Methods of recombinant DNA technology have been used for some years to improve the production of Xanthophylls in microorganisms, in particular algae or in plants by amplifying individual xanthophyll biosynthesis genes and investigating the effect on xanthophyll production. It is for example reported, that the five ketocarotenoids, e.g. the xanthophyll astaxanthin could be produced in the nectaries of transgenic tobacco plants. Those transgenic plants were prepared by Argobacterium tumifaciens-mediated transformation of tobacco plants using a vector that contained a ketolase-encoding gene from H. pluvialis denominated crtO along with the Pds gene from tomato as the promoter and to encode a leader sequence. The Pds gene was said by those workers to direct transcription and expression in chloroplasts and/or chromoplast-containing tissues of plants. Those results indicated that about 75 percent of the carotenoids found in the flower of the transformed plant contained a keto group. Further, in maize the phytonene synthase (Psy), Phytone desaturase (Pds), and the -carotene desaturase were identified and it was shown, that PSY activity is an important control point for the regulation of the flux.

Genes suitable for conversion of microorganisms have also been reported (U.S. Pat. No. 6,150,130 WO 99/61652). Two different genes that can convert a carotenoid [3-ionene ring compound into astaxanthin have been isolated from the green alga Haematococcus pluvialis. Zeaxanthin or -carotene were also found in the marine bacteria Agrobacterium aurantiacum, Alcaligenes PC-1, Erwinia uredovora. An A. aurantiacum crtZ gene was introduced to an E. coli transformant that accumulated all-trans-β-carotene. The transformant so formed produced zeaxanthin. A gene cluster encoding the enzymes for a carotenoid biosynthesis pathway has been also cloned from the purple photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus. A similar cluster for carotenoid biosynthesis from ubiquitous precursors such as farnesyl pyrophosphate and geranyl pyrophosphate has been cloned from the non-photosynthetic bacteria Erwinia herbicola. Yet another carotenoid biosynthesis gene cluster has been cloned from Erwinia uredovora. It is yet unknown and unpredictable as to whether enzymes encoded by other organisms behave similarly to that of A. aurantiacum in vitro or in vivo after transformation into the cells of a higher plant.

[0009.0.11.11] Thus, it would be advantageous if an algae or other microorganism were available which produce large amounts of β-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, or other carotenoids. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganisms.

It would also be advantageous if a marigold or other plants were available whose flowers produced large amounts of β-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, or other carotenoids. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed plants.

[0010.0.11.11] Therefore improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the food-and-feed industry. This is necessary since, for example, as mentioned above xanthophylls, which occur in plants and some microorganisms are limited with regard to the supply of mammals. Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible a carotenoids profile in the diet since a great excess of some carotenoids above a specific concentration in the food has only some positive effect. A further increase in quality is only possible via addition of further carotenoids, which are limiting.

[0011.0.11.11] To ensure a high quality of foods and animal feeds, it is therefore necessary to add one or a plurality of carotenoids in a balanced manner to suit the organism.

[0012.0.11.11] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes or other regulators which participate in the biosynthesis of lutein, and make it possible to produce them specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of carotenoids like lutein; on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.11] see [0013.0.0.0]

[0014.0.11.11] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is lutein. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to a “lutein”.

[0015.0.11.11] In one embodiment, the term “the respective fine chemical” means lutein. Throughout the specification the term “the respective fine chemical” or the term “lutein” means lutein in its free form, its salts, ester, its mono- or diesters of fatty acids, e.g. as lutein dipalmitates, dimyristates or monomyristates or bound to proteins, e.g. lipoproteins or tuberlin, or bound to other compounds.

Lutein exist in a matrix in foods. Thus, in one embodiment, the fine chemical produced according to the process of the invention is a matrix comprising inter alia lipids, in particular cholesterol, phospholipid, and/or triglycerides, and lutein.

Thus in one embodiment, the fine chemical is a lutein ester. In one particular embodiment, the fine chemical is a lutein ester of a natural occurring, preferably in plants or microorganisms occurring fatty acid. In a further embodiment, the fine chemical is a lutein monoester. In a further embodiment, the fine chemical is a lutein diester. In a further embodiment, the fine chemical is lutein dipalmitates, dimyristates or monomyristates. In a further embodiment, the fine chemical is a lutein comprising matrix. In a further embodiment, the fine chemical is a lutein comprising micelle, e.g. a micelle formed from bile salts or dietary lipids, or a clathrate complex, e.g. with conjugated bile salts. In a further embodiment, the fine chemical is lutein in the form of chylomicrons. In a further embodiment, the fine chemical is lutein in the form of chylomicron remnants. In a further embodiment, the fine chemical is lutein incorporated into lipoproteins, e.g. HDL or VLDL. In a further embodiment, the fine chemical is lutein bound to tuberlin. In a further embodiment, the fine chemical is free lutein, in particular (3R,3′R,6′R)-lutein.

[0016.0.11.11] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more b4401-,     b2699- or YFR007W-protein(s) in a non-human organism in one or more     parts thereof; and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the respective fine chemical, thus, of lutein in said     organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3,     lines 109 to 111, resp., or having the sequence of a polypeptide     encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5 or     7, lines 109 to 111, resp., in a non-human organism in one or more     parts thereof; and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the respective fine chemical, thus, lutein in said     organism.

[0016.1.0.11] -/-

[0017.0.0.11] to [0018.0.0.11]: see [0017.0.0.0] to [0018.0.0.0]

[0019.0.11.11] Advantageously the process for the production of the respective fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the respective fine chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the respective fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 109 to 111 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111.

[0020.0.11.11] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFR007W, and/or the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699, and/or b4401, in particular as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 109 to 111, resp., conferred in Arabidopsis thaliana an increase in the “fine chemical” or “the fine respective chemical” content of the transformed plants.

[0021.0.0.11] see [0021.0.0.0]

[0022.0.11.11] The sequence of b2699 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with DNA recombination and DNA repair activity, a pheromone response activity, a mating-type determination activity, a sex-specific protein activity, a nucleotide binding activity and/or a protease and nuclease activity, in particular a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity, in particular of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA, in particular of a protein with protease and nuclease activity, in particular DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity of the superfamily of recombination protein rec A or its homologs, e.g. as shown herein in Table II or as encoded by the nucleic acid molecule shown in table I, column 5 or 7, lines 110, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of lutein, preferably in free or bound or derivative form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein with protease and nuclease activity, in particular DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity of the superfamily of recombination protein rec A or its homolog is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b4401 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a response regulator of the OmpR family. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of protein having a transcriptional control activity, unspecified signal transduction activity, two-component signal transduction system (E.g. response regulator component) activity, transcriptional activator activity, regulation of respiration activity, aerobic respiration activity, and/or anaerobic respiration activity, in particular, having the activity of a protein of the superfamily of the ompR protein, preferably a protein having a response regulator of the OmpR family activity, in particular of E. coli, or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein in Table II or as encoded by the nucleic acid molecule shown in table I, column 5 or 7, lines 111, for the production of the respective fine chemical, i.e. lutein, preferably in free or bound or derivative form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g the activity of response regulator of the OmpR family is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YFR007W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78, 1997, and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity has not been annotated, yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of YFR007W protein or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein in Table II or as encoded by the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109, for the production of the respective fine chemical in free or bound or derivative form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of YFR007W is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or a homolog thereof.

[0023.0.11.11] Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the respective fine chemical amount or content.

In one embodiment, a homolog of any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 109 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity as described herein or annotated. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms. In one embodiment, the homologue is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 109, resp. In one embodiment, the homologue of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 109 is derived from an eukaryotic organism. In one embodiment, the homologue is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homologue of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 109 is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homologue of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 109 is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homologue of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 109 is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 109 is a homologue being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homologue of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 109 is a homologue having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homologue of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 109 is a homologue having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of lutein in a organisms or part thereof, being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 111 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity as described herein or annotated. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 111, resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 111 is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 111 is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 111 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 111 is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 111 is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 111 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of lutein in a organisms or part thereof being derived from Escherichia.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 110 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity as described herein or annotated. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 110, resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 110 is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 110 is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 110 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 110 is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 110 is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 110 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the lutein in the organisms or part thereof, being derived from Escherichia.

[0023.1.0.11] Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 109 to 111 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 109 to 111, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 109 to 111 having a lutein content and/or amount increasing activity. Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 109 to 111 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 109 to 111 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 109 to 111 having a lutein content and/or amount increasing activity.

[0024.0.0.11] see [0024.0.0.0]

[0025.0.11.11] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein of the invention”, e.g. the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 109 to 111 if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased the respective fine chemical, in particular lutein, preferably free lutein level, in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism. In a preferred embodiment, the protein or polypeptide has the above-mentioned additional activities of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 109 to 111. Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 109 to 111, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, line 109 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, line 110 or line 111 of E. coli K12.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary close to the organism indicated in Table I, column 4, lines 109 to 111, and is expressed in an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the origin organism. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums whereas origin and the organism indicated in Table I, column 4, lines 109 to 111 are derived from the same families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0025.1.0.11] see [0025.1.0.0]

[0026.0.0.11] to [0033.0.0.11]: see [0026.0.0.0] to [0033.0.0.0]

[0034.0.11.11] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention. E.g., it differs by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 109 to 111 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 109 to 111 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 109 to 111, its biochemical or genetic causes. It therefore shows the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.11] to [0044.0.0.11]: see [0035.0.0.0] to [0044.0.0.0]

[0045.0.11.11] In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4401 or its homologs, e.g. a protein of a transcriptional control activity, a unspecified signal transduction activity, a two-component signal transduction system (e.g. response regulator component activity), a transcriptional activator activity, a regulation of respiration activity, an aerobic respiration activity, and/or an anaerobic respiration activity, e.g. of a response regulator, in particular of a response regulator of the OmpR family, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 111, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of free lutein, between 25% and 42% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs, e.g. a DNA recombination and DNA repair activity, a pheromone response activity, a mating-type determination activity, a sex-specific protein activity, a nucleotide binding activity and/or a protease and nuclease activity, in particular a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity, in particular of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 110, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of free lutein between 31% and 58% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFR007w or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 107, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of free lutein between 33% and 78% or more is conferred.

[0046.0.11.11] In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4401 or its homologs e.g. a protein of a transcriptional control activity, a unspecified signal transduction activity, a two-component signal transduction system (e.g. response regulator component activity), a transcriptional activator activity, a regulation of respiration activity, an aerobic respiration activity, and/or an anaerobic respiration activity, e.g. of a response regulator, in particular of a response regulator of the OmpR family, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 111, is increased, preferably an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further carotenoids, preferably xanthophylls, in particular zeaxanthin, is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs e.g. a DNA recombination and DNA repair activity, a pheromone response activity, a mating-type determination activity, a sex-specific protein activity, a nucleotide binding activity and/or a protease and nuclease activity, in particular a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity, in particular of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 110, is increased, preferably an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further carotenoids, preferably xanthophylls, e.g. zeaxanthin, is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFR007W or its homologs or its homolog, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 109, is increased, preferably an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further carotenoids, preferably xanthophylls, e.g. zeaxanthin is conferred.

[0047.0.0.11] to [0048.0.0.11]: see [0047.0.0.0] to [0048.0.0.0]

[0049.0.11.11] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical lutein preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 109 to 111, respectively, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the lutein level.

[0050.0.11.11] -/-

[0051.0.11.11] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the respective fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the fine chemical free or bound, e.g compositions comprising lutein and (a) fatty acid(s), dietary oil(s), such as corn oil, and/or triglycerides, in particular medium-chain (e.g. C₄ to C₁₈-, in particular C₆ to C₁₄-) triglycerides, lipoproteins, e.g. HDL and/or VLDL, micelles, clathrate complexes, e.g. conjugated with bile salts, chylomicrons, chylomicron remnants, tuberlin and/or other carotenoids, e.g. xanthophylls, in particular zeaxanthin. Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of various carotenoids and luteincan be produced.

[0052.0.0.11] see [0052.0.0.0]

[0053.0.11.11] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3 or 5, lines     109 to 111 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns     7, lines 109 to 111, activity having herein-mentioned the respective     fine chemical increasing activity; -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, e.g.     of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in     Table II, column 3 or 5, lines 109 to 111 or its homologs activity,     e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 7, lines 109 to 111, or of a     mRNA encoding the polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical increasing activity; -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table II, column 3 or 5, lines 109 to 111 or     its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 7,     lines 109 to 111, or decreasing the inhibitory regulation of the     polypeptide of the invention; -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine     chemical-increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3 or 5, lines     109 to 111 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II,     columns 7, lines 109 to 111; -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical-increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated     in Table II, column 3 or 5, lines 109 to 111 or line 109 and/or 111     or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 7,     lines 109 to 111, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors     to the organism or parts thereof; -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned the respective fine     chemical-increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3 or 5, lines     109 to 111 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II,     columns 7, lines 109 to 111, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine     chemical-increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3 or 5, lines     109 to 111 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns     7, lines 109 to 111, activity. -   h) Increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having an activity     of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3 or 5, lines 109 to     111 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns     7, lines 109 to 111, by adding positive expression or removing     negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination can be     used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like for     plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor     elements form regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods     can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity     of positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced     in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be     identified in which the positive elements have be integrated near to     a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby     enhanced; and/or -   i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced respective fine chemical     production. -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, e.g. the elite crops.

[0054.0.11.11] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5, lines 109 to 111, or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 7, lines 109 to 111.

[0055.0.0.11] to [0067.0.0.11]: see [0055.0.0.0] to [0067.0.0.0]

[0068.0.11.11] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of the lutein is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.11] see [0069.0.0.0]

[0070.0.11.11] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding a protein of the invention into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolites composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous composition of carotenoids comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) carotenoids, e.g. xanthophylls, in particular lutein.

It can also be advantageous to increase the level of a metabolic precursor of lutein in the organism or part thereof, e.g. of phytoene, lycopene, alpha-carotene.

It can also be advantageous owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of a inhibitory nucleic acid molecule, e.g. for a gene k.o., e.g.

a iRNA or a antisense nucleic acid, to decrease the level of production of neoxanthin or one or more precursor thereof, e.g. vialastaxanthin, zeaxanthin, and/or beta-carotene as this might increase the level of lycopene to be provided for the production of lutein according to method of present invention.

[0071.0.0.11] see [0071.0.0.0]

[0072.0.11.11] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to lutein are further carotenoids, e.g. carotenes or xanthophylls, in particular ketocarotenoids, or hydrocarotenoids, e.g. beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, lycopene, alpha-carotene, or beta-carentene, or compounds for which lutein is a precursor compound or medium-chain (e.g C₄ to C₁₈-, in particular C₆ to C₁₄-) triglycerides, lipoproteins, e.g. HDL and/or VLDL, micelles, clathrate complexes, e.g. conjugated with bile salts, chylomicrons, chylomicron remnants, and/or tuberlin.

[0073.0.11.11] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

-   i) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a     non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue     or a plant; -   j) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or a     homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 109 to 111, or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic     acid molecule of the present invention and described below, e.g.     conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in an     organism, preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant     or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant, -   k) growing an organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human     animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant     under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine     chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant     cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and -   l) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or     bound the respective fine chemical and, optionally further free     and/or bound carotenoids, in particular ketocarotenoids, or     hydrocarotenoids, e.g. beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin,     lycopene, alpha-carotene, or beta-carotene, synthesized by the     organism, the microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or     animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.11.11] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound the respective fine chemical or the free and bound the respective fine chemical but as option it is also possible to produce, recover and, if desired isolate, other free or/and bound carotenoids, in particular ketocarotenoids, or hydrocarotenoids, e.g. beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin, lycopene, alpha-carotene, or beta-carotene.

[0075.0.0.11] to [0077.0.0.11]: see [0075.0.0.0] to [0077.0.0.0]

[0078.0.11.11] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, the respective fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications, for example according to the disclosures made in the following US applications: U.S. Pat. No. 6,380,442: Process for the isolation of mixed carotenoids from plants, U.S. Pat. No. 6,376,722: Lutein to zeaxanthin isomerization process and product, U.S. Pat. No. 6,362,221: Compositions containing natural lycopene and natural tocopherol, U.S. Pat. No. 6,329,557: Purification of xanthophylls from marigold extracts that contain high levels of chlorophylls, U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,995: Stable vitamin and/or carotenoid products in powder form and process for their production, U.S. Pat. No. 6,313,169: Lutein esters having high bioavailability, U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,677: Multi-carotenoid product, U.S. Pat. No. 299.912: Preparation for administration to animals and feeding method thereof, U.S. Pat. No. 6,299,896: Multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,877: Stable, aqueous dispersions and stable, water-dispersible dry xanthophyll powder, their production and use, U.S. Pat. No. 6,291,533: Dietary supplements for each specific blood type, U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,615: Use of solubilized carotenoid preparations for coloring food preparations, U.S. Pat. No. 6,271,408: Process for making metabolites of lycopene, U.S. Pat. No. 6,262,284: Process for extraction and purification of lutein, zeaxanthin and rare carotenoids from marigold flowers and plants U.S. Pat. No. 6,261,622: Water-dispersible carotenoid pigment preparation, U.S. Pat. No. 6,261,598: Carotenoid formulations, comprising a mixture of B-carotens, lycopene and lutein U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,378: Enhanced food products, U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,374: Stabilized food additive, U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,987: Dietary supplement containing saw palmetto, pumpkin seed, and nettle root, U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,898: Nutraceutical composition for protection against solar radiation. Pharmaceutical and other compositions comprising lutein are e.g. described in the following US applications: U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,523: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for managing skin conditions, U.S. Pat. No. 6,368,621: Preparation in particular for use as a medication and/or food supplement, U.S. Pat. No. 6,361,800: Multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, U.S. Pat. No. 6,348,200: Cosmetic composition, U.S. Pat. No. 6,329,432: Mesozeaxanthin formulations for treatment of retinal disorders, U.S. Pat. No. 6,310,090: Process and product for enhancing immune response in companion animals using a combination of antioxidants, U.S. Pat. No. 6,303,586: Supportive therapy for diabetes, hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,880: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for managing skin conditions, U.S. Pat. No. 6,271,246: Pharmaceutical compositions for managing scalp conditions, U.S. Pat. No. 6,262,109: Methods of preventing and/or treating high serum levels of cholesterol and/or lipids, U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,855: Method of retarding and ameliorating carpal tunnel syndrome, U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,363: Solid carriers for improved delivery of active ingredients in pharmaceutical compositions.

The cited literature describes some preferred embodiments without being meant to be limiting. The fermentation broth, fermentation products, plants or plant products can be purified as described in above mentioned applications and other methods known to the person skilled in the art, e.g. as described in Methods in Enzymology: Carotenoids, Part A: Chemistry, Separation, Quantitation and Antioxidation, by John N Abelson or Part B, Metabolism, Genetics, and Biochemistry, or described herein below. Products of these different work-up procedures are lutein-comprising compositions, which still comprise fermentation broth, plant particles and cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably between below 50% by weight.

[0079.0.0.11] to [0084.0.0.11]: see [0079.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0]

[0084.1.11.11] The invention also contemplates embodiments in which the respective fine chemical, is present in the flowers of the flowering plant chosen as the host (for example, marigolds).

In one embodiment, preferred flowering plants include, but are not limited to: Amaryllidaceae (Allium, Narcissus); Apocynaceae (Catharanthus); Asteraceae, alternatively Compositae (Aster, Calendula, Callistephus, Cichorium, Coreopsis, Dahlia, Dendranthema, Gazania, Gerbera, Helianthus, Helichrysum, Lactuca, Rudbeckia, Tagetes, Zinnia); Balsaminaceae (Impatiens); Begoniaceae (Begonia); Caryophyllaceae (Dianthus); Chenopodiaceae (Beta, Spinacia); Cucurbitaceae (Citrullus, Curcurbita, Cucumis); Cruciferae (Alyssum, Brassica, Erysimum, Matthiola, Raphanus); Gentinaceae (Eustoma); Geraniaceae (Pelargonium); Graminae, alternatively Poaceae, (Avena, Horedum, Oryza, Panicum, Pennisetum, Poa, Saccharum, Secale, Sorghum, Triticum, Zea); Euphorbiaceae (Poinsettia); Labiatae (Salvia); Leguminosae (Glycine, Lathyrus, Medicago, Phaseolus, Pisum); Liliaceae (Cilium); Lobeliaceae (Lobelia); Malvaceae (Abelmoschus, Gossypium, MaIva); Plumbaginaceae (Limonium); Polemoniaceae (Phlox); Primulaceae (Cyclamen); Ranunculaceae (Aconitum, Anemone, Aquilegia, Caltha, Delphinium, Ranunculus); Rosaceae (Rosa); Rubiaceae (Pentas); Scrophulariaceae (Angelonia, Antirrhinum, Torenia); Solanaceae (Capsicum, Lycopersicon, Nicotiana, Petunia, Solanum); Umbelliferae (Apium, Daucus, Pastinaca); Verbenaceae (Verbena, Lantana); Violaceae (Viola).

[0085.0.11.11] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7,     lines 109 to 111, or a derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, or a derivative thereof,     or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.11] to [0087.0.0.11]: see [0086.0.0.0] to [0087.0.0.0]

[0088.0.11.11] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose content of the respective fine chemical is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for poultry is dependent on the abovementioned essential vitamins, e.g. carotenoids, and the general amount of lutein as source in feed. Further, this is also important for the production of cosmetic compostions since, for example, the antioxidant level of plant extraction is dependent on the amount of th abovementioned of xanthophylls and/or the amount of carotenoids as antioxidants.

[0088.1.0.11] see [0088.1.0.0]

[0089.0.0.11] to [0094.0.0.11]: see [0089.0.0.0] to [0094.0.0.0]

[0095.0.11.11] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of said carotenoids in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the pure respective fine chemical.

[0096.0.11.11] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptid or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired fine chemical in the organism, is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical. It has been reported, that the inhibition of Lyopene production increases the amount of other xanthophylls in the cell. Further it may be, that the inhibition of enzymes using beta-carotene as substrate increases the amount of said chemicals in a cell. For example, in one embodiment, it can be advantageous to inhibit the production of neoxanthin, if a high amount of lutein is desired.

[0097.0.11.11] Lutein mono- or diesters of fatty acids, e.g. as lutein dipalmitates, dimyristates or monomyristates or associated with lipids or proteins, e.g. lipoproteins or tuberlin, as well as other modification of lutein are known to a person skilled in the art.

In may also be advantageous to increase the content of the bound respective fine chemical, e.g. of modification of lutein, in particular mono- or diesters of fatty acids or lipids or protein associated derivatives.

[0098.0.11.11] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further carotenoids, e.g. carotenes or xanthophylls, in particular ketocarotenoids or hydrocarotenoids, e.g. zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, astaxanthin, lycopene, alpha-carotene, or beta-carotene, or mixtures thereof or mixtures of other carotenoids by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.11.11] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned desired fine chemical may accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, and spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the respective fine chemical comprising compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods

[0100.0.11.11] Transgenic plants which comprise lutein or in one embodiment comprising lutein and advantageously further carotenoids such as xanthophylls, e.g. zeaxanthin, and/or mono- or diesters of fatty acids, triglycerides, lipids or protein associated derivatives, and/or dietary oils, like e.g. plant oils, e.g. corn oil, synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the carotenoids synthesized to be isolated. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue.

However, the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, in the form of their oils, fats, lipids, as extracts, e.g. ether, alcohol, or other organic solvents or water containing extract and/or in the form of their mono- or diesters of fatty acids or lipids or protein associated derivatives or as free lutein. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts, e.g. the plant seeds or the plant flowers. To increase the efficiency of extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material.E.g., oils, fats, and/or lipids comprising lutein can be obtained by what is known by processes known to the skilled person e.g. known as cold beating or cold pressing without applying heat. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, e.g. the seeds, they can previously be comminuted, steamed or roasted. However, it is known that lutein is heat instable. Thus, to maximize the availability of the carotenoids to be extracted, the samples can be steamed only lightly and are preferably not being roasted. Seeds, which have been pretreated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents such as warm hexane. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. Thereafter, the resulting products can be processed further, i.e. degummed and/or refined. In this process, substances such as the plant mucilages and suspended matter can be first removed. What is known as desliming can be affected enzymatically or, for example, chemico-physically by addition of acid such as phosphoric acid. However, in one embodiment, lutein is extracted from photosynthetic tissues or cells. In another embodiment, lutein is extracted from flowers.

Because carotenoids in microorganisms are localized intracellular, their recovery essentials comes down to the isolation of the biomass. Well-established approaches for the harvesting of cells include filtration, centrifugation and coagulation/flocculation as described herein. Of the residual hydrocarbon, adsorbed on the cells, has to be removed. Solvent extraction or treatment with surfactants have been suggested for this purpose. However, it can be advantageous to avoid this treatment as it can result in cells devoid of most carotenoids, e.g. lutein.

[0101.0.11.11] The identity and purity of the compound(s) isolated can be determined by prior-art techniques. They encompass high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assays or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are compiled in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11 27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19:67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Bd. A27, VCH Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michal, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 17.

[0102.0.11.11] Lutein can for example be detected advantageously via HPLC, LC or GC separation methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of lutein containing products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MS, MS or TLC). The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding, cooking, or via other applicable methods.

However, as mentioned herein, it is in one embodiment advantageous to provide an organism or part thereof produced according to the process of the invention as food source for lutein. To maximize the availability of the carotenoids in the food, the food should be eaten raw or steamed lightly.

Carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin are fat-soluble substances and as such require the presence of dietary fat for the proper absorption through the digestive tract. Consequently in one embodiment, the organism or the part thereof or the lutein isolated or a composition comprising the isolated lutein, is combined with dietary fat or a dietary fat is added thereto.

[0103.0.11.11] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, or a fragment thereof, which     confers an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in     an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridization     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table III, columns 7, lines 109 to 111, and conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table IV,     columns 7, lines 109 to 111, and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 109 to 111, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0103.1.11.11.] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111.

[0103.2.11.11.] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111.

[0104.0.11.11] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111.

[0105.0.0.11] to [0107.0.0.11]: see [0105.0.0.0] to [0107.0.0.0]

[0108.0.11.11] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from an amino acid sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 109 to 111, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical, after increasing its expression or activity, are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.11] to [0111.0.0.11]: see [0109.0.0.0] to [0111.0.0.0]

[0112.0.11.11] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 109 to 111, or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, and conferring an increase in the lutein level.

[0113.0.0.11] to [0120.0.0.11]: see [0113.0.0.0] to [0120.0.0.0]

[0120.1.11.11]: Production strains which are also advantageously selected in the process according to the invention are microorganisms selected from the group green algae, like Spongioccoccum exentricum, Chlorella sorokiniana (pyrenoidosa, 7-11-05), or form the group of fungi like fungi belonging to the Daccrymycetaceae family, or non-photosynthetic bacteria, like methylotrophs, flavobacteria, actinomycetes, like streptomyces ch restomyceticus, Mycobacteria like Mycobacterim phlei, Rhodobacter capsulatus, or Brevibacterium linens, Dunaliella spp., Phaffia rhodozyma, Phycomyces sp., Rhodotorula spp.

[0121.0.11.11] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a lutein level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111.

[0122.0.0.11] to [0127.0.0.11]: see [0122.0.0.0] to [0127.0.0.0]

[0128.0.11.11] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table III, columns 7, lines 109 to 111, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., or the sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp.

[0129.0.11.11] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequences indicated in table IV, columns 7, lines 109 to 111 are derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.11.11] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing the expression or activity of a protein comprising said fragment.

[0131.0.0.11] to [0138.0.0.11]: see [0131.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0]

[0139.0.11.11] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridise to a sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 for lutein under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the respective fine chemical-increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.11] to [0146.0.0.11]: see [0140.0.0.0] to [0146.0.0.0]

[0147.0.11.11] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridise to one of said nucleotide sequences, thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.11.11] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular having a lutein increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.11.11] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring a of lutein-increase, resp., and optionally, the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111.

[00149.1.11.11] Optionally, in one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table II B, columns 3, lines 109 to 111.

[0150.0.11.11] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 for example, a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of lutein, if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 109 to 111 will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 or its gene product. Preferred is Table II B, columns 7, lines 109 to 111.

[0151.0.0.11]: see [0151.0.0.0]

[0152.0.11.11] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular a lutein-increasing activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.11.11] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 109 to 111.

[0154.0.11.11] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.11] to [0156.0.0.11]: see [0155.0.0.0] to [0156.0.0.0] [0157.0.11.11] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as polypeptides comprising the sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 or as polypeptides depicted in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 or the functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, an amino acid sequence of a consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 or the functional homologues. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111. Preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111.

[0158.0.0.11] to [0160.0.0.11]: see [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0]

[0161.0.11.11] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.11] see [0162.0.0.0]

[0163.0.11.11] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the amount of the respective fine chemical in a organism or a part thereof, e.g. a tissue, a cell, or a compartment of a cell, after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.11] see [0164.0.0.0]

[0165.0.11.11] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp.,

[0166.0.0.11] to [0167.0.0.11]: see [0166.0.0.0] to [0167.0.0.0]

[0168.0.11.11] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 109 to 111 resp., even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111.

[0169.0.0.11] to [0172.0.0.11]: see [0169.0.0.0] to [0172.0.0.0]

[0173.0.11.11] For example a sequence, which has 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 11430 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 11430 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.11]: see [0174.0.0.0]

[0175.0.11.11] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 11431 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 11431 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.11.11] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp.

[0177.0.11.11] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 109 to 111, resp.

[0178.0.0.11] see [0178.0.0.0]

[0179.0.11.11] A nucleic acid molecule encoding an homologous to a protein sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences of a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.11] to [0183.0.0.11]: see [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0]

[0184.0.11.11] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.11.11] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 109 to 111, resp. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 109 to 111, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 109 to 111, resp.

[0186.0.11.11] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 109 to 111, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 109 to 111, resp.

[0187.0.11.11] In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 109 to 111, resp.

[0188.0.11.11] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., and is expressed under identical conditions. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention is a homolog consisting of or comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II B, columns 7, lines 109 to 111.

[0189.0.11.11] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.11] to [0203.0.0.11]: see [0190.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0]

[0204.0.11.11] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 109 to     111, resp.; or a fragment thereof conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical, in an organism or a part     thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5     or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 109     to 111, resp., or a fragment thereof conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table III, columns 5 or 7,     lines 109 to 111 and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines     109 to 111 and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably of Table II     B, column 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., and conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111,     preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., or a     nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature form     of, a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines     109 to 111, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 109 to 111,     resp., and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; or which encompasses     a sequence which is complementary thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA or I B,     columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, by one or more nucleotides. In one     embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not consist of the     sequence shown and indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7,     lines 109 to 111. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule is     less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a     sequence indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109     to 111. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not     encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II A or II B,     columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111. In an other embodiment, the     nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%,     50%, or 60% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or     99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5     or 7, lines 109 to 111. In a further embodiment the nucleic acid     molecule does not encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in     Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111. Accordingly,     in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the differs at least     in one or more residues from a nucleic acid molecule indicated in     Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111. Accordingly, in     one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention     encodes a polypeptide, which differs at least in one or more amino     acids from a polypeptide indicated in Table II A or I B, columns 5     or 7, lines 109 to 111. In another embodiment, a nucleic acid     molecule indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to     111 does not encode a protein of a sequence indicated in Table II A     or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111. Accordingly, in one     embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid     according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated     in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111. In a     further embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at least     30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical to a protein sequence indicated in     Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 and less than     100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably     less than 99%, 98%, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as     indicated in Table I A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111.

[0205.0.0.11] to [0206.0.0.11]: see [0205.0.0.0] to [0206.0.0.0]

[0207.0.11.11] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes, are genes of the e.g. the carotenoid metabolism, e.g. the xanthophyll metabolism, e.g. the zeaxanthin metabolism, the amino acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acid metabolism, oxidative stress protection or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.11] to [0226.0.0.11]: see [0208.0.0.0] to [0226.0.0.0]

[0227.0.11.11] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 or its derivatives, it is advantageous to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. It can be especially advantageous, if additionally at least one further gene of the lutein biosynthetic pathway, e.g. of the DOXP pathway of isoprenoids biosynthesis, is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine one or more of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., with genes which generally support or enhances the growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0227.1.0.11] In addition it might be also advantageously to combine one or more of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., with genes which modify plant architecture of flower development, in the way, that the plant either produces more flowers, or produces flowers with more sepals in order to increase the respective fine chemical production capacity.

[0228.0.11.11] In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore, organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of at least one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteins involved in the carotenoids metabolism, in particular in synthesis of zeaxanthin, e.g. as described in Burrr B J. Carotenoids and gege expression. Nutrition 2000, 31; 16(7-8):577-8; Delagado-Vargas F, Natural pigments: carotenoids, anthocyanins, and betalains—characteristics, biosynthesis, processing, and stability. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2000; 40(3):173-289.

[0229.0.11.11] Further advantageous nucleic acid sequences which can be expressed in combination with the sequences used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes are the sequences encoding further genes of the carotenoids biosynthetic pathway, such as -Lycopene cyclase, -lycopene cyclase, beta-carotene hydroxylase, and/or -carotene hydroxylase. These genes may lead to an increased synthesis of the essential carotenoids, in particular lutein.

[0230.0.0.11] see [230.0.0.0]

[0231.0.11.11] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a lutein degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.11] to [0276.0.0.11]: see [0232.0.0.0] to [0276.0.0.0]

[0277.0.11.11] The respective fine chemical produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker are familiar, for example via extraction, salt precipitation, and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously. The fine chemical and other carotenoids produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts.

[0278.0.0.11] to [0282.0.0.11]: see [0278.0.0.0] to [0282.0.0.0]

[0283.0.11.11] Moreover, native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, e.g. an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 109 to 111, resp., or, in an other embodiment, with an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in

Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof, i.e., the polypeptide of this invention. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies.

[0284.0.0.11] see [0284.0.0.0]

[0285.0.11.11] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., or as encoded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.11.11] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 109 to 111 and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 109 to 111 whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid.

[0287.0.0.11] to [0290.0.0.11]: see [0287.0.0.0] to [0290.0.0.0]

[0291.0.11.11] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111.

[0292.0.0.11] see [0292.0.0.0]

[0293.0.11.11] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp.

[0294.0.11.11] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 109 to 111, resp., which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.11] to [0297.0.0.11]: see [0295.0.0.0] to [0297.0.0.0]

[00297.1.11.11] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 3, 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp.

[0298.0.11.11] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp.

[0299.0.11.11] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.11.11] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp.

[0301.0.0.11] see [0301.0.0.0]

[0302.0.11.11] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.11] see [0303.0.0.0]

[0304.0.11.11] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 109 to 111 but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.11] to [0308.0.0.11]: see [0305.0.0.0] to [0308.0.0.0]

[0309.0.11.11] In one embodiment, a reference to a protein (=polypeptide) of the invention or as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 109 to 111, resp., and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.11] to [0334.0.0.11]: see [0310.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0]

[0335.0.11.11] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived there from), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.11] to [0342.0.0.11]: see [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0]

[0343.0.11.11] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.11] to [0361.0.0.11]: see [0344.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0]

[0362.0.11.11] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., e.g. encoding a polypeptide having protein activity, as indicated in Table II, columns 3, lines 109 to 111, resp., Due to the above mentioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 109 to 111, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention

[0363.0.0.11] to [0373.0.0.11]: see [0363.0.0.0] to [0373.0.0.0]

[0374.0.11.11] Transgenic plants comprising the respective fine chemical synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. Carotenoids, in particular the respective fine chemical, produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free carotenoids, in particular the free respective fine chemical, or bound in or to compounds or moieties, e.g. to mono- or diester of fatty acids, triglycerides or associated with lipoproteins or lipids. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography or other chromatographic methods of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.11] to [0376.0.0.11]: see [0375.0.0.0] to [0376.0.0.0]

[0377.0.11.11] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process according to the present invention whereby the produced carotenoids, in particular lutein, comprising composition is isolated. In one embodiment, the produced respective fine chemical, preferably free lutein, is isolated.

[0378.0.11.11] In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the respective fine chemical produced in the process can be isolated. The resulting lutein comprising composition can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.11.11] In one embodiment, the isolated carotenoids are a mixture comprising the respective fine chemical. In one embodiment, the carotenoids are a mixture of the respective fine chemical with other carotenoids, e.g. zeaxanthin.

[0380.0.11.11] The respective fine chemical obtained in the process are suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates a method for the production of pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the carotenoids containing, in particular lutein containing composition produced or the respective fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical or cosmetically acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the carotenoids, in particular of lutein, produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

[0381.0.0.11] to [0382.0.0.11]: see [0381.0.0.0] to [0382.0.0.0]

[0383.0.11.11] ./.

[0384.0.0.11] see [0384.0.0.0]

[0385.0.11.11] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular lutein in mixtures with other carotenoids, in particular with other xanthophylls, e.g. with zeaxanthin, or containing microorganisms or parts of microorganisms, like plastids or cytoplasm, containing lutein in mixtures with other carotenoids, in particular with other xanthophylls, e.g. with zeaxanthin, normally have a dry matter content of from 1 to 70% by weight, preferably 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, e.g. at the end, for example over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 10 g/l, preferably to 0 to 3 g/l during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed or isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it.

The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

As carotenoids are synthesized in the plastids and are often localized in membranes or plastids, in one embodiment it is advantageous to avoid a leaching of the cells when the biomass is isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth. The dry biomass can directly be added to animal feed, provided the carotenoids concentration is sufficiently high and no toxic compounds are present. In view of the instability of carotenoids, conditions for drying, e.g. spray or flash-drying, can be mild and can be avoiding oxidation and cis/trans isomerization. For example antioxidants, e.g. BHT, ethoxyquin or other, can be added. In case the carotenoids concentration in the biomass is to dilute, solvent extraction can be used for their isolation, e.g. with alcohols, ether or other organic solvents, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, aceton, alcoholic potassium hydroxide, glycerol-phenol, liquefied phenol or for example with acids or bases, like trichloroacetatic acid or potassium hydroxide. A wide range of advantageous methods and techniques for the isolation of carotenoids, in particular of lutein, can be found in the state of the art. In case phenol is used it can for example be removed with ether and water extraction and the dry eluate comprises a mixture of the carotenoids of the biomass. Extraction of carotenoids, in particular lutein, are described inter alia in U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,370, U.S. Pat. No. 6,380,442, U.S. Pat. No. 6,329,557,U.S. Pat. No. 6,262,284 and literature cited therein.

[0386.0.11.11] Accordingly, it is possible to purify the carotenoids, in particular lutein produced according to the invention further. For this purpose, the product-containing composition, e.g. a total or partial lipid extraction fraction using organic solvents, e.g. as described above, is subjected for example to a saponification to remove triglycerides, partition between e.g. hexane/methanol (separation of non-polar epiphase from more polar hypophasic derivates) and separation via e.g. an open column chromatography or HPLC in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use.

[0387.0.0.11] to [0392.0.0.11]: see [0387.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0]

[0393.0.11.11] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

(a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical after expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111, resp., and, optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete genomic clone; (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells, preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for producing the respective fine chemical; (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (e) assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host cells; and (f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the respective fine chemical level in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.11] to [0398.0.0.11]: see [0394.0.0.0] to [0398.0.0.0]

[0399.0.11.11] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to process for the identification of a compound conferring increased the respective fine chemical production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps:

(a) culturing a cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide according to the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding said polypeptide and a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of said readout system and the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the invention; and (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said readout system.

The screen for a gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production can be performed by growth of an organism for example a microorganism in the presence of growth reducing amounts of an inhibitor of the synthesis of the respective fine chemical. Better growth, e.g. higher dividing rate or high dry mass in comparison to the control under such conditions would identify a gene or gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in respective fine chemical production.

[00399.1.11.11] One can think to screen for increased production of the respective fine chemical by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the respective fine chemical and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotype of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.11] to [0416.0.0.11]: see [0400.0.0.0] to [0416.0.0.0]

[0417.0.11.11] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the lutein production biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect an organism such as a microorganism or a plant against inhibitors, which block the carotenoid synthesis, in particular the respective fine chemical synthesis in said organism. Examples of inhibitors or herbicides blocking the synthesis of carotenoids in organism such as microorganism or plants are for example classified in two groups. The first group consists of inhibitors that cause the accumulation of early intermediates in the pathway, particularly the colorless phytene, e.g. diphenylamine. Other inhibitors preferentially block late reactions in the pathway, notably the cyclization of lycopene. Inhibitors are e.g. nicotine, 2-(4-chlorophenylthio)-triethylamine and other substituted amines as well as nitrogenous heterocyclic bases, e.g. imidazole.

As lutein can protect organisms against damages of oxidative stress, especially singlet oxygens, a increased level of the respective fine chemical can protect plants against herbicides which cause the toxic build-up of oxidative compounds, e.g. singlet oxygen. For example, inhibition of the protoporphorineogen oxidase (Protox), an enzyme important in the synthesis of chlorophyll and heme biosynthesis results in the loss of chlorophyll and carotenoids and in leaky membranes; the membrane destruction is due to creation of free oxygen radicals (which is also reported for other classic photosynthetic inhibitor herbicides).

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the increase of the level of the respective fine chemical is used to protect plants against herbicides destroying membranes due to the creation of free oxygen radicals.

Examples of inhibitors or herbicides building up oxidative stress are aryl triazion, e.g. sulfentrazone, carfentrazone, or diphenylethers, e.g. acifluorfen, lactofen, or oxyfluorfen, or N-Phenylphthalimide, e.g. flumiclorac or flumioxazin, substituted ureas, e.g. fluometuron, tebuthiuron, or diuron, linuron, or triazines, e.g. atrazine, prometryn, ametryn, metributzin, prometon, simazine, or hexazinone, or uracils, e.g. bromacil or terbacil.

Carotenoid inhibitors are e.g. Pyridines and Pyridazinones, e.g. norflurazon, fluridone or dithiopyr. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of an increase of the respective fine chemical according to the present invention for the protection of plants against carotenoids inhibitors as pyridines and pyridazinones.

[0418.0.0.11] to [0423.0.0.11]: see [0418.0.0.0] to [0423.0.0.0]

[0424.0.11.11] Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the respective fine chemical or of the respective fine chemical and one or more other carotenoids, in particular other xanthophylls, e.g. zeaxanthin.

Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the respective fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0424.1.11.11] In a further embodiment the present invention relates to the use of the the plant of the present invention or a part thereof, the microorganism or the host cell of the present invention or a part thereof for the production a cosmetic composition or a pharmaceutical composition. Such a composition has antioxidative activity, photoprotective activity, tanning activity, can be used for the treating of high levels of cholesterol and/or lipids, can be used to protect, treat or heal the above mentioned diseases, e.g. retinal disorders, hyperholsterolemia, hyperlipidemia, arteriosclerosis, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Age-related macular degeneration,

Angina pectoris, Asthma, Cataracts, Cervical cancer, Cervical dysplasia, Chlamydial infection, Heart disease, Laryngeal cancer (cancer of the larynx), Lung cancer, Male and female infertility, Osteoarthritis, Photosensitivity, Pneumonia, Prostate cancer, Rheumatoid arthritis, Skin cancer, Vaginal candidiasis or can be used for the cleaning, conditioning, and/or treating of the skin, e.g. if combined with a pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable carrier.

The xanthophylls can be also used as stabilizer of other colours or oxygen sensitive compounds.

[0425.0.0.11] to [0435.0.0.11]: see [0425.0.0.0] to [0435.0.0.0]

[0436.0.11.11] An in vivo mutagenesis of organisms such as green algae (e.g. Spongiococcum sp, e.g. Spongiococcum exentricum, Chlorella sp.), Saccharomyces, Mortierella, Escherichia and others mentioned above, which are beneficial for the production of lutein can be carried out by passing a plasmid DNA (or another vector DNA) containing the desired nucleic acid sequence or nucleic acid sequences, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the vector of the invention, through E. coli and other microorganisms (for example Bacillus spp. or yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which are not capable of maintaining the integrity of its genetic information. Usual mutator strains have mutations in the genes for the DNA repair system [for example mutHLS, mutD, mutT and the like; for comparison, see Rupp, W. D. (1996) DNA repair mechanisms in Escherichia coli and Salmonella, pp. 2277-2294, ASM: Washington]. The skilled worker knows these strains. The use of these strains is illustrated for example in Greener, A. and Callahan, M. (1994) Strategies 7; 32-34. In-vitro mutation methods such as increasing the spontaneous mutation rates by chemical or physical treatment are well known to the skilled person. Mutagens like 5-bromo-uracil, N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (=NTG), ethyl methanesulfonate (=EMS), hydroxylamine and/or nitrous acid are widly used as chemical agents for random in-vitro mutagensis. The most common physical method for mutagensis is the treatment with UV irradiation. Another random mutagenesis technique is the error-prone PCR for introducing amino acid changes into proteins. Mutations are deliberately introduced during PCR through the use of error-prone DNA polymerases and special reaction conditions known to a person skilled in the art. For this method randomized DNA sequences are cloned into expression vectors and the resulting mutant libraries screened for altered or improved protein activity as described below.

Site-directed mutagensis method such as the introduction of desired mutations with an M13 or phagemid vector and short oligonucleotides primers is a well-known approach for site-directed mutagensis. The clou of this method involves cloning of the nucleic acid sequence of the invention into an M13 or phagemid vector, which permits recovery of single-stranded recombinant nucleic acid sequence. A mutagenic oligonucleotide primer is then designed whose sequence is perfectly complementary to nucleic acid sequence in the region to be mutated, but with a single difference: at the intended mutation site it bears a base that is complementary to the desired mutant nucleotide rather than the original. The mutagenic oligonucleotide is then allowed to prime new DNA synthesis to create a complementary full-length sequence containing the desired mutation. Another site-directed mutagensis method is the PCR mismatch primer mutagensis method also known to the skilled person. Dpnl site-directed mutagensis is a further known method as described for example in the Stratagene Quickchange™ site-directed mutagenesis kit protocol. A huge number of other methods are also known and used in common practice.

Positive mutation events can be selected by screening the organisms for the production of the desired respective fine chemical.

[0437.0.11.11] Example 4 DNA Transfer Between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Mortierella alpina

[0438.0.11.11] Shuttle vectors such as pYE22m, pPAC-ResQ, pClasper, pAUR224, pAMH10, pAML10, pAMT10, pAMU10, pGMH10, pGML10, pGMT10, pGMU10, pPGAL1, pPADH1, pTADH1, pTAex3, pNGA142, pHT3101 and derivatives thereof which allow the transfer of nucleic acid sequences between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or Mortierella alpina are available to the skilled worker.

An easy method to isolate such shuttle vectors is disclosed by Soni R. and Murray J. A. H. [Nucleic Acid Research, vol. 20 no. 21, 1992: 5852]: If necessary such shuttle vectors can be constructed easily using standard vectors for E. coli (Sambrook, J. et al., (1989), “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons) and/or the aforementioned vectors, which have a replication origin for, and suitable marker from, Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Mortierella alpina added. Such replication origins are preferably taken from endogenous plasmids, which have been isolated from species used in the inventive process. Genes, which are used in particular as transformation markers for these species are genes for kanamycin resistance (such as those which originate from the Tn5 or Tn-903 transposon) or for chloramphenicol resistance (Winnacker, E. L. (1987) “From Genes to Clones—Introduction to Gene Technology, VCH, Weinheim) or for other antibiotic resistance genes such as for G418, gentamycin, neomycin, hygromycin or tetracycline resistance.

[0439.0.11.11] Using standard methods, it is possible to clone a gene of interest into one of the above-described shuttle vectors and to introduce such hybrid vectors into the microorganism strains used in the inventive process. The transformation of Saccharomyces can be achieved for example by LiCI or sheroplast transformation (Bishop et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 6, 1986: 3401-3409; Sherman et al., Methods in Yeasts in Genetics, [Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y.] 1982, Agatep et al., Technical Tips Online 1998, 1:51: P01525 or Gietz et al., Methods Mol. Cell. Biol. 5, 1995: 255f) or electroporation (Delorme E., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., vol. 55, no. 9, 1989: 2242-2246).

[0440.0.11.11] If the transformed sequence(s) is/are to be integrated advantageously into the genome of the microorganism used in the inventive process for example into the yeast or fungi genome, standard techniques known to the skilled worker also exist for this purpose. Solinger et al. (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA., 2001 (15): 8447-8453) and Freedman et al. (Genetics, Vol. 162, 15-27, September 2002,) teaches a homolog recombination system dependent on rad 50, rad51, rad54 and rad59 in yeasts. Vectors using this system for homologous recombination are vectors derived from the Ylp series. Plasmid vectors derived for example from the 2μ-Vector are known by the skilled worker and used for the expression in yeasts. Other preferred vectors are for example pART1, pCHY21 or pEVP11 as they have been described by McLeod et al. (EMBO J. 1987, 6:729-736) and Hoffman et al. (Genes Dev. 5, 1991: :561-571.) or Russell et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 258, 1983: 143-149.). Other beneficial yeast vectors are plasmids of the REP, REP-X, pYZ or RIP series.

[0441.0.0.11] to [0443.0.0.11]: see [0441.0.0.0] to [0443.0.0.0]

[0444.0.11.11] Example 6 Growth of Genetically Modified Organism: Media and Culture Conditions

[0445.0.11.11] Genetically modified Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are grown in synthetic or natural growth media known by the skilled worker. A number of different growth media for Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are well known and widely available. A method for culturing Mortierella is disclosed by Jang et al. [Bot. Bull. Acad. Sin. (2000) 41:41-48]. Mortierella can be grown at 20° C. in a culture medium containing: 10 g/l glucose, 5 g/l yeast extract at pH 6.5. Furthermore Jang et al. teaches a submerged basal medium containing 20 g/l soluble starch, 5 g/l Bacto yeast extract, 10 g/l KNO₃, 1 g/l KH₂PO₄, and 0.5 g/l MgSO₄.7H₂O, pH 6.5.

[0446.0.0.11] to [0454.0.0.11]: see [0446.0.0.0] to [0454.0.0.0]

[0455.0.11.11] The effect of the genetic modification in plants, fungi, algae, ciliates or on the production of a desired compound (such as a fatty acid) can be determined by growing the modified microorganisms or the modified plant under suitable conditions (such as those described above) and analyzing the medium and/or the cellular components for the elevated production of desired product (i.e. of the lipids or a fatty acid). These analytical techniques are known to the skilled worker and comprise spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, various types of staining methods, enzymatic and microbiological methods and analytical chromatography such as high-performance liquid chromatography (see, for example, Ullman, Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. A2, p. 89-90 and p. 443-613, VCH: Weinheim (1985); Fallon, A., et al., (1987) “Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry” in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 17; Rehm et al. (1993) Biotechnology, Vol. 3, Chapter III: “Product recovery and purification”, p. 469-714, VCH: Weinheim; Better, P. A., et al. (1988) Bioseparations: downstream processing for Biotechnology, John Wiley and Sons; Kennedy, J. F., and Cabral, J. M. S. (1992) Recovery processes for biological Materials, John Wiley and Sons; Shaeiwitz, J. A., and Henry, J. D. (1988) Biochemical Separations, in: Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. B3; Chapter 11, p. 1-27, VCH: Weinheim; and Dechow, F. J. (1989) Separation and purification techniques in biotechnology, Noyes Publications).

In addition to the abovementioned processes, plant lipids are extracted from plant material as described by Cahoon et al. (1999) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 96 (22): 12935-12940 and Browse et al. (1986) Analytic Biochemistry 152:141-145. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of lipids is described by Christie, William W., Advances in Lipid Methodology, Ayr/Scotland: Oily Press (Oily Press Lipid Library; 2); Christie, William W., Gas Chromatography and Lipids. A Practical Guide—Ayr, Scotland: Oily Press, 1989, Repr. 1992, IX, 307 pp. (Oily Press Lipid Library; 1); “Progress in Lipid Research, Oxford: Pergamon Press, 1 (1952)—16 (1977) under the title: Progress in the Chemistry of Fats and Other Lipids CODEN.

[0456.0.0.11]: see [0456.0.0.0]

[0457.0.11.11] Example 9 Purification of the Lutein and Determination of the Carotenoids Content

[0458.0.11.11] Abbreviations: GC-MS, gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; TLC, thin-layer chromatography.

The unambiguous detection for the presence of lutein can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MSMS or TLC, as described The total lutein produced in the organism for example in yeasts used in the inventive process can be analysed for example according to the following procedure:

The material such as yeasts, E. coli or plants to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods.

Plant material is initially homogenized mechanically by comminuting in a pestle and mortar to make it more amenable to extraction.

A typical sample pretreatment consists of a total lipid extraction using such polar organic solvents as acetone or alcohols as methanol, or ethers, saponification, partition between phases, separation of non-polar epiphase from more polar hypophasic derivatives and chromatography.

For analysis, solvent delivery and aliquot removal can be accomplished with a robotic system comprising a single injector valve Gilson 232XL and a 402 2S1V diluter [Gilson, Inc. USA, 3000 W. Beltline Highway, Middleton, Wis.]. For saponification, 3 ml of 50% potassium hydroxide hydro-ethanolic solution (4 water:1 ethanol) can be added to each vial, followed by the addition of 3 ml of octanol. The saponification treatment can be conducted at room temperature with vials maintained on an IKA HS 501 horizontal shaker [Labworld-online, Inc., Wilmington, N.C.] for fifteen hours at 250 movements/minute, followed by a stationary phase of approximately one hour.

Following saponification, the supernatant can be diluted with 0.11 ml of methanol. The addition of methanol cqan be conducted under pressure to ensure sample homogeneity. Using a 0.25 ml syringe, a 0.1 ml aliquot can be removed and transferred to HPLC vials for analysis.

For HPLC analysis, a Hewlett Packard 1100 HPLC, complete with a quaternary pump, vacuum degassing system, six-way injection valve, temperature regulated autosampler, column oven and Photodiode Array detector can be used [Agilent Technologies available through Ultra Scientific Inc., 250 Smith Street, North Kingstown, R.I.]. The column can be a Waters YMC30, 5-micron, 4.6×250 mm with a guard column of the same material [Waters, 34 Maple Street, Milford, Mass.]. The solvents for the mobile phase can be 81 methanol: 4 water: 15 tetrahydrofuran (THF) stabilized with 0.2% BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol). Injections were 20 l. Separation can be isocratic at 30° C. with a flow rate of 1.7 ml/minute. The peak responses can be measured by absorbance at 447 nm.

Carotenoid compositions can be determined for wild-type and mutant samples selected from those identified in a screening procedure. Petal samples can be stored in a −80° C. freezer until mutants were identified. Samples can be lyophilized, and the dried tissue can be stored under argon at −80° C. until ready for analysis.

Extraction procedures can be performed under red light. Dried petals can be ground to pass through a No. 40 sieve mesh size. A ground sample can be accurately weighed and transferred into a 100 ml red volumetric flask. To the sample, 500 microliters I) of H₂O can be added, and the mixture can be swirled for 1 minute. Thirty ml of extractant solvent (10 ml hexane+7 ml acetone+6 ml absolute alcohol+7 ml toluene) can be added, and the flask can be shaken at 160 rpm for 10 minutes.

For saponification, 2 ml of 40% methanolic KOH can be added into the flask, which can be then swirled for one minute. The flask can be placed in a 56° C. H₂O bath for 20 minutes. An air condenser can be attached to prevent loss of solvent. The sample can be cooled in the dark for one hour with the condenser attached. After cooling, 30 ml of hexane can be added, and the flask can be shaken at 160 rpm for 10 minutes.

The shaken sample can be diluted to volume (100 ml) with 10% sodium sulfate solution and shaken vigorously for one minute. The sample can be remained in the dark for at least 30 minutes. A 35 ml aliquot can be removed from the approximately 50 ml upper phase, and transferred to a sample cup. An additional 30 ml of hexane can be added into the flask that can be then shaken at 160 rpm for 10 minutes. After approximately one hour, the upper phases can be combined. For HPLC analysis, 10 ml aliquots can be dried under nitrogen and stored under argon at −80° C.

HPLC equipment comprised an Alliance 2690 equipped with a refrigerated autosampler, column heater and a Waters Photodiode Array 996 detector (Waters Corp., 34 Maple Street Milford, Mass. 01757). Separation can be obtained with a YMC30 column, 3 m, 2.0×150 mm with a guard column of the same material. Standards can be obtained from ICC Indorespective fine chemicals Somerville, N.J. 088876 and from DHI-Water & Environment, DK-2970 Horsholm, Denmark.

The dried mutant samples can be resuspended in tetrahydrofuran and methanol to a total volume of 200 l and filtered, whereas the control can be not additionally concentrated. Carotenoids can be separated using a gradient method. Initial gradient conditions can be 90% methanol: 5% water: 5% methyl tert-butyl ether at a flow rate of 0.4 milliliters per minute (ml/min). From zero to 15 minutes, the mobile phase can be changed from the initial conditions to 80 methanol: 5 water: 15 methyl tert-butyl ether, and from 15 to 60 minutes to 20 methanol: 5 water: 75 methyl tert-butyl ether. For the following 10 minutes, the mobile phase can be returned to the initial conditions and the column equilibrated for an additional 10 minutes. The column temperature can be maintained at 27° C. and the flow rate was 0.4 ml/minute. Injections were 10 The majority of peak responses can be measured at 450 nm and additional areas added from 286, 348, 400 and 472 nm extracted channels.

Methods for the extraction are further described in the following patent applications and in the literature cited therein: U.S. Pat. No. 5,854,015; WO 99/20587, U.S. Pat. No. 6,380,442, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,362,221, 6,329,557, 6,262,284,

[0459.0.11.11] If required and desired, further chromatography steps with a suitable resin may follow. Advantageously, the lutein can be further purified with a so-called RTHPLC. As eluent acetonitrile/water or chloroform/acetonitrile mixtures can be used.

If necessary, these chromatography steps may be repeated, using identical or other chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the selection of suitable chromatography resin and the most effective use for a particular molecule to be purified.

[0460.0.11.11] see [0460.0.0.0]

[0461.0.11.11] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 11430 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.11] see [0462.0.0.0]

[0463.0.11.11] SEQ ID NO: 11430 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.11] to [0466.0.0.11]: see [0464.0.0.0] to [0466.0.0.0]

[0466.1.11.11] In case the Herculase enzyme can be used for the amplification, the PCR amplification cycles were as follows: 1 cycle of 2-3 minutes at 94° C., followed by 25-30 cycles of in each case 30 seconds at 94° C., 30 seconds at 55-60° C. and 5-10 minutes at 72° C., followed by 1 cycle of 10 minutes at 72° C., then 4° C.

[0467.0.11.11] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 11430:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 11760) atgcagaccc cgcacattct t ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 11761) ttaatcttcc agatcaccgc agaa

[0468.0.0.11] to [0479.0.0.11]: see [0468.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0]

[0480.0.11.11] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 11430

[0481.0.0.11] to [0513.0.0.11]: see [0481.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0]

[0514.0.11.11] As an alternative, lutein can be detected as described in Deli, J. & Molnar, P. Paprika carotenoids: Analysis, isolation, structure eucidation. Curr. Org. Chem. 6, 1197-1219 (2004) or Fraser, P. D., Pinto, M. E., Holloway, D. E. & Bramley, P. M. Technical advance: application of high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection to the metabolic profiling of plant isoprenoids. Plant J. 24, 551-558 (2000).

The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the table 1 which follows:

TABLE 1 ORF Metabolite Method Min Max b4401 Lutein LC 1,25 1,42 b2699 Lutein LC 1,31 1,58 YFR007W Lutein LC 1,33 1,78

[0515.0.0.11] to [0552.0.0.11]: see [0515.0.0.0] to [0552.0.0.0]

[0553.0.11.11] We claim:

-   1. A process for the production of lutein, which comprises     -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 or a         functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism, or in one         or more parts thereof; and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of lutein in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of lutein, comprising the increasing     or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at     least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule     selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of lutein in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of lutein in an organism or         a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of lutein in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of lutein in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, columns 5 or 7, lines         109 to 111 and conferring an increase in the amount of lutein in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of lutein in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to         111 and conferring an increase in the amount of lutein in an         organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of lutein         in an organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound lutein. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         lutein produced by the selected mutated organisms or parts         thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of lutein in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of lutein in an organism or         a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of lutein in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of lutein in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, columns 5 or 7, lines         109 to 111 and conferring an increase in the amount of lutein in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of lutein in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to         111 and conferring an increase in the amount of lutein in an         organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of lutein         in an organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to         111 by one or more nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 109 to 111 by one or more amino acids -   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of lutein in an     organism or a part thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of lutein in an         organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a sample         comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions which         permit the expression the polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the lutein level or the polypeptide expression         level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or the media         the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured or         maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured lutein level or polypeptide expression level with a         standard lutein or polypeptide expression level measured in the         absence of said candidate compound or a sample comprising said         plurality of compounds, whereby an increased level over the         standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising         said plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased level         over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample         comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased lutein production in a plant or microorganism, comprising     the steps:     -   (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of lutein in an organism or a part thereof and a readout         system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under         suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the         polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a         compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and         capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the         binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which         permit the expression of said readout system and of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6         conferring an increase in the amount of lutein in an organism or         a part thereof;     -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in lutein production in a cell, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in lutein after expression with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing lutein;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the lutein level in the host cells; and     -   (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the lutein level in the host         cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild         type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in lutein production in a cell, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the luteinamount or level in         an organism or a part thereof after expression, and which are at         least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing lutein;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the luteinlevel in the host cells; and     -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the lutein level in the host         cell after expression compared to the wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     lutein after expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of lutein levels in an organism. -   25. Cosmetical, pharmaceutical, food or feed composition comprising     the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14,     the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9,     the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the     antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20. -   26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20 for the protection of a plant against a oxidative stress. -   27. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20 for the protection of a plant against a oxidative stress causing     or a carotenoid synthesis inhibiting herbicide. -   28. Use of the agonist identified according to claim 17, the plant     or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, or     the host cell of claim 10 to 12 for the production of a cosmetic     composition.

[0554.0.0.11] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.0]

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0001.0.0.12] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0001.0.0.0].

[0002.0.12.12] Sterols are a class of essential, natural compounds required by all eukaryotes to complete their life cycle. In animals, cholesterol is typically the major sterol while in fungi it is ergosterol. Plants produce a class of sterols called phytosterols. Phytosterols are natural components of many vegetables and grains. The term “phytosterols” covers plant sterols and plant stanols. Plant sterols are naturally occurring substances present in the diet as minor components of vegetable oils. The structures of these plant sterols are similar to that of cholesterol with an extra methyl or ethyl group and a double bond in the side chain. Saturated plant sterols, referred to as stanols, have no double bond in the ring structure.

Phytosterols (including plant sterols and stanols) are natural components of plant foods, especially plant oils, seeds and nuts, cereals and legumes specially of edible vegetable oils such as sunflower seed oil and, as such are natural constituents of the human diet. The most common phytosterols are beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol. Beta-sitosterol is found in high amounts in nuts.

[0003.0.12.12] A high concentration of cholesterol in serum, i.e., hypercholesterolemia, is a wellknown risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). Blood cholesterol levels can be decreased by following diets, which are low in saturated fat, high in polyunsaturated fat and low in cholesterol. Although considerable achievements have been made in terms of knowledge and education, consumers still find it difficult to follow healthy eating advice.

Both plant sterols and plant stanols are effective in lowering plasma total and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and this occurs by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol from the small intestine. The plasma cholesterol-lowering properties of plant sterols have been known since the 1950s (Pollak, Circulation, 7, 702-706.1953). They have been used as cholesterol-lowering agents, first in a free form (Pollak and Kritchevsky, Sitosterol. In: Monographs on Aherosclerosis. Clarkson T B, Kritchevsky D, Pollak O J, eds. New York, Basel, Karger 1981; 1-219) and recently mainly as esterified phytosterols (Katan et al., Mayo Clin Proc 2003; 78: 965-978).

The consumption of plant sterols and plant stanols lowers blood cholesterol levels by inhibiting the absorption of dietary and endogenously-produced cholesterol from the small intestine and the plant sterols/stanols are only very poorly absorbed themselves. This inhibition is related to the similarity in physico-chemical properties of plant sterols and stanols and cholesterol. Plant sterols and plant stanols appear to be without hazard to health, having been shown without adverse effects in a large number of human studies. They show no evidence of toxicity even at high dose levels and gastro-intestinal absorption is low.

[0004.0.12.12] The most abundant sterols of vascular plants are campesterol, sitosterol and stigmasterol, all of which contain a double bond between the carbon atoms at positions 5 and 6 and are classified as delta-5 sterols.

Exemplary naturally occurring delta-5 plant sterols isofucosterol, sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol, cholesterol, and di hydrobrassicasterol. Exemplary naturally occurring non-delta-5 plant sterols are cycloartenol, 24-methylene cycloartenol, cycloeucalenol, and obtusifoliol.

The ratio of delta-5 to non-delta-5 sterols in plants can be an important factor relating to insect pest resistance. Insect pests are unable to synthesize de novo the steroid nucleus and depend upon external sources of sterols in their food source for production of necessary steroid compounds. In particular, insect pests require an external source of delta-5 sterols. By way of example, externally provided delta-5 sterols are necessary for the production of ecdysteroids, hormones that control reproduction and development. See, e.g., Costet et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 84:643 (1987) and Corio-Costet et al., Archives of Insect Biochem. Physiol., 11:47 (1989).

[0005.0.12.12] US 20020148006 and WO 98/45457 describes the modulation of phytosterol compositions to confer resistance to insects, nematodes, fungi and/or environmental stresses, and/or to improve the nutritional value of plants by using a DNA sequence encoding a first enzyme; which binds a first sterol and is preferably selected from the group consisting of S-adenosyl-L-methionine-₂₄₍₂₅₎-sterol methyl transferase, a C-4 demethylase, a cycloeucalenol to obtusifoliol-isomerase, a 14-demethylase, a ₈ to ₇-isomerase, a ₇-C-S-desaturase and a 24,25-reductase, and produces a second sterol and a 3′ non-translated region which causes polyadenylation at the 3′ end of the RNA.

WO 93/16187 discloses new plants containing in its genome one or more genes involved in the early stages of phytosterol biosynthesis, preferably the genes encode mevalonate kinase.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,862, U.S. Pat. No. 5,589,619, U.S. Pat. No. 5,365,017, U.S. Pat. No. 5,349,126 and US 20030150008 describe a method of increasing sterol (and squalene) accumulation in a plant based on an increased HMG-CoA reductase activity to increase the pest resistance of transgenic plants.

WO 97/48793 discloses a C-14 sterol reductase polypeptide for the genetic manipulation of a plant sterol biosynthetic pathway.

US 20040172680 disclose the use of a gene expressing a SMT1 (sterol methyltransferase) to increase the level of sterols in the seeds of plants. A DNA sequence encoding sterol methyltransferase isolated from Zea mays is disclosed in WO 00/08190. Bouvier-Nav et al in Eur. J. Biochem. 256, 88-96 (1988) describes two families of sterol methyl transf erases (SMTs), The first (SMT1) applying to cycloartenol and the second (SMT2) to 24-methylene lophenol. Schaller et al (Plant Physiology (1998) 118: 461-169) describes the over-expression of SMT2 from Arabidopsis in tobacco resulting in a change in the ratio of 24-methyl cholesterol to sitosterol in the tobacco leaf.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,723,837 and US 20040199940 disclose nucleic acid molecules encoding proteins and fragments of proteins associated with sterol and phytosterol metabolism as well as cells, that have been manipulated to contain increased levels or overexpress at least one sterol or phytosterol compound. The protein or fragment is selected from the group consisting of a HES1, HMGCoA reductase, squalene synthase, cycloartenol synthase, SMTI, SMTII and UPC, preferably from member of the KES1/HES1/OSH1 family of oxysterol-binding (OSBP) proteins comprising an oxysterol-binding protein consensus sequence—E(K, Q) xSH (H, R) PPx (S, T, A, C, F)A. One class of proteins, oxysterol-binding proteins, have been reported in humans and yeast (Jiang et al., Yeast 10: 341-353 (1994), the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference). These proteins have been reported to modulate ergosterol levels in yeast (Jiang et al., Yeast 10: 341-353 (1994)). In particular, Jiang et al., reported three genes KES1, HES1 and OSH1, which encode proteins containing an oxysterol-binding region.

[0006.0.12.12] Transgenic plants having altered sterol profiles could be instrumental in establishing a dietary approach to cholesterol management and cardiovascular disease prevention. The altered phytosterol profile further leads to pest resistance.

[0007.0.12.12] Although people consume plant sterols every day in their normal diet, the amount is not great enough to have a significant blood cholesterol lowering effect. The intake of phytosterols varies among different populations according to the food products being consumed, but the average daily Western diet is reported to contain 150-300 mg of these sterols (de Vries et al., J Food Comp Anal 1997; 19: 115-141; Björkhem et al. Inborn errors in bile acid biosynthesis and storage of sterols other than cholesterol. In: The Metabolic and Molecular Bases of Inherited Disease. Scriver C S, Beaudet A L, Sly W S, Valle D, eds. New York, McGraw-Hill 2001; 2961-2988). In order to achieve a cholesterol-lowering benefit, approximately 1 g/day of plant sterols need to be consumed (Hendriks et al., European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 53, 319-327.1999).

[0008.0.12.12] Phytosterols are found naturally in plant foods at low levels. The enrichment of foods such as margarines with plant sterols and stanols is one of the recent developments in functional foods to enhance the cholesterol-lowering ability of traditional food products. Incorporation of additional phytosterols into the diet may be an effective way of lowering total and LDL cholesterol levels. The non-esterified phytosterols can be used as novel food ingredients in:

-   (a) bakery products and cereals (eg, breakfast cereals, breakfast     bars); -   (b) dairy products such as low and reduced fat liquid milk, low and     reduced fat yoghurt and yoghurt products, and dairy based desserts; -   (c) non-carbonated soft drinks like low and reduced fat soy     beverages and low and reduced fat soy-based yoghurts; -   (d) meat products or edible fats and oils (eg, mayonnaise, spice     sauces, salad dressings); -   (e) margarine; and -   table spreads or dietary fats.

[0009.0.12.12] When edible oils undergo normal refining, plant sterols are partially extracted. It is estimated that 2500 tonnes of vegetable oil needs to be refined to produce 1 tonne of plant sterols. Plant stanols are obtained by hydrogenation of the plant sterols.

[0010.0.12.12] Another source of plant sterols is tall oil, derived from the process of paper production from wood and approximately 2500 tonnes of pine is required to produce 1 tonne of plant sterols. Tall oil also contains a higher proportion of plant stanols (primarily b-sitostanol) than do vegetable oils.

[0011.0.12.12] As described above, phytosterols are used in a lot of different applications, for example in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and in feed and food. Therefore improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the food-and-feed industry. Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible a sterol profile in the diet.

[0012.0.12.12] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes which participate in the biosynthesis of phytosterols and make it possible to produce them specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for or regulators of biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of phytosterols; on the other hand as less as possible by products should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.12] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0013.0.0.0] above.

[0014.0.12.12] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is/are phytosterols. The term “phytosterols” covers plant sterols and plant stanols. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “phytosterols”. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising plant sterols and plant stanols, preferably beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and/or stigmasterol.

[0015.0.12.12] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means phytosterols, plant sterols and plant stanols. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means phytosterols and ester, thioester or sterols in free form or bound to other compounds. For the purpose of this description, the term sterol/stanol refers both to free sterols/stanols and conjugated sterols/stanols, for example, where the 3-hydroxy group is esterified by a fatty acid chain or phenolic acid to give a steryl/stanyl ester. As used herein, the term “phytosterol” includes all phytosterols without limitation, for example: sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, brassicasterol, desmosterol, chalinosterol, poriferasterol, clionasterol, the corresponding stanols and all natural or synthesized forms and derivatives thereof, including isomers. It is to be understood that modifications to the phytosterols i.e. to include side chains also falls within the purview of this invention. All those derivates forms are summarized as “conjugates”. In an preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or the term “phytosterol” or the term “the respective fine chemical” means at least one chemical compound plant sterols and plant stanols selected from the group “beta-sitosterol, sitostanol, stigmasterol, brassicasterol, campestanol, isofucosterol and campesterol”, preferred “beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and/or stigmasterol”, most preferred “beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol”. Also preferably, are esters of sterols/stanols with C10-24 fatty acids.

Increased phytosterol content normally means an increased total phytosterol content. However, an increased phytosterol content also means, in particular, a modified content of the above-described compounds (“beta-sitosterol, sitostanol, stigmasterol, brassicasterol, campestanol, isofucosterol and campesterol”) with phytosterol activity, without the need for an inevitable increase in the total phytosterol content.

[0016.0.12.12] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of phytosterol comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more     -   YER156C, YKR057W, YOR084W, b0019, b0421, b2699, b0050, b0161         and/or b4129 protein(s) and/or     -   YER156C, YER173W, YKR057W, YOR044W, YPR172W, b2699, b3256,         b0161, b0464, b1896, b2341, b2478 and/or b2822 protein(s) in a         non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus, phytosterol, plant sterol and     stanol, preferably beta-sitosterol, sitostanol, stigmasterol,     brassicasterol, campestanol, isofucosterol and campesterol, more     preferred beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and/or stigmasterol, most     preferred beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol or fine chemicals     comprising phytosterol, in said organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of phytosterol comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3,     lines 112 to 124 and/or lines 483 to 491 or having the sequence of a     polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I,     column 5 or 7, lines 112 to 124 and/or lines 483 to 491, in a     non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus, phytosterol, in particular     beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol.

[0016.1.12.12] Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means in one embodiment “beta-sitosterol” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 112 to 117 and/or 483 to 485 or homologs thereof and means in one embodiment “campesterol” in relation to all sequences listed in Tables I to IV, lines 118 to 124 and/or 486 to 491 or homologs thereof.

Accordingly, in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “beta-sitosterol” and “campesterol” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 113 or 120 and 120; in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “beta-sitosterol” and “campesterol” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 114 or 122; in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “beta-sitosterol” and “campesterol” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 115 or 124, in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “beta-sitosterol” and “campesterol” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 484 or 486.

Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” can mean “beta-sitosterol” and “campesterol”, owing to circumstances and the context. In order to illustrate that the meaning of the term “the fine chemical” means ““beta-sitosterol” and “campesterol” the term “the respective fine chemical” is also used.

[0017.0.0.12] and [0018.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0017.0.0.12] and [0018.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0017.0.0.0] and [0018.0.0.0] above.

[0019.0.12.12] Advantageously the process for the production of the respective fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the respective fine chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the fine respective chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 112 to 124 and/or lines 483 to 491 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 124 and/or lines 483 to 491.

[0020.0.12.12] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YER156C, YKR057W and/or YOR084W and/or the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0019, b0421, b2699, b0050, b0161 and/or b4129 in

Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the beta-sitosterol content of the transformed plants.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YER156C, YER173W, YKR057W, YOR044W and/or YPR172W and/or the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699, b3256, b0161, b0464, b1896, b2341, b2478 and/or b2822 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in campesterol content of the transformed plants.

Accordingly, it was surprisingly found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YER156C in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of beta-sitosterol; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of campesterol; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of beta-sitosterol and campesterol.

Accordingly, it was surprisingly found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YKR057W in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of beta-sitosterol; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of campesterol; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of beta-sitosterol and campesterol.

Accordingly, it was surprisingly found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of beta-sitosterol; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of campesterol; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of beta-sitosterol and campesterol.

Accordingly, it was surprisingly found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0161 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of beta-sitosterol; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of campesterol; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of beta-sitosterol and campesterol.

[0021.0.0.12] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0021.0.0.0] above.

[0022.0.12.12] The sequence of YER156C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dietrich, et al. (Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 78-81 (1997)), and its activity has not been characterized yet. It seems to have an activity similar to Arabidopsis thaliana hypothetical protein F2K15.180. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with the activity of a YER156C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or of a Arabidopsis thaliana hypothetical protein F2K15.180 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phytosterol, e.g. beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol and/or conjugates, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the YER156C protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the phytosterol biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of phytosterol from the intermediates like squalene and squalene epoxide or cycloartenol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. of a YER156C protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YER173W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dietrich et al. (Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 78-81, 1997), and Goffeau et al. (Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996), and its activity is being defined as an “Checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a YER173W activity from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of phytosterol, meaning of campesterol and/or conjugates, in particular for increasing the amount of campesterol and/or conjugates, preferably campesterol in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the YER173W protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the phytosterol biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of phytosterol from the intermediates like squalene and squalene epoxide or cycloartenol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a YER173W protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YKR057W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon et al., Nature 369 (6479), 371-378, 1994 and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its activity is being defined as a ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein involved in the ribosome biogenesis and translation, in particular of the superfamiliy of the ribosomal protein, preferably having a S21 ribosomal protein activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phytosterol, e.g. beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol and/or conjugates, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the YKR057W protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the phytosterol biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of phytosterol from the intermediates like squalene and squalene epoxide or cycloartenol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. of a protein of the yeast ribosomal protein superfamily or preferably having a activity involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YOR044W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 98-102 (1997), and its activity has not been characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with the activity of a YOR044w from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae probable membrane protein YOR044w or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phytosterol, e.g. campesterol and/or conjugates, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the YOR044W protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the phytosterol biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of phytosterol from the intermediates like squalene and squalene epoxide or cycloartenol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. of a YOR044W protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YOR084W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon, Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 98-102, 1997, and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as a putative lipase of the peroxisomal matrix. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a putative lipase of the peroxisomal matrix protein or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phytosterol, e.g. beta-sitosterol and/or conjugates, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the YOR084W protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the phytosterol biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of phytosterol from the intermediates like squalene and squalene epoxide or cycloartenol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. of a a putative lipase of the peroxisomal matrix protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YPR172W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Bussey et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 103-105 (1997), and its activity has not been characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with the activity of a YPR172W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phytosterol, e.g. campesterol and/or conjugates, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the YPR172W protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the phytosterol biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of phytosterol from the intermediates like squalene and squalene epoxide or cycloartenol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. of a YPR172W protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0019 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as protein for the transport of small molecules, preferably cations, meaning a Na+/H+ antiporter protein. In a more preferred embodiment the protein has the activity of a Na+/H+ antiporter, responsive to stress, especially to high salinity and pH. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a transport protein, in particular of the superfamiliy of Na+/H+-exchanging protein nhaA, preferably having a Na+/H+ antiporter activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phytosterol, e.g. beta-sitosterol and/or conjugates, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the b0019 protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the phytosterol biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of phytosterol from the intermediates like squalene and squalene epoxide or cycloartenol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. of a transport protein, in particular of the superfamiliy of Na+/H+-exchanging protein nhaA, preferably having a Na+/H+ antiporter activity from E. coli is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0421 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as geranyltranstransferase (=farnesyldiphosphate synthase). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a geranyltranstransferase (=farnesyldiphosphate synthase), in particular of the superfamiliy of dimethylallyltrans-transferase, geranyltranstransferase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phytosterol, e.g. beta-sitosterol and/or conjugates, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the b0421 protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the phytosterol biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of phytosterol from the intermediates like squalene and squalene epoxide or cycloartenol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. of a geranyltranstransferase (=farnesyldiphosphate synthase), in particular of the superfamiliy of dimethylallyltrans-transferase, geranyltranstransferase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2699 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with a DNA recombination and DNA repair activity, a pheromone response activity, a mating-type determination activity, a sex-specific protein activity, a nucleotide binding activity and/or a protease and nuclease activity, in particular a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity, in particular of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phytosterol, in particular for increasing the amount of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol and/or conjugates, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the b2699 protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the phytosterol biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of phytosterol from the intermediates like squalene and squalene epoxide or cycloartenol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a protease and nuclease activity, in particular a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity, in particular of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3256 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as acetyl CoA carboxylase, biotin carboxylase subunit. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a acetyl CoA carboxylase, in particular of the superfamiliy of biotin carboxylase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phytosterol, in particular for increasing the amount of campesterol and/or conjugates, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the b3256 protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the phytosterol biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of phytosterol from the intermediates like squalene and squalene epoxide or cycloartenol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a acetyl CoA carboxylase, in particular of the superfamiliy of biotin carboxylase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0050 (Accession number NP_(—)414592) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a conserved protein potentially involved in protein protein interaction. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of said protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of phytosterol, e.g. beta-sitosterol and/or conjugates, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the b0050 protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the phytosterol biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of phytosterol from the intermediates like squalene and squalene epoxide or cycloartenol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of said protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0161 (Accession number NP_(—)414703) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a periplasmic serine protease (heat shock protein). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a periplasmic serine protease from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of phytosterol, e.g. beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol and/or conjugates, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the b0161 protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the phytosterol biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of phytosterol from the intermediates like squalene and squalene epoxide or cycloartenol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a periplasmic serine protease is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b4129 (Accession number NP_(—)418553) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a lysine tRNA synthetase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a lysine tRNA synthetase protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of phytosterol, e.g. beta-sitosterol and/or conjugates, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the b4129 protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the phytosterol biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of phytosterol from the intermediates like squalene and squalene epoxide or cycloartenol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a lysine tRNA synthetase protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0464 (Accession number NP_(—)414997) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a″transcriptional repressor for multidrug efflux pump (TetR/AcrR family)”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “transcriptional repressor for multidrug efflux pump (TetR/AcrR family)” from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of phytosterol, in particular for increasing the amount of campesterol and/or conjugates, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the b0464 protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the phytosterol biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of phytosterol from the intermediates like squalene and squalene epoxide or cycloartenol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a “transcriptional repressor for multidrug efflux pump (TetR/AcrR family)” is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1896 (Accession number NP_(—)416410) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of phytosterol, in particular for increasing the amount of campesterol and/or conjugates, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the b1896 protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the phytosterol biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of phytosterol from the intermediates like squalene and squalene epoxide or cycloartenol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2341 (Accession number NP_(—)416410) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a “bifunctional anaerobic fatty acid oxidation complex protein: enoyl-CoA hydratase/epimerase/isomerase (N-terminal); 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (C-terminal)”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a bifunctional anaerobic fatty acid oxidation complex protein: enoyl-CoA hydratase/epimerase/isomerase (N-terminal); 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (C-terminal) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of phytosterol, in particular for increasing the amount of campesterol and/or conjugates, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the b2341 protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the phytosterol biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of phytosterol from the intermediates like squalene and squalene epoxide or cycloartenol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a bifunctional anaerobic fatty acid oxidation complex protein: enoyl-CoA hydratase/epimerase/isomerase (N-terminal); 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (C-terminal) is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2478 (Accession number NP_(—)416973) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a “dihydrodipicolinate synthase”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a dihydrodipicolinate synthase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of phytosterol, in particular for increasing the amount of campesterol and/or conjugates, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the b2478 protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the phytosterol biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of phytosterol from the intermediates like squalene and squalene epoxide or cycloartenol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a dihydrodipicolinate synthase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2822 (Accession number NP_(—)417299) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a DNA helicase, ATP-dependent dsDNA/ssDNA exonuclease V subunit, ssDNA endonuclease. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a DNA helicase, ATP-dependent dsDNA/ssDNA exonuclease V subunit, ssDNA endonuclease protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of phytosterol, in particular for increasing the amount of campesterol and/or conjugates, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the b2822 protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the phytosterol biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of phytosterol from the intermediates like squalene and squalene epoxide or cycloartenol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a DNA helicase, ATP-dependent dsDNA/ssDNA exonuclease V subunit, ssDNA endonuclease protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

[0023.0.12.12] Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the respective fine chemical amount or content.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 112, 113 or 114, resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, resp. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of beta-sitosterol. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 112, 113 or 114, resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 112, 113 or 114 resp., is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 112, 113 or 114, resp., is derived from Ascomycota. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 112, 113 or 114 resp., is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 112, 113 or 114, resp., is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 112, 113 or 114, resp., is a homolog being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 112, 113 or 114, resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 112, 113 or 114 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomyces.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 118 to 122 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of phytosterol, preferably of campesterol. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 118 to 122. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 118 to 122, is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 118 to 122, is derived from Ascomycota. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 118 to 122, is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 118 to 122, is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 118 to 122, is a homolog being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 118 to 122, is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 118 to 122, is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomyces.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 115, 116 or 117 and 483 to 485 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of phytosterol, more preferably beta-sitosterol. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 115, 116 or 117 and 483 to 485, resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, 115, 116 or 117 and 483 to 485 is derived from a bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 115, 116 or 117 and 483 to 485 is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 115, 116 or 117 and 483 to 485 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 115, 116 or 117 and 483 to 485 is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 115, 116 or 117 and 483 to 485 is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 115, 116 or 117 and 483 to 485 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity and being derived from Escherichia.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 123 or 124 and 486 to 491 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of phytosterol, more preferably of campesterol. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 123 or 124 and 486 to 491, resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 123 or 124 and 486 to 491 is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 123 or 124 and 486 to 491 is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 123 or 124 and 486 to 491 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 123 or 124 and 486 to 491 is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 123 or 124 and 486 to 491 is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 123 or 124 and 486 to 491 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity and being derived from Escherichia.

[0023.1.12.12] Homologs of the polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 112 to 124 and/or lines 483 to 491 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 112 to 124 and/or lines 483 to 491, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 112 to 124 and/or lines 483 to 491, resp. Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 112 to 124 and/or lines 483 to 491 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 112 to 124 and/or lines 483 to 491, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 112 to 124 and/or lines 483 to 491.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 112 to 117 and 483 to 485 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 112 to 117 and 483 to 485, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 112 to 117 and 483 to 485, having a beta-sitosterol content- and/or amount-increasing activity. Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 112 to 117 and 483 to 485 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 112 to 117 and 483 to 485 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 112 to 117 and 483 to 485 having a beta-sitosterol content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 118 to 124 and 486 to 491 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, 118 to 124 and 486 to 491, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, 118 to 124 and 486 to 491, having a campesterol content- and/or amount-increasing activity. Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, 118 to 124 and 486 to 491 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, 118 to 124 and 486 to 491 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 118 to 124 and 486 to 491 having a campesterol content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

[0024.0.0.12] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0024.0.0.0] above.

[0025.0.12.12] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein of the invention”, e.g. the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 112 to 117 and/or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 and/or lines 486 to 491 resp., if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased phytosterol level, in particular to a increased beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol, resp., in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism. In a preferred embodiment, the protein or polypeptide has the above-mentioned additional activities of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 112 to 117 and/or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 and/or lines 486 to 491. Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 112 to 117 and/or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 and/or lines 486 to 491 resp. or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 112, 113, 114, 118, 119, 120, 121 or 122 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 115, 116, 117, 123 or 124 or 483 to 491 of E. coli K12.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary close to the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 and is expressed in an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the origin organism. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums whereas origin and the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 are derived from the same families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0025.1.0.12] and [0025.2.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0025.1.0.12] and [0025.2.0.12] see [0025.1.0.0] and [0025.2.0.0] above.

[0026.0.0.12] to [0033.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0026.0.0.12] to [0033.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0026.0.0.0] to [0033.0.0.0] above.

[0034.0.12.12] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention. E.g., it differs by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 112 to 117 and/or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 and/or lines 486 to 491 resp., or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 112 to 117 and/or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 and/or lines 486 to 491 resp., or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 112 to 117 and/or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 and/or lines 486 to 491 resp. its biochemical or genetic causes and therefore shows the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.12] to [0038.0.0.12] and [0039.0.5.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0035.0.0.12] to [0038.0.0.12] and [0039.0.5.12] see paragraphs [0035.0.0.0] to [0039.0.0.0] above.

[0040.0.0.12] to [0044.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0040.0.0.12] to [0044.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0035.0.0.0] and [0044.0.0.0] above.

[0045.0.12.12.] In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER156C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a Arabidopsis thaliana hypothetical protein F2K15.180, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 114 or 122, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-sitosterol between 18% and 39% or more or an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of campesterol between 17% and 95% or more or an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-sitosterol and campesterol between 17% and 95%, preferably between 18% and 39% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER173W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 121, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the campesterol between 23% and 51% or more.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YKR057W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 113 or 120, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-sitosterol between 14% and 32% or more or an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of campesterol between 20% and 39% or more or an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-sitosterol and campesterol between 14% and 39%, preferably between 20% and 32% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR044W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a probable membrane protein YOR044w, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 119, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the campesterol between 28% and 57% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR084W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a putative lipase of the peroxisomal matrix, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 112, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the beta-sitosterol between 100% and 259% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YPR172W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a YPR172W protein, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 118, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the campesterol between 17% and 62% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0019 or its homologs, e.g. having a Na+/H+ antiporter activity, in particular, of the superfamiliy of Na+/H+-exchanging protein nhaA, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 117, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the beta-sitosterol between 20% and 47% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0421 or its homologs, e.g. with a geranyltranstransferase (=farnesyldiphosphate synthase) activity, in particular, of the superfamiliy of dimethylallyltrans-transferase, geranyltranstransferase, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 116, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-sitosterol between 13% and 52% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs, e.g. a protein with a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protesase and nuclease-activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 115 or 124, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of preferably of beta-sitosterol between 14% and 35% or more or an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of campesterol between 17% and 62% or more or an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-sitosterol and campesterol between 14% and 62%, preferably between 17% and 35% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3256 or its homologs, e.g. a protein with acetyl CoA carboxylase, biotin carboxylase subunit activity, in particular, of the superfamiliy of biotin carboxylase, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 123, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of campesterol between 20% and 22% or more.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0050 or its homologs e.g. a conserved protein potentially involved in protein protein interaction e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 483, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of preferably of the beta-sitosterol between 15% and 24% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0161 or its homologs e.g. a periplasmic serine protease e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 484 or 486, is increased, preferably of beta-sitosterol between 12% and 26% or more or an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of campesterol between 17% and 42% or more or an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-sitosterol and campesterol between 12% and 42%, preferably between 17% and 26% or more.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4129 or its homologs e.g. a lysine tRNA synthetase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 485, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of the beta-sitosterol between 21% and 23% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0464 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a transcriptional repressor for multidrug efflux pump (TetR/AcrR family) protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 487, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of campesterol between 16% and 32% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1896 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 488, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of campesterol between 18% and 59% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2341 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a bifunctional anaerobic fatty acid oxidation complex protein: enoyl-CoA hydratase/epimerase/isomerase (N-terminal); 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (C-terminal) as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 489, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of campesterol between 18% and 48% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2478 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a dihydrodipicolinate synthase as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 490, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of campesterol between 17% and 37% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2822 or its homologs e.g. a DNA helicase, ATP-dependent dsDNA/ssDNA exonuclease V subunit, ssDNA endonuclease e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 491, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of campesterol between 21% and 32% or more is conferred.

[0046.0.12.12] In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER156C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a Arabidopsis thaliana hypothetical protein F2K15.180, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 114 or 122 confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further phytosterol activity-having compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER173W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 121, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further phytosterol activity-having compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YKR057W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 113 or 120, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further phytosterol activity-having compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR044W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a probable membrane protein YOR044w, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 119, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further phytosterol activity-having compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR084W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a putative lipase of the peroxisomal matrix, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 112 confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further phytosterol activity-having compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YPR172W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a YPR172W protein, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 118, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further phytosterol activity-having compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0019 or its homologs, e.g. having a Na+/H+ antiporter activity, in particular, of the superfamiliy of Na+/H+-exchanging protein nhaA, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 117 confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further phytosterol activity-having compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0421 or its homologs, e.g. with a geranyltranstransferase (=farnesyldiphosphate synthase) activity, in particular, of the superfamiliy of dimethylallyltrans-transferase, geranyltranstransferase, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 116 confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further phytosterol activity-having compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs, e.g. a protein with a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protesase and nuclease-activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 115 or 124 confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further phytosterol activity-having compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3256 or its homologs, e.g. a protein with acetyl CoA carboxylase, biotin carboxylase subunit activity, in particular, of the superfamiliy of biotin carboxylase, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 123, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further phytosterol activity-having compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0050 or its homologs e.g. a conserved protein potentially involved in protein protein interaction is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of further phytosterol activity-having compounds or their precursor is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0161 or its homologs e.g. a periplasmic serine protease is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of one or more fine chemical, preferably an increase of one or more the fine chemical and of further phytosterol activity-having compounds or their precursor is conferred. In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4129 or its homologs e.g. a lysine tRNA synthetase is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of further phytosterol activity-having compounds or their precursor is conferred. In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0464 or its homologs e.g. a transcriptional repressor for multidrug efflux pump (TetR/AcrR family) is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of further phytosterol activity-having compounds or their precursor is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1896 or its homologs e.g. a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of further phytosterol activity-having compounds or their precursor is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2341 or its homologs e.g. a bifunctional anaerobic fatty acid oxidation complex protein: enoyl-CoA hydratase/epimerase/isomerase (N-terminal); 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (C-terminal) is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of further phytosterol activity-having compounds or their precursor is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2478 or its homologs e.g. a dihydrodipicolinate synthase is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of further phytosterol activity-having compounds or their precursor is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2822 or its homologs e.g. a DNA helicase, ATP-dependent dsDNA/ssDNA exonuclease V subunit, ssDNA endonuclease is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably an increase of the fine chemical and of further phytosterol activity-having compounds or their precursor is conferred.

[0047.0.0.12] to [0048.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0047.0.0.12] and [0048.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0047.0.0.0] and [0048.0.0.0] above.

[0049.0.7.7] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the beta-sitosterol preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as shown in Table IV, column 7, lines 112 to 117 and 483 to 485 and/or the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 and 483 to 485 and/or the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 and 483 to 485 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 and 483 to 485 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the beta-sitosterol level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the campesterol preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as shown in Table IV, column 7, lines 118 to 124 and 486 to 491 and/or the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 118 to 124 and 486 to 491 and/or the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 118 to 124 and 486 to 491 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 118 to 124 and 486 to 491 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the campesterol level.

[0050.0.12.12] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “the respective fine chemical” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of phytosterols or their ester.

[0051.0.5.12] and [0052.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0051.0.5.12] and [0052.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0051.0.0.0] and [0052.0.0.0] above.

[0053.0.12.12] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 112     to 117 or lines 483 to 485 or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491     or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 or lines 118 to 124 or lines     486 to 491, activity having herein-mentioned the respective fine     chemical-increasing activity; -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, e.g.     of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in     Table II, column 3, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 or lines     118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 or its homologs activity, e.g. as     indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483     to 485 or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, or of a mRNA     encoding the polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical-increasing activity; -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine     chemical-increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 112     to 117 or lines 483 to 485 or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491     or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5     or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 or lines 118 to 124 or     lines 486 to 491, or decreasing the inhibitory regulation of the     polypeptide of the invention; -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine     chemical-increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 112     to 117 or lines 483 to 485 or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491     or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5     or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 or lines 118 to 124 or     lines 486 to 491; -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical-increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated     in Table II, column 3, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 or lines     118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 or its homologs activity, e.g. as     indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483     to 485 or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, by adding one or     more exogenous inducing factors to the organism or parts thereof; -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned the respective fine     chemical-increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 112     to 117 or lines 483 to 485 or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491     or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5     or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 or lines 118 to 124 or     lines 486 to 491, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine     chemical-increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 112     to 117 or lines 483 to 485 or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491     or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 or lines 118 to 124 or lines     486 to 491, activity. -   h) Increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having an activity     of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 112 to 117 or     lines 483 to 485 or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 or its     homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 or lines 118 to 124 or lines     486 to 491, by adding positive expression or removing negative     expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination can be used to     either introduce positive regulatory elements like for plants the     35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor elements form     regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods can be used to     disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity of positive     elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced in plants by     T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be identified in which     the positive elements have be integrated near to a gene of the     invention, the expression of which is thereby enhanced; -   i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical production and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.12.12] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 resp.

[0055.0.0.12] to [0067.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0055.0.0.12] to [0067.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0055.0.0.0] to [0067.0.0.0] above.

[0068.0.12.12] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of the phytosterol(s) is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.12] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraphs [0069.0.0.0] above.

[0070.0.12.12] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding the YER156C, YKR057W, YOR084W, b0019, b0421, b2699, b0050, b0161 and/or b4129 protein or of the YER156C, YER173W, YKR057W, YOR044W, YPR172W, b2699, b3256, b0161, b0464, b1896, b2341, b2478 and/or b2822 protein into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolites composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous fatty acid composition comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) phytosterol(s) etc.

[0071.0.5.12] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0071.0.0.0] above.

[0072.0.12.12] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to phytosterols further sterols, stanols or squalene, squalene epoxide or cycloartenol.

[0073.0.12.12] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

-   a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a     non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue     or a plant; -   b) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or a     homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 or lines 118 to 124 or lines     486 to 491, or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention and described below, e.g.     conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in an     organism, preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant     or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant, -   c) growing an organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human     animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant     under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine     chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant     cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and -   d) if desired, revovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or     bound the respective fine chemical and, optionally further free     and/or bound phytosterol or its conjugate synthesised by the     organism, the microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or     animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.12.12] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound the respective fine chemical or the free and bound respective fine chemical but as option it is also possible to produce, recover and, if desired isolate, other free or/and bound of phytosterol(s) or its/their conjugates.

[0075.0.0.12] to [0077.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0075.0.0.12] to [0077.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0075.0.0.0] to [0077.0.0.0] above.

[0078.0.12.12] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, respective fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications, for example according to the disclosures made in:

US 20040101829, which disclose a methods for treating hyperlipidemia and to reduce Low Density Lipoprotein (“LDL”) levels in a subject, US 20040047971, which disclose the preparation of a fat composition containing sterol esters characterised by direct interesterification of sterol with triglyceride, U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,449, which describes phytosterol-based compositions useful in preventing and treating cardiovascular disease and other disorders, U.S. Pat. No. 5,523,087, which is for a pharmaceutical composition containing beta-sitosterol for the treatment of diabetic male sexual dysfunction; U.S. Pat. No. 5,747,464, which discloses a composition for inhibiting absorption of fat and cholesterol from the gut comprising beta.-sitosterol bound irreversibly to pectin, U.S. Pat. No. 4,588,717, which describes a vitamin supplement which comprises a fatty acid ester of a phytosterol, U.S. Pat. No. 5,270,041, which teaches the use of small amounts of sterols, their fatty acid esters and glucosides for the treatment of tumours, U.S. Pat. No. 6,087,353, which comprises methods of making a composition suitable for incorporation into foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and the like which comprises condensing a suitable aliphatic acid with a phytosterol to form a phytosterol ester and subsequently hydrogenating the phytosterol ester to form a hydrogenated phytosterol ester, which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

The fermentation broth, fermentation products, plants or plant products can be treated with water and a mixture of organic solvents (hexane and acetone) in order to extract the phytosterols. Crude phytosterols are obtained from the organic phase by removal of the solvents, complexation of the sterols in the extract with calcium chloride in methanol, separation of the sterol-complexes by centrifugation, dissociation of the complexes by heating in water and removal of the water. The crude phytosterols can be further purified by crystallisation from isopropanol. According to an other production process the tall oil soap is first subjected to fractional distillation which removes volatile compounds. The resulting residue (tall oil pitch) containing sterols in esterified form is treated with alkali to liberate these sterols. After neutralisation, the material is subjected to a two-stage distillation process. The distillate is then dissolved in methanol/methylethylketone solvent and the sterols crystallising from this solution are obtained by filtration, washed with solvent and dried. U.S. Pat. No. 4,420,427 teaches the preparation of sterols from vegetable oil sludge using solvents such as methanol. Alternatively, phytosterols may be obtained from tall oil pitch or soap, by-products of the forestry practise as described in PCT/CA95/00555, incorporated herein by reference. The extraction and crystallization may be performed by other methods known to the person skilled in the art and described herein below.

To form a phytosterol ester in accordance with the U.S. Pat. No. 6,087,353, the selected phytosterol and aliphatic acid or its ester with volatile alcohol are mixed together under reaction conditions to permit condensation of the phytosterol with the aliphatic acid to produce an ester. A most preferred method of preparing these esters which is widely used in the edible fat and oil industry is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,502,045 (which is incorporated herein by reference). The stanol and/or sterol esters with the desired fatty acid composition can also be produced by direct, preferably catalytic esterification methods, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 5,892,068, between free fatty acids or fatty acid blends of the composition and the stanol and/or sterol. In addition, stanol and/or sterol esters can also be produced by enzymatic esterification e.g. as outlined in EP 195 311 (which are incorporated herein by reference).

Products of these different work-up procedures are phytosterols and/or esters and/or conjugates or compositions which still comprise fermentation broth, plant particles and cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably between below 50% by weight.

[0079.0.0.12] to [0084.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0079.0.0.12] to [0084.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0079.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0] above.

[0085.0.12.12] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7,     lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 or lines 118 to 124 or lines     486 to 491, resp. or a derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 or     lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. or a derivative thereof,     or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.12] and [0087.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0086.0.0.12] and [0087.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0086.0.0.0] and [0087.0.0.0] above.

[0088.0.12.12] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose phytosterol content is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for poultry is dependent on the abovementioned phytosterol and the general amount of phytosterol as source in feed and/or food. Further, this is also important since, for example a balanced content of different phytosterols induces stress resistance to plants. After the YER156C, YKR057W, YOR084W, b0019, b0421, b2699, b0050, b0161 and/or b4129 and/or YER156C, YER173W, YKR057W, YOR044W, YPR172W, b2699, b3256, b0161, b0464, b1896, b2341, b2478 and/or b2822 protein activity has been increased or generated, or after the expression of nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide according to the invention has been generated or increased, the transgenic plant generated thus is grown on or in a nutrient medium or else in the soil and subsequently harvested.

[0088.1.0.12], [0089.0.0.12] and [0090.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0088.1.0.12], [0089.0.0.12] and [0090.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0088.1.0.0],

[0089.0.0.0] and [0090.0.0.0] above.

[0091.0.12.12] Thus, the content of plant components and preferably also further impurities is as low as possible, and the abovementioned phytosterols are obtained in as pure form as possible. In these applications, the content of plant components advantageously amounts to less than 10%, preferably 1%, more preferably 0.1%, very especially preferably 0.01% or less.

[0092.0.0.12] to [0094.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0092.0.0.12] to [0094.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0092.0.0.0] to [0094.0.0.0] above.

[0095.0.12.12] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of said phytosterols in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the pure respective fine chemical.

[0096.0.12.12] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptid or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired fine chemical, for example beta-sitosterol or campesterol in the organism, is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0097.0.0.12] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0097.0.0.0] above.

[0098.0.12.12] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical (beta-sitosterol or campesterol) is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further phytosterols or conjugates or mixtures thereof or mixtures with other compounds by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.12.12] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned phytosterol (preferably beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol) accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, and spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the respective fine chemical or the phytosterol (preferably beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol) comprising compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.12.12] Transgenic plants which comprise the phytosterol (preferably beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol) synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the phytosterols (preferably beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol) (oils, lipids or fatty acids synthesized to be isolated). Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. However, the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, in the form of their oils, fats, lipids, esters and/or as extracts, e.g. ether, alcohol, or other organic solvents or water containing extract and/or free phytosterol(s). The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds. To increase the efficiency of extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material especially the seeds. In this context, the oils, fats, lipids, esters and/or free phytosterols can be obtained by what is known as cold beating or cold pressing without applying heat. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, specifically the seeds, they are previously comminuted, steamed or roasted. The seeds, which have been pretreated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents such as warm hexane. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. In this manner, more than 96% of the compounds produced in the process can be isolated. Thereafter, the resulting products are processed further, i.e. degummed and/or refined. In this process, substances such as the plant mucilages and suspended matter are first removed. What is known as desliming can be affected enzymatically or, for example, chemico-physically by addition of acid such as phosphoric acid.

Plant sterols (phytosterols) are by-products of traditional vegetable oil refining. The source may be commonly a blend of crude edible oils, consisting of soy bean oil or of other edible oils, e.g. corn, rapeseed, olive and palm oil in varying proportions. Hemp may also be a source of new oilseed, oil and food ingredients as well as Sea buckthorn (hippophae rhamnoides). The crude oil, which is obtained by pressing or solvent extraction, may undergoes a series of refining processes to remove solvents, lecithins, free fatty acids, color bodies, off-odors and off-flavors. In one of these steps, the oil may be subjected to steam distillation at reduced pressure (deodorisation) and the resulting distillate contains the phytosterol fraction. From this fraction, fatty acids, lecithins and other compounds are removed by fractional distillation, ethanolysis/transesterification, distillation and crystallisation from a heptane solution, and the phytosterols are further purified by recrystallisation using food grade materials and good manufacturing practices. The extraction and purification steps are standard methods and similar to the procedures used traditionally by the food industry for the production of plant sterols. Phytosterol esters may be produced from the sterols using food grade vegetable oil-derived fatty acids or triglycerides and applying standard methods for esterification or transesterification commonly used in the fats and oils industry.

Phytosterol in microorganisms may be localized intracellularly, therefor their recovery essentials comes down to the isolation of the biomass. Well-establisthed approaches for the harvesting of cells include filtration, centrifugation and coagulation/flocculation as described herein. Determination of tocopherols in cells has been described by Tan and Tsumura 1989, see also Biotechnology of Vitamins, Pigments and Growth Factors, Edited by Erik J. Vandamme, London, 1989, p. 96 to 103. Many further methods to determine the tocopherol content are known to the person skilled in the art.

[0101.0.12.12] The identity and purity of the compound(s) isolated can be determined by prior-art techniques. They encompass high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assays or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are compiled in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11 27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19:67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Bd. A27, VCH Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michel, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 17.

[0102.0.12.12] Phytosterols can for example be analyzed advantageously via HPLC or GC separation methods and detected by MS oder MSMS methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol containing products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: GC, GC-MS or TLC, as described on several occasions by Christie and the references therein (1997, in: Advances on Lipid Methodology, Fourth Edition: Christie, Oily Press, Dundee, 119-169; 1998, Gaschromatographie-Massenspektrometrie-Verfah ren [Gas chromatography/mass spectrometric methods], Lipide 33:343-353). The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding, cooking, or via other applicable methods; see also Biotechnology of Vitamins, Pigments and Growth Factors, Edited by Erik J. Vandamme, London, 1989, p. 96 to 103.

For the sterol isolation and analysis the German standard method F III (1) may be used. The method comprises: saponification of fat, isolation of unsaponifiable matter using an aliminium oxide column, separation of sterol fraction by preparative TLC and determination of the composition of sterols as trimetysilyl ethers by GLC.

[0103.0.12.12] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 or lines 118 to     124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. or a fragment thereof, which confers     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 or     lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to     485 or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table IV,     column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 or lines 118 to 124     or lines 486 to 491, resp., and conferring an increase in the amount     of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 or lines 118 to 124 or lines     486 to 491, resp. and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[00103.1.0.12.] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491: In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491.

[00103.2.0.12.] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491.

[0104.0.12.12] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp.

[0105.0.0.12] to [0107.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0105.0.0.12] to [0107.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0105.0.0.0] and [0107.0.0.0] above.

[0108.0.12.12] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., nucleic acid molecules which are derived from an amino acid sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 resp. or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., or conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, meaning phytosterol, in particular, beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.12] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0109.0.0.0] above.

[0110.0.12.12] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.12] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0111.0.0.0] above.

[0112.0.12.12] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 4914 resp., or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 and 7 lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 resp., and conferring an increase in the level of phytosterols, preferably beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol.

[0113.0.0.12] to [0120.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0113.0.0.12] to [0120.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0113.0.0.0] and [0120.0.0.0] above.

[0121.0.12.12] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring an increase in the level of beta-sitosterol after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 and/or lines 483 to 485, or conferring increase in the level of campesterol after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 118 to 124 and/or lines 486 to 491.

[0122.0.0.12] to [0127.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0122.0.0.12] to [0127.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0122.0.0.0] and [0127.0.0.0] above.

[0128.0.12.12] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. or the sequences derived from a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp.

[0129.0.12.12] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequences indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. are derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.12.12] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of phytosterol, preferably beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol resp after increasing the expression or activity of the protein comprising said fragment.

[0131.0.0.12] to [0138.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0131.0.0.12] to [0138.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0131.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0] above.

[0139.0.12.12] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to a sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the phytosterol, preferably beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.12] to [0146.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0140.0.0.12] to [0146.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0140.0.0.0] to [0146.0.0.0] above.

[0147.0.12.12] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 resp., is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences, thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.12.12] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 resp. or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular having a phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.12.12] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 resp. or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring increase of phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol resp., and optionally, the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491.

[00149.1.12.12] Optionally, in one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 resp., has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491.

[0150.0.12.12] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 resp. for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol resp., if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., or its gene product.

[0151.0.0.12] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0151.0.0.0] above.

[0152.0.12.12] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular an activity increasing the level of phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol, resp., as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.12.12] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 resp., such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., has for example an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp.

[0154.0.12.12] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.12] and [0156.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0155.0.0.12] and [0156.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0155.0.0.0] and [0156.0.0.0] above.

[0157.0.12.12] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptides encoded by the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., or the functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, an amino acid sequence of a consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., or the functional homologues. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. Preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I B, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491.

[0158.0.0.12] to [0160.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0158.0.0.12] to [0160.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0] above.

[0161.0.12.12] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.12] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0162.0.0.0] above.

[0163.0.12.12] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the respective fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.12] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0164.0.0.0] above.

[0165.0.12.12] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp.

[0166.0.0.12] and [0167.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0166.0.0.12] and [0167.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0166.0.0.0] and [0167.0.0.0] above.

[0168.0.12.12] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491. Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491.

[0169.0.0.12] to [0174.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0169.0.0.12] to [0174.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0169.0.0.0] to [0174.0.0.0] above.

[0175.0.12.12] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 12136 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 12136 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.12.12] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp.

[0177.0.12.12] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp.

[0178.0.0.12] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0178.0.0.0] above.

[0179.0.12.12] A nucleic acid molecule encoding an homologous to a protein sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences of a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.12] to [0183.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0180.0.0.12] to [0183.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0] above.

[0184.0.12.12] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.12.12] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp.

[0186.0.12.12] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp.

[0187.0.12.12] In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence of the amino sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp.

[0188.0.12.12] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential biological or enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., and is expressed under identical conditions. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention is a homolog consisting of or comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II B, columns 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491.

[0189.0.12.12] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.12] to [0203.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0190.0.0.12] to [0203.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0190.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0] above.

[0204.0.12.12] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or     lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 112 to     117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491,     resp.; or a fragment thereof conferring an increase in the amount of     the respective fine chemical, i.e. phytosterol, in particular, of     beta-sitosterol (lines 112 to 117 and/or lines 483 to 485) and/or     campesterol (lines 118 to 124 and/or lines 486 to 491) resp., in an     organism or a part thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5     or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124     or lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 112 to     117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491,     resp., or a fragment thereof conferring an increase in the amount of     the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines     112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486     to 491, resp., and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, i.e. phytosterol, in particular, of     beta-sitosterol (lines 112 to 117) and/or campesterol (lines 118     to 124) resp., in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 112 to     117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491,     resp., and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective     fine chemical, i.e. phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol     (lines 112 to 117 and/or lines 483 to 485) and/or campesterol (lines     118 to 124 and/or lines 486 to 491) resp., in an organism or a part     thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485     and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably of Table II     B, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118     to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical, i.e. phytosterol, in     particular, of beta-sitosterol (lines 112 to 117 and/or lines 483     to 485) and/or campesterol (lines 118 to 124 and/or lines 486     to 491) resp., in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines     483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, preferably     of Table I B, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or     lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., or a nucleic acid     molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature form of, a     polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to     117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491,     preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to     485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; or which encompasses a sequence     which is complementary thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IA,     columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines     118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., by one or more nucleotides.     In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention does     not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table IA, columns 5 or     7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or     lines 486 to 491, resp., In an other embodiment, the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention is at least 30% identical and less     than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence as     indicated in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483     to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. In a     further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a     polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table IIA, columns 5 or 7,     lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or     lines 486 to 491, resp. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic     acid molecule of the present invention encodes in one embodiment a     polypeptide which differs at least in one or more amino acids from a     polypeptide indicated in Table IIA, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117     or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491,     resp., does not encode a protein of a sequence as indicated in Table     IIA, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or     lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. Accordingly, in one     embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid     according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated     in Table IIA, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485     and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. In a further     embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at least 30%     identical to a protein sequence indicated in Table IIA, columns 5 or     7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or     lines 486 to 491, resp., and less than 100%, preferably less than     99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%,     96% or 95% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table IIA,     columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines     118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp.

[0205.0.0.12] and [0206.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0205.0.0.12] and [0206.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0205.0.0.0] and [0206.0.0.0] above.

[0207.0.12.12] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes, are genes of the sterol metabolism, the squalen metabolism, the amino acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acid metabolism or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.12] to [0226.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0208.0.0.12] to [0226.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0208.0.0.0] to [0226.0.0.0] above.

[0227.0.12.12] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 resp., or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the sterol biosynthetic pathway such as for a phytosterol precursor, for example squalene epoxide is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine one or more of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.12.12] In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore, organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of at least one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteins involved in the sterol/phytosterol metabolism, in particular in synthesis of of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol.

[0229.0.12.12] Further advantageous nucleic acid sequences which can be expressed in combination with the sequences used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes are the sequences encoding further genes of the phytosterol biosynthetic pathway, such as the enzymes catalyzing the production of acetyl CoA HMGCoA, mevalonate, mevalonate 5 phosphate, mevalonate 5-pyrophosphate, isopentyl diphosphate, 5-pyrophosphatemevalonate, isopentyl pyrophosphate (PIP), dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP), PIP+DMAPP, geranyl pyrophosphate+IPP, farnesyl pyrophosphate, 2 farnesyl pyrophosphate, squalene (squalene synthase) and squalene epoxide, or cycloartenol synthase controling the cyclization of squalene epoxide, S-adenosyl-L-methionine:sterol C-24 methyl transferase (EC 2.1.1.41) (SMT1) catalyzing the transfer of a methyl group from a cofactor, SMT2 catalyzing the second methyl transfer reaction, sterol C-14 demethylase catalyzing the demethylation at C-14, removing the methyl group and creating a double bond. These genes can lead to an increased synthesis of the essential phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol resp.

[0230.0.0.12] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0230.0.0.0] above.

[0231.0.12.12] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a protein degrading phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol, resp., is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.5] to [0276.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0232.0.0.5] to [0276.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0232.0.0.0] to [0276.0.0.0] above.

[0277.0.12.12] The respective fine chemical produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. For example, via extraction, salt precipitation, and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts.

[0278.0.0.12] to [0282.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0278.0.0.12] to [0282.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0278.0.0.0] to [0282.0.0.0] above.

[0283.0.12.12] Moreover, a native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, e.g. an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., or an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof, i.e., the polypeptide of this invention. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies.

[0284.0.0.12] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0284.0.0.0] above.

[0285.0.12.12] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., or as encoded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.12.12] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491.

[0287.0.0.12] to [0290.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0287.0.0.12] to [0290.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0287.0.0.0] to [0290.0.0.0] above.

[0291.0.12.12] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp.

[0292.0.0.12] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0292.0.0.0] above.

[0293.0.12.12] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof and being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, said polypeptide is having a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. In a further embodiment, the polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical.

[0294.0.12.12] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.12] to [0297.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0295.0.0.12] to [0297.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0295.0.0.0] to [0297.0.0.0] above.

[0297.1.12.12] Non polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 3, 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp.

[0298.0.12.12] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence, which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp.

[0299.0.12.12] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.12.12] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp.

[0301.0.0.12] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0301.0.0.0] above.

[0302.0.12.12] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., the amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.12] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0303.0.0.0] above.

[0304.0.12.12] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.12], [0306.0.0.12] and [0306.1.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0305.0.0.12], [0306.0.0.12] and [0306.1.0.12] see paragraphs [0305.0.0.0],

[0306.0.0.0] and [0306.1.0.0] above.

[0307.0.0.12] and [0308.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0307.0.0.12] and [0308.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0307.0.0.0 and [0308.0.0.0] above.

[0309.0.12.12] In one embodiment, a reference to a protein (=polypeptide) of the invention or as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part therof.

[0310.0.0.12] to [0334.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0310.0.0.12] to [0334.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0310.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0] above.

[0335.0.12.12] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.12] to [0342.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0336.0.0.12] to [0342.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0] above.

[0343.0.12.12] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.12] to [0361.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0344.0.0.12] to [0361.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0344.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0] above.

[0362.0.12.12] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. e.g. encoding a polypeptide having protein activity, as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. Due to the above mentioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp. e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention

[0363.0.0.12] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0363.0.0.0] above.

[0364.0.12.12] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of a promoter of a polypeptide of the invention as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., with the corresponding protein-encoding sequence as indicated in

Table I, column 3, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 4914, resp., —becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modified by non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example, mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

[0365.0.0.12] to [0373.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0365.0.0.12], to [0373.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0365.0.0.0] to [0373.0.0.0] above.

[0374.0.12.12] Transgenic plants comprising the respective fine chemical synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. Phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol resp., produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free form or bound in or to compounds or moieties. Phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol resp., produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography or other chromatographic methods of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.12] and [0376.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0375.0.0.12] and [0376.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0375.0.0.0] and [0376.0.0.0] above.

[0377.0.12.12] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process according to the present invention whereby the produced phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol comprising composition or the produced the respective fine chemical is isolated.

[0378.0.12.12] In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol, resp., produced in the process can be isolated. The resulting phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol resp., can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.12.12] In one embodiment, the phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol resp., is a mixture comprising of one or more the respective fine chemicals. In one embodiment, the respective fine chemical means here phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol. In one embodiment, phytosterol means here a mixture of the respective fine chemicals.

[0380.0.12.12] The phytosterol, in particular, the beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol resp., obtained in the process are suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates a method for the production of pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the phytosterol comprising composition produced or the respective fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the phytosterol resp., produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

[0381.0.0.12] and [0382.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0381.0.0.12] and [0382.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0381.0.0.0] and [0382.0.0.0] above.

[0383.0.12.12] For preparing sterol compound-containing fine chemicals, in particular the respective fine chemical of the invention, it is possible to use as source organic compounds such as, for example, acetyl CoA HMGCoA, mevalonate, mevalonate 5 phosphate, mevalonate 5-pyrophosphate, isopentyl diphosphate, 5-pyrophosphatemevalonate, isopentyl pyrophosphate (PIP), dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP), PIP+DMAPP, geranyl pyrophosphate+IPP, farnesyl pyrophosphate, 2 farnesyl pyrophosphate, squalene and squalene epoxide, cycloartenol and for preparing esters comprising the phytosterols of the invention oils, fats and/or lipids comprising fatty acids such as fatty acids having a carbon back bone between C₁₀- to C₁₆-carbon atoms and/or small organic acids such acetic acid, propionic acid or butanoic acid as precursor compounds.

[0384.0.0.12] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0384.0.0.0] above.

[0385.0.12.12] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol resp., in mixtures with other compounds, in particular with other sterols or vitamins, e.g. with carotenoids, e.g. with astaxanthin, or fatty acids or containing microorganisms or parts of microorganisms, like plastids, containing phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol resp., in mixtures with other compounds, e.g. with vitamins, normally have a dry matter content of from 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, e.g. at the end, for example over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 3 g/l during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed or isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it. The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

As phytosterol is often localized in membranes or plastids, in one embodiment it is advantageous to avoid a leaching of the cells when the biomass is isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth. The dry biomass can directly be added to animal feed; provided the vitamin E concentration is sufficiently high and no toxic compounds are present.

[0386.0.12.12] Accordingly, it is possible to further purify the produced phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol resp. For this purpose, the product-containing composition, e.g. a total or partial lipid extraction fraction using organic solvents, e.g. as described above, is subjected for example to a saponification to remove triglycerides, partition between e.g. hexane/methanol (separation of non-polar epiphase from more polar hypophasic derivates) and separation via e.g. an open column chromatography, preparative thin layer chromatography or HPLC in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin (see e.g. Kaluzny et al., J Lipid Res 1985; 26: 135-140). These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use.

[0387.0.0.12] to [0392.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0387.0.0.12] to [0392.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0387.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0] above.

[0393.0.12.12] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   (g) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   (h) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117     or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491,     preferably in Table I B, clumns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines     483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 resp., and,     optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete genomic     clone; -   (i) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the respective fine chemical; -   (j) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   (k) assaying the the respective fine chemical level in the host     cells; and -   (l) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the respective fine chemical level     in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.12] to [0399.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0394.0.0.12] to [0399.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0394.0.0.0] to [0399.0.0.0] above.

[0399.1.12.12] One can think to screen for increased production of the respective fine chemical by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the respective fine chemical and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotyp of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.12] to [0416.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0400.0.0.12] to [0416.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0400.0.0.0] to [0416.0.0.0] above.

[0417.0.12.12] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the phytosterol production biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect an organism such as a microorganism or a plant against inhibitors, which block the phytosterol, in particular the respective fine chemical, synthesis in said organism. Examples of inhibitors or herbicides blocking the phytosterol synthesis in organism such as microorganism or plants are for example compounds which inhibit the cytochrom P450 such as Tetcyclasis, triazoles like Paclobutrazol or Epoxiconazol, pyridines like Obtusifoliol, demethylases inhibitors, or compounds like Mevilonin, which inhibits the HMG-CoA reductase.

[0418.0.0.12] to [0423.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0418.0.0.12] to [0423.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0418.0.0.0] to [0423.0.0.0] above.

[0424.0.12.12] Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the respective fine chemical or of the respective fine chemical and one or more other sterols, phytosterols, carotenoids, vitamins or fatty acids. Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the respective fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0425.0.0.12] to [0430.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0425.0.0.12] to [0430.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0425.0.0.0] to [0430.0.0.0] above.

[0431.0.12.12] Example 1 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 12135 in Escherichia coli

[0432.0.12.12] SEQ ID NO: 12135 was cloned into the plasmids pBR322 (Sutcliffe, J. G. (1979) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, 75: 3737-3741); pACYC177 (Change & Cohen (1978) J. Bacteriol. 134: 1141-1156); plasmids of the pBS series (pBSSK+, pBSSK− and others; Stratagene, LaJolla, USA) or cosmids such as SuperCos1 (Stratagene, LaJolla, USA) or Lorist6 (Gibson, T. J. Rosenthal, A., and Waterson, R. H. (1987) Gene 53: 283-286) for expression in E. coli using known, well-established procedures (see, for example, Sambrook, J. et al. (1989) “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons).

[0433.0.0.12] and [0434.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0433.0.0.12] and [0434.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0433.0.0.0] and [0434.0.0.0] above.

[0435.0.12.12] Example 3 In-Vivo and In-Vitro Mutagenesis

[0436.0.12.12] An in vivo mutagenesis of organisms such as green algae (e.g. Spongiococcum sp, e.g. Spongiococcum exentricum, Chlorella sp., Haematococcus, Phaedactylum tricornatum, Volvox or Dunaliella), Synchocytic spec. PLL 6803, Physocmetrella patens, Saccharomyces, Mortierella, Escherichia and others mentioned above, which are beneficial for the production of phytosterol can be carried out by passing a plasmid DNA (or another vector DNA) containing the desired nucleic acid sequences, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the vector of the invention, or nucleic acid sequences through E. coli and other microorganisms (for example Bacillus spp. or yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which are not capable of maintaining the integrity of its genetic information. Usual mutator strains have mutations in the genes for the DNA repair system [for example mutHLS, mutD, mutT and the like; for comparison, see Rupp, W. D. (1996) DNA repair mechanisms in Escherichia coli and Salmonella, pp. 2277-2294, ASM: Washington]. The skilled worker knows these strains. The use of these strains is illustrated for example in Greener, A. and Callahan, M. (1994) Strategies 7; 32-34.

In-vitro mutation methods such as increasing the spontaneous mutation rates by chemical or physical treatment are well known to the skilled person. Mutagens like 5-bromo-uracil, N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (=NTG), ethyl methanesulfonate (=EMS), hydroxylamine and/or nitrous acid are widly used as chemical agents for random in-vitro mutagensis. The most common physical method for mutagensis is the treatment with UV irradiation. Another random mutagenesis technique is the error-prone PCR for introducing amino acid changes into proteins. Mutations are deliberately introduced during PCR through the use of error-prone DNA polymerases and special reaction conditions known to a person skilled in the art. For this method randomized DNA sequences are cloned into expression vectors and the resulting mutant libraries screened for altered or improved protein activity as described below.

Site-directed mutagensis method such as the introduction of desired mutations with an M13 or phagemid vector and short oligonucleotides primers is a well-known approach for site-directed mutagensis. The clou of this method involves cloning of the nucleic acid sequence of the invention into an M13 or phagemid vector, which permits recovery of single-stranded recombinant nucleic acid sequence. A mutagenic oligonucleotide primer is then designed whose sequence is perfectly complementary to nucleic acid sequence in the region to be mutated, but with a single difference: at the intended mutation site it bears a base that is complementary to the desired mutant nucleotide rather than the original. The mutagenic oligonucleotide is then allowed to prime new DNA synthesis to create a complementary full-length sequence containing the desired mutation. Another site-directed mutagensis method is the PCR mismatch primer mutagensis method also known to the skilled person. Dpnl site-directed mutagensis is a further known method as described for example in the Stratagene Quickchange™ site-directed mutagenesis kit protocol. A huge number of other methods are also known and used in common practice.

Positive mutation events can be selected by screening the organisms for the production of the desired respective fine chemical.

[0437.0.5.12] to [0440.0.5.12] and [0441.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0437.0.5.12] to [0440.0.5.12] and [0441.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0437.0.5.5] to [0444.0.5.5] and [0441.0.0.0] above.

[0442.0.5.12], [0443.0.0.12], [0444.0.5.12] and [0445.0.5.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0442.0.5.12], [0443.0.0.12], [0444.0.5.12] and [0445.0.5.12] see paragraphs [0442.0.5.5], [0443.0.0.0], [0444.0.5.5] and [0445.0.5.5] above.

[0446.0.0.12] to [0450.0.0.12] and [0451.0.5.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0446.0.0.12] to [0450.0.0.12] and [0451.0.5.12] see paragraphs [0446.0.0.0] to [0450.0.0.0] and [0451.0.5.5] above.

[0452.0.0.12] to [0454.0.0.12], [0455.0.5.12] and [0456.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0452.0.0.12] to [0454.0.0.12], [0455.0.5.12] and [0456.0.0.12] see

[0452.0.0.0] to [0454.0.0.0], [0455.0.5.5] and [0456.0.0.0] above.

[0457.0.12.12] Example 9 Purification of the Phytosterol

[0458.0.12.12] One example is the analysis of phytosterol: the content of the phytosterols of the invention can be determinated by gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection (GC-FID; column SAC-5, 30 m×0.25 mm, 0.25 μm, samples not silylated) using standards for these phytosterols. Another method is the detection by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using the same type of column as indicated above.

For the analysis of the concentrations of sterols by gas chromatography mass spectrometry a Hewlett-Packard (HP) 5890 gas chromatograph equipped with an NB-54 fused-silica capillary column (15 mx0.20 mm I.D.; Nordion, Helsinki, Finland) and interfaced with an HP 5970A mass spectrometry detector operating in electron impact mode (70 eV) can be used. The column oven is programmed from 230° C. to 285° C. at 10° C./min and injector and detector should be at 285° C. The lipids from the samples (200 μl) are extracted with chloroform/methanol (2:1) and transesterified with sodium methoxide. The released free sterols are trimethylsilylated as described previously (Gylling et al. J. Lipid Res 40: 593-600, 1999) and quantified by single ion monitoring technique using m/z 129 (cholesterol, campesterol and β-sitosterol), m/z 215 ([3-sitostanol), m/z 343 (desmosterol), m/z 255 (lathosterol) and m/z 217 (5-α-cholestane, internal standard) as selected ions (Vaskonen, Dissertation, Biomedicum Helsinki, Jun. 19, 2002).

[0459.0.12.12] If required and desired, further chromatography steps with a suitable resin may follow. Advantageously, the phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesteroll, can be further purified with a so-called RTHPLC. As eluent acetonitrile/water or chloroform/acetonitrile mixtures can be used. If necessary, these chromatography steps may be repeated, using identical or other chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the selection of suitable chromatography resin and the most effective use for a particular molecule to be purified.

[0460.0.0.12] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0460.0.0.0] above.

[0461.0.12.12] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 12135 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.12] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0462.0.0.0] above.

[0463.0.12.12] SEQ ID NO: 12135 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.12] to [0466.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0464.0.0.12] to [0466.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0464.0.0.0] to [0466.0.0.0] above.

[0467.0.12.12] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO:

12135:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 12137) ATGGAACAGAACAGGTTCAAGAAAG ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 12138) TTACAGTTTTTGTTTAGTCGTTTTAAC

[0468.0.0.12] to [0479.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0468.0.0.12] to [0479.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0468.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0] above.

[0480.0.12.12] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 12135

[0481.0.0.12] to [0513.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0481.0.0.12] to [0513.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0482.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0] above.

[0514.0.12.12] As an alternative, phytosterols can be detected via HPLC, e.g. reversed-phase HPLC, as described by Heftmann, E. and Hunter, I. R. (J Chromatogr 1979; 165: 283-299). As separating principles of HPLC and GC are complementary, preparative reversed-phase HPLC followed by GC-MS analysis of the obtained sterol fractions is a preferred method to analyze sterols from natural products (Bianchini, J.-P. et al.; J Chromatogr 1985; 329: 231-246).

The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the table, which follows:

TABLE 1 ORF Metabolite Method Min Max YER156C beta-Sitosterol GC 1.18 1.39 YER156C Campesterol GC 1.17 1.95 YER173W Campesterol GC 1.23 1.51 YKR057W beta-Sitosterol GC 1.14 1.32 YKR057W Campesterol GC 1.20 1.39 YOR044W Campesterol GC 1.28 1.57 YOR084W beta-Sitosterol GC 3.59 3.59 YPR172W Campesterol GC 1.17 1.62 b0019 beta-Sitosterol GC 1.20 1.47 b0421 beta-Sitosterol GC 1.13 1.52 b2699 beta-Sitosterol GC 1.14 1.35 b2699 Campesterol GC 1.17 1.62 b3256 Campesterol GC 1.20 1.22 b0050 beta-Sitosterol GC 1,15 1,24 b0161 beta-Sitosterol GC 1,12 1,26 b0161 Campesterol GC 1,17 1,42 b0464 Campesterol GC 1,16 1,32 b1896 Campesterol GC 1,18 1,59 b2341 Campesterol GC 1,18 1,48 b2478 Campesterol GC 1,17 1,37 b2822 Campesterol GC 1,21 1,32 b4129 beta-Sitosterol GC 1,21 1,23

[0515.0.12.12] Column 2 shows the phytosterol analyzed. Columns 4 and 5 shows the ratio of the analyzed phytosterol between the transgenic plants and the wild type; Increase of the metabolites: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type)-Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type). Decrease of the metabolites: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (minimal decrease), Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (maximal decrease). Column 3 indicates the analytical method.

[0516.0.0.12] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0516.0.0.0] above.

[0517.0.12.12] Example 14a Engineering Ryegrass Plants by Over-Expressing YOR084W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Other Nucleic Acids of the Present Invention

[0518.0.0.12] to [0524.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0518.0.0.12] to [0524.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0518.0.0.0] to [0524.0.0.0] above.

[0525.0.12.12] Example 14b Engineering Soybean Plants by Over-Expressing YOR084W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Other Nucleic Acids of the Present Invention

[0526.0.0.12] to [0529.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0526.0.0.12] to [0529.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0526.0.0.0] to [0529.0.0.0] above.

[0530.0.12.12] Example 14c Engineering Corn Plants by Over-Expressing YOR084W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Other Nucleic Acids of the Present Invention

[0530.1.0.12] to [0530.6.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0530.1.0.12] to [0530.6.0.12] see paragraphs [0530.1.0.0] to [0530.6.0.0] above.

[0531.0.0.12] to [0533.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0531.0.0.12] to [0533.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0531.0.0.0] to [0533.0.0.0] above.

[0534.0.12.12] Example 14d Engineering Wheat Plants by Over-Expressing YOR084W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Other Nucleic Acids of the Present Invention

[0535.0.0.12] to [0537.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0535.0.0.12] to [0537.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0535.0.0.0] to [0537.0.0.0] above.

[0538.0.12.12] Example 14e Engineering Rapeseed/Canola Plants by Over-Expressing YOR084W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Other Nucleic Acids of the Present Invention

[0539.0.0.12] to [0542.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0539.0.0.12] to [0542.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0539.0.0.0] to [0542.0.0.0] above.

[0543.0.12.12] Example 14f Engineering Alfalfa Plants by Over-Expressing YOR084W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Other Nucleic Acids of the Present Invention.

[0544.0.0.12] to [0547.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0544.0.0.12] to [0547.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0544.0.0.0] to [0547.0.0.0] above.

[0548.0.12.12] Example 14 g Engineering Alfalfa Plants by Over-Expressing YOR084W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Other Nucleic Acids of the Present Invention

[0549.0.0.12] to [0552.0.0.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0549.0.0.12] to [0552.0.0.12] see paragraphs [0549.0.0.0] to [0552.0.0.0] above.

[0552.1.12.12] Example 15 Metabolite Profiling Info from Zea mays

Zea mays plants were engineered, grown and analyzed as described in Example 14c.

The results of the different Zea mays plants analysed can be seen from Table 2 which follows:

TABLE 2 ORF_NAME Metabolite Min Max YKR057W Campesterol 1.29 1.47 YPR172W Campesterol 1.23 1.30

Table 2 exhibits the metabolic data from maize, shown in either TO or T1, describing the increase in Campesterol in genetically modified corn plants expressing the Saccharomyces cerevisiae nucleic acid sequence YKR057W or YPR172W resp.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YKR057W or its homologs, e.g. “an activity of ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical Campesterol between 29% and 47% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YPR172W or its homologs, its activity has not been characterized yet, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical Campesterol between 23% and 30% is conferred.

[0552.2.0.12] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0552.2.0.0] above.

[0553.0.12.12]

-   1. A process for the production of phytosterol, in particular, of     beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol, which comprises     -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a YER156C, YKR057W,         YOR084W, b0019, b0421, b2699, b0050, b0161 and/or b4129 protein         and/or YER156C, YER173W, YKR057W, YOR044W, YPR172W, b2699,         b3256, b0161, b0464, b1896, b2341, b2478 and/or b2822 protein in         a non-human organism, or in one or more parts thereof; and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol         and/or campesterol in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of phytosterol, in particular, of     beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol comprising the increasing or     generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at     least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule     selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of the polypeptide as         indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines         483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 resp., or         a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or         campesterol in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of the nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or         lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491,         resp;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of phytosterol, in         particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of phytosterol, in         particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to     -   (c) under under stringent hybridisation conditions and         conferring an increase in the amount of phytosterol, in         particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers as         shown in table III, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to         485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 resp., and         conferring an increase in the amount of phytosterol, in         particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of phytosterol,         in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising the         consensus sequence shown in table IV, column 7, lines 112 to 117         or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491         resp., and conferring an increase in the amount of phytosterol,         in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol in an         organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or         campesterol in an organism or a part thereof.         or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or     campesterol. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or         campesterol produced by the selected mutated organisms or parts         thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of the polypeptide as         indicated in Table II, column 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines         483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 resp. or         a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or         campesterol in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of the nucleic acid molecule         shown in

Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp.;

-   -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of phytosterol, in         particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of phytosterol, in         particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to     -   (c) under under stringent hybridisation conditions and         conferring an increase in the amount of phytosterol, in         particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers as         shown in table III, column 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to         485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491 resp., and         conferring an increase in the amount of phytosterol, in         particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of phytosterol,         in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising the         consensus sequence shown in table IV, column 7, lines 112 to 117         or lines 483 to 485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491         resp., and conferring an increase in the amount of phytosterol,         in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol in an         organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or         campesterol in an organism or a part thereof, whereby the         nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the sequence as shown         in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 112 to 117 or lines 483 to         485 and/or lines 118 to 124 or lines 486 to 491, resp., by one         or more nucleotides.

-   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements.

-   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7.

-   9. he vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host.

-   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5.

-   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell.

-   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium.

-   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12.

-   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over the sequence as indicated in     Table IIA, columns 5 or 7, I A by one or more amino acids

-   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14.

-   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium.

-   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of phytosterol, in     particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol in an organism or     a part thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of phytosterol,         in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol in an         organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a sample         comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions which         permit the expression the polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol         and/or campesterol level or the polypeptide expression level in         the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or the media the cell,         tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured or maintained in;         and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or         campesterol level or polypeptide expression level with a         standard phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or         campesterol or polypeptide expression level measured in the         absence of said candidate compound or a sample comprising said         plurality of compounds, whereby an increased level over the         standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising         said plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased level         over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample         comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist.

-   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or     campesterol production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the     steps:     -   (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or         campesterol in an organism or a part thereof and a readout         system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under         suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the         polypeptide with dais readout system in the presence of a         compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and         capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the         binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which         permit the expression of said readout system and of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6         conferring an increase in the amount of phytosterol, in         particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system.

-   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or     campesterol production in a cell, comprising the following steps:     -   (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol         and/or campesterol after expression with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing phytosterol, in particular, of         beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol         and/or campesterol level in the host cells; and     -   (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the phytosterol, in         particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol level in the         host cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild         type.

-   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or     campesterol production in a cell, comprising the following steps:     -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the phytosterol, in         particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol amount or         level in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and         which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing phytosterol, in particular, of         beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol         and/or campesterol level in the host cells; and     -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the phytosterol, in         particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol level in the         host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

-   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture.

-   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier.

-   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol     after expression.

-   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or     campesterol levels in an organism.

-   25. Food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the     plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim     16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified     according to the method of claim 19 or 20.

-   26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according     to the method of claim 19 or 20 for the protection of a plant     against a beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol synthesis inhibiting     herbicide.

[0554.0.0.12] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.0]:

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS Description

[0000.0.0.13] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.13]: see [0001.0.0.0]

[0002.0.13.13] Fatty acids and triglycerides have numerous applications in the food and feed industry, in cosmetics and in the drug sector. Depending on whether they are free saturated or unsaturated fatty acids or triglycerides with an increased content of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, they are suitable for the most varied applications; thus, for example, polyunsaturated fatty acids (=PUFAs) are added to infant formula to increase its nutritional value. The various fatty acids and triglycerides are mainly obtained from microorganisms such as fungi or from oil-producing plants including phytoplankton and algae, such as soybean, oilseed rape, sunflower and others, where they are usually obtained in the form of their triacylglycerides.

[0003.0.13.13] Straight- or normal-chain (even-numbered), monoenoic components, i.e. with one double bond, make up a high proportion of the total fatty acids in most natural lipids. Normally the double bond is of the cis- or Z-configuration, although some fatty acids with trans- or E-double bonds are known. The most abundant monoenoic fatty acids in animal and plant tissues are straight-chain compounds with 16 or 18 carbon atoms, but analogous fatty acids with 10 to 36 carbon atoms have been found in nature in esterified form. Very long-chain (20:1 upwards) cis-monoenoic fatty acids have relatively high melting points, but the more common C₁₈ monoenes tend to be liquid at room temperature. Triacylglycerols (or oils and fats) containing high proportions of monoenoic fatty acids are usually liquid at ambient temperature. Analogous fatty acids with trans double bonds are normally higher melting. Very-long-chain monoenoic fatty acids of the (n-9) family occur in a variety of natural sources, often accompanied by analogous fatty acids of the (n-7) family), especially in animal tissues. For example, monoenes from 20:1 to 26:1 are normal constituents of animal sphingolipids. Odd-numbered very-long chain monoenes (23:1 upwards) from brain belong to (n-8) and (n-10) families, presumably because they are formed by chain-elongation of 9-17:1 (17:1(n-8)) and 9-19:1 (19:1(n-10)), respectively (see below). An even wider range of chain-lengths is found in monoenes from plant waxes and sponge lipids.

In animals and yeasts, stearoyl-CoA is converted directly to oleoyl-CoA by a concerted removal of hydrogen atoms from carbons 9 and 10 (D-stereochemistry in each instance). Subsequently, oleate can be chain elongated by two carbon atoms to give longer-chain fatty acids of the (n-9) family, while palmitoleate is the precursor of the (n-7) family of fatty acids. Certain bacteria produce mono-unsaturated fatty acids by an anaerobic mechanism that involves the fatty acid synthetase. During the fourth cycle of chain elongation, a branch point occurs in fatty acid synthesis following the dehydrase step. Chain elongation can proceed as normal, or an isomerase can convert the trans-2-decanoyl-ACP too cis-3-decanoyl-ACP. The latter is not a substrate for the enoyl-ACP reductase, but it can be further elongated with eventual formation of a cis-11-18:1 fatty acid. For many years, this was thought to be the major pathway for biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids in bacteria, but it is now recognised that it is restricted to a few proteobacteria, such as E. coli. Aerobic mechanisms certainly exist, but other mechanisms and enzymes have yet to be adequately characterized for most bacterial species.

[0004.0.13.13] Principally microorganisms such as Mortierella or oil producing plants such as soybean, rapeseed or sunflower or algae such as Crytocodinium or Phaeodactylum are a common source for oils containing fatty acids, where they are usually obtained in the form of their triacyl glycerides. Alternatively, they are obtained advantageously from animals, such as fish. The free fatty acids are prepared advantageously by hydrolysis with a strong base such as potassium or sodium hydroxide.

[0005.0.13.13] Erucic acid is found in high amounts in seed oils of the Cruciferae such as Naturtium, rape, mustard, Lunaria, and of Tropaeolaceae. Other species haven porposed as source of erucic acid as Crambe (Crambe abyssinica) and meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba).

[0006.0.13.13] 11-cis-Eicosenoic acid (gadoleic acid) is a common if minor constituent of animal tissues and fish oils, often accompanied by the 13-isomer. It is also found in rapeseed oil and seed oils of related species. cis-5-20:1 can amount to 67% of the total fatty acids in meadowfoam oil.

Similarly, erucic acid (13-22:1) occurs naturally in fish oils and in small amounts in the phospholipids of animal tissues (often with some 15-22:1), but it is probably best known as the major component (up to 66%) of the total fatty acids in rapeseed oil. 5-22:1 is present in meadowfoam oil.

[0007.0.13.13] cis-Monoenoic acids obviously have desirable physical properties for membranes lipids, and they are now recognised by nutritionists as being beneficial in the human diet.

[0008.0.13.13] The exception is erucic acid as there is evidence from studies with laboratory rats that it may adversely affect the metabolism of the heart. Erucic acid is used in the manufacture of industrial oils, e.g. for production of polyethylene film.

[0009.0.13.13] As described above, cis-Monoenoic acids are used in a lot of different applications, for example in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and in feed and food.

[0010.0.13.13] Therefore improving the productivity of such cis-Monoenoic acids and improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the different industries.

[0011.0.13.13] To ensure a high productivity of certain cis-Monoenoic acids in plants or microorganism, it is necessary to manipulate the natural biosynthesis of fatty acids in said organism.

[0012.0.13.13] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes or other regulators which participate in the biosynthesis of cis-Monoenoic acids and make it possible to produce certain cis-Monoenoic acids specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of cis-Monoenoic acids on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.13] see [0013.0.0.0]

[0014.0.13.13] It was found that the overexpression of the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein confers an increase in the content of Eicosenic acid (20:1) in plants. Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of Eicosenic acid. In Arabidopsis thaliana, Eicosenic acid is predominately found in the stereoisomeric form 20:1 delta 9c (gadoleic acid). Accordingly, in a further embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is gadoleic acid or tryglycerides, lipids, oils or fats containing gadoleic acid. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “gadoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing gadoleic acid”. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising gadoleic acid and/or triglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing gadoleic acid.

Advantageously, the increase of the Eicosenic acid (20:1 fatty acid) content, e.g. the gadoleic acid content, in a composition produced according to the process of the invention results in an incrase in the melting point of the composition, in particular if the composition is a fatty composition as a oil or a wax. As other monoenoic fatty acids, eicosenic acid, in particular gadoleic acid, may be used as anti-foaming agent in detergents or as an anti-blocking agent in the production of platics or used preservation agent, flouering agent, plastic softener, formulation agent, flotation agent, wetting agent emulsifer agend and/or lubricating agents, as e.g. erucic acid, arachinic acid, pelagonic acid, brassylic acid or erucic acid amidses. Furthermore, monounsaturated fatty acids as eicosenic acid, in particular gadolenic acid, are cholesterol lowering when they replace significant levels of saturated fatty acids in the diet. Some studies have found that diets high in monounsaturated fatty acids compared with polyunsaturated fatty acids decrease LDL cholsterol while maintaining HDL cholesterol levels. However, other studies suggested that the effect of consuming polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat is similar and results in a decrease in both LDL and HDL cholesterol (see e.g. homepage of the Instiute of Shorting and Edible Oils for references).

[0015.0.13.13] In one embodiment, the term “the respective fine chemical” means gadoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing gadoleic acid. Throughout the specification the term “the respective fine chemical” means gadoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing gadoleic acid, gadoleic acid and its salts, ester, thioester or gadoleic acid in free form or bound to other compounds such as triglycerides, glycolipids, phospholipids etc. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the respective fine chemical” means gadoleic acid, in free form or its salts or bound to triglycerides. Triglycerides, lipids, oils, fats or lipid mixture thereof shall mean any triglyceride, lipid, oil and/or fat containing any bound or free gadoleic acid for example sphingolipids, phosphoglycerides, lipids, glycolipids such as glycosphingolipids, phospholipids such as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol or diphosphatidylglycerol, or as monoacylglyceride, diacylglyceride or triacylglyceride or other fatty acid esters such as acetyl-Coenzym A thioester, which contain further saturated or unsaturated fatty acids in the fatty acid molecule.

[0016.0.13.13] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more of YDR513W     proteins in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the respective fine chemical, thus, gadoleic acid or     the respective fine chemical comprising gadoleic acid, in said     organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3,     line 125 or having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a     nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5 or 7, lines     125, in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof; and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the respective fine chemical, thus, gadoleic acid in     said organism.

[0017.0.0.13] to [0018.0.0.13]: see [0017.0.0.0] to [0018.0.0.0]

[0019.0.13.13] Advantageously the process for the production of the respective fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the respective fine chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the respective fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of an YDR513W protein.

[0020.0.13.13] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YDR513W in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the gadoleic acid content of the transformed plants.

[0021.0.0.13] see [0021.0.0.0]

[0022.0.13.13] The sequence of YDR513W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78 (1997) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity has characterized as glutathione reductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of glutathione reductase or a protein of the glutaredoxin superfamily for the production of gadoleic acid. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of YDR513W, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, e.g. as indicated herein in Table II, line 125, columns 3 or 5, or its homologue, e.g. as shown herein in Table II, line 125, column 7, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of gadoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing gadoleic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of gadoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing gadoleic acid, preferably gadoleic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a glutathione reductase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

[0023.0.13.13] In one embodiment, the homolog of the YDR513W is a homolog having said activity and being derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog of the YDR513W is a homolog having said activity and being derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of the YDR513W is a homolog having said activity and being derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homolog of the YDR513W is a homolog having said activity and being derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of the YDR513W is a homolog having said activity and being derived from Saccharomycetes. Iln one embodiment, the homolog of the YDR513W is a homolog having said activity and being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of the YDR513W is a homolog having said activity and being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of the YDR513W is a homolog having said activity and being derived from Saccharomycetes.

[0023.1.13.13] Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 125 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 125, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, line 125 having a gadoleic acid content and/or amount increasing activity.

[0024.0.0.13] see [0024.0.0.0]

[0025.0.13.13] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an YDR513W protein” if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased level of the respective fine chemical, in particular gadoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing gadoleic acid in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism. In one embodiment, the protein has the above mentioned activities of a protein as indicated in Table II, line 125, columns 3 or 5. Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity protein as indicated in Table II, line 125, columns 3 or 5, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to an, YDR513W protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary close to the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 and is expressed in an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the origin organism. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums whereas origin and the organsim indicated in Table I, column 4 are derived from the same families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0025.1.0.13] see [0025.1.0.0]

[0026.0.0.13] to [0033.0.0.13]: see [0026.0.0.0] to [0033.0.0.0]

[0034.0.13.13] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, line 125 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, line 125 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, column 7, line 125 its biochemical or genetical causes and the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.13] to [0044.0.0.13]: see [0035.0.0.0] to [0044.0.0.0]

[0045.0.13.13] In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR513W or its homologs, e.g. a “glutaredoxin (thioltransferase, glutathione reductase)” is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of gadoleic acid between 46% and 53% or more is conferred.

[0046.0.13.13] In one embodiment the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR513W or its homologs, e.g. a “glutaredoxin (thioltransferase, glutathione reductase)”, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7. resp., line 125 is increased, preferably, is increased of the respective fine chemical; preferably an increase of the respective fine chemical and of tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing gadoleic acid is conferred.

[0047.0.0.13] to [0048.0.0.13]: see [0047.0.0.0] to [0048.0.0.0]

[0049.0.13.13] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, line 125, respectively, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5, line 125, or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, e.g as indicated in Table II, columns 7, line 125, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 125, or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the gadoleic acid level.

[0050.0.13.13] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “gadoleic acid” also encompasses the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of gadoleic acid or the salts of gadoleic acid with amines such as diethylamine.

[0051.0.13.13] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the respective fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free chemical free or bound, e.g monoenoic fatty acid compositions. Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of various monoenoic fatty acid can be produced.

[0052.0.0.13]: see [0052.0.0.0]

[0053.0.13.13] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     YDR513W protein activity e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II,     column 5, line 125 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule     indicated in Table II, column 5, line 125 or its homologs activity     having herein-mentioned gadoleic acid increasing activity, e.g. as     indicated in Table II, column 7, line 125; -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, e.g.     of a polypeptide having a YDR513W protein a protein as indicated in     Table II, column 5, line 125 or being encoded by a nucleic acid     molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, line 125 or its homologs     activity or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned gadoleic acid increasing activity,     e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, line 125; -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned gadoleic acid increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having a YDR513W protein activity, e.g of a     protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, line 125 or being     encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5,     line 125 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II,     column 7, line 125, or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation of the     polypeptide of the invention; -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned gadoleic acid increasing     activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the YDR513W protein activity,     e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, line 125 or     being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I,     column 5, line 125, or of their homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table     I or II, column 7, line 125; -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned gadoleic acid increasing activity, e.g. of a     polypeptide having the YDR513W protein activity, e.g. of a protein     as indicated in Table II, column 5, line 125 or being encoded by a     nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, line 125, or     of their homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I or II, column 7,     line 125, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors to the     organisms or parts thereof; -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned gadoleic acid increasing     activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the YDR513W protein acitiviy,     e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, line 125 or     being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I,     column 5, line 125, or of their homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table     I or II, column 7, line 125, -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned gadoleic acid increasing     activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the YDR513W protein activity,     e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, line 125 or     being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I,     column 5, line 125, or of their homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table     I or II, column 7, line 125; -   h) Increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having the YDR513W     protein activity, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column     5, line 125 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in     Table I, column 5, line 125, or of their homologs, e.g. as indicated     in Table I or II, column 7, line 125, by adding positive expression     or removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous     recombination can be used to either introduce positive regulatory     elements like for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to     remove repressor elements form regulatory regions. Further gene     conversion methods can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to     enhance to activity of positive elements. Positive elements can be     randomly introduced in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and     lines can be identified in which the positive elements have be     integrated near to a gene of the invention, the expression of which     is thereby enhanced; -   and/or -   i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical production. -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.13.13] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of gadoleic acid after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an YDR513W protein, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, line 125 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, line 125, or of their homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 125.

[0055.0.0.13] to [0067.0.0.13]: see [0055.0.0.0] to [0067.0.0.0]

[0068.0.13.13] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of the fatty acids is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.13]: see [0069.0.0.0]

[0070.0.13.13] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding the YDR513W protein, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, line 125 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, line 125 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, line 125, into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolites composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous fatty acid composition comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) fatty acids, like palmitate, palmitoleate, oleate and/or linoleate. In one embodiment, the expression of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, line 125 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, line 125 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, line 125 conferring an increase of the eicosenic acid, in particular of gadoleic acid, is combined with a low level of or an decrease of the production of erucic acid. In one embodiment, the expression of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, line 125 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, line 125 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, line 125 conferring an increase of eicosenic acid, in particular of gadoleic acid, is combined with a low level of or a decrease of the production of glucosinolate, preferably in the oil extraction press cake. However, erucic acid can be biosynthesised from gadoleic acid and a high level of erucic acid is advantageous in specific embodiments, e.g. as described above, e.g. for the production of fats and oils for industrial uses, e.g. for detergents and cleaning agents through cosmetics to dye additives, lubricating agents and hydraulic oils. In particular, a high content of erucic acid is regarded a breeding goal in classic as well as in modern plant breeding, since it is used as an anti-foaming agent, an anti blocking agent, a preservation agent, flavouring agent, platic softener, formulation agent, flotation agent, wetting agent, emulsifier, or lubricating agent, e.g. as or together with its derivatives arachinic acid, pelagonic acid, brassylic acid and/or erucic acid amides. Thus, in an advantageous embodiment, the gadoleic acid content is increased according to the process of the present invention in an organism with a high erucic acid content or together with enzymes or regulators conferring an erucic acid increase, in particular with enzymes or regulators conferring the formation or elongation of erucic acid from gadoleic acid.

[0071.0.0.13]: see [0071.0.0.0]

[0072.0.13.13] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to gadoleic acid, triglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing gadoleic acid compounds such as palmitate, palmitoleate, oleate and/or linoleic acid.

[0073.0.13.13] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

-   m) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a     non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue     or a plant; -   n) increasing the YDR513W protein activity or of a polypeptide being     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and     described below, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column     5, line 125 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in     Table I, column 5, line 125 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in     Table II, column 7, line 125, and conferring an increase of the     respective fine chemical in the organism, preferably in a     microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant     or animal tissue or a plant, -   o) growing a organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human     animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant     under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine     chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant     cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and -   p) if desired, revovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or     bound the respective fine chemical and, optionally further free     and/or bound fatty acids synthetized by the organism, the     microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the     plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.13.13] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound the respective fine chemical or the free and bound the respective fine chemical but as option it is also possible to produce, recover and, if desired isolate, other free or/and bound fatty acids, in particular gadoleic acid.

[0075.0.0.13] to [0077.0.0.13]: see [0075.0.0.0] to [0077.0.0.0]

[0078.0.13.13] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications, for example according to the disclosures made in EP-A-0 568 608, EP-A-568 606, WO 2004/007732, WO 02/057465, WO 01/02591, WO 2004/071467 or US 20020156254, which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. The fermentation broth, fermentation products, plants or plant products can be purified in the customary manner by hydrolysis with strong bases, extraction and crystallization or via thin layer chromatography and other methods known to the person skilled in the art and described herein below. Products of these different work-up procedures are fatty acids or fatty acid compositions which still comprise fermentation broth, plant particles and cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably between below 50% by weight.

[0079.0.0.13] to [0084.0.0.13]: see [0079.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0]

[0084.1.13.13] It was found that the level of eicosenic acid is high in the following plants seeds with decreasing level: Selenia grandis, Teesdalia nudicaulis (L.) R. Br., Teesdalia nudicaulis (L.) R. Br., Cardiospermum canescens, Lesouerella fendleri, Leavenworthia torulosa, Leavenworthia torulosa, Cardiospermum grandiflorum, Cardiospermum halicacabum, Paullinia elegans, Cupania anacardioides, Koelreuteria elegans, Koelreuteria apiculata, Lobularia maritima, Iberis odorata, Alyssum maritimum, Cardiospermum corindum, Biscutella laevigata, Biscutella auriculata, Lobularia maritima, Dithyrea californica, Dithyrea wislizenii, Thysanocarpus radians, Cheirantus maritimus, Cordia verbenacea DC. , Conringia orientalis (L.) Dumort. , Tropaeolum majus, Conringia orientalis (L.) Dumort. , Tropaeolum maius, Arachis hypogaea, Neslia paniculata, Malcolmia maritima, Malcolmia flexuosa, Arachis peruviana, Sapindus mukorossi, Conringia orientalis, Arachis fastigiata, Arabidopsis thaliana, Arabidopsis thaliana Schur, Sapindus mukorossi, Azima tetracantha, Tropaeolum majus, Tropaeolum majus, Brassica repanda (WilId.) DC. , Calepina irregularis, Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Hevnh. Columbia, Crambe orientalis, Nerisvrenia camporum, Crambe maritima L., Delphinium ajacis, Tropaeolum minus L., Cardamine impatiens, Brassica oleracea L. ssp. robertiana (Gay) Rouy et Foug., Delphinium spp., Camelina rumelica, Juniperus chinensis, Capsella rubella, Capsella rubella, Cordia moxa, Sapindus emardnatus, Lepidium cuneiforme, Caulanthus inflatus, Malcolmia chia, Camelina sativa, Cardamine bellidifolia L., Atalaya hemiglauca, Aesculus assamica, Leonurus sibiricus, Capsella grandiflora, Capsella grandiflora, Sinapis arvensis L., Erysimum perovskianum, Camelina microcarpa, Schleichera trijuga, Schleichera trijuga, Brassica iuncea, Tropaeolum maius, Schleichera trijuga, Cardamine hirsuta, Cardamine amare, Lepidium lasiocarpum, Stanleyella texana, Sapindus mukorossi, Goldbachia laevigata D. C., Descurainia bourgaeana Webb., Crambe maritima, Consolida orientalis, Tropaeolum maius, Tropaeolum maius, Lunaria rediviva, Tristellateia australasica, Lepidium perfoliatum, Camelina sativa, Camelina sativa, Lepidium apetalum, Sapindus saponaria, Neslia paniculata, Sapindus saponaria, Brassica sp., Brassica juncea, Coronopus didymus, Fezia pterocarpa pitard, Arabis Qlabra, Eruca sativa, Descurainia pinnata var. pinnata, Hornunda petraea, Descurainia sophia, Phoenix dactvlifera L., Descurainia sophia, Thlaspi alpinum, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Capsella spp., Capsella spp., Descurainia sophia, Capsella spp., Capsella spp., Tropaeolum minus L., Capsella bursa-pastoris, Brassica campestris, Lunaria rediviva, Capsella spp., Descurainia sophia, Capsella spp., Capsella bursa-pastoris, Clitoria rubiginosa, Arabis laevigata, Thlaspi alpestre L., Camelina sativa, Crambe cordifolia, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Savignya parviflora, Brassica campestris, Lepidium sativum, Arabis virginica, Sophia ochroleuca, Sapindus emardnatus, Brassica cossoneana (Boiss. et Reuter) Maire, Parrya menziesii, Diplotaxis tenuifolia. For example, it was found that the following content of eicosenic acid is comprised in the oil of seeds: 58.50, GLC-Area-% , Selenia grandis, 56.10, GLC-Area-%, Teesdalia nudicaulis (L.) R. Br. , 56.00, GLC-Area-% , Teesdalia nudicaulis (L.) R. Br. , 55.70, GLC area % , Cardiospermum canescens, 54.50, GLC-Area-%, Lespuerella fendleri, 53.00, GLC-Area-% , Leavenworthia torulosa, 53.00, GLC-Area-%, Leavenworthia torulosa, 52.60, GLC-Area-% , Cardiospermum grandiflorum, 49.10, GLC-Area-% , Cardiospermum halicacabum, 48.70, GLC-Area-% , Paullinia elegans, 46.00, GLC-Area-% , Cupania anacardioides, 45.30, GLC-Area-%, Koelreuteria elegans, 44.60, GLC area % , Koelreuteria apiculata, 42.00, GLC-Area-%, Lobularia maritima, 41.90, GLC-Area-% , Iberis odorata, 41.80, GLC-Area-%, Alyssum maritimum, 41.60, GLC-Area-% , Cardiospermum corindum, 40.00, GLC-Area-% , Biscutella laevigata, 36.10, GLC-area-% , Biscutella auriculata, 35.60, GLC-area-% , Lobularia maritima. A further list of plants with high gadoleic acid can be found on webpage of the Agricultural Research service (www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/duke/chemical.pl?gadoleicacid) showing plant species with the highest amount of gadoleic acid. The content of fatty acids in the oil of plants and plants which have a high level of distinct fatty acids can also be identified on the webpage of the Institute of Chemistry and Physics of Lipids, http://www.bagkf.de/sofa/.

Thus, in on embodiment, the process of the present invention is performed in a plant of the above lists of identified in above webpages, preferably in a plant with a high amount of eicosenic acid, in particular with high gadoleic level and/or together with further genes isolated from a plant with a high eicosenic acid level, in particular a high gadoleic level. In a preferred embodiment, the process of the present invention is performed in a plant identified in above webpages with a low amount of erucic acid, in particular with high gadoleic level and/or together with further genes isolated from a plant with a high eicosenic acid level, in particular a high gadoleic level. In another embodiment, the process of the present invention is performed in a plant identified in above webpages, preferably in a plant with a high amount of erucic acid, in particular with high gadoleic level and/or together with further genes isolated from a plant with a high eicosenic acid level, in particular a high gadoleic level.

[0085.0.13.13] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as shown in table I, line 125, columns 5     or 7 or a derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as shown table I,     line 125, columns 5 or 7 or a derivative thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.13] to [0087.0.0.13]: see [0086.0.0.0] to [0087.0.0.0]

[0088.0.13.13] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose fatty acid content is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for poultry is dependent on the abovementioned essential fatty acids and the general amount of fatty acids as energy source in feed. After the YDR513W protein activity, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, line 125 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, line 125 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, line 125, has been increased or generated, or after the expression of nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide according to the invention has been generated or increased, the transgenic plant generated thus is grown on or in a nutrient medium or else in the soil and subsequently harvested.

[0088.1.0.13]: see [0088.1.0.0]

[0089.0.0.13] to [0094.0.0.13]: see [0089.0.0.0] to [0094.0.0.0]

[0095.0.13.13] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of free fatty acids in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the pure fine chemical.

[0096.0.13.13] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptid for example a fatty acid transporter protein or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired fatty acid for example for linoleic or linolenic acid in the organism is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical (see Bao and Ohlrogge, Plant Physiol. 1999 August; 120 (4): 1057-1062). Such fatty acid transporter protein may serve as a link between the location of fatty acid synthesis and the socalled sink tissue, in which fatty acids, triglycerides, oils and fats are stored.

[0097.0.0.13]: see [0097.0.0.0]

[0098.0.13.13] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further fatty acids such as palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and/or linolenic acidmixtures thereof or mixtures of other fatty acids and/or low in the level of erucic acid and/or of glucosinolate level by the process according to the invention is advantageous, e.g. for the production of compositions used in food and feed. In another embodiment, the production of gadoleic acid is combined with the production of erucic acid.

[0099.0.13.13] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned fatty acids may accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the fatty acids or the fatty acid compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.13.13] Transgenic plants which comprise the fatty acids such as saturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the oils, lipids or fatty acids synthesized to be isolated. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. However, the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, in the form of their oils, fats, lipids and/or free fatty acids. Fatty acids produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds. To increase the efficiency of oil extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material especially the seeds. In this context, the oils, fats, lipids and/or free fatty acids can be obtained by what is known as cold beating or cold pressing without applying heat. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, specifically the seeds, they are previously comminuted, steamed or roasted. The seeds, which have been pretreated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents such as warm hexane. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. In this manner, more than 96% of the compounds produced in the process can be isolated. Thereafter, the resulting products are processed further, i.e. degummed and/or refined. In this process, substances such as the plant mucilages and suspended matter are first removed. What is known as desliming can be affected enzymatically or, for example, chemico-physically by addition of acid such as phosphoric acid. Thereafter otionally, the free fatty acids are removed by treatment with a base like alkali, for example aqueous KOH or NaOH, or acid hydrolysis, advantageously in the presence of an alcohol such as methanol or ethanol, or via enzymatic cleavage, and isolated via, for example, phase separation and subsequent acidification via, for example, H₂SO₄. The fatty acids can also be liberated directly without the above-described processing step. If desired the resulting product can be washed thoroughly with water to remove traces of soap and the alkali remaining in the product and then dried. To remove the pigment remaining in the product, the products can be subjected to bleaching, for example using filler's earth or active charcoal. At the end, the product can be deodorized, for example using steam distillation under vacuum. These chemically pure fatty acids or fatty acid compositions are advantageous for applications in the food industry sector, the cosmetic sector and especially the pharmacological industry sector.

[0101.0.13.13] The identity and purity of the compound(s) isolated can be determined by prior-art techniques. They encompass high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assays or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are compiled in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11 27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19:67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Bd. A27, VCH Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michal, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 17.

[0102.0.13.13] Fatty acids can for excample be detected advantageously via GC separation methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of fatty acid products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: GC, GC-MS or TLC, as described on several occasions by Christie and the references therein (1997, in: Advances on Lipid Methodology, Fourth Edition: Christie, Oily Press, Dundee, 119-169; 1998, Gaschromatographie-Massenspektrometrie-Verfahren [Gas chromatography/mass spectrometric methods], Lipide 33:343-353). One example is the analysis of fatty acids via FAME and GC-MS or TLC (abbreviations: FAME, fatty acid methyl ester; GC-MS, gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; TLC, thin-layer chromatography. The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods. After disruption, the material must be centrifuged. The sediment is resuspended in distilled water, heated for 10 minutes at 100° C., cooled on ice and recentrifuged, followed by extraction for one hour at 90° C. in 0.5 M sulfuric acid in methanol with 2% dimethoxypropane, which leads to hydrolyzed oil and lipid compounds, which give transmethylated lipids. These fatty acid methyl esters are extracted in petroleum ether and finally subjected to a GC analysis using a capillary column (Chrompack, WCOT Fused Silica, CP-Wax-52 CB, 25 μm, 0.32 mm) at a temperature gradient of between 170° C. and 240° C. for 20 minutes and 5 minutes at 240° C. The identity of the resulting fatty acid methyl esters must be defined using standards which are available from commercial sources (i.e. Sigma).

[0103.0.13.13] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7     or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of     the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of the nucleic acid molecule shown in table I, line 125,     columns 5 or 7; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers shown in table III, line 125,     column 7 and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence shown in table IV, line 125, column 7 and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide shown in table II, line 125, columns 5     or 7 and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0103.1.13.13.] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, line 125, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, line 125. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, line 125. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II A, columns 5 or 7, line 125.

[0103.2.13.13.] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, line 125, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, line 125. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, line 125. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, line 125.

[0104.0.13.13] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process distinguishes over the sequence shown in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7 by one or more nucleotides or does not consist of the sequence shown in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence shown in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of the sequence shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7.

[0105.0.0.13] to [0107.0.0.13]: see [0105.0.0.0] to [0107.0.0.0]

[0108.0.13.13] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence shown in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from the amino acid sequences shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7 or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in table IV, line 125, column 7, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of an YDR513W protein or conferring of eicosenic acid, in particular of gadoleic acid increase after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.13]: see [0109.0.0.0]

[0110.0.13.13] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with YDR513W protein activity, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, line 125 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, line 125 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, line 125, can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.13] see [0111.0.0.0]

[0112.0.13.13] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with YDR513W protein activity and conferring gadoleic acid increase, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, line 125 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, line 125, or of their homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 125.

[0113.0.0.13] to [0120.0.0.13]: see [0113.0.0.0] to [0120.0.0.0]

[0121.0.13.13] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a respective fine chemical increase after increasing its activity, e.g. having the activity of an YDR513W protein, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, line 125 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, line 125 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, line 125.

[0122.0.0.13] to [0127.0.0.13]: see [0122.0.0.0] to [0127.0.0.0]

[0128.0.13.13] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs shown in table III, line 125, column 7, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence shown in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7 or the sequences derived from table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7.

[0129.0.13.13] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence shown in table IV, line 125, column 7 is derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.13.13] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical, in particular of gadoleic acid after increasing the expression or activity or having an YDR513W activity or further functional homologs of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. homologs from a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, line 125 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, line 125 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, line 125, from other organisms.

[0131.0.0.13] to [0138.0.0.13]: see [0131.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0]

[0139.0.13.13] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to the sequences shown in table I, columns 5 or 7, line 125, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, line 125 under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the fine chemical-increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.13] to [0146.0.0.13]: see [0140.0.0.0] to [0146.0.0.0]

[0147.0.13.13] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 125, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, line 125 is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences shown in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7 such that it can hybridize to one of the nucleotide sequences shown in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, line 125, thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.13.13] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence shown in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, line 125 or a functional portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular having a the fine chemical, in particular gadoleic acid-increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of an YDR513W gene product, e.g. a gene encoding a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, line 125, preferably of Table II B, column 5, line 125 or comprising or expressing a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, line 125, or of their homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 125.

[0149.0.13.13] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences shown in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, line 125 or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of the fine chemical, and optionally, the activity of YDR513W, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, line 125, preferably of Table II B, column 5, line 125 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, line 125, or of their homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 125.

[00149.1.0.13] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 125, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, line 125 has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, line 125, preferably of Table II B, column 3, line 125.

[0150.0.13.13] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences shown in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, line 125 for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of gadoleic acid if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., set forth in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primers pairs shown in table III, line 125, column 7 will result in a fragment of YDR513W gene product, e.g. of a gene encoding of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, line 125 or expressing a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, line 125 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, line 125. Preferred is Table II B, column 7, line 125.

[0151.0.0.13] see [0151.0.0.0]

[0152.0.13.13] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to the amino acid sequence shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular a gadoleic acid increasing the activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.13.13] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7 such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 125 has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 125.

[0154.0.13.13] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7 and having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.13] to [0156.0.0.13]: see [0155.0.0.0] to [0156.0.0.0]

[0157.0.13.13] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences shown in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7 (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptides encoded by the sequence shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7 or the functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, an amino acid sequence shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7 or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7 or the functional homologues. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 125, preferably as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, line 125. Preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, line 125.

[0158.0.0.13] to [0160.0.0.13]: see [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0]

[0161.0.13.13] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence shown in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.13] see [0162.0.0.0]

[0163.0.13.13] Preferably, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence shown in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7 corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the respective fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.13] see [0164.0.0.0]

[0165.0.13.13] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. shown in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7.

[0166.0.0.13] to [0167.0.0.13]: see [0166.0.0.0] to [0167.0.0.0]

[0168.0.13.13] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in the sequences shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 125 yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table II B, column 7, line 125 and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to the sequence shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table II B, column 7, line 125, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table II B, column 7, line 125, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, 95% homologous to the sequence shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table II B, column 7, line 125.

[0169.0.0.13] to [0172.0.0.13]: see [0169.0.0.0] to [0172.0.0.0]

[0173.0.13.13] For example a sequence, which has 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 13791 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 13791 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.13] see [0174.0.0.0]

[0175.0.13.13] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 13792 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 13792 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.13.13] Functional equivalents derived from one of a polypeptides as shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7 according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of a polypeptides as shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7 according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7.

[0177.0.13.13] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as shown in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table I B, column 7, line 125 according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of a polypeptides as shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table II B, column 7, line 125 according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table II B, column 7, line 125.

[0178.0.0.13]: see [0178.0.0.0]

[0179.0.13.13] A nucleic acid molecule encoding an homologous to a protein sequence of table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table II B, column 7, line 125 can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular of table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7 such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences of table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7 by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.13] to [0183.0.0.13]: see [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0]

[0184.0.13.13] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence shown in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 125, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from a sequences shown, preferably from table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7, or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.13.13] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more of thesequences shown in any of the table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table I B, column 7, line 125. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table I B, column 7, line 125. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule use in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences shown in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table I B, column 7, line 125.

[0186.0.13.13] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table II B, column 7, line 125. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment used in the inventive process, the encoded polypeptide is identical to a sequence shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table II B, column 7, line 125.

[0187.0.13.13] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table II B, column 7, line 125 and comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence of a sequence shown in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table II B, column 7, line 125.

[0188.0.13.13] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7 expressed under identical conditions.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention is a homolog consisting of or comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II B, columns 7, line 125.

[0189.0.13.13] Homologues of table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7 or of the derived sequences of table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7 also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.13] to [0203.0.0.13]: see [0190.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0]

[0204.0.13.13] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7,     preferably of Table II B, column 7, line 125; or a fragment thereof     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule shown in table I, line 125, columns     5 or 7, preferably of Table I B, column 7, line 125 or a fragment     thereof conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using the     primers or primer pairs in table III, line 125, column 7 and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence shown in table IV, line 125, column 7 and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of the polypeptide shown in table II,     line 125, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table II B, column 7, line     125 and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of the nucleic acid molecule     shown in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table I B,     column 7, line 125 or a nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably     at least the mature form of, a polypeptide shown in table II, line     125, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table II B, column 7, line 125     and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; or which encompasses a     sequence which is complementary thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA or I B,     columns 5 or 7, line 125, by one or more nucleotides. In one     embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not consist of the     sequence shown and indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7,     line 125. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule is less than     100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence     indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, line 125. In another     embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide     of a sequence indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7,     line 125. In an other embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical and     less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a     sequence indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, line 125. In     a further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a     polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5     or 7, line 125. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid     molecule of the differs at least in one or more residues from a     nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7,     line 125. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule     of the present invention encodes a polypeptide, which differs at     least in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide indicated in     Table II A or I B, columns 5 or 7, line 125. In another embodiment,     a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or     7, line 125 does not encode a protein of a sequence indicated in     Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, line 125. Accordingly, in one     embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid     according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated     in

Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, line 125. In a further embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical to a protein sequence indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, line 125 and less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 98%, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table I A or II B, columns 5 or 7, line 125.

[0205.0.0.13] to [0206.0.0.13]: see [0205.0.0.0] to [0206.0.0.0]

[0207.0.13.13] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes are genes of the fatty acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acid metabolism or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.13] to [0226.0.0.13]: see [0208.0.0.0] to [00226.0.0.0]

[0227.0.13.13] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence mentioned in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7 or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway such as for palmitate, palmitoleate, oleate and/or linoleate or for erucic acid, arachinic acid, pelagonic acid, brassylic acid and/or erucic acid amids is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the fatty acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine a sequences shown in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7 with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0227.1.13.13] In addition to the sequence mentioned in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7 or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to knock out and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway for erucic acid is reduced, deleted or in another way knocked out in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms.

[0228.0.13.13] In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore, organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of at least one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteins involved in the fatty acid metabolism, in particular in monoenoic fatty acid synthesis.

[0229.0.13.13] Further advantageous nucleic acid sequences which can be expressed in combination with the sequences used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes are the sequences encoding further genes of the saturated, poly unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis such as desaturases like Δ-4-desaturases, Δ-5-desaturases, Δ-6-desaturases, Δ-8-desaturases, Δ-9-desaturases, Δ-12-desaturases, Δ-17-desaturases, ω-3-desaturases, elongases like Δ-5-elongases, Δ-6-elongases, Δ-9-elongases, acyl-CoA-dehydrogenases, acyl-ACP-desaturases, acyl-ACP-thioesterases, fatty acid acyl-transferases, acyl-CoA lysophospholipid-acyltransferases, acyl-CoA carboxylases, fatty acid synthases, fatty acid hydroxylases, acyl-CoA oxydases, acetylenases, lipoxygenases, triacyl-lipases etc. as described in WO 98/46765, WO 98/46763, WO 98/46764, WO 99/64616, WO 00/20603, WO 00/20602, WO 00/40705, US 20040172682, US 20020156254, U.S. Pat. No. 6,677,145 US 20040053379 or US 20030101486. These genes lead to an increased synthesis of the essential fatty acids.

[0230.0.0.13]: see [0230.0.0.0]

[0231.0.13.13] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a gadoleic acid degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.13] to [0276.0.0.13]: see [0232.0.0.0] to [0276.0.0.0]

[0277.0.13.13] The fatty acids produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. For example via extraction, salt precipitation and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously. The respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can be isolated as mentioned above from the organisms, advantageously plants, in the form of their oils, fats, lipids and/or free fatty acids. Fatty acids produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds. Hexane is preferably used as solvent in the process, in which more than 96% of the compounds produced in the process can be isolated. Thereafter, the resulting products are processed further, i.e. degummed, refined, bleached and/or deodorized.

[0278.0.0.13] to [0282.0.0.13]: see [0278.0.0.0] to [0282.0.0.0]

[0283.0.13.13] Moreover, a native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, in particular, an anti-YDR513W protein antibody or an antibody against a polypeptide as shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing the polypeptid of the present invention or charcterized in the process of the present invention or fragment thereof, i.e., the polypeptide of this invention. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies.

[0284.0.0.13] see [0284.0.0.0]

[0285.0.13.13] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7 or as coded by a nucleic acid molecule shown in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7 or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.13.13] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence shown in table IV, line 125, column 7 and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence shown in table IV, line 125, column 7 whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid.

[0287.0.0.13] to [0290.0.0.13]: see [0287.0.0.0] to [0290.0.0.0]

[0291.0.13.13] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence shown in Table II A or II B, line 125, columns 5 or 7 by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form a sequence shown in Table II A or II B, line 125, columns 5 or 7 by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence shown in Table II A or II B, line 125, columns 5 or 7 by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence shown in Table II A or II B, line 125, columns 5 or 7.

[0292.0.0.13]: see [0292.0.0.0]

[0293.0.13.13] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention and having a sequence which distinguishes from the sequence as shown in Table II A or II B, line 125, columns 5 or 7 by one or more amino acids. In another embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in Table II A or II B, line 125, columns 5 or 7. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by the nucleic acid molecules shown in Table I A or I B, line 125, columns 5 or 7.

[0294.0.13.13] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having YDR513W protein activity, which distinguishes over the sequence depicted in Table II A or II B, line 125, columns 5 or 7 by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.13] to [0297.0.0.13]: see [0295.0.0.0] to [0297.0.0.0]

[0297.1.13.13] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 3, 5 or 7, lines 125, resp.

[0298.0.13.13] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7.

[0299.0.13.13] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the amino acid sequences as shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence of table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7 or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.13.13] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from the sequences shown in Table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7 in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence shown in Table II A or II B, line 125, columns 5 or 7.

[0301.0.0.13] see [0301.0.0.0]

[0302.0.13.13] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., the amino acid sequence shown in table II, line 125, columns 5 or 7 or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.13] see [0303.0.0.0]

[0304.0.13.13] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of protein indicated in Table II, column 5, line 125 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, line 125 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, line 125, having differences from the wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.13] to [0308.0.0.13]: see [0305.0.0.0] to [0308.0.0.0]

[0309.0.13.13] In one embodiment, an “YDR513W protein (=polypeptide)” refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-YDR513W polypeptide” or “other polypeptide” refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide having an YDR513W protein activity, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein and which is derived from the same or a different organism.

[0310.0.0.13] to [0334.0.0.13]: see [0310.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0]

[0335.0.13.13] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of the nucleic acid sequences of the table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7 and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of thae nucleic acid sequences of the table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7 and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence of one of the table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7 and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.13] to [0342.0.0.13]: see [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0]

[0343.0.13.13] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence of one of the sequences shown in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7 or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence of one of sequences shown in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7 or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.13] to [0361.0.0.13]: see [0344.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0]

[0362.0.13.13] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. encoding a polypeptide having an YDR513W protein activity or of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, line 125 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, line 125 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, line 125. Due to the above mentioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an YDR513W protein activity e.g. for a protein as indicated in Table

II, column 5, line 125 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, line 125 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, line 125, means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, the activity of YDR513W or a YDR513W-like activity is increased in the cell or organism or part thereof, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, line 125 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, line 125 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, line 125. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.13] to [0373.0.0.13]: see [0363.0.0.0] to [0373.0.0.0]

[0374.0.13.13] Transgenic plants comprising the fatty acids synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. The fatty acids produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free fatty acids or bound in or to compounds. Fatty acids produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography or other chromatographic methods of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.13] to [0376.0.0.13]: see [0375.0.0.0] to [0376.0.0.0]

[0377.0.13.13] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process according to the present invention whereby the produced fatty acid and/or fatty acid composition or the produced the respective fine chemical is isolated.

[0378.0.0.13]: see [0378.0.0.0]

[0379.0.13.13] In one embodiment, said fatty acid or monoenoic fatty acid is the respective fine chemical.

[0380.0.13.13] The monoenoic fatty acids or the respective fine chemical obtained in the process are suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates a method for the production of a pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the fatty acid composition produced or the respective fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the fatty acids produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

[0381.0.0.13] to [0382.0.0.13]: see [0381.0.0.0] to [0382.0.0.0]

[0383.0.13.13] For preparing fatty acid compound-containing fine chemicals, in particular the respective fine chemical, it is possible to use as fatty acid source organic compounds such as, for example, oils, fats and/or lipids comprising fatty acids such as fatty acids having a carbon back bone between C₁₀- to C₁₆-carbon atoms and/or small organic acids such acetic acid, propionic acid or butanoic acid as precursor compounds.

[0384.0.0.13]: see [0384.0.0.0]

[0385.0.13.13] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular gadoleic acid in mixtures with other lipids, fats and/or oils, normally have a dry matter content of from, 1% to 50%, preferably of 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, at least at the end, but especially over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 3 g/l during this time.

The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it. The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

[0386.0.13.13] However, it is also possible to purify the fatty acid produced further.

For this purpose, the product-containing composition is subjected for example to a thin layder chromatography on silica gel plates or to a chromatography such as a Florisil column (Bouhours J. F., J. Chromatrogr. 1979, 169, 462), in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use. An alternative method to purify the fatty acids is for example crystallization in the presence of urea. These methods can be combined with each other.

[0387.0.0.13] to [0392.0.0.13]: see [0387.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0]

[0393.0.13.13] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

(a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical after expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule sequence shown in table I, line 125, columns 5 or 7, preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, line 125 and, optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete genomic clone; (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells, preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for producing the respective fine chemical; (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (e) assaying the the respective fine chemical level in the host cells; and (f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the the respective fine chemical level in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.13] to [0399.0.0.13]: see [0394.0.0.0] to [0399.0.0.0]

[0399.1.13.13] One can think to screen for increased fine chemical production by for example resistance to drugs blocking eicosenic, inparticular gadoleic acid synthesis and looking whether this effect is dependent on a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, line 125 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, line 125 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, line 125, eg by comparing the phenotyp of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, line 125 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, line 125 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, line 125.

[0400.0.0.13] to [0416.0.0.13]: see [0400.0.0.0] to [0416.0.0.0]

[0417.0.13.13] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the fatty acid production biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect an organism such as a microorganism or a plant against inhibitors, which block the fatty acid, in particular the respective fine chemical, synthesis in said organism. Examples of inhibitors or herbicides blocking the fatty acid synthesis in organism such as microorganism or plants are for example cerulenin, Thiolactomycin, Diazoborines or Triclosan, which inhibit the fatty acids (beta-ketoacyl thioester synthetase inhibitors) and sterol biosynthesis inhibitors, aryloxyphenoxypropionates such as diclofop, fenoxaprop, haloxyfop, fluazifop or quizalofop or cyclohexanediones such as clethodim or sethoxydim [(2-[1-{ethoxyimino}butyl]-542-{ethylthio}propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one], which inhibit the plant acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase or thiocarbamates such as butylate, EPTC [=S-ethyl dipropylcarbamothioat] or vernolate.

[0418.0.0.13] to [0423.0.0.13]: see [0418.0.0.0] to [0423.0.0.0]

[0424.0.13.13] Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the respective fine chemical or of the respective fine chemical and one or more other fatty acids, in particular palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid and/or linolenic acid or erucic acid mixtures thereof or mixtures of other fatty acids. Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the respective fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0425.0.0.13] to [0435.0.0.13]: see [0425.0.0.0] to [0435.0.0.0]

[0436.0.13.13] An in vivo mutagenesis of organisms such as Saccharomyces, Mortierella, Escherichia and others mentioned above, which are beneficial for the production of fatty acids can be carried out by passing a plasmid DNA (or another vector DNA) containing the desired nucleic acid sequence or nucleic acid sequences through E. coli and other microorganisms (for example Bacillus spp. or yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which are not capable of maintaining the integrity of its genetic information. Usual mutator strains have mutations in the genes for the DNA repair system [for example mutHLS, mutD, mutT and the like; for comparison, see Rupp, W. D. (1996) DNA repair mechanisms in Escherichia coli and Salmonella, pp. 2277-2294, ASM: Washington]. The skilled worker knows these strains. The use of these strains is illustrated for example in Greener, A. and Callahan, M. (1994) Strategies 7; 32-34.

In-vitro mutation methods such as increasing the spontaneous mutation rates by chemical or physical treatment are well known to the skilled person. Mutagens like 5-bromo-uracil, N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (=NTG), ethyl methanesulfonate (=EMS), hydroxylamine and/or nitrous acid are widly used as chemical agents for random in-vitro mutagensis. The most common physical method for mutagensis is the treatment with UV irradiation. Another random mutagenesis technique is the error-prone PCR for introducing amino acid changes into proteins. Mutations are deliberately introduced during PCR through the use of error-prone DNA polymerases and special reaction conditions known to a person skilled in the art. For this method randomized DNA sequences are cloned into expression vectors and the resulting mutant libraries screened for altered or improved protein activity as described below.

Site-directed mutagensis method such as the introduction of desired mutations with an M13 or phagemid vector and short oligonucleotides primers is a well-known approach for site-directed mutagensis. The clou of this method involves cloning of the nucleic acid sequence of the invention into an M13 or phagemid vector, which permits recovery of single-stranded recombinant nucleic acid sequence. A mutagenic oligonucleotide primer is then designed whose sequence is perfectly complementary to nucleic acid sequence in the region to be mutated, but with a single difference: at the intended mutation site it bears a base that is complementary to the desired mutant nucleotide rather than the original. The mutagenic oligonucleotide is then allowed to prime new DNA synthesis to create a complementary full-length sequence containing the desired mutation. Another site-directed mutagensis method is the PCR mismatch primer mutagensis method also known to the skilled person. Dpnl site-directed mutagensis is a further known method as described for example in the Stratagene Quickchange™ site-directed mutagenesis kit protocol. A huge number of other methods are also known and used in common practice.

Positive mutation events can be selected by screening the organisms for the production of the desired fine chemical.

[0437.0.13.13] Example 4 DNA Transfer Between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae and Mortierella alpina

[0438.0.13.13] Shuttle vectors such as pYE22m, pPAC-ResQ, pClasper, pAUR224, pAMH10, pAML10, pAMT10, pAMU10, pGMH10, pGML10, pGMT10, pGMU10, pPGAL1, pPADH1, pTADH1, pTAex3, pNGA142, pHT3101 and derivatives thereof which allow the transfer of nucleic acid sequences between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or Mortierella alpina are available to the skilled worker. An easy method to isolate such shuttle vectors is disclosed by Soni R. and Murray J. A. H. [Nucleic Acid Research, vol. 20 no. 21, 1992: 5852]: If necessary such shuttle vectors can be constructed easily using standard vectors for E. coli (Sambrook, J. et al., (1989), “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons) and/or the aforementioned vectors, which have a replication origin for, and suitable marker from, Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Mortierella alpina added. Such replication origins are preferably taken from endogenous plasmids, which have been isolated from species used in the inventive process. Genes, which are used in particular as transformation markers for these species are genes for kanamycin resistance (such as those which originate from the Tn5 or Tn-903 transposon) or for chloramphenicol resistance (Winnacker, E. L. (1987) “From Genes to Clones—Introduction to Gene Technology, VCH, Weinheim) or for other antibiotic resistance genes such as for G418, gentamycin, neomycin, hygromycin or tetracycline resistance.

[0439.0.13.13] Using standard methods, it is possible to clone a gene of interest into one of the above-described shuttle vectors and to introduce such hybrid vectors into the microorganism strains used in the inventive process. The transformation of Saccharomyces can be achieved for example by LiCI or sheroplast transformation (Bishop et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 6, 1986: 3401-3409; Sherman et al., Methods in Yeasts in Genetics, [Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y.] 1982, Agatep et al., Technical Tips Online 1998, 1:51: P01525 or Gietz et al., Methods Mol. Cell. Biol. 5, 1995: 255-269) or electroporation (Delorme E., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., vol. 55, no. 9, 1989: 2242-2246).

[0440.0.13.13] If the transformed sequence(s) is/are to be integrated advantageously into the genome of the microorganism used in the inventive process for example into the yeast or fungi genome, standard techniques known to the skilled worker also exist for this purpose. Solinger et al. (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA., 2001 (15): 8447-8453) and Freedman et al. (Genetics, Vol. 162, 15-27, September 2002,) teaches a homolog recombination system dependent on rad 50, rad51, rad54 and rad59 in yeasts. Vectors using this system for homologous recombination are vectors derived from the Ylp series. Plasmid vectors derived for example from the 2μ-Vector are known by the skilled worker and used for the expression in yeasts. Other preferred vectors are for example pART1, pCHY21 or pEVP11 as they have been described by McLeod et al. (EMBO J. 1987, 6:729-736) and Hoffman et al. (Genes Dev. 5, 1991: 561-571.) or Russell et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 258, 1983: 143-149.). Other beneficial yeast vectors are plasmids of the REP, REP-X, pYZ or RIP series.

[0441.0.0.13] to [0443.0.0.13]: see [0441.0.0.0] to [0443.0.0.0]

[0444.0.13.13] Example 6 Growth of Genetically Modified Organism: Media and Culture Conditions

[0445.0.13.13] Genetically modified Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are grown in synthetic or natural growth media known by the skilled worker. A number of different growth media for Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are well known and widely available. A method for culturing Mortierella is disclosed by Jang et al. [Bot. Bull. Acad. Sin. (2000) 41:41-48]. Mortierella can be grown at 20° C. in a culture medium containing: 10 g/l glucose, 5 g/l yeast extract at pH 6.5. Furthermore Jang et al. teaches a submerged basal medium containing 20 g/l soluble starch, 5 g/l Bacto yeast extract, 10 g/l KNO₃, 1 g/l KH₂PO₄, and 0.5 g/l MgSO₄.7H₂O, pH 6.5.

[0446.0.0.13] to [0454.0.0.13]: see [0446.0.0.0] to [0454.0.0.0]

[0455.0.13.13] The effect of the genetic modification in plants, fungi, algae, ciliates or on the production of a desired compound (such as a fatty acid) can be determined by growing the modified microorganisms or the modified plant under suitable conditions (such as those described above) and analyzing the medium and/or the cellular components for the elevated production of desired product (i.e. of the lipids or a fatty acid). These analytical techniques are known to the skilled worker and comprise spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, various types of staining methods, enzymatic and microbiological methods and analytical chromatography such as high-performance liquid chromatography (see, for example, Ullman, Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. A2, p. 89-90 and p. 443-613, VCH: Weinheim (1985); Fallon, A., et al., (1987) “Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry” in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 17; Rehm et al. (1993) Biotechnology, Vol. 3, Chapter III: “Product recovery and purification”, p. 469-714, VCH: Weinheim; Belter, P. A., et al. (1988) Bioseparations: downstream processing for Biotechnology, John Wiley and Sons; Kennedy, J. F., and Cabral, J. M. S. (1992) Recovery processes for biological Materials, John Wiley and Sons; Shaeiwitz, J. A., and Henry, J. D. (1988) Biochemical Separations, in: Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. B3; Chapter 11, p. 1-27, VCH: Weinheim; and Dechow, F. J. (1989) Separation and purification techniques in biotechnology, Noyes Publications).

In addition to the abovementioned processes, plant lipids are extracted from plant material as described by Cahoon et al. (1999) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 96 (22): 12935-12940 and Browse et al. (1986) Analytic Biochemistry 152:141-145. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of lipids or fatty acids is described by Christie, William W., Advances in Lipid Methodology, Ayr/Scotland: Oily Press (Oily Press Lipid Library; 2); Christie, William W., Gas Chromatography and Lipids. A Practical Guide—Ayr, Scotland: Oily Press, 1989, Repr. 1992, IX, 307 pp. (Oily Press Lipid Library; 1); “Progress in Lipid Research, Oxford: Pergamon Press, 1 (1952)—16 (1977) under the title: Progress in the Chemistry of Fats and Other Lipids CODEN.

[0456.0.0.13]: see [0456.0.0.0]

[0457.0.13.13] Example 9 Purification of the Fatty Acid

[0458.0.13.13] One example is the analysis of fatty acids (abbreviations: FAME, fatty acid methyl ester; GC-MS, gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; TAG, triacylglycerol; TLC, thin-layer chromatography).

The unambiguous detection for the presence of fatty acid products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: GC, GC-MS or TLC, as described on several occasions by Christie and the references therein (1997, in: Advances on Lipid Methodology, Fourth Edition: Christie, Oily Press, Dundee, 119-169; 1998, Gaschromatographie-Massenspektrometrie-Verfahren [Gas chromatography/mass spectrometric methods], Lipide 33:343-353).

The total fatty acids produced in the organism for example in yeasts used in the inventive process can be analysed for example according to the following procedure:

The material such as yeasts, E. coli or plants to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods. After disruption, the material must be centrifuged (1000×g, 10 min., 4° C.) and washed once with 100 mM NaHCO₃, pH 8.0 to remove residual medium and fatty acids. For preparation of the fatty acid methyl esters (FAMES) the sediment is resuspended in distilled water, heated for 10 minutes at 100° C., cooled on ice and recentrifuged, followed by extraction for one hour at 90° C. in 0.5 M sulfuric acid in methanol with 2% dimethoxypropane, which leads to hydrolyzed oil and lipid compounds, which give transmethylated lipids.

The FAMES are then extracted twice with 2 ml petrolether, washed once with 100 mM NaHCO₃, pH 8.0 and once with distilled water and dried with Na₂SO₄. The organic solvent can be evaporated under a stream of Argon and the FAMES were dissolved in 50 μl of petrolether. The samples can be separated on a ZEBRON ZB-Wax capillary column (30 m, 0.32 mm, 0.25 μm; Phenomenex) in a Hewlett Packard 6850 gas chromatograph with a flame ionisation detector. The oven temperature is programmed from 70° C. (1 min. hold) to 200° C. at a rate of 20° C./min., then to 250° C. (5 min. hold) at a rate of 5° C./min and finally to 260° C. at a rate of 5° C./min. Nitrogen is used as carrier gas (4.5 ml/min. at 70° C.). The identity of the resulting fatty acid methyl esters can be identified by comparison with retention times of FAME standards, which are available from commercial sources (i.e. Sigma).

Plant material is initially homogenized mechanically by comminuting in a pestle and mortar to make it more amenable to extraction.

This is followed by heating at 100° C. for 10 minutes and, after cooling on ice, by resedimentation. The cell sediment is hydrolyzed for one hour at 90° C. with 1 M methanolic sulfuric acid and 2% dimethoxypropane, and the lipids are transmethylated. The resulting fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) are extracted in petroleum ether. The extracted FAMEs are analyzed by gas liquid chromatography using a capillary column (Chrompack, WCOT Fused Silica, CP-Wax-52 CB, 25 m, 0.32 mm) and a temperature gradient of from 170° C. to 240° C. in 20 minutes and 5 minutes at 240° C. The identity of the fatty acid methyl esters is confirmed by comparison with corresponding FAME standards (Sigma). The identity and position of the double bond can be analyzed further by suitable chemical derivatization of the FAME mixtures, for example to give 4,4-dimethoxyoxazoline derivatives (Christie, 1998) by means of GC-MS.

The methodology is described for example in Napier and Michaelson, 2001, Lipids. 36(8):761-766; Sayanova et al., 2001, Journal of Experimental Botany. 52(360):1581-1585, Sperling et al., 2001, Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 388(2):293-298 and Michaelson et al., 1998, FEBS Letters. 439(3):215-218.

[0459.0.13.13] If required and desired, further chromatography steps with a suitable resin may follow. Advantageously the fatty acids can be further purified with a so-called RTHPLC. As eluent different an acetonitrile/water or chloroform/acetonitrile mixtures are advantageously is used. For example canola oil can be separated said HPLC method using an RP-18-column (ET 250/3 Nucleosil 120-5 C₁₈ Macherey and Nagel, Düren, Germany). A chloroform/acetonitrile mixture (v/v 30:70) is used as eluent. The flow rate is beneficial 0.8 ml/min. For the analysis of the fatty acids an ELSD detector (evaporative light-scattering detector) is used. MPLC, dry-flash chromatography or thin layer chromatography are other beneficial chromatography methods for the purification of fatty acids. If necessary, these chromatography steps may be repeated, using identical or other chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the selection of suitable chromatography resin and the most effective use for a particular molecule to be purified.

[0460.0.0.13]: see [0460.0.0.0]

[0461.0.13.13] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 13791 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.13] see [0462.0.0.0]

[0463.0.13.13] SEQ ID NO: 13791 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.13] to [0466.0.0.13]: see [0464.0.0.0] to [0466.0.0.0]

[0467.0.13.13] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 13791:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 13925) atggagacca atttttcctt cgact ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 13926) ctattgaaat accggcttca atattt

[0468.0.0.13] to [0479.0.0.13]: see [0468.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0]

[0480.0.13.13] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 13791

[0481.0.0.13] to [0513.0.0.13]: see [0481.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0]

[0514.0.13.13] As an alternative, the fine chemicals can be detected advantageously via HPLC separation in ethanolic extract as described by Geigenberger et al. (Plant Cell & Environ, 19, 1996: 43-55).

The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the table which follows:

TABLE 1 ORF Metabolite Method Min Max YDR513W Gadoleic acid (C20:1) GC 1,46 1,53

[0515.0.0.13] Column 2 shows the metabolite analyzed. Columns 4 and 5 shows the ratio of the analyzed metabolite between the transgenic plants and the wild type; Increase of the metabolites: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type)-Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type). Decrease of the metabolites: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (minimal decrease), Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (maximal decrease). Column 3 indicates the analytical method.

[0516.0.0.13] to [0552.0.0.13]: see [0516.0.0.0] to [0552.0.0.0]

[0553.0.13.13] We claim:

-   1. A process for the production of gadoleic acid, which comprises     -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 125 or a functional         equivalent thereof in a non-human organism, or in one or more         parts thereof; and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of gadoleic acid in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of gadoleic acid, comprising the     increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the     expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a     nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 125 or a fragment thereof,         which confers an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 125;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, columns 7, line 125 and         conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, 7, line 125 and conferring         an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid in an organism or a         part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         gadoleic acid in an organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound gadoleic acid. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;

(d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which comprise an increased activity or expression level of said polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part thereof;

-   -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         gadoleic acid produced by the selected mutated organisms or         parts thereof.

-   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably.

-   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 125 or a fragment thereof,         which confers an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 125;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, line 125 and         conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, column 7, line 125 and         conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid in an         organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         gadoleic acid in an organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, line 125 by         one or more nucleotides.

-   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements.

-   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7.

-   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host.

-   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5.

-   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell.

-   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium.

-   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12.

-   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     II A, columns 5 or 7, line 125 by one or more amino acids 15. An     antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as claimed in     claim 14.

-   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium.

-   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid in an     organism or a part thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid         in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a         sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions         which permit the expression the polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the gadoleic acid level or the polypeptide         expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or         the media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured         or maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured gadoleic acid level or polypeptide expression level         with a standard gadoleic acid or polypeptide expression level         measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample         comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased         level over the standard indicates that the compound or the         sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and         a decreased level over the standard indicates that the compound         or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an         antagonist.

-   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased gadoleic acid production in a plant or microorganism,     comprising the steps:     -   (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of gadoleic acid in an organism or a part thereof and a         readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under         suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the         polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a         compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and         capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the         binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which         permit the expression of said readout system and of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6         conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system.

-   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in gadoleic acid production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in gadoleic acid after expression with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing gadoleic acid;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the gadoleic acid level in the host cells; and     -   (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the gadoleic acid level in the         host cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild         type.

-   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in gadoleic acid production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the gadoleic acidamount or         level in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and         which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing gadoleic acid;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the gadoleic acidlevel in the host cells; and     -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the gadoleic acid level in the         host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

-   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture.

-   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier.

-   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     gadoleic acid after expression.

-   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of gadoleic acid levels in an organism.

-   25. Cosmetical, pharmaceutical, food or feed composition comprising     the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14,     the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9,     the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the     antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20.

-   26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20 for the protection of vegetable fats, oils or waxes.

-   27. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20 for the production of industrial oils, fats or waxes.

-   28. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20 for the production of detergents, cleaning agents, cosmetics, dye     additives, lubricating agents, hydraulic oils, preservation agents,     flavoring agents, plastic softeners, formulation agents, flotation     agents, wetting agents, emulsifiers or lubricating agents.

-   29. The plant of claim 16, which has a low level of erucic acid.

-   30. The plant of claim 16, which has a high level or erucic acid.

-   31. The plant of any one of claim 16, 29 or 30, which has a low     level of gluconsinolate.

[0554.0.0.13] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.0]

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.0.14] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.14] to [0002.0.0.14]: see [0001.0.0.0] to [0002.0.0.0]

[0002.1.14.14] L-alanine is used in various pharmaceutical and veterinary applications. For example, it is included, together with other amino acids, in preparations for infusion solutions or preparations for parenteral administration as clinical preoperative and postoperative foods, as well as an animal feed supplement. Furthermore, alanine is used as a food additive on account of its sweet taste. L-phenylalanine and L-aspartic acid have very important markets as key components in the manufacture of the sweetener aspartame. Aspartame (C₁₄H₁₈N₂O₅), L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester, is a compound of three components, which are methanol, aspartic acid and phenylalanine. L-aspartic acid is further used as a flavoring agent.

The amino acid L-citrulline is a metabolite in the urea cycle. Other amino acids in this cycle are L-arginine and L-ornithine.L-citrulline is involved in liver detoxification of ammonia, and has been shown to speed recover from fatigue. It has also been utilized in the treatment of Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency and other Urea Cycle disorders. In cell metabolism, L-arginine and L-citrulline might serve as endogenous N sources (Ludwig et al., PLANT PHYSIOLOGY, Vol 101, Issue 2 429-434, 1993). Glycine is a valuable compound of wide use as food additives for processed foodstuffs and raw materials for agricultural chemicals and medicines. Glycine is the simplest amino acid, and is used in crop production as a chelating agent for micronutrients and has been used as a nitrogen fertilizer, at least on an experimental basis. As such, it is representative of amino acids used in crop production. Practically all commercial glycine is produced by synthetic processes such as the Strecker Synthesis, the reaction of formaldehyde, ammonia, and hydrogen cyanide, and hydrolysis of the resulting aminonitrile. Glycine is used as chelating/complexing agent for cation nutrients, plant growth regulators, substrate for microbiological products, fertilizer source of nitrogen. Serine is a primary intermediate in the biosynthesis of a wide variety of cellular metabolites including such economically important compounds as choline, glycine, cysteine and tryptophan. In addition, serine acts as a single carbon donor and is responsible for 60% to 75% of the total need of the cell for Cl units through the production of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate from tetrahydrofolate. These Cl units are used in a wide variety of biosynthetic pathways including the synthesis of methionine, inosine monophosphate, other purines and some pyrimidines (e.g., thymidine and hydroxymethyl cytidine).

The glycine-serine interconversion, catalysed by glycine decarboxylase and serine hydroxymethyltransferase, is an important reaction of primary metabolism in all organisms including plants, by providing one-carbon units for many biosynthetic reactions. In plants, in addition, it is an integral part of the photorespiratory metabolic pathway and produces large amounts of photorespiratory CO₂ within mitochondria (Bauwe et al., Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol. 54, No. 387, pp. 1523-1535, Jun. 1, 2003.)

The enzymatic conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine is known in eukaryotes. Human phenylalanine hydroxylase is specifically expressed in the liver to convert L-phenylalanine to L-tyrosine (Wang et al. J. Biol. Chem. 269 (12): 9137-46 (1994)). Deficiency of the PAH enzyme causes classic phenylketonurea, a common genetic disorder.

Tyrosine and homoserine and their derivatives are also used in organic synthesis. For example, tyrosine is starting material in the synthesis of chatecolamines or DOPA (dihydroxy-phenyl-alanine) as well as a precursor of adrenaline, dopamine and norepinepherine. A variety of beta-amino-gamma-keto acids can be prepared from commercially available 1-homoserine. 5-Oxoproline, also named as pyroglutamic acid PCA and slats like sodium-PCA, is used as cosmetic ingredient, such as hair and skin conditioning agent. One optical isomer of PCA (the L form) is a naturally occurring component of mammalian tissue. 5-Oxoproline is further used as templates in the synthesis of homochiral glutamate antagonists.

[0003.0.0.14] to [0008.0.0.14]: see [0003.0.0.0] to [0008.0.0.0]

[0008.1.14.14]U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,532 disclose the production of various L-amino acids like glutamic acid, glutamine, lysine, threonine, isoleucine, valine, leucine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, tyrosine, histidine, arginine, ornithine, citrulline and proline by direct fermentation using, coryneform bacteria belonging to the genus Corynbacterium or Brevibacterium, which are inherently unable to assimilate lactose, but due to recombinant DNA technology able to assimilate lactose, which represent the carbon source.

An other method for producing amino acids such as homoserine is disclosed in US 20010049126, which use a bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia which harbors a PTS, phosphotransferase system, gene. The coproduction of glutamic acid and other amino acids including lysine, aspartic acid, alanine by an auxotroph of Bacillus methanolicus is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,713. According to the teaching of U.S. Pat. No. 5,677,156 L-aspartic acid can be efficiently produced from maleic acid or fumaric acid by adding the aspartase-containing microorganism, like Brevibacterium flavum AB-41 strain (FERM BP-1498) and Eschirichia coli ATCC 11303.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,672 discloses a method of producing tyrosine, methionine, or phenylalanine by transiently incorporating a DNA inversion gene into the host cell, Escherichia coli cells, which induce hypersecretion of amino acids. Known is also the production of citrulline in the small intestine as a product of glutamine metabolism, or in the arginine biosynthetic pathway, where ornithine carbamoyltransferases catalyse the production of citrulline from carbamoyl-phosphate and ornithine. Benninghoff et al. disclose the production of citrulline and ornithine by interferon-gamma treated macrophages (International Immunology, Vol 3, 413-417, 1991).

There disclosed is a method for producing glycine in US 20030040085, which comprises subjecting an aqueous solution of glycinonitrile to a hydrolysis reaction in a hydrolysis reaction system under the action of a microbial enzyme, thereby converting the glycinonitrile to glycine while by-producing ammonia.

US 20040157290 discloses a process for preparing a serine-rich foreign protein comprising culturing a bacterium containing the cysteine synthase (cysK) gene and a gene encoding the foreign protein. US 20030079255 disclose the production of Para-hydroxycinnamic acid by introducing genes encoding phenylalanine ammonia-lyase from C. violaceum or R. glutinis tyrosine into a host microorganism and as intermediates, tyrosine and cinnamic acid are also produced.

Production of single cell protein and selected amino acids by microbial fermentation is known, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,652,527. One amino acid which has been produced on an industrial scale is lysine, see Tosaka et al., Trends in Biotechnology, 1: 70-74 (1983), Tosaka and Takinami, Progress in Industrial Microbiology, Ch. 24, pp. 152-172 (Aida et al., 1986). Another example is glutamic acid which has been produced using bacteria of the genera Corynebacterium, Brevibacterium, Microbacterium, and Arothrobacter by fermentation on molasses and starch hydrozylates. Aspartic acid and alanine are produced by enzymatic means from fumaric acid and ammonia. Bacillus species have been used in fermentation processes to produce amino acids, Tosaka et al.; Tosaka and Takinami, as named above.

[0009.0.14.14] As described above, the amino acids are necessary for humans and many mammals, for example for livestock or other applications in the health care area. L-aspartic acid is one of the amino acids that is difficult to produce directly by fermentation. Consequently today the enzyme catalyzed addition of ammonia to fumaric acid is employed commercially in the production of aspartic acid. As chelating agents, amino acids increase the biological availability of different metals. Chelating agents in general can enhance nutrient uptake, but may also increase the uptake of toxic metals if those are also present. If cation impurities are present in micronutrient sources (e.g. Cadmium), chelation of those metals would make those contaminants more readily assimilated by plants than in less available forms.

[0010.0.0.14] to [0011.0.0.14]: see [0010.0.0.0] to [0011.0.0.0]

[0012.0.14.14] It is an object of the present invention to develop an inexpensive process for the synthesis of 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine. Amino acids are (depending on the organism) one of the most frequently limiting components of food or feed.

[0013.0.0.14] see [0013.0.0.00]

[0014.0.14.14] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine”. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine.

[0015.0.14.14] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine, preferably the amino acid of the present invention in the L configuration, meaning L-5-oxoproline, L-alanine, L-aspartic acid, L-citrulline, L-glycine, L-homoserine, L-phenylalanine, L-serine and/or L-tyrosine. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine, preferably the amino acid of the present invention in the L configuration, its salts, ester or amids in free form or bound to proteins. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means L-5-oxoproline, L-alanine, L-aspartic acid, L-citrulline, L-glycine, L-homoserine, L-phenylalanine, L-serine and/or L-tyrosine in free form or its salts or bound to proteins.

[0016.0.14.14] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the fine respective chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more     -   YDL127W, b1896, b0161, b0376, b0970, b1343 and/or b3172     -   protein(s) or of a protein having the sequence of a polypeptide         encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table II,         columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496; in a         non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, meaning of 5-oxoproline or fine     chemicals comprising 5-oxoproline in said organism; -   or -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more

YIL150C, YFL050C, YER173W, YBL015W, b3008, b2095, b0236, b0486, b1343, b1863, b2489, b2576, b3231 and/or b3767-protein(s) or of a protein having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504; in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and

-   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, meaning of alanine or fine     chemicals comprising alanine in said organism; -   or -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more

YIL150C, YGR104C, YER173W, b1896, b0730, b0161, b0577, b1343, b2023, b2507, b2576, b2753, b3116, b3169, b3172, b4129 and/or b4346-protein(s) or of a protein having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516; in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and

-   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, meaning of aspartic acid or fine     chemicals comprising aspartic acid in said organism; -   or -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more

YOR245C, YLL013C, b0057, b0462, b1275, b1360, b2239, b2414, b2426, b2489, b3160, b3241, b3926, b4214 and/or b4269—protein(s) or of a protein having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529;

in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and

-   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, meaning of citrulline or fine     chemicals comprising citrulline in said organism; -   or -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more

YOL123W, YFL050C, b0057, b0577, b2414, b2489, b2553 and/or b2576—protein(s) or of a protein having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535; in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and

-   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, meaning of glycine or fine     chemicals comprising glycine in said organism;     or -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more

YEL046C and/or b3767—protein(s) or of a protein having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 143 and/or 536;

in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and

-   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, meaning of homoserine or fine     chemicals comprising homoserine in said organism;     or -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more

YPR138C, YJL072C, YHR130C, YGR101W, YER173W, YAL049C, b3462, b3256, b1886, b1827, b1708, b1697, b0695, b0161, b1228, b2078, b2414, b2576, b2796, b3919, b3938 and/or b3983—protein(s) or of a protein having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545;

in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and

-   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, meaning of phenylalanine or fine     chemicals comprising phenylalanine in said organism;     or -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more

YOR261C, YLR082C, YLL009C, YKR057W, YIL150C, YER152C, YEL045C, b3462, b1886, b1829, b0057, b0486, b2414, b2489, b2664, b3064, b3116, b3160 and/or b3231-protein(s) or of a protein having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554;

in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and

-   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, meaning of serine or fine chemicals     comprising serine in said organism;     or -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more

YOR350C, YIL150C, YHR130C, YFL050C, b1829, b1827, b0970, b2491 and/or b3983—protein(s) or of a protein having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557;

in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and

-   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, meaning of tyrosine or fine     chemicals comprising tyrosine in said organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3,     lines 126 to 172 and/or lines 492 to 557 or having the sequence of a     polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I,     column 5 or 7, lines 126 to 172 and/or lines 492 to 557, in a     non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, in particular 5-oxoproline and/or     alanine and/or aspartic acid and/or citrulline and/or glycine and/or     homoserine and/or phenylalanine and/or serine and/or tyrosine.

[0016.1.14.14] Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means in one embodiment “5-oxoproline” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 or homologs thereof and

means in one embodiment “alanine” in relation to all sequences listed in Tables I to IV, lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 or homologs thereof and means in one embodiment “aspartic acid” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to

IV, lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516, or homologs thereof and

means in one embodiment “citrulline” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 or homologs thereof and means in one embodiment “glycine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 or homologs thereof and means in one embodiment “homoserine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 143 and/or 536 or homologs thereof and means in one embodiment “phenylalanine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 or homologs thereof and means in one embodiment “serine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 or homologs thereof and means in one embodiment “tyrosine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557. or homologs thereof.

Accordingly, in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “5-oxoproline” and “aspartic acid” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 127 and/or 137;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “alanine”, “aspartic acid”, “serine” and “tyrosine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 128, 134, 161 and/or 168;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “alanine”, “glycine” and “tyrosine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 129, 142 and/or 170;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “phenylalanine” and “tyrosine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 146 and/or 169;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “phenylalanine” and “tyrosine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 153 and/or 172;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “serine” and “tyrosine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 166 and/or 171;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “phenylalanine” and “serine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 150 and/or 164;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “phenylalanine” and “serine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 152 and/or 165;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “citrulline”, “glycine” and “serine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 517, 530 and/or 546;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “5-oxoproline”, “aspartic acid” and “phenylalanine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 492, 505 and/or 537;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “alanine” and “serine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 498 and/or 547;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “glycine” and “aspartic acid” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 531 and/or 506;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “5-oxoproline” and “tyrosine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 494 and/or 555;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “alanine”, “5-oxoproline” and “aspartic acid” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 499, 495 and/or 507;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “citrulline”, “glycine”, “serine” and “phenylalanine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 522, 532, 548 and/or 540;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “citrulline”, “alanine”, “glycine” and “serine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 524, 501, 533 and/or 549;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “alanine”, “glycine”, “aspartic acid” and “phenylalanine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 502, 535, 510 and/or 541;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “serine” and “aspartic acid” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 552 and/or 512;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “citrulline” and “serine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 525 and/or 553;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “5-oxoproline” and “aspartic acid” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 496 and/or 514;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “alanine” and “serine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 503 and/or 554;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “alanine” and “homoserine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 504 and/or 536;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “phenylalanine” and “tyrosine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 545 and/or 557;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “alanine”, “aspartic acid” and “phenylalanine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 130, 136 and/or 148;

Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” can mean “5-oxoproline”, “alanine”, “aspartic acid”, “citrulline”, “glycine”, “homoserine”, “phenylalanine”, “serine” and/or “tyrosine”, owing to circumstances and the context. In order to illustrate that the meaning of the term “the fine chemical” means “5-oxoproline”, “alanine”, “aspartic acid”, “citrulline”, “glycine”, “homoserine”, “phenylalanine”, “serine” and/or “tyrosine” the term “the respective fine chemical” is also used.

[0017.0.0.14] to [0018.0.0.14]: see [0017.0.0.0] to [0018.0.0.0]

[0019.0.14.14] Advantageously the process for the production of the respective fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the fine respective chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the respective fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 126 to 172 and/or lines 492 to 557 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 172 and/or lines 492 to 557.

[0020.0.14.14] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of at least one of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein(s) indicated in Table II, Column 3,

line 126 for 5-oxoproline and/or lines 128 to 131 for alanine and/or lines 134 to 136 for aspartic acid and/or lines 139 to 140 for citrulline and/or lines 141 to 142 for glycine and/or line 143 for homoserine and/or lines 144 to 149 for phenylalanine and/or lines 157 to 163 for serine and/or lines 167 to 170 for tyrosine in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the respective fine chemical content of the transformed plants and/or at least one of the Escherichia coli K12 proteins indicated in Table II, Column 3, line 127 and/or 492 to 496 for 5-oxoproline and/or lines 132 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 for alanine and/or lines 137 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 for aspartic acid and/or lines 517 to 529 for citrulline and/or lines 530 to 535 for glycine and/or line 536 for homoserine and/or lines 150 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 for phenylalanine and/or lines 164 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 for serine and/or lines 171 to 172 and/or 555 to 557 for tyrosine in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the respective fine chemical content of the transformed plants.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 127 and 137 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in 5-oxoproline and/or aspartic acid (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of 5-oxoproline, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of aspartic acid; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: 5-oxoproline and/or aspartic acid.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 128 and 134 and 161 and 168 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in alanine and/or aspartic acid and/or serine and/or tyrosine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of alanine; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of aspartic acid, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of serine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of tyrosine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: alanine and/or aspartic acid and/or serine and/or tyrosine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 129 and 142 and 170 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in alanine and/or glycine and/or tyrosine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of alanine; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glycine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of tyrosine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: alanine and/or glycine and/or tyrosine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 146 and 169 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in phenylalanine and/or tyrosine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of phenylalanine; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of tyrosine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: phenylalanine and/or tyrosine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 153 and 172 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in phenylalanine and/or tyrosine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of phenylalanine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of tyrosine; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: phenylalanine and/or tyrosine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 166 and 171 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in serine and/or tyrosine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of serine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of tyrosine; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: serine and/or tyrosine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 150 and 164 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in phenylalanine and/or serine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of phenylalanine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of serine; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: phenylalanine and/or serine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 152 and 165 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in phenylalanine and/or serine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of phenylalanine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of serine; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: phenylalanine and/or serine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 517 and 530 and 546 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in citrulline and/or glycine and/or serine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of citrulline; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glycine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of serine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: citrulline and/or glycine and/or serine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 492 and 505 and 537 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in 5-oxoproline and/or aspartic acid and/or phenylalanine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of 5-oxoproline; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of aspartic acid, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of phenylalanine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: 5-oxoproline and/or aspartic acid and/or phenylalanine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 498 and 547 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in alanine and/or serine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of alanine; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of serine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: alanine and/or serine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 531 and 506 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in glycine and/or aspartic acid (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glycine; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of aspartic acid, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: glycine and/or aspartic acid.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 494 and 555 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in 5-oxoproline and/or tyrosine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of 5-oxoproline; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of tyrosine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: 5-oxoproline and/or tyrosine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 499 and 495 and 507 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in alanine and/or 5-oxoproline and/or aspartic acid (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of alanine; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of 5-oxoproline, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of aspartic acid, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: alanine and/or 5-oxoproline and/or aspartic acid.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 522 and 532 and 548 and 540 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in citrulline and/or glycine and/or serine and/or phenylalanine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of citrulline; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glycine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of serine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of phenylalanine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: citrulline and/or glycine and/or serine and/or phenylalanine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 524 and 501 and 533 and 549 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in citrulline and/or alanine and/or glycine and/or serine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of citrulline; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of alanine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glycine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of serine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: citrulline and/or alanine and/or glycine and/or serine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 502 and 535 and 510 and 541 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in alanine and/or glycine and/or aspartic acid and/or phenylalanine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of alanine; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glycine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of aspartic acid, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of phenylalanine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: alanine and/or glycine and/or aspartic acid and/or phenylalanine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 552 and 512 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in serine and/or aspartic acid (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of serine; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of aspartic acid, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: serine and/or aspartic acid.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 525 and 553 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in citrulline and/or serine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of citrulline; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of serine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: citrulline and/or serine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 496 and 514 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in 5-oxoproline and/or aspartic acid (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of 5-oxoproline; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of aspartic acid, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: 5-oxoproline and/or aspartic acid.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 503 and 554 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in alanine and/or serine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of alanine; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of serine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: alanine and/or serine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 504 and 536 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in alanine and/or homoserine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of alanine; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of homoserine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: alanine and/or homoserine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 545 and 557 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in phenylalanine and/or tyrosine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of phenylalanine; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of tyrosine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: phenylalanine and/or tyrosine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 130 and 136 and 148 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in alanine and/or aspartic acid and/or phenylalanine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of alanine;

in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of aspartic acid, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of phenylalanine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: alanine and/or aspartic acid and/or phenylalanine.

[0021.0.0.14] see [0021.0.0.0]

[0022.0.14.14] The sequence of YER152C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dietrich, Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 78-81, 1997, and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996. It seems to have an activity similar to tyrosine aminotransferase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity similar to tyrosine aminotransferase from Saccaromyces cerevisiae, preferably of the family of valine-pyruvate transaminase or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the the respective fine chemical, meaning of serine, in particular for increasing the amount of serine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a similar to tyrosine aminotransferase protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YAL049C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Bussey et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 92 (9), 3809-3813 (1995), and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996. It activity is not characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a YAL049C protein from Saccaromyces cerevisiae, or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of phenylalanine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a YAL049C protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of b3008 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a cystathionine beta-lyase, PLP-dependent (beta-cystathionase), preferably of the 0-succinylhomoserine (thiol)-lyase superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein of the 0-succinylhomoserine (thiol)-lyase superfamily, preferably such protein is having a cystathionine beta-lyase, PLP-dependent (beta-cystathionase) activity, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of alanine, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a cystathionine beta-lyase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YOR261C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon, et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 98-102 (1997), and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its activity is being defined as a proteasome regulatory particle subunit, preferably of the mov-34 protein superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of mov-34 protein superfamily, preferably such protein is having a proteasome regulatory particle subunit activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the the respective fine chemical, meaning of serine, in particular for increasing the amount of serine, preferably of serine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a proteasome regulatory particle subunit is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YOR245C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon, et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 98-102 (1997), and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its activity is being defined as a Acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase, preferably of the Caenorhabditis elegans hypothetical protein KO7B1.4 superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Caenorhabditis elegans hypothetical protein KO7B1.4 superfamily, preferably such protein is having a Acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the the respective fine chemical, meaning of citrulline, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a Acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YOL123W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon, et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 98-102 (1997), and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its activity is being defined as a cleavage and polyadenylation factor CF I component involved in pre-mRNA 3′-end processing, preferably of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein HRP1—yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein HRP1—yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) superfamily, preferably such protein is having a cleavage and polyadenylation factor

CF I component involved in pre-mRNA 3′-end processing activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of glycine, in particular for increasing the amount of glycine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a cleavage and polyadenylation factor CF I component involved in pre-mRNA 3′-end processing is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YLR082C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Johnston, Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 87-90, (1997), and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its activity is being defined as a suppressor of Rad53 null lethality. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a suppressor of Rad53 null lethality activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of serine, in particular for increasing the amount of serine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a suppressor of Rad53 null lethality is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of b0695 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as sensory histidine kinase in two-component regulatory system, preferably of the sensor histidine kinase homology superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of sensor histidine kinase homology superfamily, preferably such protein is having a sensory histidine kinase in two-component regulatory system activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of phenylalanine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a sensory histidine kinase in two-component regulatory system is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0730 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon and/or fatty acyl response regulator, preferably of the transcription regulator GntR superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of transcription regulator GntR superfamily, preferably such protein is having a transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon and/or fatty acyl response regulator activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of aspartic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon and/or fatty acyl response regulator is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. The sequence of b1697 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as an electron transfer flavoprotein subunit with ETFP adenine nucleotide-binding like domain, preferably of the electron transfer flavoprotein beta chain superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of electron transfer flavoprotein beta chain superfamily, preferably such protein is having a electron transfer flavoprotein subunit with ETFP adenine nucleotide-binding like domain activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of phenylalanine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of an electron transfer flavoprotein subunit with ETFP adenine nucleotide-binding like domain is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. The sequence of b1708 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a lipoprotein, preferably of the conserved hypothetical protein H11314 superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of conserved hypothetical protein H11314 superfamily, preferably such protein is having a lipoprotein activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of phenylalanine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a lipoprotein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. The sequence of b1827 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (IcIR family), preferably of the acetate operon repressor superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of acetate operon repressor superfamily, preferably such protein is having a transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (IcIR family) activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phenylalanine and/or tyrosine, in particular for increasing the amount of phenylalanine and/or tyrosine, preferably of phenylalanine and/or tyrosine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a transcriptional repressor protein with a DNA-binding Winged helix domain (IcIR family) is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. The sequence of b1829 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a heat shock protein with protease activity, preferably of the heat-shock protein htpX superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the heat-shock protein htpX superfamily, preferably such protein is having a heat shock protein activity with protease activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of serine and/or tyrosine, in particular for increasing the amount of serine and/or tyrosine, preferably of serine and/or tyrosine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a heat shock protein with protease is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. The sequence of b1886 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein II and/or aspartate sensor receptor, preferably of the methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein superfamily, preferably such protein is having a methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein II and/or aspartate sensor receptor activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of serine and/or phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of serine and/or phenylalanine, preferably of serine and/or phenylalanine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein II and/or aspartate sensor receptor is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. The sequence of b1896 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase, preferably of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe alpha,alpha-trehalose-phosphate synthase (UdP-forming) superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe alpha,alpha-trehalose-phosphate synthase (UdP-forming) superfamily, preferably such protein is having a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of 5-oxoproline and/or aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of 5-oxoproline and/or aspartic acid, preferably of 5-oxoproline and/or aspartic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. The sequence of b2095 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a tagatose-6-phosphate kinase, preferably of the Escherichia probable tagatose 6-phosphate kinase gatZ superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia probable tagatose 6-phosphate kinase gatZ superfamily, preferably such protein is having a tagatose-6-phosphate kinase activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine, preferably of alanine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a tagatose-6-phosphate kinase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. The sequence of b3256 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner,

Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a acetyl CoA carboxylase and/or biotin carboxylase subunit, preferably of the biotin carboxylase superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the biotin carboxylase superfamily, preferably such protein is having a acetyl CoA carboxylase and/or biotin carboxylase subunit activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of phenylalanine, preferably of phenylalanine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a acetyl CoA carboxylase and/or biotin carboxylase subunit is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. The sequence of b3462 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a integral membrane cell division protein, preferably of the cell division protein ftsX superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the cell division protein ftsX superfamily, preferably such protein is having a integral membrane cell division protein activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of serine and/or phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of serine and/or phenylalanine, preferably of serine and/or phenylalanine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a integral membrane cell division protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YBL015W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and in Feldmann, EMBO J., 13, 5795-5809, 1994 and its activity is being defined as a mannose-containing glycoprotein and/or as an acetyl-CoA hydrolase, preferably of the acetyl-CoA hydrolase superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the acetyl-CoA hydrolase superfamily, preferably such protein is having a mannose-containing glycoprotein and/or as an acetyl-CoA hydrolase activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the the respective fine chemical, meaning of alanine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine, preferably of alanine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a a mannose-containing glycoprotein and/or as an acetyl-CoA hydrolase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YDL127W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78, 1997 and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as a G1/S-specific cyclin PCL2 (Cyclin HCS26 homolog). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the G1/S-specific cyclin PCL2 (Cyclin HCS26 homolog) or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the the respective fine chemical, meaning of 5-oxoproline, in particular for increasing the amount of 5-oxoproline, preferably of 5-oxoproline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a G1/S-specific cyclin PCL2 (Cyclin HCS26 homolog) is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YEL045C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dietrich, Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 78-81, 1997. It activity is not characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a YEL045C protein from Saccaromyces cerevisiae, or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of serine, in particular for increasing the amount of serine, preferably of serine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a YEL045C protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YLL009C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Johnston et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 87-90, 1997 and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as a cytochrome c oxidase copper chaperone. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the cytochrome c oxidase copper chaperone or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of serine, in particular for increasing the amount of serine preferably of serine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a cytochrome c oxidase copper chaperone is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YER173W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dietrich et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 78-81, 1997, and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as a checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of alanine and/or aspartic acid, of alanine and or phenylalanine, of aspartic acid and/or phenylalanine, of alanine and/or aspartic acid and/or phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of one or two or all amino acid(s) selected from the group consisting of alanine and/or aspartic acid and/or phenylalanine, preferably of one or two or all amino acid(s) selected from the group consisting of alanine and/or aspartic acid and/or phenylalanine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a Checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YFL050C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Murakami et al., Nat. Genet. 10 (3), 261-268, 1995, and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as a di- and/or trivalent inorganic cation transporter, preferably of the magnesium and cobalt transport protein superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the magnesium and cobalt transport protein superfamily, preferably such protein is having a di- and/or trivalent inorganic cation transporter activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the the respective fine chemical, meaning of alanine and/or glycine, of alanine and or tyrosine, of glycine and/or tyrosine, of alanine and/or glycine and/or tyrosine, in particular for increasing the amount of one or two or all amino acid(s) selected from the group consisting of alanine and/or glycine and/or tyrosine, preferably of one or two or all amino acid(s) selected from the group consisting of alanine and/or glycine and/or tyrosine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a di- and/or trivalent inorganic cation transporter is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YGR101W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Tettelin et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 81-84 (1997) and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as a rhomboid protease. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of rhomboid protease or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of phenylalanine, preferably of phenylalanine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a rhomboid protease is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YGR104C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Thompson et al., Cell 73:1361-1375(1993) and its activity is being defined as a RNA polymerase II suppressor protein SRB5 from yeast; and/or as an suppressor of RNA polymerase B SRB5, preferably of the RNA polymerase II suppressor protein SRB5 superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the RNA polymerase II suppressor protein SRB5 superfamily, preferably such protein is having a RNA polymerase II suppressor protein SRB5 from yeast; and/or a suppressor of RNA polymerase B SRB5 activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the the respective fine chemical, meaning of aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of aspartic acid, preferably of aspartic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a RNA polymerase II suppressor protein SRB5 from yeast and/or as an suppressor of RNA polymerase B SRB5 is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YHR130C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Johnston et al., Science 265:2077-2082(1994). Its activity is not characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a YHR130C protein from Saccaromyces cerevisiae, or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phenylalanine and/or tyrosine, in particular for increasing the amount of phenylalanine and/or tyrosine, preferably of phenylalanine and/or tyrosine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a YHR130C protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YIL150C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Churcher et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 84-87 (1997) and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of alanine and aspartic acid, alanine and serine, alanine and tyrosine, aspartic acid and serine, aspartic acid and tyrosine, serine and tyrosine, alanine and aspartic acid and serine, alanine and aspartic acid and tyrosine, alanine and serine and tyrosine, aspartic acid and serine and tyrosine and/or alanine and aspartic acid and serine and tyrosine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and aspartic acid, alanine and serine, alanine and tyrosine, aspartic acid and serine, aspartic acid and tyrosine, serine and tyrosine, alanine and aspartic acid and serine, alanine and aspartic acid and tyrosine, alanine and serine and tyrosine, aspartic acid and serine and tyrosine and/or alanine and aspartic acid and serine and tyrosine, preferably of alanine and aspartic acid, alanine and serine, alanine and tyrosine, aspartic acid and serine, aspartic acid and tyrosine, serine and tyrosine, alanine and aspartic acid and serine, alanine and aspartic acid and tyrosine, alanine and serine and tyrosine, aspartic acid and serine and tyrosine and/or alanine and aspartic acid and serine and tyrosine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YJL072C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996) and Galibert, EMBO J. 15 (9), 2031-2049 (1996) and its activity is being defined as a subunit of the GINS complex required for chromosomal DNA replication, preferably of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae probable membrane protein YJL072c superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae probable membrane protein YJL072c superfamily, preferably such protein is having a subunit of the GINS complex required for chromosomal DNA replication activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of phenylalanine, preferably of phenylalanine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a subunit of the GINS complex required for chromosomal DNA replication is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YKR057W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996) and Dujon, Nature 369 (6479), 371-378 (1994) and its activity is being defined as a ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation, preferably of the rat ribosomal protein S21 superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the rat ribosomal protein S21 superfamily, preferably such protein is having a ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of serine, in particular for increasing the amount of serine, preferably of serine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YLL013C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Johnston, Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 87-90 (1997) and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as a member of the PUF protein family, which is named for the founding members, pumilio and Fbf. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of member of the PUF protein family, which is named for the founding members, pumilio and Fbf or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the the respective fine chemical, meaning of citrulline, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline, preferably of citrulline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a member of the PUF protein family, which is named for the founding members, pumilio and Fbf is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YOR350C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996) and Dujon, Nature 369 (6479), 371-378 (1994) and its activity is not been characterized yet. It seems to be member of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MNE1 protein superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MNE1 protein superfamily, preferably such protein is having a YOR350C activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the the respective fine chemical, meaning of tyrosine, in particular for increasing the amount of tyrosine, preferably of tyrosine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a YOR350C protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YPR138C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996) and Bussey, Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 103-105 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a subunit of the NH4+ transporter, preferably of the ammonium transport protein and/or ammonium transporter nrgA superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the ammonium transport protein and/or ammonium transporter nrgA superfamily, preferably such protein is having a sNH4+ transporter activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the the respective fine chemical, meaning of phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of phenylalanine, preferably of phenylalanine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a NH4+ transporter is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YEL046C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996) and Dietrich, Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 78-81 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a low specificity L-threonine aldolase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the low specificity L-threonine aldolase or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of homoserine, in particular for increasing the amount of homoserine, preferably of homoserine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a low specificity L-threonine aldolase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0057 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has not been characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the b0057 protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of citrulline, glycine and/or serine, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline, in particular for increasing the amount of glycine, in particular for increasing the amount of serine, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline and glycine, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline and serine, in particular for increasing the amount of glycine and serine, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline and glycine and serine, preferably of citrulline, glycine and/or serine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0161 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has been defined as a periplasmic serine protease (heat shock protein), preferably of the Helicobacter serine proteinase superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the periplasmic serine protease (heat shock protein) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of 5-oxoproline, aspartic acid and/or phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of 5-oxoproline, in particular for increasing the amount of aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of 5-oxoproline and aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of 5-oxoproline and phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of aspartic acid and phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of 5-oxoproline and aspartic acid and phenylalanine, preferably of 5-oxoproline, aspartic acid and/or phenylalanine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0236 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a Peptide chain release factor homolog, preferably of the translation releasing factor superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a Peptide chain release factor homolog from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of alanine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine, preferably alanine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of 0376 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a beta-lactamase/D-ala carboxypeptidase, penicillin-binding protein, preferably of the Escherichia coli beta-lactamase superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a beta-lactamase/D-ala carboxypeptidase, penicillin-binding protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of 5-oxoproline, in particular for increasing the amount of 5-oxoproline, preferably 5-oxoproline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0462 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a acridine efflux pump protein, preferably of the acriflavin resistance protein superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a acridine efflux pump protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of citrulline, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline, preferably citrulline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0486 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has been defined as a putative amino-acid/amine transport protein (APC family), preferably of the probable membrane protein ybaT superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the putative amino-acid/amine transport protein (APC family) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of alanine and/or serine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine, in particular for increasing the amount of serine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and serine, preferably of alanine and/or serine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0577 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has been defined as a putative transport protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the putative transport protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of glycine and/or aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of glycine, in particular for increasing the amount of aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of glycine and aspartic acid, preferably of glycine and/or aspartic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0970 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has been defined as a probable glutamate receptor, preferably of the Escherichia coli ybhL protein superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the probable glutamate receptor from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of 5-oxoproline and/or tyrosine, in particular for increasing the amount of 5-oxoproline, in particular for increasing the amount of tyrosine, in particular for increasing the amount of 5-oxoproline and tyrosine, preferably of 5-oxoproline and/or tyrosine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1228 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has not been characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the b1228 protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of phenylalanine, preferably phenylalanine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1275 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcriptional regulator of biosynthesis of L-cysteine and regulator of sulfur assimilation (LysR familiy), preferably of the regulatory protein lysR superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a transcriptional regulator of biosynthesis of L-cysteine and regulator of sulfur assimilation (LysR familiy) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of citrulline, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline, preferably citrulline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1343 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has been defined as a ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of alanine, 5-oxoproline and/or aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine, in particular for increasing the amount of 5-oxoproline, in particular for increasing the amount of aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and 5-oxoproline, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of 5-oxoproline and aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and 5-oxoproline and aspartic acid, preferably of alanine, 5-oxoproline and/or aspartic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1360 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative DNA replication protein, preferably of the DNA replication protein dnaC superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a putative DNA replication protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of citrulline, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline, preferably citrulline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1863 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a Crossover junction endodeoxyribonuclease, preferably of the DNA repair protein ruvC superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a Crossover junction endodeoxyribonuclease from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of alanine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine, preferably alanine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2023 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al.,

Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a glutamine amidotransferase subunit of imidazole glycerol phosphate synthase heterodimer, preferably of the amidotransferase hisH, trpG homology superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a glutamine amidotransferase subunit of imidazole glycerol phosphate synthase heterodimer from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of aspartic acid, preferably aspartic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2078 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a sensory histidine kinase in two-component regulatory system, preferably of the sensor histidine kinase homology, envZ protein superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a sensory histidine kinase in two-component regulatory system from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of phenylalanine, preferably phenylalanine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2239 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of citrulline, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline, preferably citrulline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2414 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has been defined as a subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, PLP-dependent enzyme, preferably of the threonine dehydratase superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, PLP-dependent enzyme from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of citrulline, glycine, serine and/or phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline, in particular for increasing the amount of glycine, in particular for increasing the amount of serine, in particular for increasing the amount of phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline and glycine, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline and serine, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline and phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of glycine and serine, in particular for increasing the amount of glycine and phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of serine and phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline and glycine and serine, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline and glycine and phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline and serine and phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline and glycine and phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline and glycine and serine and phen, preferably of citrulline, glycine, serine and/or phenylalanine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2426 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative oxidoreductase with NAD(P)-binding domain, preferably of the ribitol dehydrogenase, short-chain alcohol dehydrogenase homology superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a putative oxidoreductase with NAD(P)-binding domain from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of citrulline, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline, preferably citrulline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2489 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has been defined as a hydrogenase Fe—S subunit, preferably of the psbG protein superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the hydrogenase Fe—S subunit from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of citrulline, alanine, glycine and/or serine, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine, in particular for increasing the amount of glycine, in particular for increasing the amount of serine, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline and alanine, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline and glycine, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline and serine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and glycine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and serine, in particular for increasing the amount of glycine and serine, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline and alanine and glycine, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline and alanine and serine, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline and glycine and serine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and glycine and serine, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline and alanine and glycine and serine, preferably of citrulline, alanine, glycine and/or serine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2491 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcriptional activator for expression of hydrogenase 4 genes, interacts with sigma 54 (EBP family). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a transcriptional activator for expression of hydrogenase 4 genes, interacts with sigma 54 (EBP family) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of tyrosine, in particular for increasing the amount of tyrosine, preferably tyrosine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2507 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a GMP synthetase (glutamine aminotransferase), preferably of the GMP synthase (glutamine-hydrolyzing), trpG homology superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a GMP synthetase (glutamine aminotransferase) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of aspartic acid, preferably aspartic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2553 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a regulatory protein P-II for glutamine synthetase, preferably of the regulatory protein P-II superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a regulatory protein P-II for glutamine synthetase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of glycine, in particular for increasing the amount of glycine, preferably glycine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2576 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has been defined as a ATP-dependent RNA helicase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the ATP-dependent RNA helicase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of alanine, glycine, aspartic acid and/or phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine, in particular for increasing the amount of glycine, in particular for increasing the amount of aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and glycine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of glycine and aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of glycine and phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of aspartic acid and phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and glycine and aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and glycine and phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and aspartic acid and phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of glycine and aspartic acid and phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and glycine and aspartic acid and phenylalanine, preferably of alanine, glycine, aspartic acid and/or phenylalanine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2664 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (GntR familiy), preferably of the probable transcription regulator gabP superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a putative transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (GntR familiy) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of serine, in particular for increasing the amount of serine, preferably serine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2753 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a aminopeptidase in alkaline phosphatase isozyme conversion, preferably of the alkaline phosphatase isozyme conversion protein superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a aminopeptidase in alkaline phosphatase isozyme conversion from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of aspartic acid, preferably aspartic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2796 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative serine transport protein (HAAAP family), preferably of the threonine-serine permease superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a putative serine transport protein (HAAAP family) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of phenylalanine, preferably phenylalanine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3064 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative 0-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase, with actin-like ATPase domain, preferably of the 0-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a putative O-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase, with actin-like ATPase domain from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of serine, in particular for increasing the amount of serine, preferably serine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3116 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has been defined as a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family), preferably of the threonine-serine permease superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of serine and/or aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of serine, in particular for increasing the amount of aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of serine and aspartic acid, preferably of serine and/or aspartic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3160 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has been defined as a putative monooxygenase with luciferase-like ATPase activity, preferably of the ynbW protein superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the putative monooxygenase with luciferase-like ATPase activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of citrulline and/or serine, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline, in particular for increasing the amount of serine, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline and serine, preferably of citrulline and/or serine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3169 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcription termination-antitermination factor, preferably of the Escherichia coli transcription factor nusA superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a transcription termination-antitermination factor from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of aspartic acid, preferably aspartic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3172 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has been defined as a argininosuccinate synthetase, preferably of the argininosuccinate synthase superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the argininosuccinate synthetase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of 5-oxoproline and/or aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of 5-oxoproline, in particular for increasing the amount of aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of 5-oxoproline and aspartic acid, preferably of 5-oxoproline and/or aspartic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3231 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has been defined as a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13, preferably of the Escherichia coli ribosomal protein L13 superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13 from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of alanine and/or serine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine, in particular for increasing the amount of serine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and serine, preferably of alanine and/or serine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3241 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative membrane located multidrug resistance protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a putative membrane located multidrug resistance protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of citrulline, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline, preferably citrulline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3767 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has been defined as a Acetolactate synthase isozyme II large subunit. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Acetolactate synthase isozyme II large subunit from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of alanine and/or homoserine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine, in particular for increasing the amount of homoserine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and homoserine, preferably of alanine and/or homoserine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3919 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a triosephosphate isomerase, preferably of the triose-phosphate isomerase superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a triosephosphate isomerase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of phenylalanine, preferably phenylalanine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3926 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a glycerol kinase, preferably of the xylulokinase superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a glycerol kinase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of citrulline, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline, preferably citrulline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3938 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcriptional repressor for methionine biosynthesis, preferably of the metJ protein superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a transcriptional repressor for methionine biosynthesis from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of phenylalanine, preferably phenylalanine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3983 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has been defined as a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L12, preferably of the Escherichia coli ribosomal protein L11 superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the 50S ribosomal subunit protein L12 from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phenylalanine and/or tyrosine, in particular for increasing the amount of phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of tyrosine, in particular for increasing the amount of phenylalanine and tyrosine, preferably of phenylalanine and/or tyrosine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b4129 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a lysine tRNA synthetase, inducible, preferably of the lysine-tRNA ligase superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a lysine tRNA synthetase, inducible from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of aspartic acid, preferably aspartic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b4214 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a ammonium transport system structural protein, preferably of the Aquifex aeolicus cysQ protein superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a ammonium transport system structural protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of citrulline, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline, preferably citrulline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b4269 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative alcohol dehydrogenase with NAD(P)-binding and GroES domains. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a putative alcohol dehydrogenase with NAD(P)-binding and GroES domains from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of citrulline, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline, preferably citrulline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b4346 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a component of 5-methylcytosine-specific restriction enzyme McrBC, preferably of the 5-methylcytosine-specific restriction enzyme B superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a component of 5-methylcytosine-specific restriction enzyme McrBC from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of aspartic acid, preferably aspartic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

[0023.0.14.14] Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the respective fine chemical amount or content. In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 126 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of 5-oxoproline. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 126. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 126, is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 126, is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 126, is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 126, is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 126, is a homolog being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 126, is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 126, is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 128, 129, 130 or 131 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of alanine. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 128, 129, 130 or 131 resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 128, 129, 130 or 131 resp., is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 128, 129, 130 or 131 resp., is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 128, 129, 130 or 131 resp., is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 128, 129, 130 or 131 resp., is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 128, 129, 130 or 131 resp., is a homolog being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 128, 129, 130 or 131 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 128, 129, 130 or 131 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 134, 135 or 136 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of aspartic acid. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 134, 135 or 136 resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 134, 135 or 136 resp., is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 134, 135 or 136 resp., is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 134, 135 or 136 resp., is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 134, 135 or 136 resp., is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 134, 135 or 136 resp., is a homolog being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 134, 135 or 136 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 134, 135 or 136 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 139 or 140 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of citrulline. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 139 or 140 resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 139 or 140 resp., is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 139 or 140 resp., is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 139 or 140 resp., is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 139 or 140 resp., is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 139 or 140 resp., is a homolog being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 139 or 140 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 139 or 140 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 141 or 142 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of glycine. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 141 or 142 resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 141 or 142 resp., is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 141 or 142 resp., is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 141 or 142 resp., is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 141 or 142 resp., is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 141 or 142 resp., is a homolog being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 141 or 142 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 141 or 142 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 143, is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of homoserine. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 143. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 143, is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 143, is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 143, is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 143, is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 143, is a homolog being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 143, is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 143, is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 144, 145, 146, 147, 148 or 149 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of phenylalanine. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 144, 145, 146, 147, 148 or 149 resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 144, 145, 146, 147, 148 or 149 resp., is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 144, 145, 146, 147, 148 or 149 resp., is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 144, 145, 146, 147, 148 or 149 resp., is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 144, 145, 146, 147, 148 or 149 resp., is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 144, 145, 146, 147, 148 or 149 resp., is a homolog being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 144, 145, 146, 147, 148 or 149 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 144, 145, 146, 147, 148 or 149 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162 or 163 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of serine. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162 or 163 resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162 or 163 resp., is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162 or 163 resp., is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162 or 163 resp., is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162 or 163 resp., is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162 or 163 resp., is a homolog being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162 or 163 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162 or 163 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 167, 168, 169 or 170 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of tyrosine. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 167, 168, 169 or 170 resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 167, 168, 169 or 170 resp., is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 167, 168, 169 or 170 resp., is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 167, 168, 169 or 170 resp., is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 167, 168, 169 or 170 resp., is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 167, 168, 169 or 170 resp., is a homolog being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 167, 168, 169 or 170 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 167, 168, 169 or 170 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 127 and/or 492 to 496 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably of 5-oxoproline. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 127 and/or 492 to 496 resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line lines 127 and/or 492 to 496 resp. is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 127 and/or 492 to 496 resp. is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 127 and/or 492 to 496 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 127 and/or 492 to 496 resp. is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line lines 127 and/or 492 to 496 resp. is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line lines 127 and/or 492 to 496 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity and being derived from Escherichia.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 132 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of alanine. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 132 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 132 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 resp. is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 132 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 resp. is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 132 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 132 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 resp. is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 132 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 resp. is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 132 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity and being derived from Escherichia.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 137 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of aspartic acid. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 137 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 137 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 resp. is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 137 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 resp. is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 137 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 137 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 resp. is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 137 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 resp. is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 137 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity and being derived from Escherichia.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 517 to 529 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of citrulline. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 517 to 529 resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 517 to 529 resp. is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 517 to 529 resp. is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 517 to 529 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 517 to 529 resp. is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 517 to 529 resp. is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 517 to 529 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity and being derived from Escherichia.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 530 to 535 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of glycine. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 530 to 535 resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 530 to 535 resp. is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 530 to 535 resp. is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 530 to 535 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 530 to 535 resp. is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 530 to 535 resp. is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 530 to 535 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity and being derived from Escherichia.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 536 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of homoserine. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 536 resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 536 resp. is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 536 resp. is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 536 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 536 resp. is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 536 resp. is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 536 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity and being derived from Escherichia.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 150 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of phenylalanine. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 150 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 150 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 resp. is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 150 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 resp. is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 150 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 150 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 resp. is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 150 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 resp. is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 150 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity and being derived from Escherichia.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 164 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of serine. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 164 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 164 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 resp. is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 164 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 resp. is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 164 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 164 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 resp. is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 164 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 resp. is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 164 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity and being derived from Escherichia.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 171 to 172 and/or 555 to 557 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of tyrosine. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 171 to 172 and/or 555 to 557 resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 171 to 172 and/or 555 to 557 resp. is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 171 to 172 and/or 555 to 557 resp. is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 171 to 172 and/or 555 to 557 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 171 to 172 and/or 555 to 557 resp. is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 171 to 172 and/or 555 to 557 resp. is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 171 to 172 and/or 555 to 557 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity and being derived from Escherichia.

[0023.1.14.14] Homologs of the polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 126 to 172 and/or lines 492 to 557, resp., may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 126 to 172 and/or lines 492 to 557, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 126 to 172 and/or lines 492 to 557, resp. Homologs of the polypeptides polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 126 to 172 and/or lines 492 to 557, resp., may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 126 to 172 and/or lines 492 to 557, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 126 to 172 and/or lines 492 to 557, resp.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 resp. may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 resp., having a 5-oxoproline content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 resp. may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 resp., having a alanine content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 resp. may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 resp., having a aspartic acid content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 resp. may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 resp., having a citrulline content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 resp. may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 resp., having a glycine content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 143 and/or 536 resp. may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 143 and/or 536 resp. or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 143 and/or 536 resp., having a homoserine content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 resp. may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 resp., having a phenylalanine content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 resp. may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 resp. having a serine content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557 resp. may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557 resp. respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557 resp., having a tyrosine content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

[0024.0.0.14] see [0024.0.0.0]

[0025.0.14.14] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein of the invention”, e.g. the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 for 5-oxoproline and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 for alanine and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 for aspartic acid and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 for citrulline and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 for glycine and/or lines 143 and/or 536 for homoserine and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 for phenylalanine and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 for serine and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557 for tyrosine, resp.,

if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased amino acid level, in particular to a increased 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism. In a preferred embodiment, the protein or polypeptide has the above-mentioned additional activities of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, line 126 and/or 128 to 131 and/or 134 to 136 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or line 143 and/or lines 144 to 149 and/or lines 157 to 163 and/or lines 167 to 170 resp. of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 132 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 137 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 517 to 529 and/or lines 530 to 535 and/or line 536 and/or lines 150 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 164 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 171 to 172 and/or 555 to 557 resp. of E. coli K12.

[0025.1.0.14] to [0033.0.0.14]: see [0025.1.0.0] to [0033.0.0.0]

[0034.0.14.14] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention. E.g., it differs by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., its biochemical or genetical causes and therefore shows the increased amount of the fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.14] to [0044.0.0.14]: see [0035.0.0.0] to [0044.0.0.0]

[0045.0.14.14] In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YAL049C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a YAL049C protein, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 149, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the phenylalanine between 30% and 74% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBL015W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a mannose-containing glycoprotein and/or as an acetyl-CoA hydrolase, preferably of the acetyl-CoA hydrolase superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 131, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the alanine between 29% and 204% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDL127W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a G1/S-specific cyclin PCL2 (Cyclin HCS26 homolog), e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 126, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the 5-oxoproline between 40% and 127% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YEL045C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a YEL045C protein, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 163, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the serine between 23% and 80% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YEL046C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a low specificity L-threonine aldolase, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 143, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the homoserine between 44% and 177% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER152C or its homologs, e.g. an activity similar to tyrosine aminotransferase, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 162, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the serine between 23% and 75% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER173W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 130, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the alanine between 21% and 132% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER173W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 136, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the aspartic acid between 64% and 93% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER173W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 130 and/or 136, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of alanine and aspartic acid between 21% and 132%, preferably between 64% and 132% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER173W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 148, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the phenylalanine between 44% and 99% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER173W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 130 and/or 148, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of alanine and phenylalanine between 21% and 132%, preferably between 44% and 132% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER173W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 136 and/or 148, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of aspartic acid and phenylalanine between 44% and 99%, preferably between 64% and 99% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER173W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 130 and/or 136 and/or 148, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of alanine and aspartic acid and phenylalanine between 21% and 132%, preferably 44% and 132%, more preferably between 64% and 132% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL050C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a di- and/or trivalent inorganic cation transporter, preferably of the magnesium and cobalt transport protein superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 129, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the alanine between 19% and 104% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL050C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a di- and/or trivalent inorganic cation transporter, preferably of the magnesium and cobalt transport protein superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 142, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the glycine between 36% and 74% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL050C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a di- and/or trivalent inorganic cation transporter, preferably of the magnesium and cobalt transport protein superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 129 and/or 142, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of alanine and glycine between 19% and 104%, preferably between 36% and 104% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL050C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a di- and/or trivalent inorganic cation transporter, preferably of the magnesium and cobalt transport protein superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 170, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the tyrosine between 42% and 56% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL050C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a di- and/or trivalent inorganic cation transporter, preferably of the magnesium and cobalt transport protein superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 129 and/or 170, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of alanine and tyrosine between 19% and 104%, preferably between 42% and 104% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL050C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a di- and/or trivalent inorganic cation transporter, preferably of the magnesium and cobalt transport protein superfamily, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 142 and/or 170, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glycine and tyrosine between 36% and 74%, preferably between 42% and 74% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL050C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a di- and/or trivalent inorganic cation transporter, preferably of the magnesium and cobalt transport protein superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 129 and/or 142 and/or 170, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of alanine and glycine and tyrosine between 19% and 104%, preferably 36% and 104%, more preferably between 42% and 104% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGR101W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a rhomboid protease, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 147, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the phenylalanine between 40% and 92% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGR104C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a rhomboid protease, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 135, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the aspartic acid between 108% and 126% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YHR130C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a YHR130C protein, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 146, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the phenylalanine between 77% and 77%, preferably of 77% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YHR130C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a YHR130C protein, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 169, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the tyrosine between 51% and 126% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YHR130C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a YHR130C protein, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 146 and/or 169, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of phenylalanine and tyrosine between 51% and 126%, preferably between 77% and 126%, more preferably of 126% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 128, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the alanine between 47% and 328% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 134, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the aspartic acid between 308% and 308%, preferably 308% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 128 and/or 134, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of alanine and aspartic acid between 47% and 328%, preferably between 308% and 328% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 161, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the serine between 30% and 322% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 128 and/or 161, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of alanine and serine between 30% and 328%, preferably between 47% and 328% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 134 and/or 161, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of aspartic acid and serine between 30% and 322%, preferably between 308% and 328% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 128 and/or 134 and/or 161, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of alanine and aspartic acid and serine between 30% and 328%, preferably 47% and 328%, more preferably between 308% and 328% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 168, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the tyrosine between 698% and 698%, preferably 698% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 128 and/or 168, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of alanine and tyrosine between 47% and 698%, preferably between 698% and 698% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 134 and/or 168, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of aspartic acid and tyrosine between 308% and 698%, preferably between 698% and 698% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 161 and/or 168, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of serine and tyrosine between 30% and 698%, preferably between 698% and 698% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 128 and/or 134 and/or 161, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of alanine and aspartic acid and tyrosine between 47% and 698%, preferably 308% and 698%, more preferably between 698% and 698% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 134 and/or 161 and/or 168, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of aspartic acid serine and tyrosine between 30% and 698%, preferably 308% and 698%, more preferably between 698% and 698% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 128 and/or 161 and/or 168, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of alanine and serine and tyrosine between 30% and 698%, preferably 47% and 698%, more preferably between 698% and 698% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 128 and/or 134 and/or 161 and/or 168, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of alanine and aspartic acid and serine and tyrosine between 30% and 698%, preferably 47% and 698%, more preferably between 308% and 698%, or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YJL072C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a subunit of the GINS complex required for chromosomal DNA replication, preferably of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae probable membrane protein YJL072c superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 145, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the phenylalanine between 25% and 204% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YKR057W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation, preferably of the rat ribosomal protein S21 superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 160, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the serine between 24% and 170% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLL009C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a cytochrome c oxidase copper chaperone, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 159, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the serine between 27% and 84% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLL013C or its homologs, e.g. an activity as a PUF protein family, which is named for the founding members, pumilio and Fbf, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 140, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the citrulline between 30% and 44% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLR082C or its homologs, e.g. an activity as a suppressor of Rad53 null lethality, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 158, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the serine between 22% and 61% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOL123W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a cleavage and polyadenylation factor CF I component involved in pre-mRNA 3′-end processing, preferably of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein HRP1—yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 141 is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glycine between 35% and 105% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR245C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a Acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase, preferably of the Caenorhabditis elegans hypothetical protein KO7B1.4 superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 139 is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 47% and 69% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR261C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a proteasome regulatory particle subunit, preferably of the mov-34 protein superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 157 is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of serine between 28% and 40% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR350C or its homologs, e.g. an activity which is not been characterized yet, but seems to be member of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MNE1 protein superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 167 is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of tyrosine between 67% and 177% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YPR138C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a subunit of the NH4+ transporter, preferably of the ammonium transport protein and/or ammonium transporter nrgA superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 144 is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of phenylalanine between 49% and 93% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0695 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a sensory histidine kinase in two-component regulatory system, preferably of the sensor histidine kinase homology superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 156, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the phenylalanine between 36% and 74% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0730 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon and/or fatty acyl response regulator, preferably of the transcription regulator GntR superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 138, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the aspartic acid between 47% and 268% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1708 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a lipoprotein, preferably of the conserved hypothetical protein H11314 superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 154, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the phenylalanine between 48% and 237% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1827 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (IcIR family), preferably of the acetate operon repressor superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 153, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the phenylalanine between 40% and 293% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1827 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (IcIR family), preferably of the acetate operon repressor superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 172, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the tyrosine between 40% and 228% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1827 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (IcIR family), preferably of the acetate operon repressor superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 153 and/or 172, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the phenylalanine and tyrosine between 40% and 293%, preferably between 40% and 293% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1829 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a heat shock protein with protease activity, preferably of the heat-shock protein htpX superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 166, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the serine between 24% and 166% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1829 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a heat shock protein with protease activity, preferably of the heat-shock protein htpX superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 171, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the tyrosine between 56% and 741% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1829 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a heat shock protein with protease activity, preferably of the heat-shock protein htpX superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 166 and/or 171, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the serine and tyrosine between 24% and 741%, preferably between 56% and 741% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2095 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a tagatose-6-phosphate kinase, preferably of the Escherichia probable tagatose 6-phosphate kinase gatZ superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 133, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the alanine between 22% and 33% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3008 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a cystathionine beta-lyase, PLP-dependent (beta-cystathionase), preferably of the 0-succinylhomoserine (thiol)-lyase superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 132, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the alanine between 27% and 71% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3256 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of an acetyl CoA carboxylase and/or biotin carboxylase subunit, preferably of the biotin carboxylase superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 151, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the phenylalanine between 44% and 50% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1697 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of an electron transfer flavoprotein subunit with ETFP adenine nucleotide-binding like domain, preferably of the electron transfer flavoprotein beta chain superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 155, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the phenylalanine between 30% and 188% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1886 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein II and/or aspartate sensor receptor, preferably of the methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein superfamily e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 152, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the phenylalanine between 33% and 196% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1886 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein II and/or aspartate sensor receptor, preferably of the methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 165, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the serine between 25% and 111% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1886 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein II and/or aspartate sensor receptor, preferably of the methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 152 and/or 165, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the phenylalanine and serine between 25% and 196%, preferably between 33% and 196% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1896 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase, preferably of the

Schizosaccharomyces pombe alpha,alpha-trehalose-phosphate synthase (UdP-forming) superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 127, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the 5-oxoproline between 34% and 150% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1896 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase, preferably of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe alpha,alpha-trehalose-phosphate synthase (UdP-forming) superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 137, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the aspartic acid between 90% and 255% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1896 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase, preferably of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe alpha,alpha-trehalose-phosphate synthase (UdP-forming) superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 127 and/or 137, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the 5-oxoproline and aspartic acid between 34% and 255%, preferably between 90% and 255% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3462 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of integral membrane cell division protein, preferably of the cell division protein ftsX superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 150, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the phenylalanine between 26% and 140% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3462 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of integral membrane cell division protein, preferably of the cell division protein ftsX superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 164, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the serine between 26% and 64% or more. In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3462 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of integral membrane cell division protein, preferably of the cell division protein ftsX superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 127 and/or 137, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the phenylalanine and serine between 26% and 140%, preferably between 26% and 140% or more.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0057 or its homologs e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14],e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 517 and 530 and 546, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 33% and 119%, preferably of glycine between 43% and 67%, preferably of serine between 32% and 61%, preferably of citrulline and serine between 32% and 119%, preferably of citrulline and glycine between 33% and 119%, preferably of glycine and serine between 32% and 67%, preferably of citrulline and glycine and serine between 32% and 119% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0161 or its homologs e.g. a periplasmic serine protease e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 492 and 505 and 537, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of 5-oxoproline between 45% and 123% or more, preferably of aspartic acid between 57% and 116% or more, preferably of phenylalanine between 37% and 668% or more, preferably of 5-oxoproline and aspartic acid between 45% and 123% or more, preferably of 5-oxoproline and phenylalanine between 37% and 668% or more, preferably of aspartic acid and phenylalanine between 37% and 668% or more, preferably of 5-oxoproline and aspartic acid and phenylalanine between 37% and 668% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0236 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 497, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of alanine between 22% and 41% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0376 or its homologs e.g. a beta-lactamase/D-ala carboxypeptidase, penicilling binding protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 493, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of 5-oxoproline between 41% and 100% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0462 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 518, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 36% and 44% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0486 or its homologs e.g. a amino-acid/amine transport protein (APC family) e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 498 and 547, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine respective chemical, preferably of alanine between 44% and 52%, preferably of serine between 27% and 49%, preferably of alanine and serine between 27% and 52% or more, is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0577 or its homologs e.g. a putative transport protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 506 and531, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glycine between 36% and 50%, preferably of aspartic acid between 56% and 65%, preferably of glycine and aspartic acid between 36% and 65%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0970 or its homologs e.g. a glutamate receptor e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 494 and 555, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine respective chemical, preferably of 5-oxoproline between 37% and 203%, preferably of tyrosine between 35% and 498%, preferably of 5-oxoproline and tyrosine between 35% and 498%, or more, is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1228 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 538, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of phenylalanine between 35% and 44% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1275 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 519, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 32% and 50% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1343 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 495 and 499 and 507, is increased, e.g. the activity of a protein involved in rRNA processing and/or translation is increased, preferred the activity of a ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA or its homolog is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of 5-oxoproline between 37% and 87%, preferably of alanine between 27% and 44%, preferably of aspartic acid between 76% and 136%, preferably of alanine and 5-oxoproline between 27% and 87%, preferably of alanine and aspartic acid between 27% and 136%, preferably of 5-oxoproline and aspartic acid between 37% and 136%, preferably of alanine and 5-oxoproline and aspartic acid between 27% and 136%, or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1360 or a protein with the activity defined as putative DNA replication protein or its homologs, e.g. transcriptional regulator or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 520, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 34% and 72% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1863 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 500, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of alanine between 22% and 45%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2023 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 508, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of aspartic acid between 56% and 81%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2078 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 539, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of phenylalanine between 26% and 89%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2239 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 521, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 37% and 73%, or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2414 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 522 and 532 and 548 and 540, is increased, e.g. the activity of a protein of the threonine dehydratase-superfamily is increased preferably the activity of a protein involved in amino acid biosynthesis, biosynthesis of the cysteine-aromatic group, degradation of amino acids of the cysteine-aromatic group, nitrogen and sulfur utilizationbiosynthesis of the aspartate family, degradation of amino acids of the aspartate group, biosynthesis of sulfuric acid and L-cysteine derivatives, biosynthesis of secondary products derived from primary amino acids, biosynthesis of secondary products derived from glycine, L-serine and L-alanine, pyridoxal phosphate binding is increased, preferred the activity of a subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, PLP-dependent enzyme or its homolog is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 31% and 40%, preferably of glycine between 38% and 62%, preferably of serine between 27% and 53%, preferably of phenylalanine between 27% and 197%, preferably of citrulline and glycine between 31% and 62%, preferably of citrulline and serine between 27% and 53%, preferably of citrulline and phenylalanine between 27% and 197%, preferably of glycine and serine between 27% and 62%, preferably of glycine and phenylalanine between 27% and 197%, preferably of serine and phenylalanine between 27% and 197%, preferably of citrulline and glycine and serine between 27% and 62%, preferably of citrulline and glycine and phenylalanine between 27% and 197%, preferably of citrulline and serine and phenylalanine between 27% and 197%, preferably of glycine and serine and phenylalanine between 27% and 197%, preferably of citrulline and glycine and serine and phenylalanine between 27% and 197%, or more is conferred. In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2426 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 523, is increased, e.g. the activity of a oxidoreductase with NAD(P)-binding domain is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 32% and 41% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2489 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 524, 533, 549 and 501, is increased, e.g. the activity of a hydrogenase Fe—S subunit is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 33% and 60%, preferably of glycine between 33% and 78%, preferably of serine between 23% and 47%, preferably of alanine between 21% and 27%, preferably of citrulline and glycine between 33% and 78%, preferably of citrulline and serine between 23% and 60%, preferably of citrulline and alanine between 21% and 60%, preferably of glycine and serine between 23% and 78%, preferably of glycine and alanine between 21% and 78%, preferably of serine and alanine between 21% and 47%, preferably of citrulline and glycine and serine between 23% and 78%, preferably of citrulline and glycine and alanine between 21% and 78%, preferably of citrulline and serine and alanine between 21% and 60%, preferably of glycine and serine and alanine between 21% and 78%, preferably of citrulline and glycine and serine and alanine between 21% and 78%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2491 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 556, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of tyrosine between 40% and 89%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2507 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 509, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of aspartic acid between 49% and 120%, or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2553 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 534, is increased, e.g. the activity of a regulatory protein P-II for glutamine synthetase is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glycine between 36% and 83% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2576 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table III, columns 5 or 7, line 502 and 535 and 510 and 541, is increased, e.g. the activity of a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14] is increased, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of alanine between 24% and 49%, preferably of glycine between 40% and 73%, preferably of aspartic acid between 52% and 103%, preferably of phenylalanine between 23% and 41%, preferably of alanine and glycine between 24% and 73%, preferably of alanine and aspartic acid between 24% and 103%, preferably of alanine and phenylalanine between 23% and 49%, preferably of glycine and aspartic acid between 40% and 103%, preferably of glycine and phenylalanine between 23% and 73%, preferably of aspartic acid and phenylalanine between 23% and 103%, preferably of alanine and glycine and aspartic acid between 24% and 103%, preferably of alanine and glycine and phenylalanine between 23% and 73%, preferably of alanine and aspartic acid and phenylalanine between 23% and 103%, preferably of glycine and aspartic acid and phenylalanine between 23% and 103%, preferably of alanine and glycine and aspartic acid and phenylalanine between 23% and 103%, or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2664 or a protein with the activity defined as putative transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (GntR familiy) or its homologs, e.g. transcriptional regulator, e.g. as indicated in Table III, columns 5 or 7, line 550, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical serine between 25% and 231% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2753 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 511, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of aspartic acid between 56% and 154%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2796 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 542, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of phenylalanine between 33% and 105%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3064 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 551, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of serine between 39% and 84%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3116 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 512 and 552, is increased, e.g. the activity of a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family) is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of serine between 35% and 70%, preferably of aspartic acid between 50% and 130%, preferably of serine and aspartic acid between 35% and 130%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3160 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 525 and 553, is increased, e.g. the activity of a monooxygenase with luciferase-like ATPase activity is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 34% and 48%, preferably of serine between 31% and 60%, preferably of citrulline and serine between 31% and 60% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3169 or its homologs e.g. a transcription termination-antitermination factor e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 513, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of aspartic acid between 66% and 168% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3172 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 496 and 514, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of aspartic acid between 52% and 234%, preferably of 5-oxoproline between 44% and 94%, preferably of aspartic acid and 5-oxoproline between 44% and 234%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3231 or its homologs e.g. a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13 e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 503 and 554, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of alanine between 21% and 35%, preferably of serine between 23% and 49%, preferably of alanine and serine between 21% and 49% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3241 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 526, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 38% and 70%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3767 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 504 and 536, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of alanine between 24% and 70%, preferably of homoserine between 24% and 71%, preferably of alanine and homoserine between 24% and 71%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3919 or its homologs e.g. an triosephosphate isomerase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 543, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of phenylalanine between 30% and 188% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3926 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 527, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 70% and 94%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3938 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 544, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of phenylalanine between 34% and 40%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3983 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a Escherichia coli ribosomal protein L11 superfamily, preferably a protein with with a t50S ribosomal subunit protein L12 activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 545 and 557, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably phenylalanine between 37% and 266%, preferably tyrosine between 44% and 357%, preferably phenylalanine and tyrosine between 37% and 357% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4129 or its homologs e.g. a lysine tRNA synthetase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 515, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of aspartic acid between 53% and 141% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4214 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 528, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 32% and 102%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4269 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 529, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 31% and 63%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4346 or its homologs e.g. a component of 5-methylcytosine-specific restriction enzyme McrBC e.g. as indicated in

Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 516, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of aspartic acid between 63% and 94% or more is conferred.

[0046.0.14.14] In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YAL049C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a YAL049C protein, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 149, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acids or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YBL015W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a mannose-containing glycoprotein and/or as an acetyl-CoA hydrolase, preferably of the hacetyl-CoA hydrolase superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 131, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity having-compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YDL127W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a G1/S-specific cyclin PCL2 (Cyclin HCS26 homolog), e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 126, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity having-compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YEL045C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a YEL045C protein, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 163, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity having-compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YEL046C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a low specificity L-threonine aldolase, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 143, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity having-compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YER152C or its homologs, e.g. an activity similar to tyrosine aminotransferase, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 162, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity having-compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YER173W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 130 and/or 136 and/or 148, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity having-compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YFL050C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a di- and/or trivalent inorganic cation transporter, preferably of the magnesium and cobalt transport protein superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 129 and/or 142 and/or 170, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity having-compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YGR101W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a rhomboid protease, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 147, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity having-compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YGR104C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a rhomboid protease, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 135, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity having-compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YHR130C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a YHR130C protein, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 146 and/or 169, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity having-compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 128 and/or 134 and/or 161 and/or 168, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity having-compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YJL072C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a subunit of the GINS complex required for chromosomal DNA replication, preferably of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae probable membrane protein YJL072c superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 145, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity having-compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YKR057W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation, preferably of the rat ribosomal protein S21 superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 160, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity having-compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YLL009C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a cytochrome c oxidase copper chaperone, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 159, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity having-compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YLL013C or its homologs, e.g. an activity as a PUF protein family, which is named for the founding members, pumilio and Fbf, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 140, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity having-compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YLR082C or its homologs, e.g. an activity as a suppressor of Rad53 null lethality, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 158, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity having-compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YOL123W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a cleavage and polyadenylation factor CF I component involved in pre-mRNA 3′-end processing, preferably of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein HRP1—yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 141, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity having-compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YOR245C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a Acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase, preferably of the Caenorhabditis elegans hypothetical protein KO7B1.4 superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 139, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity having-compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YOR261C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a proteasome regulatory particle subunit, preferably of the mov-34 protein superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 157, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity having-compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YOR350C or its homologs, e.g. an activity which is not been characterized yet, but seems to be member of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MNE1 protein superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 167, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity having-compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YPR138C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a subunit of the NH4+ transporter, preferably of the ammonium transport protein and/or ammonium transporter nrgA superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 144, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity having-compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0695 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a sensory histidine kinase in two-component regulatory system, preferably of the sensor histidine kinase homology superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 156, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity-having compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0730 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon and/or fatty acyl response regulator, preferably of the transcription regulator GntR superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 138, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity-having compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1708 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a lipoprotein, preferably of the conserved hypothetical protein H11314 superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 154, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity-having compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1827 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (IcIR family), preferably of the acetate operon repressor superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 153 and/or 172, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity-having compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1829 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a heat shock protein with protease activity, preferably of the heat-shock protein htpX superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 166 and/or 171, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity-having compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2095 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a tagatose-6-phosphate kinase, preferably of the Escherichia probable tagatose 6-phosphate kinase gatZ superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 133, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity-having compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3008 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a cystathionine beta-lyase, PLP-dependent (beta-cystathionase), preferably of the 0-succinylhomoserine (thiol)-lyase superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 132, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity-having compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3256 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of an acetyl CoA carboxylase and/or biotin carboxylase subunit, preferably of the biotin carboxylase superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 151, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity-having compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1697 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of an electron transfer flavoprotein subunit with ETFP adenine nucleotide-binding like domain, preferably of the electron transfer flavoprotein beta chain superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 155, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity-having compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1886 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein II and/or aspartate sensor receptor, preferably of the methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 152 and/or 165, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity-having compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1896 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase, preferably of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe alpha,alpha-trehalose-phosphate synthase (UdP-forming) superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 127 and/or 137, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity-having compounds or their precursors. In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3462 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of integral membrane cell division protein, preferably of the cell division protein ftsX superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 150 and/or 164, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid activity-having compounds or their precursors.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0057 or its homologs e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14],e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 517 and 530 and 546, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 33% and 119%, preferably of glycine between 43% and 67%, preferably of serine between 32% and 61%, preferably of citrulline and serine between 32% and 119%, preferably of citrulline and glycine between 33% and 119%, preferably of glycine and serine between 32% and 67%, preferably of citrulline and glycine and serine between 32% and 119% and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0161 or its homologs e.g. a periplasmic serine protease e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 492 and 505 and 537, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of 5-oxoproline between 45% and 123% or more, preferably of aspartic acid between 57% and 116% or more, preferably of phenylalanine between 37% and 668% or more, preferably of 5-oxoproline and aspartic acid between 45% and 123% or more, preferably of 5-oxoproline and phenylalanine between 37% and 668% or more, preferably of aspartic acid and phenylalanine between 37% and 668% or more, preferably of 5-oxoproline and aspartic acid and phenylalanine between 37% and 668% and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0236 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 497, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of alanine between 22% and 41% and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0376 or its homologs e.g. a beta-lactamase/D-ala carboxypeptidase, penicilling binding protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 493, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of 5-oxoproline between 41% and 100% and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0462 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 518, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 36% and 44% and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0486 or its homologs e.g. a amino-acid/amine transport protein (APC family) e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 498 and 547, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine respective chemical, preferably of alanine between 44% and 52%, preferably of serine between 27% and 49%, preferably of alanine and serine between 27% and 52% and of further amino acids or their precursors or more, is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0577 or its homologs e.g. a putative transport protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 506 and531, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glycine between 36% and 50%, preferably of aspartic acid between 56% and 65%, preferably of glycine and aspartic acid between 36% and 65%, and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0970 or its homologs e.g. a glutamate receptor e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 494 and 555, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine respective chemical, preferably of 5-oxoproline between 37% and 203%, preferably of tyrosine between 35% and 498%, preferably of 5-oxoproline and tyrosine between 35% and 498%, and of further amino acids or their precursors or more, is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1228 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 538, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of phenylalanine between 35% and 44% and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1275 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 519, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 32% and 50% and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1343 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 495 and 499 and 507, is increased, e.g. the activity of a protein involved in rRNA processing and/or translation is increased, preferred the activity of a ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA or its homolog is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of 5-oxoproline between 37% and 87%, preferably of alanine between 27% and 44%, preferably of aspartic acid between 76% and 136%, preferably of alanine and 5-oxoproline between 27% and 87%, preferably of alanine and aspartic acid between 27% and 136%, preferably of 5-oxoproline and aspartic acid between 37% and 136%, preferably of alanine and 5-oxoproline and aspartic acid between 27% and 136%, and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1360 or a protein with the activity defined as putative DNA replication protein or its homologs, e.g. transcriptional regulator or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 520, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 34% and 72% and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1863 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 500, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of alanine between 22% and 45%, and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2023 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 508, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of aspartic acid between 56% and 81%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2078 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 539, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of phenylalanine between 26% and 89%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2239 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 521, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 37% and 73%, and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2414 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 522 and 532 and 548 and 540, is increased, e.g. the activity of a protein of the threonine dehydratase-superfamily is increased preferably the activity of a protein involved in amino acid biosynthesis, biosynthesis of the cysteine-aromatic group, degradation of amino acids of the cysteine-aromatic group, nitrogen and sulfur utilizationbiosynthesis of the aspartate family, degradation of amino acids of the aspartate group, biosynthesis of sulfuric acid and L-cysteine derivatives, biosynthesis of secondary products derived from primary amino acids, biosynthesis of secondary products derived from glycine, L-serine and L-alanine, pyridoxal phosphate binding is increased, preferred the activity of a subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, PLP-dependent enzyme or its homolog is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 31% and 40%, preferably of glycine between 38% and 62%, preferably of serine between 27% and 53%, preferably of phenylalanine between 27% and 197%, preferably of citrulline and glycine between 31% and 62%, preferably of citrulline and serine between 27% and 53%, preferably of citrulline and phenylalanine between 27% and 197%, preferably of glycine and serine between 27% and 62%, preferably of glycine and phenylalanine between 27% and 197%, preferably of serine and phenylalanine between 27% and 197%, preferably of citrulline and glycine and serine between 27% and 62%, preferably of citrulline and glycine and phenylalanine between 27% and 197%, preferably of citrulline and serine and phenylalanine between 27% and 197%, preferably of glycine and serine and phenylalanine between 27% and 197%, preferably of citrulline and glycine and serine and phenylalanine between 27% and 197%, or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2426 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 523, is increased, e.g. the activity of a oxidoreductase with NAD(P)-binding domain is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 32% and 41% and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2489 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 524, 533, 549 and 501, is increased, e.g. the activity of a hydrogenase Fe—S subunit is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 33% and 60%, preferably of glycine between 33% and 78%, preferably of serine between 23% and 47%, preferably of alanine between 21% and 27%, preferably of citrulline and glycine between 33% and 78%, preferably of citrulline and serine between 23% and 60%, preferably of citrulline and alanine between 21% and 60%, preferably of glycine and serine between 23% and 78%, preferably of glycine and alanine between 21% and 78%, preferably of serine and alanine between 21% and 47%, preferably of citrulline and glycine and serine between 23% and 78%, preferably of citrulline and glycine and alanine between 21% and 78%, preferably of citrulline and serine and alanine between 21% and 60%, preferably of glycine and serine and alanine between 21% and 78%, preferably of citrulline and glycine and serine and alanine between 21% and 78%, and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2491 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 556, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of tyrosine between 40% and 89%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2507 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 509, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of aspartic acid between 49% and 120%, or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2553 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 534, is increased, e.g. the activity of a regulatory protein P-II for glutamine synthetase is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glycine between 36% and 83% and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2576 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table III, columns 5 or 7, line 502 and 535 and 510 and 541, is increased, e.g. the activity of a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14] is increased, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of alanine between 24% and 49%, preferably of glycine between 40% and 73%, preferably of aspartic acid between 52% and 103%, preferably of phenylalanine between 23% and 41%, preferably of alanine and glycine between 24% and 73%, preferably of alanine and aspartic acid between 24% and 103%, preferably of alanine and phenylalanine between 23% and 49%, preferably of glycine and aspartic acid between 40% and 103%, preferably of glycine and phenylalanine between 23% and 73%, preferably of aspartic acid and phenylalanine between 23% and 103%, preferably of alanine and glycine and aspartic acid between 24% and 103%, preferably of alanine and glycine and phenylalanine between 23% and 73%, preferably of alanine and aspartic acid and phenylalanine between 23% and 103%, preferably of glycine and aspartic acid and phenylalanine between 23% and 103%, preferably of alanine and glycine and aspartic acid and phenylalanine between 23% and 103%, or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2664 or a protein with the activity defined as putative transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (GntR familiy) or its homologs, e.g. transcriptional regulator, e.g. as indicated in Table III, columns 5 or 7, line 550, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the fine chemical serine between 25% and 231% and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2753 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 511, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of aspartic acid between 56% and 154%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2796 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 542, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of phenylalanine between 33% and 105%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3064 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 551, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of serine between 39% and 84%, and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3116 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 512 and 552, is increased, e.g. the activity of a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family) is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of serine between 35% and 70%, preferably of aspartic acid between 50% and 130%, preferably of serine and aspartic acid between 35% and 130%, and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3160 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 525 and 553, is increased, e.g. the activity of a monooxygenase with luciferase-like ATPase activity is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 34% and 48%, preferably of serine between 31% and 60%, preferably of citrulline and serine between 31% and 60% and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3169 or its homologs e.g. a transcription termination-antitermination factor e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 513, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of aspartic acid between 66% and 168% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3172 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 496 and 514, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of aspartic acid between 52% and 234%, preferably of 5-oxoproline between 44% and 94%, preferably of aspartic acid and 5-oxoproline between 44% and 234%, and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3231 or its homologs e.g. a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13 e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 503 and 554, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of alanine between 21% and 35%, preferably of serine between 23% and 49%, preferably of alanine and serine between 21% and 49% and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3241 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 526, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 38% and 70%, and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3767 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 504 and 536, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of alanine between 24% and 70%, preferably of homoserine between 24% and 71%, preferably of alanine and homoserine between 24% and 71%, and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3919 or its homologs e.g. an triosephosphate isomerase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 543, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of phenylalanine between 30% and 188% and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3926 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 527, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 70% and 94%, and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3938 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 544, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of phenylalanine between 34% and 40%, and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3983 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a Escherichia coli ribosomal protein L11 superfamily, preferably a protein with with a t50S ribosomal subunit protein L12 activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 545 and 557, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably phenylalanine between 37% and 266%, preferably tyrosine between 44% and 357%, preferably phenylalanine and tyrosine between 37% and 357% and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4129 or its homologs e.g. a lysine tRNA synthetase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 515, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of aspartic acid between 53% and 141% and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4214 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 528, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 32% and 102%, and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4269 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 529, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.14.14], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of citrulline between 31% and 63%, and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4346 or its homologs e.g. a component of 5-methylcytosine-specific restriction enzyme McrBC e.g. as indicated in

Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 516, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of aspartic acid between 63% and 94% and of further amino acids or their precursors or more is conferred.

[0047.0.0.14] to [0048.0.0.14]: see [0047.0.0.0] to [0048.0.0.0]

[0049.0.14.14]

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of 5-oxoproline chemical preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of a polypeptides comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of alanine chemical preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of a polypeptides comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of aspartic acid chemical preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of a polypeptides comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of citrulline chemical preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of a polypeptides comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of glycine chemical preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of a polypeptides comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of homoserine chemical preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of a polypeptides comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 143 and/or 536 of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 143 and/or 536 the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 143 and/or 536 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of phenylalanine chemical preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of a polypeptides comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of serine chemical preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of a polypeptides comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of tyrosine chemical preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of a polypeptides comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557 of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557 the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.14.14] For the purposes of the present invention “the respective fine chemical” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium, amonium or sodium salts of the respective fine chemical or the respective amino acid hydrochloride or sulfateof 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine.

[0051.0.0.14] to [0052.0.0.14]: see [0051.0.0.0] to [0052.0.0.0]

[0053.0.14.14] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps:

a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 for 5-oxoproline and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 for alanine and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 for aspartic acid and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 for citrulline and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 for glycine and/or lines 143 and/or 536 for homoserine and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 for phenylalanine and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 for serine and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557 for tyrosine resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 for 5-oxoproline and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 for alanine and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 for aspartic acid and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 for citrulline and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 for glycine and/or lines 143 and/or 536 for homoserine and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 for phenylalanine and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 for serine and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557 for tyrosine resp., having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical-increasing activity; b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide of the present invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical increasing activity; c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or decreasing the inhibitory regulation of the polypeptide of the invention; d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.; e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors to the organisms or parts thereof; f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention, having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.; g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide havingan an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.; h) Increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., by adding positive expression or removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination can be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor elements form regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity of positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be identified in which the positive elements have be integrated near to a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby enhanced; i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner, that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example microorganisms or plants can be grown under a higher temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock proteins, e.g. the heat shock protein of the invention, which can lead an enhanced the fine chemical production; and/or j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.14.14] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein according to Table II, column 3, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

[0055.0.0.14] to [0071.0.0.14]: see [0055.0.0.0] to [0071.0.0.0]

[0072.0.14.14] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine further amino acids or the respective precursors.

[0073.0.14.14] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process which comprises:

-   -   a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a         non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal         tissue or a plant;     -   b) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or a         homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,         lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133         and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516         and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to         142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines         144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546         to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or of a         polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the         present invention and described below, i.e. conferring an         increase of the respective fine chemical in the organism,         preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or         animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant,     -   c) growing the organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human         animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a         plant, under conditions which permit the production of the         respective fine chemical in the organism, preferably the         microorganism, the plant cell, the plant tissue or the plant;         and     -   d) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or         bound the respective fine chemical and, optionally further free         and/or bound amino acids synthetized by the organism, the         microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell,         the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.0.14] to [0084.0.0.14]: see [0075.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0]

[0085.0.14.14] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7,     lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or     497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines     139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to     535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537     to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to     172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or a derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or     lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or     505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines     141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or     lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or     546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or a     derivative thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.14] to [0088.1.0.14]: see [0086.0.0.0] to [0088.1.0.0]

[0089.0.0.14] to [0097.0.0.14]: see [0089.0.0.0] to [0097.0.0.0]

[0098.0.14.14] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical (5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine) are produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, are isolated. The production of further amino acids and of amino acid mixtures or mixtures with other compounds by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.0.14] to [0102.0.0.14]: see [0099.0.0.0] to [0102.0.0.0]

[0103.0.14.14] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128     to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516     and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142     and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to     156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554     and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or a fragment     thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the respective     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or     lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or     505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines     141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or     lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or     546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table III, columns 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to     496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to     138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529     and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or     536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to     166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557,     resp., and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table IV,     columns 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to     133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516     and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142     and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to     156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554     and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domaine of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or     497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines     139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to     535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537     to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to     172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[00103.1.0.14.] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

[00103.2.0.14.] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

[0104.0.14.14] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

[0105.0.0.14] to [0107.0.0.14]: see [0105.0.0.0] to [0107.0.0.0]

[0108.0.14.14] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., nucleic acid molecules which are derived from a amino acid sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table I, column 3, 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or e.g. conferring a increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.14]: see [0109.0.0.0]

[0110.0.14.14] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as indicated in II, column 5, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.14]: see [0111.0.0.0]

[0112.0.14.14] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table I, column 3, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 and 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., and conferring a 5-oxoproline and/or alanine and/or aspartic acid and/or citrulline and/or glycine and/or homoserine and/or phenylalanine and/or serine and/or tyrosine increase.

[0113.0.0.14] to [0120.0.0.14]: see [0113.0.0.0] to [0120.0.0.0]

[0121.0.14.14] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity.

[0122.0.0.14] to [0127.0.0.14]: see [0122.0.0.0] to [0127.0.0.0]

[0128.0.14.14] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or the sequences derived from sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

[0129.0.14.14] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequences indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., are derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.14.14] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of amino acids, e.g. of 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine after increasing its expression or activity of the protein comprising said fragment.

[0131.0.0.14] to [0138.0.0.14]: see [0131.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0]

[0139.0.14.14] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical level, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to a sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, preferably Table I B, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 for 5-oxoproline and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 for alanine and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 for aspartic acid and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 for citrulline and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 for glycine and/or lines 143 and/or 536 for homoserine and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 for phenylalanine and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 for serine and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557 for tyrosine resp., under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the respective fine chemical, in particular, of 5-oxoproline and/or alanine and/or aspartic acid and/or citrulline and/or glycine and/or homoserine and/or phenylalanine and/or serine and/or tyrosine resp., increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.14] to [0146.0.0.14]: see [0140.0.0.0] to [0146.0.0.0]

[0147.0.14.14] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences s such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.14.14] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, preferably Table I B, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., preferably Table I B or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular, of arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.14.14] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity and as indicated in indicated in Table II.

[00149.1.14.14] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

[0150.0.14.14] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, preferably Table I B, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine, resp., if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7 lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or its gene product.

[0151.0.0.14] see [0151.0.0.0]

[0152.0.14.14] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular an activity increasing the level of 5-oxoproline and/or alanine and/or aspartic acid and/or citrulline and/or glycine and/or homoserine and/or phenylalanine and/or serine and/or tyrosine as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.14.14] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

[0154.0.14.14] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.14] to [0156.0.0.14]: see [0155.0.0.0] to [0156.0.0.0]

[0157.0.14.14] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptides comprising the consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7 lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or their functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, a consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7 lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., preferably as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp. Preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

[0158.0.0.14] to [0160.0.0.14]: see [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0]

[0161.0.14.14] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.14] see [0162.0.0.0]

[0163.0.14.14] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the respective fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of an protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.14] see [0164.0.0.0]

[0165.0.14.14] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

[0166.0.0.14] to [0167.0.0.14]: see [0166.0.0.0] to [0167.0.0.0]

[0168.0.14.14] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino add sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

[0169.0.0.14] to [0172.0.0.14]: see [0169.0.0.0] to [0172.0.0.0]

[0173.0.14.14] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 21744 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 21744 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.14] see [0174.0.0.0]

[0175.0.14.14] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 21745 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 21745 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.14.14] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

[0177.0.14.14] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7 lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

[0178.0.0.14]: see [0178.0.0.0]

[0179.0.14.14] A nucleic acid molecule encoding an homologous to a protein sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., preferably of Table II B, column 7 lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences of a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.14] to [0183.0.0.14]: see [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0]

[0184.0.14.14] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table I, preferably Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.14.14] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table I, preferably Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table I, preferably table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.,

[0186.0.14.14] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table II, preferably table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table II, preferably table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

[0187.0.14.14] In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence as indicated in Table II, preferably Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

[0188.0.14.14] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential biological or enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., and is expressed under identical conditions.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention is a homolog consisting of or comprising the sequence as indicated in Ti B, columns 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

[0189.0.14.14 Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7 lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.14] to [0203.0.0.14]: see [0190.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0]

[0204.0.14.14] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, preferably Table II     B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines     128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to     516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to     142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144     to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554     and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or a fragment     thereof conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical, in particular, of 5-oxoproline (lines 126 to 127 and/or     492 to 496) and/or alanine (lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504)     and/or aspartic acid (lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516) and/or     citrulline (lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529) and/or glycine     (lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535) and/or homoserine (lines 143     and/or 536) and/or phenylalanine (lines 144 to 156 and/or 537     to 545) and/or serine (lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554) and/or     tyrosine (lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557), resp., in an organism     or a part thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5     or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133     and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or     lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or     530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156     and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or     lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or a fragment thereof     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines     126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to     504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to     140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535     and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to     545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to     172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical, in particular, of     5-oxoproline (lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496) and/or alanine     (lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504) and/or aspartic acid (lines 134     to 138 and/or 505 to 516) and/or citrulline (lines 139 to 140 and/or     517 to 529) and/or glycine (lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535)     and/or homoserine (lines 143 and/or 536) and/or phenylalanine (lines     144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545) and/or serine (lines 157 to 166 and/or     546 to 554) and/or tyrosine (lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557),     resp., in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines     126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to     504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to     140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535     and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to     545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to     172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical, in particular, of     5-oxoproline (lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496) and/or alanine     (lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504) and/or aspartic acid (lines 134     to 138 and/or 505 to 516) and/or citrulline (lines 139 to 140 and/or     517 to 529) and/or glycine (lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535)     and/or homoserine (lines 143 and/or 536) and/or phenylalanine (lines     144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545) and/or serine (lines 157 to 166 and/or     546 to 554) and/or tyrosine (lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557),     resp., in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or     lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or     505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines     141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or     lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or     546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical, in particular, of 5-oxoproline (lines 126 to 127 and/or     492 to 496) and/or alanine (lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504)     and/or aspartic acid (lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516) and/or     citrulline (lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529) and/or glycine     (lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535) and/or homoserine (lines 143     and/or 536) and/or phenylalanine (lines 144 to 156 and/or 537     to 545) and/or serine (lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554) and/or     tyrosine (lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557), resp., in an organism     or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492     to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to     138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529     and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or     536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to     166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557,     resp., or a nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the     mature form of, a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or     7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or     497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines     139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to     535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537     to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to     172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof;     -   or which encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;     -   whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)         to (l) distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA,         columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines         128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505         to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines         141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or         lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166         and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557,         resp., by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the         nucleic acid molecule does not consist of the sequence shown and         indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127         and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504         and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to         140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535         and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537         to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines         167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.     -   In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule is less than 100%,         99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated         in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492         to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines         134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517         to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines         143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or         lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172         and/or 555 to 557, resp.     -   In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode         a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II A or II B,         columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines         128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505         to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines         141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or         lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166         and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557,         resp.     -   In an other embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present         invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical and less         than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence         indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127         and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504         and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to         140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535         and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537         to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines         167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.     -   In a further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not         encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table II A or II         B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or         lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138         and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529         and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143         and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or         lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172         and/or 555 to 557, resp.     -   Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the         differs at least in one or more residues from a nucleic acid         molecule indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines         126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497         to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines         139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530         to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156         and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554         and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.     -   Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the         present invention encodes a polypeptide, which differs at least         in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide indicated in Table         II A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496         and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to         138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529         and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143         and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or         lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172         and/or 555 to 557, resp.     -   In another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule indicated in         Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to         496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134         to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to         529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143         and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or         lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172         and/or 555 to 557, resp., does not encode a protein of a         sequence indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines         126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497         to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines         139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530         to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156         and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554         and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.     -   Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded by a         sequences of a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does not         consist of a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B,         columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines         128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505         to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines         141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or         lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166         and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557,         resp.     -   In a further embodiment, the protein of the present invention is         at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical to a protein sequence         indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to         127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504         and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to         140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535         and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537         to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines         167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., and less than 100%,         preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably         less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as         indicated in Table I A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127         and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504         and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to         140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535         and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537         to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines         167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

[0205.0.0.14] to [0226.0.0.14]: see [0205.0.0.0] to [0226.0.0.0]

[0227.0.14.14] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the amino acid biosynthetic pathway such as for amino acid precursors is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.0.14] to [0230.0.0.14]: see [0228.0.0.0] to [0230.0.0.0]

[00231.0.14.14] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a protein degrading 5-oxoproline and/or alanine and/or aspartic acid and/or citrulline and/or glycine and/or homoserine and/or phenylalanine and/or serine and/or tyrosine resp., is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.14] to [0282.0.0.14]: see [0232.0.0.0] to [0282.0.0.0]

[0283.0.14.14] Moreover, a native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, e.g. an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing polypeptides comprising or consisting of above mentioned sequences, e.g. the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies.

[0284.0.0.14] see [0284.0.0.0]

[0285.0.14.14] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or as coded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.14.14] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

[0287.0.0.14] to [0290.0.0.14]: see [0287.0.0.0] to [0290.0.0.0]

[0291.0.14.14] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences. In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., by more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

[0292.0.0.14]: see [0292.0.0.0]

[0293.0.14.14] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof and being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table I A or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

[0294.0.14.14] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table II A or Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.14] to [0297.0.0.14]: see [0295.0.0.0] to [0297.0.0.0]

[0297.1.14.14] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 3, 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

[0298.0.14.14] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to confer the activity of the present invention. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

[0299.0.14.14] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.14.14] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

[0301.0.0.14] see [0301.0.0.0]

[0302.0.14.14] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.14] see [0303.0.0.0]

[0304.0.14.14] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.14] to [0308.0.0.14]: see [0305.0.0.0] to [0308.0.0.0]

[0309.0.14.14] In one embodiment, an reference to a “protein (=polypeptide)” of the invention or as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.14] to [0334.0.0.14]: see [0310.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0]

[0335.0.14.14] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence of one of the sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.14] to [0342.0.0.14]: see [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0]

[0343.0.14.14] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.14] to [0361.0.0.14]: see [0344.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0]

[0362.0.14.14] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., e.g. encoding a polypeptide having protein activity, as indicated in Table II, columns 3, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.

Due to the above mentioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention

[0363.0.0.14] to [0384.0.0.14]: see [0363.0.0.0] to [0384.0.0.0]

[0385.0.14.14] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine, normally have a dry matter content of from 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, at least at the end, but especially over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 3 g/l during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it. The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

An other method for purification the amino acids of the invention, in particular 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine is a process by means of electrodialysis as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,803.

[0386.0.0.14] to [0392.0.0.14]: see [0386.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0]

[0393.0.4.4] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   q) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   r) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence as indicated in Table I, preferably Table I B, columns 5 or     7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or     497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines     139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to     535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537     to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to     172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., and, optionally, isolating the full     length cDNA clone or complete genomic clone; -   s) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the fine chemical; -   t) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   u) assaying the the fine chemical level in the host cells; and -   v) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the the fine chemical level in the     host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.14] to [0399.0.0.14]: see [0394.0.0.0] to [0399.0.0.0]

[0399.1.14.14] One can think to screen for increased production of the respective fine chemical by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the fine chemical and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotyp of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.14] to [0423.0.0.14]: see [0400.0.0.0] to [0423.0.0.0]

[0424.0.14.14] Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the fine chemical or of the fine chemical and one or more other amino acids, in particular Threonine, Glutamin, Glutamic acid, Valine, Aspargine,

Methionine, Cysteine, Leucine, Proline, Tryptophan, Valine, Isoleucine and, Arginine. Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the respective fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0425.0.0.14] to [0460.0.0.14]: see [0425.0.0.0] to [0460.0.0.0]

[0461.0.14.14] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 18718 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.14] see [0462.0.0.0]

[0463.0.14.14] SEQ ID NO: 18718 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.14] to [0466.0.0.14]: see [0464.0.0.0] to [0466.0.0.0]

[0467.0.14.14] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO:

18718:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 18874) atgaaataca aggaaatcaa tttcttc ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 18875) ctacatagtt atgttattgg tgatcg

[0468.0.0.14] to [0479.0.0.14]: see [0468.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0]

[0480.0.14.14] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 18718

[0481.0.0.14] to [0513.0.0.14]: see [0481.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0]

[0514.0.14.14] As an alternative, the amino acids can be detected advantageously via HPLC separation in ethanolic extract as described by Geigenberger et al. (Plant Cell & Environ, 19, 1996: 43-55).

The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the table 1 which follows:

ORF Metabolite Method Min Max YAL049C Phenylalanine GC + LC 1.30 1.74 YBL015W Alanine GC 1.29 3.04 YDL127W 5-Oxoproline GC 1.40 2.27 YEL045C Serine GC 1.23 1.80 YEL046C Homoserine GC 1.44 2.77 YER152C Serine GC 1.23 1.75 YER173W Alanine GC 1.21 2.32 YER173W Aspartic Acid GC 1.64 1.93 YER173W Phenylalanine GC 1.44 1.99 YFL050C Alanine GC 1.19 2.04 YFL050C Glycine GC 1.36 1.74 YFL050C Tyrosine GC 1.42 1.56 YGR101W Phenylalanine GC 1.40 1.92 YGR104C Aspartic Acid GC 2.08 2.26 YHR130C Phenylalanine LC 1.77 1.77 YHR130C Tyrosine GC + LC 1.51 2.26 YIL150C Alanine GC 1.47 4.28 YIL150C Serine GC 1.30 4.22 YIL150C Aspartic Acid GC 4.08 4.08 YIL150C Tyrosine GC 7.98 7.98 YJL072C Phenylalanine GC 1.25 3.04 YKR057W Serine GC 1.24 2.70 YLL009C Serine GC 1.27 1.84 YLL013C Citrulline LC 1.30 1.44 YLR082C Serine GC 1.22 1.61 YOL123W Glycine GC 1.35 2.05 YOR245C Citrulline LC 1.47 1.69 YOR261C Serine GC 1.28 1.40 YOR350C Tyrosine GC 1.67 2.77 YPR138C Phenylalanine GC + LC 1.49 1.93 b0695 Phenylalanine GC + LC 1.36 1.74 b0730 Aspartic Acid GC 1.47 3.68 b1708 Phenylalanine GC 1.48 3.37 b1827 Phenylalanine GC 1.40 3.93 b1827 Tyrosine GC 1.40 3.28 b1829 Serine GC 1.24 2.66 b1829 Tyrosine GC + LC 1.56 8.41 b2095 Alanine GC 1.22 1.33 b3008 Alanine GC 1.27 1.71 b3256 Phenylalanine GC 1.44 1.50 b1697 Phenylalanine GC 1.30 2.88 b1886 Phenylalanine LC 1.33 2.96 b1886 Serine GC 1.25 2.11 b1896 5-Oxoproline GC 1.34 2.50 b1896 Aspartic acid GC 1.90 3.55 b3462 Serine GC 1.26 1.64 b3462 Phenylalanine GC + LC 1.26 2.40 b0057 Citrulline LC 1.33 2.19 b0057 Glycine GC 1.43 1.67 b0057 Serine GC 1.32 1.61 b0161 5-Oxoproline GC 1.45 2.23 b0161 Aspartic acid GC 1.57 2.16 b0161 Phenylalanine LC + GC 1.37 7.68 b0236 Alanine GC 1.22 1.41 b0376 5-Oxoproline GC 1.41 2.00 b0462 Citrulline LC 1.36 1.44 b0486 Alanine GC 1.44 1.52 b0486 Serine GC 1.27 1.49 b0577 Glycine GC 1.36 1.50 b0577 Aspartic acid GC 1.56 1.65 b0970 5-Oxoproline GC 1.37 3.03 b0970 Tyrosine GC 1.35 5.98 b1228 Phenylalanine GC 1.35 1.44 b1275 Citrulline LC 1.32 1.50 b1343 Alanine GC 1.27 1.44 b1343 5-Oxoproline GC 1.37 1.87 b1343 Aspartic acid GC 1.76 2.36 b1360 Citrulline LC 1.34 1.72 b1863 Alanine GC 1.22 1.45 b2023 Aspartic acid GC 1.56 1.81 b2078 Phenylalanine LC + GC 1.26 1.89 b2239 Citrulline LC 1.37 1.73 b2414 Citrulline LC 1.31 1.40 b2414 Glycine GC 1.38 1.62 b2414 Serine GC 1.27 1.53 b2414 Phenylalanine GC 1.27 2.97 b2426 Citrulline LC 1.32 1.41 b2489 Citrulline LC 1.33 1.60 b2489 Alanine GC 1.21 1.27 b2489 Glycine GC 1.33 1.78 b2489 Serine GC 1.23 1.47 b2491 Tyrosine GC 1.40 1.89 b2507 Aspartic acid GC 1.49 2.20 b2553 Glycine GC 1.36 1.83 b2576 Alanine GC 1.24 1.49 b2576 Glycine GC 1.40 1.73 b2576 Aspartic acid GC 1.52 2.03 b2576 Phenylalanine GC 1.23 1.41 b2664 Serine GC 1.25 3.31 b2753 Aspartic acid GC 1.56 2.54 b2796 Phenylalanine LC 1.33 2.05 b3064 Serine GC 1.39 1.84 b3116 Serine GC 1.35 1.70 b3116 Aspartic acid GC 1.50 2.30 b3160 Citrulline LC 1.34 1.48 b3160 Serine GC 1.31 1.60 b3169 Aspartic acid GC 1.66 2.68 b3172 5-Oxoproline GC 1.44 1.94 b3172 Aspartic acid GC 1.52 3.34 b3231 Alanine GC 1.21 1.35 b3231 Serine GC 1.23 1.49 b3241 Citrulline LC 1.38 1.70 b3767 Alanine GC 1.24 1.70 b3767 Homoserine GC 1.24 1.71 b3919 Phenylalanine GC 1.30 2.88 b3926 Citrulline LC 1.70 1.94 b3938 Phenylalanine LC + GC 1.34 1.40 b3983 Phenylalanine LC + GC 1.37 3.66 b3983 Tyrosine LC + GC 1.44 4.57 b4129 Aspartic acid GC 1.53 2.41 b4214 Citrulline LC 1.32 2.02 b4269 Citrulline LC 1.31 1.63 b4346 Aspartic acid GC 1.63 1.94

[0515.0.14.14] Column 2 shows the amino acid analyzed. Columns 4 and 5 shows the ratio of the analyzed amino acid between the transgenic plants and the wild type; Increase of the metabolites: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type)-Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type). Decrease of the metabolites: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (minimal decrease), Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (maximal decrease). Column 6 indicates the analytical method.

[0516.0.0.14] to [0552.0.0.14]: see [0516.0.0.0] to [0552.0.0.0]

[0552.1.14.14]: Example 15 Metabolite Profiling Info from Zea mays

Zea mays plants were engineered, grown and analyzed as described in Example 14c. The results of the different Zea mays plants analysed can be seen from Table 2 which follows:

TABLE 2 ORF_NAME Metabolite Min Max YAL049C Phenylalanine 1.78 1.86 YIL150C Alanine 1.63 3.17 YIL150C Serine 1.25 2.02 YKR057W Serine 2.05 12.64  YIL150C Aspartic acid 2.11 3.56 YIL150C Tyrosine 1.19 2.09 YEL046C Homoserine 2.04 2.45 YLR082C Serine 1.63 2.84 b0970 5-Oxoproline 1.17 3.04 b0970 Tyrosine 1.53 5.05 b1829 Serine 1.53 2.12 b1896 5-Oxoproline 1.58 2.48 b1896 Aspartic acid 2.24 4.06 b2553 Glycine 2.70 23.32  b2664 Serine 1.70 3.47 b3116 Serine 1.45 2.45 b3116 Aspartic acid 1.91 2.20 b3172 5-Oxoproline 1.43 2.94 b3172 Aspartic acid 1.39 4.99

Table 2 exhibits the metabolic data from maize, shown in either TO or T1, describing the increase in phenylalanine and/or alanine and/or serine and/or aspartic acid and/or tyrosine and/or 5-oxoproline and/or homoserine and/or glycine in genetically modified corn plants expressing the Saccharomyces cerevisiae nucleic acid sequence

YAL049C, YIL150C, YKR057W, YEL046C or YLR082C or E. coli nucleic acid sequence b0970, b1829, b1896, b2553, b2664, b3116 or b3172 resp.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YAL049C or its homologs, its activity has not been characterized yet, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical phenylalanine between 78% and 86% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein

YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. “a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical alanine between 63% and 217% is conferred and/or an increase of the fine chemical serine between 25% and 102% is conferred and/or an increase of the fine chemical aspartic acid between 111% and 256% is conferred and/or an increase of the fine chemical tyrosine between 19% and 109% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YKR057W or a ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation or its homologs, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical serine between 105% and 1164% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YEL046C or its homologs, e.g. “an activity of a low specificity L-threonine aldolase”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical homoserine between 104% and 145% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLR082C or its homologs, e.g. “an activity as a suppressor of Rad53 null lethality”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical serine between 63% and 184% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b0970 or its homologs, e.g. “the activity of a glutamate receptor”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical 5-oxoproline between 17% and 204% is conferred and/or an increase of the fine chemical tyrosine between 53% and 405% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b1829 or its homologs, e.g. “an activity of a heat shock protein with protease activity, preferably of the heat-shock protein htpX superfamily”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical serine between 53% and 112% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b1896 or its homologs, e.g. “an activity of a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase, preferably of the

Schizosaccharomyces pombe alpha,alpha-trehalose-phosphate synthase (UdP-forming) superfamily”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical 5-oxoproline between 58% and 148% is conferred and/or an increase of the fine chemical aspartic acid between 124% and 306% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b2553 or its homologs, e.g. “the activity of a regulatory protein P-II for glutamine synthetase”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical glycine between 170% and 2232% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b2664 or its homologs, e.g. “a protein with the activity defined as putative transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (GntR familiy) or its homologs, e.g. transcriptional regulator”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical serine between 70% and 247% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b3116 or its homologs, e.g. “the activity of a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family)”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical serine between 45% and 145% is conferred and/or an increase of the fine chemical aspartic acid between 91% and 120% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b3172 or its homologs, e.g. “the activity of an argininosuccinate synthetase”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical 5-oxoproline between 43% and 194% is conferred and/or an increase of the fine chemical aspartic acid between 39% and 399% is conferred.

[0552.2.0.14]: see [0552.2.0.0]

[0553.0.14.14]

-   1. A process for the production of 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic     acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or     tyrosine resp., which comprises     (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as indicated     in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496     and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138     and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or     lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536     and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166     and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.,     or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism, or in     one or more parts thereof; and     (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline,     glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp. in     said organism. -   2. A process for the production of 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic     acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or     tyrosine resp., comprising the increasing or generating in an     organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic     acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the     group consisting of:     a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or     lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or     505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines     141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or     lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or     546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or a     fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of     5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine,     homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an     organism or a part thereof;     b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule as     indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to     496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to     138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529     and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or     536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to     166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557,     resp.,     c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of 5-oxoproline, alanine,     aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine,     serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an organism or a part thereof;     d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has at     least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid,     citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or     tyrosine resp., in an organism or a part thereof;     e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of 5-oxoproline,     alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine,     phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an organism or a     part thereof;     f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid molecule     which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA     library or a genomic library using the primers or primer pairs as     indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496     and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138     and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or     lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536     and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166     and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.,     and conferring an increase in the amount of the 5-oxoproline,     alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine,     phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an organism or a     part thereof;     g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated     with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded     by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (f) and conferring an     increase in the amount of 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid,     citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or     tyrosine resp., in an organism or a part thereof;     h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 126 to     127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504     and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140     and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or     lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545     and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172     and/or 555 to 557, resp., and conferring an increase in the amount     of 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine,     homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an     organism or a part thereof; and     i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof having at least 15 nt,     preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the     nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k) and conferring an     increase in the amount of 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid,     citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or     tyrosine resp., in an organism or a part thereof.     or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine,     homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a polypeptide     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized in claim 2;     (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said     polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with the     activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the selected     organisms or the part thereof;     (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which comprise     an increased activity or expression level of said polypeptide     compared to the selected organism or the part thereof;     (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the parts     thereof; and     (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound     5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine,     homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., produced by     the selected mutated organisms or parts thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or     lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or     505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines     141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or     lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or     546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., or a     fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of     5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine,     homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an     organism or a part thereof;     b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule as     indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to     496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to     138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529     and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or     536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to     166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557,     resp.,     c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of 5-oxoproline, alanine,     aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine,     serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an organism or a part thereof;     d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has at     least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid,     citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or     tyrosine resp., in an organism or a part thereof;     e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of 5-oxoproline,     alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine,     phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an organism or a     part thereof;     f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid molecule     which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA     library or a genomic library using the primers or primer pairs as     indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496     and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138     and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or     lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536     and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166     and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp.,     and conferring an increase in the amount of 5-oxoproline, alanine,     aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine,     serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an organism or a part thereof;     g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated     with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded     by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (f) and conferring an     increase in the amount of 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid,     citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or     tyrosine resp., in an organism or a part thereof;     h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 126 to     127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504     and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140     and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or     lines 143 and/or 536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545     and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172     and/or 555 to 557, resp., and conferring an increase in the amount     of 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine,     homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an     organism or a part thereof; and     i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof having at least 15 nt,     preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the     nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k) and conferring an     increase in the amount of 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid,     citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or     tyrosine resp., in an organism or a part thereof.     whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the sequence as     indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492     to 496 and/or lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to     138 and/or 505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529     and/or lines 141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or     536 and/or lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to     166 and/or 546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557,     resp., by one or more nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 126 to 127 and/or 492 to 496 and/or     lines 128 to 133 and/or 497 to 504 and/or lines 134 to 138 and/or     505 to 516 and/or lines 139 to 140 and/or 517 to 529 and/or lines     141 to 142 and/or 530 to 535 and/or lines 143 and/or 536 and/or     lines 144 to 156 and/or 537 to 545 and/or lines 157 to 166 and/or     546 to 554 and/or lines 167 to 172 and/or 555 to 557, resp., by one     or more amino acids -   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of 5-oxoproline,     alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine,     phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an organism or a     part thereof comprising:     (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which     express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 5 conferring an increase in the amount of 5-oxoproline,     alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine,     phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an organism or a     part thereof with a candidate compound or a sample comprising a     plurality of compounds under conditions which permit the expression     the polypeptide;     (b) assaying the 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline,     glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp.,     level or the polypeptide expression level in the cell, tissue, plant     or microorganism or the media the cell, tissue, plant or     microorganisms is cultured or maintained in; and     (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the measured     5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine,     homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., level or     polypeptide expression level with a standard 5-oxoproline, alanine,     aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine,     serine and/or tyrosine resp., or polypeptide expression level     measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample     comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased level     over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample     comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased     level over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample     comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine,     homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., production     in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps:     (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining     a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of     5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine,     homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an     organism or a part thereof and a readout system capable of     interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which     permit the interaction of the polypeptide with dais readout system     in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of     compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response     to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions     which permit the expression of said readout system and of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6     conferring an increase in the amount of 5-oxoproline, alanine,     aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine,     serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an organism or a part thereof;     (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting     the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said     readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline,     glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp.,     production in a cell, comprising the following steps:     (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can     contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an     increase in 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline,     glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp.,     after expression with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of claim     6;     (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells     appropriate for producing 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid,     citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or     tyrosine resp.;     (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells;     (e) assaying the 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline,     glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp.,     level in the host cells; and     (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the 5-oxoproline, alanine,     aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine,     serine and/or tyrosine resp., level in the host cell in the host     cell after expression compared to the wild type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline,     glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp.,     production in a cell, comprising the following steps:     (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an     organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product     conferring an increase in the 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid,     citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or     tyrosine resp., amount or level in an organism or a part thereof     after expression, and which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic     acid molecule of claim 6;     (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells     appropriate for producing 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid,     citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or     tyrosine resp.,;     (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells;     (d) assaying the 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline,     glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosineresp.,     level in the host cells; and     (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the 5-oxoproline, alanine,     aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine,     serine and/or tyrosine resp., level in the host cell after     expression compared to the wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine,     homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., after     expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline,     glycine, homoserine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp.,     levels in an organism. -   25. Food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the     plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim     16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified     according to the method of claim 19 or 20. -   26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20 for the protection of a plant against a 5-oxoproline and/or     alanine and/or aspartic acid and/or citrulline and/or glycine and/or     homoserine and/or phenylalanine and/or serine and/or tyrosine     synthesis inhibiting herbicide.

[0554.0.0.14] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.0]

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.0.15] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.15] see [0001.0.0.0]

[0002.0.15.15] Oils and fats, which chemically are glycerol esters of fatty acids (triacylglycerols (TAGs)), play a major role in nutrition but more and more in nonfood applications such as lubricants, hydraulic oil, biofuel, or oleochemicals for coatings, plasticizer, soaps, and detergents (W. Lohs and W. Friedt, in Designer Oil Crops, D. J. Murphy, Ed. (VCH, Weinheirn, Gerrnany, 1993)). The ideal oil for industrial application would consist of a particular type of fatty acid that could be supplied constantly at a competitively low price as compared with raw materials based on mineral oil products. Furthermore, such a fatty acid may have a reactive group in addition to the carboxyl function to provide an additional target for chemical modifications (Topfer et al., Science, Vol. 268, 681-686, 1995).

[0003.0.15.15] Fatty acids and triglycerides have numerous applications in the food and feed industry, in cosmetics and in the drug sector. Depending on whether they are free saturated or unsaturated fatty acids or triglycerides with an increased content of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, they are suitable for the most varied applications; thus, for example, polyunsaturated fatty acids (=PUFAs) are added to infant formula to increase its nutritional value. The various fatty acids and triglycerides are mainly obtained from microorganisms such as fungi or from oil-producing plants including phytoplankton and algae, such as soybean, oilseed rape, sunflower and others, where they are usually obtained in the form of their triacylglycerides.

[0004.0.15.15] Principally microorganisms such as Mortierella or oil producing plants such as soybean, rapeseed or sunflower or algae such as Crytocodinium or Phaeodactylum are a common source for oils containing fatty acids, where they are usually obtained in the form of their triacyl glycerides. Alternatively, they are obtained advantageously from animals, such as fish. The free fatty acids are prepared advantageously by hydrolysis with a strong base such as potassium or sodium hydroxide.

[0005.0.15.15] Further sources of fatty acids are membrane lipids of organisms. Preferably lipids are phopholipids and/or glycolipids, more preferably glycerophospholipids, galactolipids and/or sphingolipids.

[0006.0.15.15.] Margaric acid was first mentioned in the early 1800s. 1813 M. E. Chevreul discovered that fats are composed of fatty acids and named one of these “margaric acid” because it glistened with lustrous pearly drops that reminded him of the Greek word for pearl, margaron or margarites. In the middle of the 1800s W. H. Heintz showed that “margaric acid” discovered by Chevreul was an indefinite mixture of palmitic and stearic acids.

Today, the term “margaric acid” is the trivial name for heptadecanoic acid (17:0), which is naturally occurring in minor amounts.

The fatty acid with odd number of carbon atoms is present in trace amounts in plants, in triglycerides from Brazil-nut oil, Dracocephalum moldavica oil, Poppy-seed, Palm, Almond, Sunflower or Soyabean. Margaric acid can be isolated from tallow (1%), specially from subcutaneous adipose tissue in subcutaneous fat from lambs.

Margaric acid can be ingredient of satiety agents or fungicide composition. It is further used as ingredient in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and in feed and food, like baking adjuvants as disclosed in US 20030143312 or accordind to US 20040097392 as component in surfactant systems.

The heptadecanoic acid is mainly used as an internal standard in quantification of fatty acids. It can be further useful in treatment of neurological diseases which may be caused by yeast, fungi or prions based on yeast or fungal etiology (U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,866) or in antikeratolytic-wound healing compositions (U.S. Pat. No. 5,641,814). Heptadecanoic acid was produced up to now in higher amount primarily by organic synthesis.

[0007.0.15.15.] 2-Hydroxy fatty acids are synthesised in animal and plant tissues, and are often major constituents of the sphingolipids. Sphingolipids with 2-hydroxy fatty acid are found in most organisms including plants, yeast, worms, vertebrate animals, and some bacterial species.

In plants more than 95% of the fatty acid component of the ceramides and sphingolipids is alpha-hydroxylated. The acyl groups of ceramides tend to consist of long-chain (C16 up to C26 but occasionally longer) odd- and even-numbered saturated or monoenoic fatty acids and related 2-D-hydroxy fatty acids, both in plant and animal tissues.

Typical plant sphingolipids are made up by the long-chain sphingosine backbone which is glycosylated and amide-linked to an usually hydroxylated (very-)-long-chain fatty acid, called cerebroside. Cerebrosides are essential constituents of the plasma membrane involved in various physiological functions including signaling, exocytosis, anchoring of proteins, and vesicular protein transport (Matthes et al., Z. Naturforsch. 57C, 843-852, 2002).

In mammals, 2-hydroxysphingolipids are present abundantly in brain because the major myelin lipids galactosylceramides and sulfatides contain 2-hydroxy fatty acids. In mammals, 2-hydroxy fatty acid-containing sphingolipids are uniquely abundant in nervous and epidermal tissues. In mammalian central and peripheral nervous systems, galactosylceramides and sulfatides (3-sulfate ester of galactosylceramide) are major lipid components of myelin. These glycosphingolipids contain a high proportion (about 50%) of 2-hydroxy fatty acid and are critical components of myelin (4, 5).

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae most sphingolipids contain 2-hydroxy fatty acid. COS7 cells expressing human FA2H contained 3-20-fold higher levels of 2-hydroxyceramides (C16, C18, C24, and C24:1) and 2-hydroxy fatty acids compared with control cells (Alderson et al., J. Biol. Chem. Vol. 279, No. 47, 48562-48568, 2004).

The 2-hydroxylation occurs during de novo ceramide synthesis and is catalyzed by fatty acid 2-hydroxylase (also known as fatty acid alpha-hydroxylase). No free hydroxy fatty acid or hydroxy fatty acid CoA has ever been reported; the hydroxylated product always appeared as a component of ceramide or cerebroside (Hoshi et al., J. Biol. Chem. 248, 4123-4130, 1973). The alpha-hydroxylation involves the direct hydroxylation of a sphingolipid-bound fatty acid. (Kayal et al., J. Biol. Chem. Vol. 259, No. 6, 3548-3553, 1984).

Hydroxylated fatty adds initiate inflammation in the soft tissues and regulate the immune response.

The 2-hydroxyl group in sphingolipids has a profound effect in the lipid organization within membranes because of its hydrogenbonding capability.

Alpha-hydroxy-palmitic acid (hC 16:0) is mainly a building block of plant sphingolipids, for example soy glucosylceramide (GIcCer), which consists predominantly of a 4,8-sphingadiene backbone and alpha-hydroxy-palmitic acid. Soy GIcCer suppress tumorigenesis and gene expression in mice (Symolon et al., J. Nutr. 2004 May; 134(5):1157-61).

A monoglucosecerebroside (pinelloside) with strong antimicrobial properties (against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria and against fungi) was described in the tuber of

PineIla ternata (Araceae), one component of decoctions used in traditional Chinese medicine (Chen et al., Phytochemistry 2003, 64, 903). Its structure was shown to include a glucose moiety and the unusual 4,11-sphingadienine linked to a 2-hydroxy-palmitic acid.

Another hydioxylated fatty acid being a building block of cerrebrosides is the 2-hydroxy-nervonic acid (2-OH—C24:1). 2-hydroxy-15-tetracosenoic acid (hydroxynervonic acid) is constituent of the ceramide part of cerebrosides (glycosphingolipides found mainly in nervous tissue and in little amount in plants). The occurrence of 2-hydroxy nervonic acid is characteristic for the leaf cerebrosides of some chilling-resistant cereals (Sperling et al., BBA 1632, 1-15, 2003).

The hydroxylated fatty add may be used in a method for producing fats or oils according to US 20030054509 or in lanolin-free cosmetic composition according to US 20040166130.

[0008.0.15.15] Whether oils with unsaturated or with saturated fatty acids are preferred depends on the intended purpose; thus, for example, lipids with unsaturated fatty acids, specifically polyunsaturated fatty acids, are preferred in human nutrition since they have a positive effect on the cholesterol level in the blood and thus on the possibility of heart disease. They are used in a variety of dietetic foodstuffs or medicaments. In addition PUFAs are commonly used in food, feed and in the cosmetic industry. Poly unsaturated ω-3- and/or ω-6-fatty acids are an important part of animal feed and human food. Because of the common composition of human food polyunsaturated ω-3-fatty acids, which are an essential component of fish oil, should be added to the food to increase the nutritional value of the food; thus, for example, polyunsaturated fatty acids such as DHA or EPA are added as mentioned above to infant formula to increase its nutritional value. The true essential fatty acids linoleic and linolenic fatty acid have a lot of positive effects in the human body such as a positive effect on healthy heart, arteries and skin. They bring for example relieve from eczema, diabetic neuropathy or PMS and cyclical breast pain.

[0009.0.15.15.] Further poly unsaturated ω-3- and/or ω-6-fatty acids important part of animal feed and human food are delta 7,10 hexadecadienic acid (16:2(n-6)) and delta 7, 10, 13 hexadecatrienic acid (16:3(n-3)). Hexadecadienic acid is a minor component of some seed and fish oils, and of plant leaves but the precursor of hexadecatrienic acid 16:3(n-3), which is a common constituent of leaf lipids. This acid is known to occur in photosynthetic leaves, such as for example Arabidopsis thaliana, rape leaves, fern lipid, ginko leaves, potato leaves, tomato leaves and spinach. It may also occur in the leaves of Brassicaceae plants, such as horse radish, cabbage, turnip, Chinese mustard, cauliflower and watercress.

In higher plants, the galactolipids contain a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, up to 95% of which can be linolenic acid (18:3(n-3)). In this instance, the most abundant molecular species of mono- and digalactosyldiacylglycerols must have 18:3 at both sn-I and sn-2 positions of the glycerol backbone. Plants such as the pea, which have 18:3 as almost the only fatty acid in the monogalactosyldiacylglycerols, have been termed “18:3 plants”. Other species, and Arabidopsis thaliana is an example, contain appreciable amounts of hexadecatrienoic acid (16:3(n-3)) in the monogalactosyldiacylglycerols, and they are termed “16:3 plants”.

As mentioned, polyunsaturated fatty acid are further used in the cosmetic industry. The application US 20030039672 discloses a cosmetic method for treating aged, sensitive, dry, flaky, wrinkled and/or photodamaged skin through topical application of a composition which comprises an unsaturated C16 fatty acid having at least three double bonds, which may be preferably hexadecatrienoic acid.

[0010.0.15.15.] On account of their positive properties there has been no shortage of attempts in the past to make available genes which participate in the synthesis of fatty acids or triglycerides for the production of oils in various organisms having a modified content of unsaturated fatty acids.

[0011.0.15.15] Methods of recombinant DNA technology have also been used for some years to improve the oil content in microorganisms or plants by amplifying individual fatty acid biosynthesis genes and investigating the effect on fatty acid production. For example in WO 91/13972 a Δ-9-desaturase is described, which is involved in the synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids. In WO 93/11245 a Δ-15-desaturase and in WO 94/11516 a Δ-12-desaturase is claimed. Other desaturases are described, for example, in EP-A-0 550 162, WO 94/18337, WO 97/30582, WO 97/21340, WO 95/18222, EP-A-0 794 250, Stukey et al., J. Biol. Chem., 265, 1990: 20144-20149, Wada et al., Nature 347, 1990: 200-203 or Huang et al., Lipids 34, 1999: 649-659. To date, however, the various desaturases have been only inadequately characterized biochemically since the enzymes in the form of membrane-bound proteins are isolable and characterizable only with very great difficulty (McKeon et al., Methods in Enzymol. 71, 1981: 12141-12147, Wang et al., Plant Physiol. Biochem., 26, 1988: 777-792). Generally, membrane-bound desaturases are characterized by introduction into a suitable organism, which is then investigated for enzyme activity by means of analysis of starting materials and products. With regard to the effectiveness of the expression of desaturases and their effect on the formation of polyunsaturated fatty acids it may be noted that through expression of a desaturases and elongases as described to date only low contents of poly-unsaturated fatty acids/lipids have been achieved. Therefore, an alternative and more effective pathway with higher product yield is desirable.

[0012.0.15.15] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes which participate in the biosynthesis of fatty acids and make it possible to produce certain fatty acids specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.15] see [0013.0.0.0]

[0014.0.15.15] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is heptadecanoic acid (C17:0, margaric acid) and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid (2-OH—C16:0, alfa-hydroxy palmitic acid, C16:0 OH) and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid (2-hydroxy-15-tetracosenoic acid, hydroxynervonic acid, alfa-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid, C24:1 (n-9) OH, 2-hydroxy-cis 9-tetracosenoic-acid, delta 9 hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid) and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid (C16:2 (n-6), cis 7-cis 10-hexadecadienoic acid) and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid (C16:3 (n-3), cis 7-cis 10-cis 13-hexadecatrienoic acid, hiragonic acid) or tryglycerides, lipids, oils or fats containing heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid”. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or triglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid.

[0015.0.15.15] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic, heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and its salts, ester, thioester or heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid in free form or bound to other compounds such as triglycerides, glycolipids, phospholipids etc. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid, in free form or its salts or bound to a glycerol backbone or to glycerol-3-phosphate backbone or to a sphingosine-phosphate backbone or to sphingosine-mono- or oligosaccharide backbone or to a glycerol-3-mono- or disaccharide backbone. Triglycerides, lipids, oils, fats or lipid mixture thereof shall mean any triglyceride, lipid, oil and/or fat containing any bound or free heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid for example sphingolipids, phosphoglycerides, lipids, glycerophospholipids, galactolipids, glycolipids such as glycosphingolipids, phospholipids such as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol or diphosphatidylglycerol, or as monoacylglyceride, diacylglyceride or triacylglyceride or other fatty acid esters such as acetyl-Coenzym A thioester, which contain further saturated or unsaturated fatty acids in the fatty acid molecule.

[0016.0.15.15] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of of one or more     -   YDR513W and/or YER156C and/or YLR255C and/or b1829 protein(s)         and/or     -   YER173W protein and/or     -   YFR042W protein and/or     -   YOR317W protein and/or     -   YGL205W and/or YIL150C and/or YKL132C and/or YOR344C and/or         b3430 and/or b0161 and/or b0758 and/or b0057 and/or b1097 and/or         b2078 and/or b3231 protein(s) or of a protein having the         sequence of a polypeptide indicated in Table II A or II B,         column 3, lines 174 to 185, 558 to 563 or having the sequence of         a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in         Table IA or IB, column 5 or 7, lines 174 to 185, 558 to 563,     -   in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of the fine chemical, thus, heptadecanoic acid and/or         2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid         and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10         hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably         delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid or fine chemicals comprising         heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or         2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid,         preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty         acid, in said organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising

-   -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more         protein(s) having the activity of a protein indicated in Table         IIA or IIB, Column 3, lines 174 to 185, 558 to 563 or having the         sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule         indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 185,         558 to 563 in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof         and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of the fine chemical, thus, fatty acid, in particular         heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or         2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid,         preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty         acid.

[0016.1.15.15] Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means in one embodiment “heptadecanoic acid” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 174 to 177 or homologs thereof and

means in one embodiment “2-hydroxy palmitic acid” in relation to all sequences listed in Tables I to IV, line 178, 558 and 559 or homologs thereof and

means in one embodiment “2-Hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid” in relation to all sequences listed in Table IA or IB, line 179, and

means in one embodiment “hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, line 180 and means in one embodiment “hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 181 to 185, and means in one embodiment “tetracosenoic acid” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 560 to 563 or homologs thereof.

Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” can mean “heptadecanoic acid” (“C17:0”, “margaric acid”) and/or “2-hydroxy palmitic acid” (“2-OH—C16:0”, “alfa-hydroxy palmitic acid”, “C16:0 OH”) and/or “2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid” (“2-hydroxy-15-tetracosenoic acid”, “hydroxynervonic acid”, “alfa-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid”, “C24:1 (n-9) OH”, “2-hydroxy-cis 9-tetracosenoic-acid”, “delta 9 hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid”) and/or “hexadecadienoic acid”, preferably “delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid” (“C16:2 (n-6)”, “cis 7-cis 10-hexadecadienoic acid”) and/or “hexadecatrienoic acid”, preferably “delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid” (“C16:3 (n-3)”, “cis 7-cis 10-cis 13-hexadecatrienoic acid”, “hiragonic acid”), owing to circumstances and the context. In order to illustrate that the meaning of the term “the fine chemical” means “heptadecanoic acid” (“C17:0”, “margaric acid”) and/or “2-hydroxy palmitic acid” (“2-OH—C16:0”, “alfa-hydroxy palmitic acid”, “C16:0 OH”) and/or “2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid” (“2-hydroxy-15-tetracosenoic acid”, “hydroxynervonic acid”, “alfa-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid”, “C24:1 (n-9) OH”, “2-hydroxy-cis 9-tetracosenoic-acid”, “delta 9 hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid”) and/or “hexadecadienoic acid”, preferably “delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid” (“C16:2 (n-6)”, “cis 7-cis 10-hexadecadienoic acid”) and/or “hexadecatrienoic acid”, preferably “delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid” (“C16:3 (n-3)”, “cis 7-cis 10-cis 13-hexadecatrienoic acid”, “hiragonic acid”) and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid the term “the respective fine chemical” is also used.

[0017.0.0.15] see [0017.0.0.0]

[0018.0.0.15] see [0018.0.0.0]

[0019.0.15.15] Advantageously the process for the production of the respective fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the fine respective chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the respective fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein having the activity of a protein indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 174 to 185, 558 to 563 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 185, 558 to 563.

[0020.0.15.15] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein(s) YDR513W and/or YER156C and/or YLR255C as indicated in Table II, Column 3 or 5, lines 174 to 176 respectively and/or the Escherichia coli K12 protein(s) b1829 as indicated in Table I, Column 3 or 5, line 177 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the heptadecanoic acid content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein(s) or its homologs as indicated in Table II, Column 7, line 174 to 177 are used for the production of heptadecanoic acid.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER173W as indicated in Table II, Column 3 or 5, line 178 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the 2-hydroxy palmitic acid content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs as indicated in Table II, Column 7, line 178 are used for the production of 2-hydroxy palmitic acid.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFR042W as indicated in Table II, Column 3 or 5, line 179 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein(s) or its homologs as indicated in Table II, Column 7, line 179 are used for the production of 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR317W as indicated in Table II, Column 3 or 5, line 180 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein(s) or its homologs as indicated in Table II, Column 7, line 180 are used for the production of hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein(s) YGL205W and/or YIL150C and/or YKL132C and/or YOR344C as indicated in Table II, Column 3 or 5, line 181 to 184 and/or the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3430 as indicated in Table II, Column 3 or 5, line 185 respectively in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein(s) or its homologs as indicated in Table II, Column 7, line 181 to 185 are used for the production of hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic. Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli protein b 0161 and/or b0758 as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, Column 3 or 5, line 558, 559 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the 2-hydroxypalmitic acid content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein(s) or its homologs as indicated in Table II, column 7, line 558, 559 are used for the production of 2-hydroxypalmitic acid.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli protein b0057, b1097, b2078 or b3231 as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, Column 3 or 5, line 560 to 563 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the C24:1 fatty acid content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein(s) or its homologs as indicated in Table II, column 7, line 560 to 563 are used for the production of C24:1 fatty acid.

[0021.0.15.15] see [0021.0.0.0]

[0022.0.15.15] The sequence of YDR513W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78 (1997) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity has been characterized as a glutathione reductase, preferably of the glutaredoxin superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the glutaredoxin superfamily, preferably a protein with a glutathione reductase activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of heptadecanoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing heptadecanoic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of heptadecanoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing margaric acid, preferably heptadecanoic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the YDR513W protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the lipid biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of fatty acids or encoding a fatty acid transporter protein or a compound, which functions as a sink for the respective fatty acid. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein of the glutaredoxin superfamily, preferably of a glutathione reductase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YER156C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dietrich, et al. (Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 78-81 (1997)), and its activity has not been characterized yet. It seems to have a activity similar to Arabidopsis thaliana hypothetical protein F2K15.180. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with the activity of a YER156C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or of a Arabidopsis thaliana hypothetical protein F2K15.180 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of heptadecanoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing heptadecanoic acid and/or conjugates, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the YER156C protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the lipid biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of fatty acids or encoding a fatty acid transporter protein or a compound, which functions as a sink for the respective fatty acid. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. of a YER156C protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YLR255C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been submitted by R; Johnson to the EMBL Data Library, (February 1995), and its activity has not been characterized yet, but having preferably an activity of Saccharomyces hypothetical protein YLR255c superfamily Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a protein of the Saccharomyces hypothetical protein YLR255c superfamily, preferably of a a gene product with an activity of a YLR255C protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of heptadecanoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing heptadecanoic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the YLR255C protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the lipid biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of fatty acids or encoding a fatty acid transporter protein or a compound, which functions as a sink for the resprective fatty acid. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a Saccharomyces hypothetical protein YLR255c superfamily protein, preferably YLR255C protein, is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1829 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a heat shock protein with protease activity, preferably of the heat-shock protein htpX superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the heat-shock protein htpX superfamily, preferably such protein is having a heat shock protein activity with protease activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of heptadecanoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing margaric acid, in particular for increasing the amount of margaric acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing heptadecanoic acid, preferably heptadecanoic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the b1829 protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the lipid biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of fatty acids or encoding a fatty acid transporter protein or a compound, which functions as a sink for the respective fatty acid. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a heat shock protein with protease activity is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YER173W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dietrich et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 78-81, 1997, and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as a checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of 2-hydroxy-palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing 2-hydroxy-palmitic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of 2-hydroxy-palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing 2-hydroxy-palmitic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the YER173w protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the lipid biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of glucosylceramide, preferably of monoglucosecerebroside. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a Checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YFR042W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Murakami et al., Nat. Genet. 10 (3), 261-268 (1995) and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and has a putative cellular function of a “protein, which is required for cell viability”, preferably of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae probable membrane protein YFR042w superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a a gene product with an activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae probable membrane protein YFR042w superfamily, preferably a gene product with a YFR042W protein activity from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid, C24:1 delta 15), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid, C24:1 delta 15), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid, preferably tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the YFR042W protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the lipid biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of lipids, preferably of cerebroside. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a YFR042W protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YOR317W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 98-102 (1997) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity has characterized as a long chain fatty acyl:CoA synthetase, preferably of the long-chain-fatty-acid-CoA ligase superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the long-chain-fatty-acid-CoA ligase superfamily, preferably a protein with a long chain fatty acyl:CoA synthetase activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of hexadecadienoic acid (C16:2, preferably C16:2 delta 7,10) and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing hexadecadienoic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of hexydecadienoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing hexadecadienoic acid, preferably hexydecadienoic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the YOR317W protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the lipid biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of galactolipids, preferably of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein of the long-chain-fatty-acid-CoA ligase superfamily, preferably of a long chain fatty acyl:CoA synthetase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YGL205W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Tettelin et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 81-84 (1997) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity has characterized as fatty-acyl coenzyme A oxidase, preferably of the acyl-CoA oxidase superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the acyl-CoA oxidase superfamily, preferably a protein with a fatty-acyl coenzyme A oxidase activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of hexydecatrienoic acid (C16:3, preferably C16:2 delta 7,10,13) and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing hexydecatrienoic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of hexydecatrienoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing hexydecatrienoic acid, preferably hexydecatrienoic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the YGL205W protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the lipid biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of galactolipids, preferably of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein of the acyl-CoA oxidase superfamily, preferably of a fatty-acyl coenzyme A oxidase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YIL150C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Churcher et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 84-87 (1997) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and seems to have a putative cellular activity of a its “protein required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion and/or chromatin binding protein”.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with the activity of a YIL150C protein, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of hexadecatrienoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the YIL150C protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the lipid biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of galactolipids, preferably of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a YIL150C protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YKL132C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon et al., Nature 369 (6479), 371-378 (1994) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity has characterized as folyl-polyglutamate synthase, preferably of the folylpolyglutamate synthase superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the folylpolyglutamate synthase superfamily, preferably a protein with a folyl-polyglutamate synthase activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of hexydecatrienoic acid preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing hexydecatrienoic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of hexydecatrienoic acid preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing hexydecatrienoic acid, preferably hexydecatrienoic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the YKL132C protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the lipid biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of galactolipids, preferably of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein of the folylpolyglutamate synthase superfamily, preferably of a folyl-polyglutamate synthase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YOR344C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon et al., Nature 369 (6479), 371-378 (1994) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity has characterized as a serine-rich protein, putatively involved in glycolytic gene expression. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a serine-rich protein, putatively involved in glycolytic gene expression activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of hexydecatrienoic acid preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing hexydecatrienoic acid preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of hexydecatrienoic acid preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing hexydecatrienoic acid, preferably preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the YOR344C protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the lipid biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of galactolipids, preferably of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a serine-rich protein, putatively involved in glycolytic gene expression is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3430 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase, preferably of the a glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the a glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase superfamily, preferably such protein is having a a glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of hexydecatrienoic acid (C16:3, preferably C16:3 delta 7,10, 13) and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing hexydecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of hexydecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing hexydecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the b3430 protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the lipid biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of galactolipids, preferably of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a a glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0057 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has not been characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a b0057 protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid, C24:1 delta 15), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid, C24:1 delta 15), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid, preferably tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the b0057 protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the lipid biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of lipids, preferably of cerebroside. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a b0057 protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Echerischia Coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0161 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a protein having periplasmic serine protease (heat shock protein) activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a b0161 protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of 2-hydroxy-palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing 2-hydroxy-palmitic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of 2-hydroxy-palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing 2-hydroxy-palmitic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the b0161 protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the lipid biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of glucosylceramide, preferably of monoglucosecerebroside. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein having periplasmic serine protease (heat shock protein) activity is increased or generated, e.g. from Escherichia Coli.

The sequence of b0758 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a protein having galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a b0758 protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of 2-hydroxy-palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing 2-hydroxy-palmitic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of 2-hydroxy-palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing 2-hydroxy-palmitic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the b0758 protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the lipid biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of glucosylceramide, preferably of monoglucosecerebroside. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein having galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase activity is increased or generated, e.g. from Escherichia Coli.

The sequence of b1097 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a protein having thymidylate kinase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a b1097 protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid, C24:1 delta 15), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid, C24:1 delta 15), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid, preferably tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the b1097 protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the lipid biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of lipids, preferably of cerebroside. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a b0057 protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Echerischia Coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2078 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a protein having histidine kinase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a b2078 protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid, C24:1 delta 15), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid, C24:1 delta 15), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid, preferably tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the b2078 protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the lipid biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of lipids, preferably of cerebroside. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a b2078 protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Echerischia Coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3231 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a protein having 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13 activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a b3231 protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid, C24:1 delta 15), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid, C24:1 delta 15), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid, preferably tetracosenoic acid (nervonic acid), preferably 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the b3231 protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the lipid biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of lipids, preferably of cerebroside. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a b3231 protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Echerischia Coli or a homolog thereof.

[0023.0.15.15] Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the respective fine chemical amount or content.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 174, 175 or 176 resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of heptadecanoic acid. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 174, 175 and/or 176. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 174, 175 or 176 resp., is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 174, 175 or 176 resp., is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 174, 175 or 176 resp., is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 174, 175 or 176 resp., is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 174, 175 or 176 resp., is a homolog being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 174, 175 or 176 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 174, 175 or 176 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 178, 558 or 559 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of 2-hydroxy palmitic acid. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 178, 558 or 559. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 178, 558 or 559 is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 178, 558 or 559 is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 178, 558 or 559 is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 178, 558 or 559 is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 178, 558 or 559 is a homolog being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 178, 558 or 559 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 178, 558 or 559 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 558 or 559 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of 2-hydroxy palmitic acid. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 558 or 559. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 558 or 559 is derived from a bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 558 or 559 is derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 558 or 559 is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 558 or 559 is derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 558 or 559 is a homolog being derived from Escherichia.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 179 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 179. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 179 is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 179 is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 179 is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 179 is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 179 is a homolog being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 179 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 179 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 180 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7, 10 hexadecadienoic acid. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 180. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 180 is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 180 is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 180 is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 180 is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 180 is a homolog being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 180 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 180 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 181, 182, 183 or 184 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 181, 182, 183 or 184 resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 181, 182, 183 or 184 resp., is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 181, 182, 183 or 184 resp., is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 181, 182, 183 or 184 resp., is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 181, 182, 183 or 184 resp., is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 181, 182, 183 or 184 resp., is a homolog being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 181, 182, 183 or 184 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from

Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 181, 182, 183 or 184 resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 177 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably of heptadecanoic acid. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 177, resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 177 is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 177 is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 177 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 177 is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 177 is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 177 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity and being derived from Escherichia.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 185 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 185. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 185 resp. is derived from a bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 185 resp. is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 185 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 185 is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 185 is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 185 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity and being derived from Escherichia.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 560 to 563 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably of C24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 560 to 563. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 560 to 563 resp. is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 560 to 563 resp. is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 560 to 563 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 560 to 563 is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 560 to 563 is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 560 to 563 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity and being derived from Escherichia.

[0023.1.15.15] Homologs of the polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 174 to 185, 558 to 563 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, lines 174 to 185, 558 to 563, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 7, lines 174 to 185, 558 to 563, resp. Homologs of the polypeptides polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 174 to 185, 558 to 563 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, lines 174 to 185, 558 to 563 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 7, lines 174 to 185, 558 to 563.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA of IIB, column 3, lines 174 to 177 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, lines 174 to 177, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 7, lines 174 to 177, having a heptadecanoic acid content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 179 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, line 179, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 7, line 179, having a 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 180 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, line 180, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 7, line 180, having a hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 181 to 185 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, lines 181 to 185, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 7, lines 181 to 185, having a hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 558, 559 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, lines 558, 559, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 7, lines 558, 559 having 2-hydroxy-palmitic acid content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 560 to 563 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, lines 560 to 563, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in

Table IIA or IIB, column 7, lines 560 to 563, having a C24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

[0024.0.0.15] see [0024.0.0.0]

[0025.0.15.15] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein of the invention”, e.g. the activity of a protein indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or 558, 559 and/or 560 to 563 resp., if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased fatty acid level, in particular to a increased heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-palmitic acid and/or C24:1 fatty acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid resp., in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism. In a preferred embodiment, the protein or polypeptide has the above-mentioned additional activities of a protein indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or 558, 559 and/or 560 to 563 resp. Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of any one of the proteins indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 resp., or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to any one of the proteins indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 174 to 176, or 178, or 179, or 180 or 181 to 184 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or any one of the proteins indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 177 or 185 or 558, 559 or 560 to 563 of E. coli K12.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary close to the organism indicated in Table IA or IB, column 4 and is expressed in an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the origin organism. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums whereas origin and the organism indicated in Table IA or IB, column 4 are derived from the same families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0026.0.0.15] to [0033.0.0.15] see [0026.0.0.0] to [0033.0.0.0]

[0034.0.15.15] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention. E.g., it differs by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table IA or IB, column 5, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., its biochemical or genetical causes and therefore shows the increased amount of the fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.15] to [0036.0.0.15] see [0035.0.0.0] to [0036.0.0.0]

[0037.0.15.15] A series of mechanisms exists via which a modification of the a protein, e.g. the polypeptide of the invention can directly or indirectly affect the yield, production and/or production efficiency of the fatty acid.

[0038.0.0.15] to [0044.0.0.15] see [0038.0.0.0] to [0044.0.0.0]

[0045.0.15.15] In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR513W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a glutathione reductase, preferably of the glutaredoxin superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 174, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the heptadecanoic acid between 24% and 97% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER156C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a YER156C protein, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 175, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the heptadecanoic acid between 20% and 49% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER173W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 178, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the 2-hydroxy palmitic acid between 26% and 394% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFR042W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a protein, which is required for cell viability, preferably of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae probable membrane protein YFR042w superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 179, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid between 28% and 56% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGL205W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a fatty-acyl coenzyme A oxidase, preferably of the acyl-CoA oxidase superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 181, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid between 14% and 16% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a protein required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion and/or chromatin binding protein, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 182, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid between 150% and 205%, preferably of 224% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YKL132C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a folyl-polyglutamate synthase, preferably of the folylpolyglutamate synthase superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 183, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid between 13% and 56% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLR255C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of of Saccharomyces hypothetical protein YLR255c superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 176, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of heptadecanoic acid between 20% and 27% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR317W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a long chain fatty acyl:CoA synthetase, preferably of the long-chain-fatty-acid-CoA ligase superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 180, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid between 19% and 69% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR344C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a serine-rich protein, putatively involved in glycolytic gene expression, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 184, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid between 12% and 20% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1829 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a heat shock protein with protease activity, preferably of the heat-shock protein htpX superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 177, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the heptadecanoic acid between 20% and 133% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3430 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a transcriptional regulator of glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase, preferably of the a glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 185, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid between 12% and 20% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0057 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 560, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the C24:1 fatty acid between 22% and 37% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0161 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a periplasmic serine protease (heat shock protein), e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 558, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the 2-hydroxy-palmitic acid between 21% and 48% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0758 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase protein, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 559, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the 2-hydroxy-palmitic acid between 19% and 38% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1097 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a thymidylate kinase protein, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 561, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the C24:1 fatty acid between 23% and 41% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2078 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a sensory histidine kinase in two-component regulatory system protein, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 562, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the the C24:1 fatty acid between 23% and 41% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3231 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13 protein, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 563, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of the the C24:1 fatty acid between 23% and 48% or more.

[0046.0.15.15] In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR513W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a glutathione reductase, preferably of the glutaredoxin superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 174, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further fatty acid activity having-compounds or lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER156C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a YER156C protein, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 175, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further fatty acid activity having-compounds or lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER173W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 178, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further fatty acid activity having-compounds or lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFR042W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a protein, which is required for cell viability, preferably of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae probable membrane protein YFR042w superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 179, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further fatty acid activity having-compounds or lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGL205W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a fatty-acyl coenzyme A oxidase, preferably of the acyl-CoA oxidase superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 181, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further fatty acid activity having-compounds or lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a protein required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion and/or chromatin binding protein, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 182, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further fatty acid activity having-compounds or lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YKL132C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a folyl-polyglutamate synthase, preferably of the folylpolyglutamate synthase superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 183, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further fatty acid activity having-compounds or lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLR255C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of the Saccharomyces hypothetical protein YLR255c superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 176, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further fatty acid activity having-compounds or lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR317W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a long chain fatty acyl:CoA synthetase, preferably of the long-chain-fatty-acid-CoA ligase superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 180, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further fatty acid activity having-compounds or lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR344C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a serine-rich protein, putatively involved in glycolytic gene expression, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 184, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further fatty acid activity having-compounds or lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1829 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a heat shock protein with protease activity, preferably of the heat-shock protein htpX superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 177, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further fatty acid activity having-compounds or lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3430 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a transcriptional regulator of glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase, preferably of the a glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 185, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further fatty acid activity having-compounds or lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0057 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 560, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further fatty acid activity having-compounds or lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0161 or its homologs, e.g. a periplasmic serine protease (heat shock protein) activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 558, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further fatty acid activity having-compounds or lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0758 or its homologs, e.g. a galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 559, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further fatty acid activity having-compounds or lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1097 or its homologs, e.g. a thymidylate kinase activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 561, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further fatty acid activity having-compounds or lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2078 or its homologs, e.g. a sensory histidine kinase in two-component regulatory system activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 562, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further fatty acid activity having-compounds or lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3231 or its homologs, e.g. a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13 activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 563, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further fatty acid activity having-compounds or lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, compounds or their precursors.

[0047.0.0.15] and [0048.0.0.15] see [0047.0.0.0] and [0048.0.0.0]

[0049.0.15.15] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the heptadecanoic acid preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 15686, 15687 and/or 15688 or 19697, 15698, 15699, 15700, 15701 and/or 15702 or 15703, 15704 and/or 15705 and/or the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177, or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the heptadecanoic acid level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 15691 and/or 15692 and/or the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, line 179 and/or the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 179 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 179 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 15661, 16662, 15663, 15664, 15665 and/or 15666 and/or the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, line 180 and/or the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 180 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 180 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 15706 and/or 15707 or 15689 and/or, 15690 or 15682, 15683, 15684 and/or, 15685 or 15658, 15659 and/or 15660 or 15677, 15678, 15679, 15680 and/or 15681 and/or the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 181 to 185 and/or the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 181 to 185 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 181 to 185 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the 2-hydroxy-palmitic acid, preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 85367, 85368, 85369, 85370, 85371, 85372 or 85515, 85516, 85517, 85518 and/or the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 558 or 559 and/or the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 558 or 559 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 558 or 559 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the 2-hydroxy-palmitic acid level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the C24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 85801, 85802, 85803 or 86104, 86105, 86106 or 86427, 86428, 86429 and/or the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 560 to 563 and/or the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 560 to 563 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 560 to 563 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the C24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 fatty acid delta15 level.

[0050.0.15.15] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “heptadecanoic acid”, “2-hydroxy palmitic acid”, “2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid”, “hexadecadienoic acid”, preferably “delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid” and/or “hexadecatrienoic acid”, preferably “delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid” and/or C24:1 fatty acid also encompasses the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of the above named fatty acids or the salts of the above named fatty acids with amines such as diethylamine or the esters the above named fatty acids.

[0051.0.15.15] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free chemical free or bound, e.g fatty acid compositions. Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of various fatty acids can be produced.

[0052.0.0.15] see [0052.0.0.0]

[0053.0.15.15] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps

-   -   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of         a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention         or of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide         having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column         3, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line         180 and/or lines 181 to 185 or its homologs activity, e.g. as         indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or         line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185         and/or line 558, 559 and/or line 560 to 563 having         herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical-increasing         activity;     -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a         protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention,         e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 174 to 177 and/or line         178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185, or         its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5         or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or         line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or line 558, 559 and/or         line 560 to 563, or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide of the         present invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine         chemical increasing activity;     -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the         increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid         molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present         invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical         increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of         a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 174 to 177         and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181         to 185 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II,         columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179         and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or line 558, 559         and/or line 560 to 563 or decreasing the inhibitory regulation         of the polypeptide of the invention;     -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or         artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a         protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded         by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the         polypeptide of the invention having herein-mentioned the         respective fine chemical increasing activity, e.g. of a         polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in         Table II, column 3, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line         179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185, and/or line 558,         559 and/or line 560 to 563 or its homologs activity, e.g. as         indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or         line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185         and/or line 558, 559 and/or line 560 to 563;     -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased         expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of         the present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention         having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical increasing         activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein         as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 174 to 177 and/or line         178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185, or         its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5         or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or         line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or line 558, 559 and/or         line 560 to 563, by adding one or more exogenous inducing         factors to the organisms or parts thereof;     -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring         the increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic         acid molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the         present invention, having herein-mentioned the respective fine         chemical increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an         activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines         174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180         and/or lines 181 to 185, or its homologs activity, e.g. as         indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or         line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185         and/or line 558, 559 and/or line 560 to 563;     -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased         expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide         encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the         polypeptide of the invention having herein-mentioned the         respective fine chemical increasing activity, e.g. of a         polypeptide havingan an activity of a protein as indicated in         Table II, column 3, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line         179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185, or its homologs         activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines         174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180         and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or line 558, 559 and/or line 560 to         563;     -   h) Increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the         polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having an         activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines         174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180         and/or lines 181 to 185, or its homologs activity, e.g. as         indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or         line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185         and/or line 558, 559 and/or line 560 to 563 by adding positive         expression or removing negative expression elements, e.g.         homologous recombination can be used to either introduce         positive regulatory elements like for plants the 35S enhancer         into the promoter or to remove repressor elements form         regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods can be used         to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity of         positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced         in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be         identified in which the positive elements have be integrated         near to a gene of the invention, the expression of which is         thereby enhanced;     -   i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,         that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein         of the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example         microorganisms or plants can be grown under a higher temperature         regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock proteins,         e.g. the heat shock protein of the invention, which can lead an         enhanced the fine chemical production; and/or     -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the         proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized         resources and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the         elite crops.

[0054.0.15.15] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein according to Table II, column 3, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or line 558, 559 and/or line 560 to 563.

[0055.0.0.15] to [0067.0.0.15] see [0055.0.0.0] to [0067.0.0.0]

[0068.0.15.15] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of the fatty acids is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.15.15] Less influence on the regulation of a gene or its gene product is understood as meaning a reduced regulation of the enzymatic activity leading to an increased specific or cellular activity of the gene or its product. An increase of the enzymatic activity is understood as meaning an enzymatic activity, which is increased by at least 10%, advantageously at least 20, 30 or 40%, especially advantageously by at least 50, 60 or 70% in comparison with the starting organism. This leads to an increased productivity of the desired fatty acid(s).

[0070.0.15.15] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolites composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous fatty acid composition comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritonal physiology limited) fatty acids, like heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid.

[0071.0.15.15] Preferably the composition comprises further higher amounts of metabolites positively affecting or lower amounts of metabolites negatively affecting the nutrition or health of animals or humans provided with said compositions or organisms of the invention or parts thereof. Likewise, the number or activity of further genes which are required for the import or export of nutrients or metabolites, including amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins etc. or its precursors, required for the cell's biosynthesis of the fine chemical may be increased so that the concentration of necessary or relevant precursors, cofactors or intermediates within the cell(s) or within the corresponding storage compartments is increased. Owing to the increased or novel generated activity of the polypeptide of the invention or owing to the increased number of nucleic acid sequences of the invention and/or to the modulation of further genes which are involved in the biosynthesis of the fine chemical, e.g. by increasing the activity of enzymes synthesizing precursors or by destroying the activity of one or more genes which are involved in the breakdown of the fine chemical, it is possible to increase the yield, production and/or production efficiency of the fine chemical in the host organism, such as plants or the microorganims.

[0072.0.15.15] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7, 10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid, triglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid compounds like other fatty acids such as palmitate, stearate, palmitoleate, oleate, linoleate and/or linoleate or erucic acid and/or, arachidonic acid.

[0073.0.15.15] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

-   -   (k) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism,         a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal         tissue or a plant;     -   (l) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or         a homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or         7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line         180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or line 558, 559 and/or line 560         to 563 resp., or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic         acid molecule of the present invention and described below, i.e.         conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in the         organism, preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a         plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant,     -   (m) growing the organism, preferably the microorganism, the         non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal         tissue or the plant under conditions which permit the production         of the fine chemical in the organism, preferably the         microorganism, the plant cell, the plant tissue or the plant;         and     -   (n) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free         and/or bound the fine chemical and, optionally further free         and/or bound fatty acids synthesized by the organism, the         microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell,         the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.15.15] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound the fine chemical or the free and bound the fine chemical but as option it is also possible to produce, recover and, if desired isolate, other free or/and bound fatty acids.

[0075.0.0.15] to [0077.0.0.15] see [0075.0.0.0] to [0077.0.0.0]

[0078.0.15.15] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications, for example according to the disclosures made in EP-A-0 568 608, EP-A-568 606, WO 2004/007732, WO 02/057465, WO 01/02591, WO 2004/071467 or US 20020156254, which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. The fermentation broth, fermentation products, plants or plant products can be purified in the customary manner by hydrolysis with strong bases, extraction and crystallization or via thin layer chromatography and other methods known to the person skilled in the art and described herein below. Products of these different work-up procedures are fatty acids or fatty acid compositions which still comprise fermentation broth, plant particles and cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably between below 50% by weight.

[0079.0.0.15] to [0084.0.0.15]: see [0079.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0]

[0085.0.15.15] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   -   a) the nucleic acid sequence as shown in table I, columns 5 or         7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line         180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or line 558, 559 and/or line 560         to 563 or a derivative thereof, or     -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which         is functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as shown         table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or         line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or line         558,559 and/or line 560 to 563 or a derivative thereof, or     -   c) (a) and (b)         is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or         has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods,         it being possible for the modification to be, by way of example,         a substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of         one or more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the         natural chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the         presence in a genomic library. In the case of a genomic library,         the natural, genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is         preferably at least partially still preserved. The environment         flanks the nucleic acid sequence at least on one side and has a         sequence length of at least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp,         particularly preferably at least 1000 bp, very particularly         preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.15] to [0087.0.0.15] see [0086.0.0.0] to [0087.0.0.0]

[0088.0.15.15] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose fatty acid content is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for animals is dependent on the abovementioned fatty acids and the general amount of fatty acids as energy source in feed. After the above mentioned protein activity has been increased or generated, or after the expression of nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide according to the invention has been generated or increased, the transgenic plant generated thus is grown on or in a nutrient medium or else in the soil and subsequently harvested.

[0089.0.0.15] to [0095.0.0.15] see [0089.0.0.0] to [0095.0.0.0]

[0096.0.15.15] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptide for example a fatty acid transporter protein or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired fatty acids in the organism is useful to increase the production of the fine chemical (see Bao and Ohlrogge, Plant Physiol. 1999 August; 120 (4): 1057-1062). Such fatty acid transporter protein may serve as a link between the location of fatty acid synthesis and the so called sink tissue, in which fatty acids, triglycerides, oils and fats are stored.

[0097.0.0.15] see [0097.0.0.0] In may also be advantageous to increase the content of the bound fine chemical.

[0098.0.15.15] In a preferred embodiment, the fine chemical (heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid) is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further fatty acids such as palmitoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, nervonic acid and/or linolenic acid mixtures thereof or mixtures of other fatty acids by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.15.15] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the above mentioned fatty acids may accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the fatty acids or the fatty acid compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.15.15] Transgenic plants which comprise the fatty acids such as saturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the oils, lipids or fatty acids synthesized to be isolated. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. However, the fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, in the form of their oils, fats, lipids and/or free fatty acids. Fatty acids produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds. To increase the efficiency of oil extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material especially the seeds. In this context, the oils, fats, lipids and/or free fatty acids can be obtained by what is known as cold beating or cold pressing without applying heat. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, specifically the seeds, they are previously comminuted, steamed or roasted. The seeds, which have been pretreated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents such as warm hexane. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. In this manner, more than 96% of the compounds produced in the process can be isolated. Thereafter, the resulting products are processed further, i.e. degummed and/or refined. In this process, substances such as the plant mucilages and suspended matter are first removed. What is known as desliming can be affected enzymatically or, for example, chemico-physically by addition of acid such as phosphoric acid. Thereafter optionally, the free fatty acids are removed by treatment with a base like alkali, for example aqueous KOH or NaOH, or acid hydrolysis, advantageously in the presence of an alcohol such as methanol or ethanol, or via enzymatic cleavage, and isolated via, for example, phase separation and subsequent acidification via, for example, H₂SO₄. The fatty acids can also be liberated directly without the above-described processing step. If desired the resulting product can be washed thoroughly with water to remove traces of soap and the alkali remaining in the product and then dried. To remove the pigment remaining in the product, the products can be subjected to bleaching, for example using filler's earth or active charcoal. At the end, the product can be deodorized, for example using steam distillation under vacuum. These chemically pure fatty acids or fatty acid compositions are advantageous for applications in the food industry sector, the cosmetic sector and especially the pharmacological industry sector.

[0101.0.15.15] The identity and purity of the compound(s) isolated can be determined by prior-art techniques. They encompass high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assays or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are compiled in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11 27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19:67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Bd. A27, VCH Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michal, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 17.

[0102.0.15.15] Fatty acids can for example be detected advantageously via GC separation methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of fatty acid products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: GC, GC-MS or TLC, as described on several occasions by Christie and the references therein (1997, in: Advances on Lipid Methodology, Fourth Edition: Christie, Oily Press, Dundee, 119-169; 1998, Gaschromatographie-Massenspektrometrie-Verfah ren [Gas chromatography/mass spectrometric methods], Lipide 33:343-353). One example is the analysis of fatty acids via FAME and GC-MS or TLC (abbreviations: FAME, fatty acid methyl ester; GC-MS, gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; TLC, thin-layer chromatography. The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods. After disruption, the material must be centrifuged. The sediment is resuspended in distilled water, heated for 10 minutes at 100° C., cooled on ice and recentrifuged, followed by extraction for one hour at 90° C. in 0.5 M sulfuric acid in methanol with 2% dimethoxypropane, which leads to hydrolyzed oil and lipid compounds, which give transmethylated lipids. These fatty acid methyl esters are extracted in petroleum ether and finally subjected to a GC analysis using a capillary column (Chrompack, WCOT Fused Silica, CP-Wax-52 CB, 25 μm, 0.32 mm) at a temperature gradient of between 170° C. and 240° C. for 20 minutes and 5 minutes at 240° C. The identity of the resulting fatty acid methyl esters must be defined using standards which are available from commercial sources (i.e. Sigma).

[0102.1.15.15] An other analytical method is described by Summit et al, (Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program, Scientific Results Volume 169, 2000). The fatty acid methyl esters are analyzed by capillary gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. Various mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids can further be individually distinguished and quantified in one sample without prior separation by semi-selective HSQC (heteronuclear single quantum coherence)-NMR (Willker et al., Magn. Reson. Chem. 36, S79-S84 (1998)).

Fatty acid compositions, preferably of monogalactosyl diacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyl diacylglycerol (DGDG) can be investigated using HPLC/ESI-MS combined with in-source (or cone voltage) fragmentation, negative-ion electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry interfaced with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (Kim et al., Bull. Korean Chem. Soc. 2003, Vol. 24, No. 8).

[0103.0.15.15] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the         mature form, of the polypeptide shown in Table II, columns 5 or         7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line         180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or line 558, 559 and/or line 560         to 563 or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the         amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the         mature form, of the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table IA or         IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line         179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or line 558, 559         and/or line 560 to 563;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at         least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide         being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or         more amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide         encoded by the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably         to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a         polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid         molecules of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and         conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule         which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a         cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers shown in         Table III, column 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or         line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or line         558, 559 and/or line 560 to 563 and conferring an increase in         the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated, e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of         monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of         the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to         (c), and and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising         the consensus sequence shown in Table IV, columns 7, lines 174         to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or         lines 181 to 185 and/or line 558, 559 and/or line 560 to 563 and         conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic         acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide         encoding a domain of the polypeptide shown in Table II, columns         5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or         line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or line 558, 559 and/or         line 560 to 563 and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable library under stringent conditions with a probe         comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule         of (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of         at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt         or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to         (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and conferring an increase in the         amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;         or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0104.0.15.15] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process distinguishes over the sequence shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or line 558, 559 and/or line 560 to 563 by one or more nucleotides or does not consist of the sequence shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or line 558, 559 and/or line 560 to 563. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or line 558, 559 and/or line 560 to 563. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of the sequence shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or line 558, 559 and/or line 560 to 563.

[0105.0.0.15] to [0107.0.0.15] see [0105.0.0.0] to [0107.0.0.0]

[0108.0.15.15] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from the amino acid sequences shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or line 558, 559 and/or line 560 to 563 or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185, and/or line 558, 559 and/or line 560 to 563 or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IA or IB, column 3, 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or line 558, 559 and/or line 560 to 563 resp., or e.g. conferring a increase in the respective fine chemical after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.15.15] In one embodiment, said sequences are cloned into nucleic acid constructs, either individually or in combination. These nucleic acid constructs enable an optimal synthesis of the fatty acids produced in the process according to the invention.

[0110.0.0.15] see [0110.0.0.0]

[0111.0.0.15] see [0111.0.0.0]

[0112.0.15.15] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IA or IB, column 3, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or line 558, 559 and/or line 560 to 563 resp., or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 and 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or line 558, 559 and/or line 560 to 563 resp., and conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0113.0.0.15] to [0120.0.0.15] see [0113.0.0.0] to [0120.0.0.0]

[0121.0.15.15] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or line 558, 559 and/or line 560 to 563 resp., or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e.

conferring an increase in the level of heptadecanoic acid after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177;

or conferring increase in the level of 2-hydroxy palmitic acid after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 178 or 558, 559;

or conferring increase in the level of 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 179;

or conferring increase in the level of hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 180;

or conferring increase in the level of hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 181 to 185.

or conferring increase in the level of C24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 560 to 563.

[0122.0.0.15] to [0127.0.0.15] see [0122.0.0.0] to [0127.0.0.0]

[0128.0.15.15] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table III, columns 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., or the sequences derived from sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp.

[0129.0.15.15] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequences indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., are derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.15.15] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of fatty acids, e.g. of heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid after increasing its expression or activity of the protein comprising said fragment.

[0131.0.0.15] to [0138.0.0.15] see [0131.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0]

[0139.0.15.15] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical level, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to a sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid resp., increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.15] to [0146.0.0.15]: see [0140.0.0.0] to [0146.0.0.0]

[0147.0.15.15] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably Table B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences s such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.15.15] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular having a heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid-increasing activity after increasing its activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequence or its homologs.

[0149.0.15.15] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, e.g. of heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7, 10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid optionally the activity of a protein indicated in Table Ila or IIB, column 5, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp.

[00149.1.15.15] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp.

[0150.0.15.15] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., set forth in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primers shown in table III, column 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp.

[0151.0.0.15] see [0151.0.0.0]

[0152.0.15.15] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular an activity increasing the level of amino acids, in particular of heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.15.15] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp.

[0154.0.15.15] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.15] to [0156.0.0.15]: see [0155.0.0.0] to [0156.0.0.0]

[0157.0.15.15] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of a nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptides encoded by the sequences as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., or their functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, a consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., or of the polypeptide as as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 resp., or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably of Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563. Preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563.

[0158.0.0.15] to [0160.0.0.15]: see [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0]

[0161.0.15.15] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.15] see [0162.0.0.0]

[0163.0.15.15] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the respective fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.15] see [0164.0.0.0]

[0165.0.15.15] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably Table I B columns, 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp.

[0166.0.0.15] to [0167.0.0.15] see [0166.0.0.0] to [0167.0.0.0]

[0168.0.15.15] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp. and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp.

[0169.0.0.15] to [0172.0.0.15] see [0169.0.0.0] to [0172.0.0.0]

[0173.0.15.15] For example a sequence, which has 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 13930 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 13930 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.15] see [0174.0.0.0]

[0175.0.15.15] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 13931 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 13931 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.15.15] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp.

[0177.0.15.15] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of a polypeptides as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp.

[0178.0.0.15] see [0178.0.0.0]

[0179.0.15.15] A nucleic acid molecule encoding a homologous to a protein sequence of as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, Hines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences of a sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.15] to [0183.0.0.15] see [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0]

[0184.0.15.15] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp. or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.15.15] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotide sequences not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp.

[0186.0.15.15] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encode a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably Table II B columns, 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp.

[0187.0.15.15] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp.

[0188.0.15.15] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential biological or enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., preferably compared to a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3 and 5, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., and expressed under identical conditions.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention is a homolog consisting of or comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II B, column 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp.

[0189.0.15.15] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.15] to [0203.0.0.15] see [0192.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0]

[0204.0.15.15] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the         mature form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB,         columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179         and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559         and/or lines 560 to 563 resp.; or a fragment thereof conferring         an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, i.e.         heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or         2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid,         preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the         mature form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table IA         or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or         line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines         558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., or a fragment thereof         conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine         chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence         has at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide         being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or         more amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide         encoded by the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably         to (a) to (c), and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a         polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid         molecules of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring         an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or         a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule         which is obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic         library using primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table III,         column 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179         and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559         and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., and conferring an increase in the         amount of the respective fine chemical, i.e. heptadecanoic acid         and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or         2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid,         preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated, e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of         monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of         the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a)         to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising         a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines         174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180         and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560         to 563 resp., and conferring an increase in the amount of the         respective fine chemical i.e. heptadecanoic acid and/or         2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid         and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10         hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably         delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid,         preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a         polypeptide encoding a domaine of a polypeptide as indicated in         Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line         178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185         and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., and         conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine         chemical i.e. heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid         and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid,         preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty         acid in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at         least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or         500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (h)         or of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table IA or IB,         columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179         and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559         and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., or a nucleic acid molecule         encoding, preferably at least the mature form of, the         polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7,         lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180         and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560         to 563 resp., and conferring an increase in the amount of the         respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;         whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)         to (l) distinguishes over a sequence depicted in as indicated in         Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178         and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or         lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., by one or more         nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the         invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table I         A or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or         line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines         558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp. In an other embodiment,         the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at least         30 identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99%         identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A or IB, columns 5         or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or         line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or         lines 560 to 563 resp. In a further embodiment the nucleic acid         molecule does not encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in         Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line         178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185         and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp. Accordingly,         in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present         invention encodes in one embodiment a polypeptide which differs         at least in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide indicated         in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or         line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185         and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp. In another         embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I A or I         B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line         179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558,         559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., does not encode a protein of         a sequence indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7,         lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180         and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560         to 563 resp. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded         by a sequences of a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does         not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B,         columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179         and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559         and/or lines 560 to 563 resp. In a further embodiment, the         protein of the present invention is at least 30% identical to a         protein sequence indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or         7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line         180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines         560 to 563 resp., and less than 100%, preferably less than         99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 985,         97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table I         A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178         and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or         lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp.

[0205.0.0.15] to [0206.0.0.15]: see [0205.0.0.0] to [0206.0.0.0]

[0207.0.15.15] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes are genes of the fatty acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acid metabolism, of triacylglycerol or lipid, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids biosynthesis or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.15] to [0226.0.0.15] see [0208.0.0.0] to [0226.0.0.0]

[0227.0.15.15] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to the sequence mentioned in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway such as for palmitate, stearate, palmitoleate, oleate, linoleate and/or linolenate or of the of triacylglycerol or lipid, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids biosynthetic pathway is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine the sequences shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organism, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.15.15] In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore, organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of at least one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteins involved in the fatty acid metabolism, in particular in fatty acid synthesis.

[0229.0.15.15] Further advantageous nucleic acid sequences which can be expressed in combination with the sequences used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes are the sequences encoding further genes of the saturated, poly unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis such as desaturases like Δ-4-desaturases, Δ-5-desaturases, Δ-6-desaturases, Δ-8-desaturases, Δ-9-desaturases, Δ-12-desaturases, Δ-17-desaturases, ω-3-desaturases, elongases like Δ-5-elongases, Δ-6-elongases, 9-elongases, acyl-CoA-dehydrogenases, acyl-ACP-desaturases, acyl-ACP-thioesterases, fatty acid acyl-transferases, acyl-CoA lysophospholipid-acyltransferases, acyl-CoA carboxylases, fatty acid synthases, fatty acid hydroxylases, acyl-CoA oxydases, acetylenases, lipoxygenases, triacyl-lipases etc. as described in WO 98/46765, WO 98/46763, WO 98/46764, WO 99/64616, WO 00/20603, WO 00/20602, WO 00/40705, US 20040172682, US 20020156254, U.S. Pat. No. 6,677,145 US 20040053379 or US 20030101486. These genes lead to an increased synthesis of the essential fatty acids.

[0229.1.15.15] Further nucleic acid sequences which can be expressed in combination with the sequences used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes are the sequences encoding further genes of the saturated, unsaturated, polyunsaturated and/or hydroxylated fatty acid biosynthesis such as the FA2H gene encoding a fatty acid 2-hydroxylase (Alderson et al., J. Biol. Chem. Vol. 279, No. 47, Issue of November 19, pp. 48562-48568, 2004), ω-3-desaturases encoded by FAD2 and FAD3 (US 20030221217), delta-12 fatty acid desaturase, delta-15 fatty acid desaturase as disclosed by Okuley, et al., Plant Cell 6:147-158 (1994), Lightner et al., WO94/11516, Yadav, N., et al., Plant Physiol., 103:467-476 (1993), WO 93/11245 and Arondel, V. et al., Science, 258:1353-1355 (1992), US 20040083503.

[0230.0.0.15] see [0230.0.0.0]

[0231.0.15.15] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.15] to [0276.0.0.15] see [0232.0.0.0] to [0276.0.0.0]

[0277.0.15.15] The fatty acids produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. For example via extraction, salt precipitation and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously. The fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can be isolated as mentioned above from the organisms, advantageously plants, in the form of their oils, fats, lipids and/or free fatty acids. Fatty acids produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds. Hexane is preferably used as solvent in the process, in which more than 96% of the compounds produced in the process can be isolated. Thereafter, the resulting products are processed further, i.e. degummed, refined, bleached and/or deodorized.

[0278.0.0.15] to [0282.0.0.15] see [0278.0.0.0] to [0282.0.0.0]

[0283.0.15.15] Moreover, a native polypeptide conferring the increase of the fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, in particular, an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp. e.g. an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing polypeptides comprising or consisting of above mentioned sequences, e.g. the polypeptide of the present invention or fragment thereof. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies.

[0284.0.0.15] see [0284.0.0.0]

[0285.0.15.15] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., or as coded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.15.15] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid, or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp.

[0287.0.0.15] to [0290.0.0.15] see [0287.0.0.0] to [0290.0.0.0]

[0291.0.15.15] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp.

[0292.0.0.15] see [0292.0.0.0]

[0293.0.15.15] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp.

[0294.0.15.15] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.15] to [0297.0.0.15] see [0295.0.0.0] to [0297.0.0.0]

[00297.1.15.15] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicalsare e.g. polypeptides having not the activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp.

[0298.0.15.15] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to confer the activity of the present invention. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp.

[0299.0.15.15] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the amino acid sequences as shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence of Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.15.15] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from the sequences shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence shown in table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp.

[0301.0.0.15] see [0301.0.0.0]

[0302.0.15.15] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., the amino acid sequence shown in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.15] see [0303.0.0.0]

[0304.0.15.15] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.15] to [0308.0.0.15] see [0305.0.0.0] to [0308.0.0.0]

[0309.0.15.15] In one embodiment, an reference to a “protein (=polypeptide)” of the invention or as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.15] to [0334.0.0.15] see [0310.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0]

[0335.0.15.15] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of the nucleic acid sequences of the table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of the nucleic acid sequences of the Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence of one of the Table IA orr IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.15] to [0342.0.0.15] see [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0]

[0343.0.15.15] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence of one of the sequences shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence of one of sequences shown in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.15] to [0361.0.0.15] see [0344.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0]

[0362.0.15.15] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp. Due to the above mentioned activity the fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. In one embodiment, transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.15] see [0363.0.0.0]

[0364.0.15.15] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of a promoter of a polypeptide of the invention as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3 and/or 5, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., with the corresponding protein-encoding sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, column 3 and/or 5, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp.,

[0365.0.0.15] to [0373.0.0.15] see [0365.0.0.0] to [0373.0.0.0]

[0374.0.15.15] Transgenic plants comprising the fatty acids synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. The fatty acids produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free fatty acids or bound in or to compounds. Fatty acids produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography or other chromatographic methods of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.15] to [0376.0.0.15] see [0375.0.0.0] to [0376.0.0.0]

[0377.0.15.15] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process according to the present invention whereby the produced fatty acid and/or fatty acid composition or the produced the fine chemical is isolated.

[0378.0.15.15] In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the fatty acids produced in the process can be isolated. The resulting fatty acids can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.15.15] In one embodiment, the amino acid, in particular, heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid resp., is a mixture comprising of one or more the respective fine chemicals. In one embodiment, the respective fine chemical means here amino acid, in particular heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid. In one embodiment, amino acid means here a mixture of the respective fine chemicals.

[0380.0.15.15] The fatty acids obtained in the process are suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates a method for the production of a pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the fatty acid composition produced or the fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the fatty acids produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

[0380.1.15.15] The fatty acids obtained in the process are further suitable in purified form as internal standard in quantification of fatty acids. They can be also used as starting compound in the synthesis of further fatty acids, by elongation, saturation or desaturation resp., hydroxylation or synthesis of glycerides or lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids.

[0381.0.0.15] to [0382.0.0.15] see [0381.0.0.0] to [0382.0.0.0]

[0383.0.15.15] For preparing fatty acid compound-containing fine chemicals, in particular the fine chemical, it is possible to use as fatty acid source organic compounds such as, for example, oils, fats and/or lipids comprising fatty acids such as fatty acids having a carbon back bone between C₁₀- to C₁₆-carbon atoms and/or small organic acids such acetic acid, propionic acid or butanoic acid as precursor compounds.

[0384.0.0.15] see [0384.0.0.0]

[0385.0.15.15] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid in mixtures with other lipids, fats and/or oils, normally have a dry matter content of from 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, at least at the end, but especially over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 3 g/l during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it. The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

[0386.0.15.15] However, it is also possible to purify the fatty acid produced further. For this purpose, the product-containing composition is subjected for example to a thin layer chromatography on silica gel plates or to a chromatography such as a Florisil column (Bouhours J. F., J. Chromatrogr. 1979, 169, 462), in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use. An alternative method to purify the fatty acids is for example crystallization in the presence of urea. These methods can be combined with each other.

[0387.0.0.15] to [0392.0.0.15] see [0387.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0]

[0393.0.15.15] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   -   (m) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a         sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a         nucleic acid library, which can contain a candidate gene         encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the fine         chemical after expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the         present invention;     -   (n) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of the present invention in particular to the nucleic         acid molecule sequence shown in table IA or IB, preferably table         I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or         line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines         558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., and, optionally,         isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete genomic clone;     -   (o) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells, preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism,         appropriate for producing the fine chemical;     -   (p) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (q) assaying the fine chemical level in the host cells; and     -   (r) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product         which expression confers an increase in the fine chemical level         in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.15] to [0398.0.0.15] see [0394.0.0.0] to [0398.0.0.0]

[0399.0.15.15] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to process for the identification of a compound conferring increased the fine chemical production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps:

(g) culturing a cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide according to the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding said polypeptide and a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of said readout system and the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the invention; and (h) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said readout system.

The screen for a gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in the fine chemical production can be performed by growth of an organism for example a microorganism in the presence of growth reducing amounts of an inhibitor of the synthesis of the fine chemical. Better growth, eg higher dividing rate or high dry mass in comparison to the control under such conditions would identify a gene or gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in fine chemical production.

One can think to screen for increased fine chemical production by for example resistance to drugs blocking fatty synthesis and looking whether this effect is YDR513W dependent eg comparing near identical organisms with low and high YDR513W activity.

[00399.1.15.15] One can think to screen for increased production of the respective fine chemical by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the fine chemical and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotype of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 resp., after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.15] to [0416.0.0.15] see [0400.0.0.0] to [0416.0.0.0]

[0417.0.15.15] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the fatty acid production biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect an organism such as a microorganism or a plant against inhibitors, which block the fatty acid, in particular the fine chemical, synthesis in said organism. Examples of inhibitors or herbicides blocking the fatty acid synthesis in organism such as microorganism or plants are for example cerulenin, Thiolactomycin, Diazoborines or Triclosan, which inhibit the fatty acids (beta-ketoacyl thioester synthetase inhibitors) and sterol biosynthesis inhibitors, aryloxyphenoxypropionates such as diclofop, fenoxaprop, haloxyfop, fluazifop or quizalofop or cyclohexanediones such as clethodim or sethoxydim [(2-[1-{ethoxyimino}butyl]-542-{ethylthio}propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one], which inhibit the plant acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase or thiocarbamates such as butylate, EPTC [=S-ethyl dipropylcarbamothioat] or vernolate.

[0418.0.0.15] to [0423.0.0.15] see [0418.0.0.0] to [0423.0.0.0]

[0424.0.15.15] Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the fine chemical or of the fine chemical and one or more other fatty acids, in particular heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid mixtures thereof or mixtures of other fatty acids. Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0425.0.0.15] to [0430.0.0.15] see [0425.0.0.0] to [0430.0.0.0]

[0431.0.15.15] Example 1 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 13930 in Escherichia coli

[0432.0.15.15] SEQ ID NO: 13930 was cloned into the plasmids pBR322 (Sutcliffe, J. G. (1979) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, 75: 3737-3741); pACYC177 (Change & Cohen (1978) J. Bacteriol. 134: 1141-1156); plasmids of the pBS series (pBSSK+, pBSSK− and others; Stratagene, LaJolla, USA) or cosmids such as SuperCosi (Stratagene, LaJolla, USA) or Lorist6 (Gibson, T. J. Rosenthal, A., and Waterson, R. H. (1987) Gene 53: 283-286) for expression in E. coli using known, well-established procedures (see, for example, Sambrook, J. et al. (1989) “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons).

[0433.0.0.15] to [0434.0.0.15] see [0433.0.0.0] to [0434.0.0.0]

[0435.0.15.15] Example 3 In-Vivo and In-Vitro Mutagenesis

[0436.0.15.15] An in vivo mutagenesis of organisms such as Saccharomyces, Mortierella, Escherichia and others mentioned above, which are beneficial for the production of fatty acids can be carried out by passing a plasmid DNA (or another vector DNA) containing the desired nucleic acid sequence or nucleic acid sequences through E. coli and other microorganisms (for example Bacillus spp. or yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which are not capable of maintaining the integrity of its genetic information. Usual mutator strains have mutations in the genes for the DNA repair system [for example mutHLS, mutD, mutT and the like; for comparison, see Rupp, W. D. (1996) DNA repair mechanisms in Escherichia coli and Salmonella, pp. 2277-2294, ASM: Washington]. The skilled worker knows these strains. The use of these strains is illustrated for example in Greener, A. and Callahan, M. (1994) Strategies 7; 32-34.

In-vitro mutation methods such as increasing the spontaneous mutation rates by chemical or physical treatment are well known to the skilled person. Mutagens like 5-bromo-uracil, N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (=NTG), ethyl methanesulfonate (=EMS), hydroxylamine and/or nitrous acid are widly used as chemical agents for random in-vitro mutagensis. The most common physical method for mutagensis is the treatment with UV irradiation. Another random mutagenesis technique is the error-prone PCR for introducing amino acid changes into proteins. Mutations are deliberately introduced during PCR through the use of error-prone DNA polymerases and special reaction conditions known to a person skilled in the art. For this method randomized DNA sequences are cloned into expression vectors and the resulting mutant libraries screened for altered or improved protein activity as described below.

Site-directed mutagensis method such as the introduction of desired mutations with an M13 or phagemid vector and short oligonucleotides primers is a well-known approach for site-directed mutagensis. The clou of this method involves cloning of the nucleic acid sequence of the invention into an M13 or phagemid vector, which permits recovery of single-stranded recombinant nucleic acid sequence. A mutagenic oligonucleotide primer is then designed whose sequence is perfectly complementary to nucleic acid sequence in the region to be mutated, but with a single difference: at the intended mutation site it bears a base that is complementary to the desired mutant nucleotide rather than the original. The mutagenic oligonucleotide is then allowed to prime new DNA synthesis to create a complementary full-length sequence containing the desired mutation. Another site-directed mutagensis method is the PCR mismatch primer mutagensis method also known to the skilled person. Dpnl site-directed mutagensis is a further known method as described for example in the Stratagene Quickchange™ site-directed mutagenesis kit protocol. A huge number of other methods are also known and used in common practice.

Positive mutation events can be selected by screening the organisms for the production of the desired fine chemical.

[0437.0.15.15] Example 4 DNA Transfer Between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Mortierella alpine

[0438.0.15.15] Shuttle vectors such as pYE22m, pPAC-ResQ, pClasper, pAUR224, pAMH10, pAML10, pAMT10, pAMU10, pGMH10, pGML10, pGMT10, pGMU10, pPGAL1, pPADH1, pTADH1, pTAex3, pNGA142, pHT3101 and derivatives thereof which allow the transfer of nucleic acid sequences between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or Mortierella alpina are available to the skilled worker. An easy method to isolate such shuttle vectors is disclosed by Soni R. and Murray J. A. H. [Nucleic Acid Research, vol. 20 no. 21, 1992: 5852]: If necessary such shuttle vectors can be constructed easily using standard vectors for E. coli (Sambrook, J. et al., (1989), “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons) and/or the aforementioned vectors, which have a replication origin for, and suitable marker from, Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Mortierella alpina added. Such replication origins are preferably taken from endogenous plasmids, which have been isolated from species used in the inventive process. Genes, which are used in particular as transformation markers for these species are genes for kanamycin resistance (such as those which originate from the Tn5 or Tn-903 transposon) or for chloramphenicol resistance (Winnacker, E. L. (1987) “From Genes to Clones—Introduction to Gene Technology, VCH, Weinheim) or for other antibiotic resistance genes such as for G418, gentamycin, neomycin, hygromycin or tetracycline resistance.

[0439.0.15.15] Using standard methods, it is possible to clone a gene of interest into one of the above-described shuttle vectors and to introduce such hybrid vectors into the microorganism strains used in the inventive process. The transformation of Saccharomyces can be achieved for example by LiCI or sheroplast transformation (Bishop et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 6, 1986: 3401-3409; Sherman et al., Methods in Yeasts in Genetics, [Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y.] 1982, Agatep et al., Technical Tips Online 1998, 1:51: P01525 or Gietz et al., Methods Mol. Cell. Biol. 5, 1995: 255269) or electroporation (Delorme E., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., vol. 55, no. 9, 1989: 2242-2246).

[0440.0.15.15] If the transformed sequence(s) is/are to be integrated advantageously into the genome of the microorganism used in the inventive process for example into the yeast or fungi genome, standard techniques known to the skilled worker also exist for this purpose. Solinger et al. (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA., 2001 (15): 8447-8453) and Freedman et al. (Genetics, Vol. 162, 15-27, September 2002,) teaches a homolog recombination system dependent on rad 50, rad51, rad54 and rad59 in yeasts. Vectors using this system for homologous recombination are vectors derived from the Ylp series. Plasmid vectors derived for example from the 2μ-Vector are known by the skilled worker and used for the expression in yeasts. Other preferred vectors are for example pART1, pCHY21 or pEVP11 as they have been described by McLeod et al. (EMBO J. 1987, 6:729-736) and Hoffman et al. (Genes Dev. 5, 1991: 561-571.) or Russell et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 258, 1983: 143-149.). Other beneficial yeast vectors are plasmids of the REP, REP-X, pYZ or RIP series.

[0441.0.0.15] see [0441.0.0.0]

[0442.0.15.15] The observations of the acivity of a mutated, or transgenic, protein in a transformed host cell are based on the fact that the protein is expressed in a similar manner and in a similar quantity as the wild-type protein. A suitable method for determining the transcription quantity of the mutant, or transgenic, gene (a sign for the amount of mRNA which is available for the translation of the gene product) is to carry out a Northern blot (see, for example, Ausubel et al., (1988) Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Wiley: New York), where a primer which is designed in such a way that it binds to the gene of interest is provided with a detectable marker (usually a radioactive or chemiluminescent marker) so that, when the total RNA of a culture of the organism is extracted, separated on a gel, applied to a stable matrix and incubated with this probe, the binding and quantity of the binding of the probe indicates the presence and also the amount of mRNA for this gene. Another method is a quantitative PCR. This information detects the extent to which the gene has been transcribed. Total cell RNA can be isolated for example from yeasts or E. coli by a variety of methods, which are known in the art, for example with the Ambion kit according to the instructions of the manufacturer or as described in Edgington et al., Promega Notes Magazine Number 41, 1993, p. 14.

[0443.0.0.15] see [0443.0.0.0]

[0444.0.15.15] Example 6 Growth of Genetically Modified Organism: Media and Culture Conditions

[0445.0.15.15] Genetically modified Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are grown in synthetic or natural growth media known by the skilled worker. A number of different growth media for Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are well known and widely available. A method for culturing Mortierella is disclosed by Jang et al. [Bot. Bull. Acad. Sin. (2000) 41:41-48]. Mortierella can be grown at 20° C. in a culture medium containing: 10 g/l glucose, 5 g/l yeast extract at pH 6.5. Furthermore Jang et al. teaches a submerged basal medium containing 20 g/l soluble starch, 5 g/l Bacto yeast extract, 10 g/l KNO₃, 1 g/l KH₂PO₄, and 0.5 g/l MgSO₄.7H₂O, pH 6.5.

[0446.0.0.15] to [0450.0.0.15] see [0446.0.0.0] to [0450.0.0.0]

[0451.0.15.15] If genetically modified clones are examined, an unmodified control clone, or a control clone, which contains the basic plasmid without insertion, should also be included in the tests. If a transgenic sequence is expressed, a control clone should advantageously again be included in these tests. The medium is advantageously inoculated to an OD600 of 0.5 to 1.5 using cells which have been grown on agar plates, such as CM plates (10 g/l glucose, 2.5 g/l NaCl, 2 g/l urea, 10 g/l polypeptone, 5 g/l yeast extract, 5 g/l meat extract, 22 g/l agar, pH value 6.8 established with 2M NaOH), which have been incubated at 30° C. The media are inoculated for example by addition of a liquid preculture of seed organism such as E. coli or S. cerevisiae.

[0452.0.0.15] to [0453.0.0.15] see [0452.0.0.0] to [0453.0.0.0]

[0454.0.15.15] Example 8 Analysis of the Effect of the Nucleic Acid Molecule on the Production of the Fatty Acids

[0455.0.15.15] The effect of the genetic modification in plants, fungi, algae, ciliates or on the production of a desired compound (such as a fatty acid) can be determined by growing the modified microorganisms or the modified plant under suitable conditions (such as those described above) and analyzing the medium and/or the cellular components for the elevated production of desired product (i.e. of the lipids or a fatty acid). These analytical techniques are known to the skilled worker and comprise spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, various types of staining methods, enzymatic and microbiological methods and analytical chromatography such as high-performance liquid chromatography (see, for example, Ullman, Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. A2, p. 89-90 and p. 443-613, VCH: Weinheim (1985); Fallon, A., et al., (1987) “Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry” in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 17; Rehm et al. (1993) Biotechnology, Vol. 3, Chapter III: “Product recovery and purification”, p. 469-714, VCH: Weinheim; Better, P. A., et al. (1988) Bioseparations: downstream processing for Biotechnology, John Wiley and Sons; Kennedy, J. F., and Cabral, J. M. S. (1992) Recovery processes for biological Materials, John Wiley and Sons; Shaeiwitz, J. A., and Henry, J. D. (1988) Biochemical Separations, in: Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. B3; Chapter 11, p. 1-27, VCH: Weinheim; and Dechow, F. J. (1989) Separation and purification techniques in biotechnology, Noyes Publications).

In addition to the abovementioned processes, plant lipids are extracted from plant material as described by Cahoon et al. (1999) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 96 (22): 12935-12940 and Browse et al. (1986) Analytic Biochemistry 152:141-145. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of lipids or fatty acids is described by Christie, William W., Advances in Lipid Methodology, Ayr/Scotland: Oily Press (Oily Press Lipid Library; 2); Christie, William W., Gas Chromatography and Lipids. A Practical Guide—Ayr, Scotland: Oily Press, 1989, Repr. 1992, IX, 307 pp. (Oily Press Lipid Library; 1); “Progress in Lipid Research, Oxford: Pergamon Press, 1 (1952)—16 (1977) under the title: Progress in the Chemistry of Fats and Other Lipids CODEN.

[0456.0.0.15] see [0456.0.0.0] In addition to the determination of the fermentation end product, other components of the metabolic pathways which are used for the production of the desired compound, such as intermediates and by-products, may also be analyzed in order to determine the total productivity of the organism, the yield and/or production efficiency of the compound. The analytical methods encompass determining the amounts of nutrients in the medium (for example sugars, hydrocarbons, nitrogen sources, phosphate and other ions), determining biomass composition and growth, analyzing the production of ordinary metabolites from biosynthetic pathways and measuring gases generated during the fermentation. Standard methods for these are described in Applied Microbial Physiology; A Practical Approach, P. M. Rhodes and P. F. Stanbury, Ed. IRL Press, pp. 103-129; 131-163 and 165-192 (ISBN: 0199635773) and the references cited therein.

[0457.0.15.15] Example 9 Purification of the Fatty Acid

[0458.0.15.15] One example is the analysis of fatty acids (abbreviations: FAME, fatty acid methyl ester; GC-MS, gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; TAG, triacylglycerol; TLC, thin-layer chromatography).

The unambiguous detection for the presence of fatty acid products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: GC, GC-MS or TLC, as described on several occasions by Christie and the references therein (1997, in: Advances on Lipid Methodology, Fourth Edition: Christie, Oily Press, Dundee, 119-169; 1998, Gaschromatographie-Massenspektrometrie-Verfahren [Gas chromatography/mass spectrometric methods], Lipide 33:343-353).

The total fatty acids produced in the organism for example in yeasts used in the inventive process can be analysed for example according to the following procedure:

The material such as yeasts, E. coli or plants to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods. After disruption, the material must be centrifuged (1000×g, 10 min., 4° C.) and washed once with 100 mM NaHCO₃, pH 8.0 to remove residual medium and fatty acids. For preparation of the fatty acid methyl esters (FAMES) the sediment is resuspended in distilled water, heated for 10 minutes at 100° C., cooled on ice and recentrifuged, followed by extraction for one hour at 90° C. in 0.5 M sulfuric acid in methanol with 2% dimethoxypropane, which leads to hydrolyzed oil and lipid compounds, which give transmethylated lipids.

The FAMES are then extracted twice with 2 ml petrolether, washed once with 100 mM NaHCO₃, pH 8.0 and once with distilled water and dried with Na₂SO₄. The organic solvent can be evaporated under a stream of Argon and the FAMES were dissolved in 50 μl of petrolether. The samples can be separated on a ZEBRON ZB-Wax capillary column (30 m, 0.32 mm, 0.25 μm; Phenomenex) in a Hewlett Packard 6850 gas chromatograph with a flame ionisation detector. The oven temperature is programmed from 70° C. (1 min. hold) to 200° C. at a rate of 20° C./min., then to 250° C. (5 min. hold) at a rate of 5° C./min and finally to 260° C. at a rate of 5° C./min. Nitrogen is used as carrier gas (4.5 ml/min. at 70° C.). The identity of the resulting fatty acid methyl esters can be identified by comparison with retention times of FAME standards, which are available from commercial sources (i.e. Sigma).

Plant material is initially homogenized mechanically by comminuting in a pestle and mortar to make it more amenable to extraction.

This is followed by heating at 100° C. for 10 minutes and, after cooling on ice, by resedimentation. The cell sediment is hydrolyzed for one hour at 90° C. with 1 M methanolic sulfuric acid and 2% dimethoxypropane, and the lipids are transmethylated. The resulting fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) are extracted in petroleum ether. The extracted FAMEs are analyzed by gas liquid chromatography using a capillary column (Chrompack, WCOT Fused Silica, CP-Wax-52 CB, 25 m, 0.32 mm) and a temperature gradient of from 170° C. to 240° C. in 20 minutes and 5 minutes at 240° C. The identity of the fatty acid methyl esters is confirmed by comparison with corresponding FAME standards (Sigma). The identity and position of the double bond can be analyzed further by suitable chemical derivatization of the FAME mixtures, for example to give 4,4-dimethoxyoxazoline derivatives (Christie, 1998) by means of GC-MS.

The methodology is described for example in Napier and Michaelson, 2001, Lipids. 36(8):761-766; Sayanova et al., 2001, Journal of Experimental Botany. 52(360):1581-1585, Sperling et al., 2001, Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 388(2):293-298 and Michaelson et al., 1998, FEBS Letters. 439(3):215-218.

[0459.0.15.15] If required and desired, further chromatography steps with a suitable resin may follow. Advantageously the fatty acids can be further purified with a so-called RTHPLC. As eluent different an acetonitrile/water or chloroform/acetonitrile mixtures are advantageously is used. For example canola oil can be separated said HPLC method using an RP-18-column (ET 250/3 Nucleosil 120-5 C₁₈ Macherey and Nagel, Düren, Germany). A chloroform/acetonitrile mixture (v/v 30:70) is used as eluent. The flow rate is beneficial 0.8 ml/min. For the analysis of the fatty acids an

ELSD detector (evaporative light-scattering detector) is used. MPLC, dry-flash chromatography or thin layer chromatography are other beneficial chromatography methods for the purification of fatty acids. If necessary, these chromatography steps may be repeated, using identical or other chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the selection of suitable chromatography resin and the most effective use for a particular molecule to be purified.

[0460.0.15.15] In addition depending on the produced fine chemical purification is also possible with cristalisation or destilation. Both methods are well known to a person skilled in the art.

[0461.0.15.15] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 13930 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.15] see [0462.0.0.0]

[0463.0.15.15] SEQ ID NO: 13930 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.15.15] The composition for the protocol of the Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase was as follows: 1×PCR buffer (Stratagene), 0.2 mM of each dNTP, 100 ng genomic

DNA of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain S288C; Research Genetics, Inc., now Invitrogen) or Escherichia coli (strain MG1655; E. coli Genetic Stock Center), 50 μmol forward primer, 50 μmol reverse primer, 2.5 u Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The amplification cycles were as follows:

[0465.0.15.15] 1 cycle of 3 minutes at 94-95° C., followed by 25-36 cycles of in each case 1 minute at 95° C. or 30 seconds at 94° C., 45 seconds at 50° C., 30 seconds at 50° C. or 30 seconds at 55° C. and 210-480 seconds at 72° C., followed by 1 cycle of 8 minutes at 72° C., then 4° C.

[0466.0.0.15] see [0466.0.0.0]

[0467.0.15.15] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 13930:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 13950) atgaactcta ttttagacag aaatgtt ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 13951) ttatttttgg tcttgtttca aagtgtc or were selected for the genes described in Table III, column 5, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563 as described in Table III, column 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558, 559 and/or lines 560 to 563.

[0468.0.0.15] to [0479.0.0.15] see [0468.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0]

[0480.0.15.15] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 13930

[0481.0.0.15] to [0513.0.0.15] see [0481.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0]

[0514.0.15.15] As an alternative, the fatty acids can be detected advantageously via HPLC separation in ethanolic extract as described by Geigenberger et al. (Plant Cell & Environ, 19, 1996: 43-55).

The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the table, which follows:

TABLE 1 ORF Metabolite Method Min Max YDR513W Margaric Acid (C17:0) GC 1,24 1,97 YER156C Margaric Acid (C17:0) GC 1,20 1,49 YLR255C Margaric Acid (C17:0) GC 1,20 1,27 b1829 Margaric Acid (C17:0) GC 1,20 2,33 YER173W 2-Hydroxy-Palmitic Acid GC 1,26 4,94 YFR042W 2-Hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid GC 1,28 1,56 YOR317W Hexadeca-dienoic acid GC 1,19 1,69 YGL205W Hexadecatrienoic Acid (C16:3) GC 1,14 1,16 YIL150C Hexadecatrienoic Acid (C16:3) GC 3,24 3,24 YKL132C Hexadecatrienoic Acid (C16:3) GC 1,13 1,56 YOR344C Hexadecatrienoic Acid (C16:3) GC 1,12 1,20 b3430 Hexadecatrienoic Acid (C16:3) GC 1,12 1,20 b0057 C24:1 fatty acid GC 1.22 1.37 b0161 2-Hydroxy-palmitic acid GC 1.21 1.48 b0758 2-Hydroxy-palmitic acid GC 1.19 1.38 b1097 C24:1 fatty acid GC 1.23 1.41 b2078 C24:1 fatty acid GC 1.23 1.41 b3231 C24:1 fatty acid GC 1.23 1.48

[0515.0.15.15] Column 2 shows the fatty acid analyzed. Columns 4 and 5 shows the ratio of the analyzed fatty acid between the transgenic plants and the wild type; Increase of the metabolites: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type)-Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type). Decrease of the metabolites: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (minimal decrease), Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (maximal decrease). Column 3 indicates the analytical method.

[0516.0.0.15] see [0516.0.0.0]

[0517.0.15.15] Example 14a Engineering Ryegrass Plants by Over-Expressing YOR344C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Homologs of YOR344C from Other Organisms

[0518.0.0.15] to [0524.0.0.15] see [0518.0.0.0] to [0524.0.0.0]

[0525.0.15.15] Example 14b Engineering Soybean Plants by Over-Expressing YOR344C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Homologs of YOR344C from Other Organisms

[0526.0.0.15] to [0529.0.0.15] see [0526.0.0.0] to [0529.0.0.0]

[0530.0.15.15] Example 14c Engineering Corn Plants by Over-Expressing YOR344C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Homologs of YOR344C from Other Organisms

[0531.0.0.15] to [0533.0.0.15] see [0531.0.0.0] to [0533.0.0.0]

[0534.0.15.15] Example 14d Engineering Wheat Plants by Over-Expressing YOR344C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Homologs of YOR344C from Other Organisms

[0535.0.0.15] to [0537.0.0.15] see [0535.0.0.0] to [0537.0.0.0]

[0538.0.15.15] Example 14e Engineering Rapeseed/Canola Plants by Over-Expressing YOR344C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Homologs of YOR344C from Other Organisms

[0539.0.0.15] to [0542.0.0.15] see [0539.0.0.0] to [0542.0.0.0]

[0543.0.15.15] Example 14f Engineering Alfalfa Plants by Over-Expressing YOR344C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Homologs of YOR344C from Other Organisms

[0544.0.0.15] to [0547.0.0.15] see [0544.0.0.0] to [0547.0.0.0]

[0548.0.15.15] Example 14 g Engineering Alfalfa Plants by Over-Expressing YOR344C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Homologs of YOR344C from Other Organisms

[0549.0.0.15] to [0552.0.0.15] see [0549.0.0.0] to [0552.0.0.0]

[0552.1.15.15]: Example 15 Metabolite Profiling Info from Zea mays

Zea mays plants were engineered, grown and analyzed as described in Example 14c. The results of the different Zea mays plants analysed can be seen from Table 2 which follows:

TABLE 2 ORF Metabolite Min Max b1829 Heptadecanoic acid 1.23 1.71

Table 2 exhibits the metabolic data from maize, shown in either TO or T1, describing the increase in heptadecanoic acid in genetically modified corn plants expressing the Escherichia coli nucleic acid sequence b1829 resp.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1829 or a protein with an activity being defined as a heat shock protein or its homolog, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical heptadecanoic acid between 23% and 71% is conferred.

[00552.2.0.15] see [00552.2.0.0]

[0553.0.15.15]

-   1. A process for the production of heptadecanoic acid and/or     2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or     hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid     and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13     hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta     15 fatty acid, which comprises     (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as indicated     in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line     178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or     lines 558 to 559 and/or 560 to 563 resp., or a functional equivalent     thereof in a non-human organism, or in one or more parts thereof;     and     (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid     and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid,     preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic     acid, preferably delta 7,10, 13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1     fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of heptadecanoic acid and/or     2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or     hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid     and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13     hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta     15 fatty acid, comprising the increasing or generating in an     organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic     acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the     group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of the polypeptide shown in         table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line         178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185         and/or lines 558 to 559 and/or 560 to 563 resp., or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or         2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid,         preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of the nucleic acid molecule         shown in table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or         line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185         and/or lines 558 to 559 and/or 560 to 563 resp;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of heptadecanoic acid         and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or         2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid,         preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of heptadecanoic acid         and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or         2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid,         preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of         heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or         2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid,         preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers as         shown in table III, column 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178         and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or         lines 558 to 559 and/or 560 to 563 resp., and conferring an         increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a         part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of heptadecanoic         acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or         2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid,         preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising the         consensus sequence shown in table IV, column 7, lines 174 to 177         and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or         lines 558 to 559 and/or 560 to 563 resp., and conferring an         increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a         part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof.         or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or     2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably     delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid,     preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty     acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or         2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid,         preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty         acid produced by the selected mutated organisms or parts         thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of the polypeptide shown in         table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line         178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185         and/or lines 558 to 559 and/or 560 to 563 resp., or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or         2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid,         preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of the nucleic acid molecule         shown in table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or         line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185         and/or lines 558 to 559 and/or 560 to 563 resp.;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of heptadecanoic acid         and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or         2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid,         preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of heptadecanoic acid         and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or         2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid,         preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of heptadecanoic acid         and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or         2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid,         preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers as         shown in table III, column 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178         and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or         lines 558 to 559 and/or 560 to 563 resp., and conferring an         increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a         part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of heptadecanoic         acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or         2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid,         preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising the         consensus sequence shown in table IV, column 7, lines 174 to 177         and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or         lines 558 to 559 and/or 560 to 563 resp., and conferring an         increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a         part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as shown in table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177         and/or line 178 and/or line 179 and/or line 180 and/or lines 181         to 185 and/or lines 558 to 563 resp., by one or more         nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over the sequence as shown in table II     A, columns 5 or 7, lines 174 to 177 and/or line 178 and/or line 179     and/or line 180 and/or lines 181 to 185 and/or lines 558 to 563     resp., by one or more amino acids -   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of heptadecanoic acid     and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid     and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic     acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13     hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta     15 fatty acid in an organism or a part thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of heptadecanoic         acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or         2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid,         preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty         acid in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound         or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions         which permit the expression the polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the palmitic acid level or the polypeptide         expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or         the media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured         or maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured palmitic acid level or polypeptide expression level         with a standard palmitic acid or polypeptide expression level         measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample         comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased         level over the standard indicates that the compound or the         sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and         a decreased level over the standard indicates that the compound         or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an         antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or     2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably     delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid,     preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty     acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid production in a plant or     microorganism, comprising the steps:     -   (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid         and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid,         preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty         acid in an organism or a part thereof and a readout system         capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable         conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with         dais readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample         comprising a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a         detectable signal in response to the binding of a compound to         said polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of         said readout system and of the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid         and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid,         preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or     2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably     delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid,     preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty     acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid production in a cell,     comprising the following steps:     -   (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid         and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid,         preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty         acid after expression with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing heptadecanoic acid and/or         2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid         and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10         hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably         delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid,         preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic         acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic         acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid level and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15         fatty acid in the host cells; and     -   (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the heptadecanoic acid and/or         2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid         and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10         hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably         delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid,         preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid level in the host cell in         the host cell after expression compared to the wild type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or     2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably     delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid,     preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty     acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid production in a cell,     comprising the following steps:     -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the heptadecanoic acid and/or         2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid         and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10         hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably         delta 7,10, 13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid,         preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid amount or level in an         organism or a part thereof after expression, and which are at         least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing heptadecanoic acid and/or         2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid         and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10         hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably         delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid,         preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic         acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic         acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty         acid level in the host cells; and     -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the heptadecanoic acid and/or         2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid         and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10         hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably         delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid,         preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid level in the host cell         after expression compared to the wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or     2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably     delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid,     preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty     acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid after expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid     and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid,     preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic     acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1     fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid levels in an     organism. -   25. Food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the     plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim     16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified     according to the method of claim 19 or 20. -   26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20 for the protection of a plant against a heptadecanoic acid and/or     2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or     hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid     and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13     hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty acid, preferably C24:1 delta     15 fatty acid synthesis inhibiting herbicide.

[0554.0.0.15] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.0]

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS Description

[0000.0.0.16] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.16] see [0001.0.0.0]

[0002.0.16.16] The discovery in Arabidopsis of citramalic acid (Fiehn et al. 2000 Nature Biotechnology 18, 1157-1161) a potential precursor of pyruvic acid and acetate suggests a novel aspect of carbon metabolism and furthermore suggests the existence of a tricarboxylic acid cycle bypass previously found only in bacteria.

The malic acid oxaloacetate shuttle is characteristic for plant cells. It transports redox equivalents intracellularly.

Malic acid is not only a central metabolite in intermediary flow of carbon in organisms. In higher plants, vacuolar malic acid accumulation, and hence, transtonoplast malic acid transport, also plays a paramount role in many physiological functions. These include adjustment of osmotic and turgor potentials in extension growth and movements of stomata and pulvini, pH-regulation, e.g. during nitrate reduction, and others (for review, see Luttge et al, Plant Physiol, 124(2000),1335-1348).

Osawa and Matsumoto, Plant Physiol, 126(2001), 411-420 discuss the involvement malic acid in aluminium resistance in plants.

Malic acid is a common constituent of all plants, and its formation is controlled by an enzyme (protein catalyst) called malic acid dehydrogenase (MDH).

Malic acid occupies a central role in plant metabolism. Its importance in plant mineral nutrition is reflected by the role it plays in symbiotic nitrogen fixation, phosphorus acquisition, and aluminum tolerance.

During phosphorus deficiency, malic acid is frequently secreted from roots to release unavailable forms of phosphorus.

In nitrogen-fixing root nodules, malic acid is the primary substrate for bacteroid respiration, thus fueling nitrogenase.

Pyruvic acid is a naturally occurring component in plants and vegetables and in the body, where it is inherently involved in metabolism, the process whereby energy is produced. Pyruvic acid represents the final step in the metabolism of glucose or starch.

Increased pyruvic acid production in yeast strains is known (WO 04/099425).

Glyceric acid is an improtan precursor in the anabolism of amino acids, in particular for Serin and Glycin. Further, the energy level of a cell may be depend on the level of glyceric acid found. Glycerate and Glycerate-3-phophate form a shuttle for the transportation of energy equivalents, e.g. during photorespiration between glycosomes and peroxisomes.

Succinic acid is an intermediate of the citric acid cycle (and the glyoxylate cycle) produced by action of the enzyme succinvl-CoA synthetase on succinyl-CoA. Succinic acid is converted to fumaric acid by action of the enzyme succinic acid dehydrogenase (with formation of FADH2).

Trihydroxibutanoic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid lacton can be regarded as hypothetic precusors of pheromone like metabolites in plants.

Due to these interesting physiological roles and agrobiotechnological potential of citramalic acid, glyceric acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid there is a need to identify the genes of enzymes and other proteins involved in citramalic acid, glyceric acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid metabolism, and to generate mutants or transgenic plant lines with which to modify the citramalic acid, glyceric acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid content.

[0003.0.0.16] to [0007.0.0.16] -/-

[0008.0.0.16] One way to increase the productive capacity of biosynthesis is to apply recombinant DNA technology. Thus, it would be desirable to produce glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid in plants. That type of production permits control over quality, quantity and selection of the most suitable and efficient producer organisms. The latter is especially important for commercial production economics and therefore availability to consumers. In addition it is desirable to produce glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid in plants in order to increase plant productivity and resistance against biotic and abiotic stress as discussed before.

Methods of recombinant DNA technology have been used for some years to improve the production of fine chemicals in microorganisms and plants by amplifying individual biosynthesis genes and investigating the effect on production of fine chemicals. It is for example reported, that the xanthophyll astaxanthin could be produced in the nectaries of transgenic tobacco plants. Those transgenic plants were prepared by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of tobacco plants using a vector that contained a ketolase-encoding gene from H. pluvialis denominated crtO along with the Pds gene from tomato as the promoter and to encode a leader sequence. Those results indicated that about 75 percent of the carotenoids found in the flower of the transformed plant contained a keto group.

[0009.0.16.16] Thus, it would be advantageous if an algae, plant or other microorganism were available which produce large amounts glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganisms.

It would also be advantageous if plants were available whose roots, leaves, stem, fruits or flowers produced large amounts of glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed plants.

[0010.0.16.16] Therefore improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the food-and-feed industry. This is necessary since, for example glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid, as mentioned above, which occur in plants and some microorganisms are limited with regard to the supply of mammals.

Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible a specific glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid profile in the diet since an excess of glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid above a specific concentration in the food has a positive effect. A further increase in quality is only possible via addition of further glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid, which are limiting.

[0011.0.16.16] To ensure a high quality of foods and animal feeds, it is therefore necessary to add glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid in a balanced manner to suit the organism.

[0012.0.16.16] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes or other proteins which participate in the biosynthesis of glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid and make it possible to produce them specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted by-products forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid; on the other hand as less as possible by-products should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.16] see [0013.0.0.0]

[0014.0.16.16] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is a glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to a glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid.

[0015.0.16.16] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means at least one chemical compound with glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid activity.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means a glyceric acid.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means a citramalic acid. In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means fumaric acid. In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means malic acid. In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means pyruvic acid. In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means succinic acid. In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means trihydroxybutyric acid. In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means trihydroxybutanoic acid depending on the context in which the term is used. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyraic acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid, its salts, ester, thioester or in free form or bound to other compounds such sugars or sugar polymers, like glucoside, e.g. diglucoside. In particular it is known to the skilled that anionic compounds as acids are present in an equilibrium of the acid and its salts according to the pH present in the respective compartment of the cell or organism and the pK of the acid. Thus, the term “the fine chemical”, the term “the respective fine chemical”, the term “acid” or the use of a demonination referring to a neutralized anionic compound respectivley relates the anionic form as well as the neutralised status of that compound.

Thus, citramalic acid relates also to citramalate, fumaric acid also relates to fumarate, malic acid also relates to malate, pyruvic acid also relates to pyruvate, succinic acid relates to succinate, trihydroxybuyraic acid relates to trihydroxybutyrate or trihydroxybutanoic acid relates also to trihydroxybutanoic.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” and the term “the respective fine chemical” mean at least one chemical compound with an activity of the above mentioned fine chemical

[0016.0.16.16] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more YMR241 W,     YJL099W, YJL055W, YGR007W, YCR059C, YCL032W, YBR184W, YBR084W,     b4139, b1676, b1611, b0695, b0730, b1896, b2699, b4063, YBL015W,     YFR007W, YJL072C, YKL132C, YOR044W, YPR024W or YPR138C protein(s) or     of a protein having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a     nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines     190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 in a non-human organism in one or     more parts thereof; and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus glyceric acid, citramalic     acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid,     trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid in said     organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising.

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3,     lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp. or having the sequence     of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in     Table I, column 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp.     in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof; and     growing the organism under conditions which permit the production of     the fine chemical, thus, glyceric acid referring to line 572 to 576,     citramalic acid referring to line 190 and/or 564, fumaric acid     referring to line 191 to 205, and/or 565 to 571, malic acid     referring to line 206 to 217 and/or 577 to 583, pyruvic acid     referring to line 220 or 584, succinic acid referring to line 221 to     224 and/or 585 to 591, trihydroxybutyric acid referring to line 218     or 219 and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid referring to 225 and 226     and/or 592 to 594, in said organism.

[0016.1.16.16] Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means “citramalic acid” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I, line 190 and/or 564 or homologs thereof. Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means “fumaric acid” in relation to the sequences listed in Table I, line 191 to 205, and/or 565 to 571, or homologs thereof. Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means “malic acid” in relation to the sequences listed in table I, line 206 to 217 and/or 577 to 583, or homologs thereof. Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means “trihydroxybutyric acid” in relation to the sequences listed in Table I, line 218 or 219 or homologs thereof. Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means “pyruvic acid” in relation to the sequences listed in Table I, line 220 or 584, or homologs thereof. Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means “succinic acid” in relation to the sequences listed in Table I, line 221 to 224 and/or 585 to 591, or homologs thereof and means “trihydroxybutanoic acid” in relation to the sequences listed in Table I, line 225 and 226 and/or 592 to 594, or homologs thereof. Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means “glyceric acid” in relation to the sequences listed in Table I, line 572 to 576, or homologs thereof. Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” can mean “glyceric acid”, “citramalic acid”, “fumaric acid”, “malic acid”, “trihydroxybutyric acid”, “pyruvic acid”, “succinic acid” or “trihydroxybutanoic acid” owing to circumstances and the context. In order to illustrate that the meaning of the term “the respective fine chemical” means “glyceric acid”, “citramalic acid” or “fumaric acid” or “malic acid” or “trihydroxybutyric acid” or “pyruvic acid” or “succinic acid” or “trihydroxybutanoic acid” owing to the sequences listed in the context the term “the respective fine chemical” is also used.

In one embodiment, the method of the present invention confers the increase of the content of more than one of the respective fine chemicals, i.e. of “one or more of the organic acids: “glyceric acid”, “citramalic acid”, “fumaric acid”, “malic acid”, “trihydroxybutyric acid”, “pyruvic acid”, “succinic acid” and/or “trihydroxybutanoic acid.

[0017.0.0.16] to [0018.0.0.16]: see [0017.0.0.0] to [0018.0.0.0]

[0019.0.16.16] Advantageously the process for the production of the respective fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the respective fine chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the respective fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594.

[0020.0.16.16] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein as indicated in Table I or II, column 4, e.g. YBL015W, YCR059C, YFR007W, YJL055W, YJL099W, YMR241W, YPRO24W, YPR138C, YBR084W, YBR184W, YCL032W, YGR007W, YJL072C, YKL132C or YOR044W or line 571, 582 to 583, 591 or as indicated in Table I or II, column or the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table I or II, column 4, e.g b1896, b0730, b1611, b2699, b4139, b1676, b0695, or b4063 or lines 564 to 570, 572 to 581, 584 to 590, 592 to 594 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid (“the fine chemical” or “the fine respective chemical”) content in respect to said proteins and their homologs as wells as the encoding nucleic acid molecules, in particular as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 of the transformed plants.

[0021.0.0.16] see [0021.0.0.0]

[0022.0.16.16] The sequence of b1343 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA” from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of trihydroxybutanoic acid and/or compositions containing trihydroxybutanoic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of trihydroxybutanoic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein having an activity in rRNA processing or translation is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. Accordingly, in one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA or its homolog is increased for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of trihydroxybutanoic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of trihydroxybutanoic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3160 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative monooxygenase with luciferase-like ATPase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a putative monooxygenase with luciferase-like ATPase activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of succinic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of succinic acid and/or compositions containing succinic acid, preferably succinic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a putative monooxygenase with luciferase-like ATPase activity is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3231 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13 from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of pyruvic acid and/or compositions containing pyruvic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of pyruvic acid, preferably pyruvic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13 is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3231 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13 from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glyceric acid and/or compositions containing glyceric acid, in particular for increasing the amount of glyceric acid, preferably glyceric acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13 is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3231 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13 from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of pyruvic acid and glyceric acid and/or compositions containing pyruvic acid and glyceric acid, in particular for increasing the amount of pyruvic acid and glyceric acid, preferably pyruvic acid and glyceric acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13 is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1738 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of succinic acid and/or compositions comprising succinic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of succinic acid, preferably succinic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1738 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of fumaric acid and/or compositions containing fumaric acid, in particular for increasing the amount of fumaric acid, preferably fumaric acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1738 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of fumaric acid and succinic acid and/or compositions containing fumaric acid and succinic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of fumaric acid and succinic acid, preferably fumaric acid and succinic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0161 (Accession number NP_(—)414703) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a periplasmic serine protease (heat shock protein). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a periplasmic serine protease from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of fumaric acid and/or compositions containing fumaric acid, in particular for increasing the amount of fumaric acid, preferably fumaric acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a periplasmic serine protease is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0161 (Accession number NP_(—)414703) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a periplasmic serine protease (heat shock protein). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a periplasmic serine protease from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of malic acid and/or compositions containing malic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of malic acid, preferably malic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a periplasmic serine protease is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0161 (Accession number NP_(—)414703) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a periplasmic serine protease (heat shock protein). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a periplasmic serine protease from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of malic acid and fumaric acid and/or compositions containing malic acid and fumaric acid, in particular for increasing the amount of malic acid and fumaric acid, preferably malic acid and fumaric acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a periplasmic serine protease is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1693 (Accession number NP_(—)416208) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glyceric acid and/or compositions containing glyceric acid, in particular for increasing the amount of glyceric acid, preferably glyceric acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1693 (Accession number NP_(—)416208) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of citramalic acid and/or compositions containing citramalic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of citramalic acid, preferably citramalic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1693 (Accession number NP_(—)416208) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of citramalic acid and glyceric acid and/or compositions containing citramalic acid and glyceric acid, in particular for increasing the amount of citramalic acid and glyceric acid, preferably citramalic acid and glyceric acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0970 (Accession number NP_(—)415490) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a glutamate receptor. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Escherichia coli ybhL protein superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a glutamate receptor protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of trihydroxybutanoic acid and/or compositions comprising trihydroxybutanoic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of trihydroxybutanoic acid, preferably trihydroxybutanoic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a glutamate receptor is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3169 (Accession number NP_(—)417638) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcription termination-antitermination factor. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Escherichia coli transcription factor nusA superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a transcription termination-antitermination factor from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of malic acid or compositions comprising malic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of malic acid, preferably malic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a transcription termination-antitermination factor is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3169 (Accession number NP_(—)417638) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcription termination-antitermination factor. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Escherichia coli transcription factor nusA superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a transcription termination-antitermination factor from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of trihydroxybutanoic acid or compositions comprising trihydroxybutanoic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of trihydroxybutanoic acid, preferably trihydroxybutanoic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a transcription termination-antitermination factor is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3169 (Accession number NP_(—)417638) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcription termination-antitermination factor. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Escherichia coli transcription factor nusA superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a transcription termination-antitermination factor from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of malic acid and trihydroxyutanoic acid or compositions comprising malic acid and trihydroxybutanoic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of malic acid and trihydroxybutanoic acid, preferably malic acid and trihydroxybutanoic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a transcription termination-antitermination factor is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3116 (Accession number NP_(—)417586) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of threonine-serine permease superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of succinic acid and/or compositions comprising succinic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of succinic acid, preferably succinic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family) is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3116 (Accession number NP_(—)417586) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of threonine-serine permease superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of fumaric acid and/or compositions comprising fumaric acid, in particular for increasing the amount of fumaric acid, preferably fumaric acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family) is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

succinic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of maleicmalic acid, fumaric acid and/or succinic acid preferably maleicmalic acid, fumaric acid and/or succinic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family) is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3116 (Accession number NP_(—)417586) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of threonine-serine permease superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of malic acid and/or compositions comprising malic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of malic acid, preferably malic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family) is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3116 (Accession number NP_(—)417586) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of threonine-serine permease superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of malic acid, fumaric acid and/or succinic acid and/or compositions comprising malic acid, fumaric acid and/or succinic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of malic acid, fumaric acid and/or succinic acid preferably malic acid, fumaric acid and/or succinic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family) is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0057 (Accession number NP_(—)414599) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is not been characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of b0057 protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glyceric acid, in particular for increasing the amount of glyceric acid or compositions comprising glyceric acid, preferably glyceric acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b4129 (Accession number NP_(—)418553) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a lysine tRNA synthetase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a lysine tRNA synthetase protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of succinic acid and/or compositions containing succinic acid, preferably succinic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a lysine tRNA synthetase protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a lysine tRNA synthetase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3129 (Accession number NP_(—)417598) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative protease; htrA suppressor protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a putative protease; htrA suppressor protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glyceric acid and/or compositions containing glyceric acid, in particular for increasing the amount of glyceric acid, preferably glyceric acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a putative protease; htrA suppressor protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3938 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcriptional repressor for methionine biosynthesis. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein of the metJ protein superfamily, in particular of a transcriptional repressor for methionine biosynthesis from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glyceric acid and/or compositions containing glyceric acid, in particular for increasing the amount of glyceric acid, preferably glyceric acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a transcriptional repressor for methionine biosynthesis is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2478 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a dihydrodipicolinate synthase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a dihydrodipicolinate synthase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of malic acid and/or compositions containing malic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of malic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the superfamily of dihydrodipicolinate synthase, e.g. a protein involved in diaminopimelin acid pathway, biosynthesis of lysine, C-compound and carbohydrate utilization, and/or Entner-Doudoroff pathway, preferably of a dihydrodipicolinate synthase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. Accordingly, in one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a dihydrodipicolinate synthase or its homolog is increased for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of malic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of malic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3172 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a argininosuccinic acid synthetase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a protein of the argininosuccinic acid synthase superfamily, preferably a protein being involved in amino acid biosynthesis, nitrogen and sulfur metabolism, biosynthesis of the glutamate group (proline, hydroxyprolin, arginine, glutamine, glutamate), degradation of amino acids of the glutamate group, nitrogen and sulfur utilization, urea cycle, biosynthesis of polyamines and creatine, biosynthesis of the aspartate family, assimilation of ammonia, and/or biosynthesis of the glutamate group, more preferred with the activity of a argininosuccinic acid synthetase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of fumaric acid and/or compositions comprising fumaric acid, in particular for increasing the amount of fumaric acid, preferably fumaric acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a argininosuccinic acid synthetase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3172 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a argininosuccinic acid synthetase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of argininosuccinic acid synthase superfamily, preferably a protein being involved in amino acid biosynthesis, nitrogen and sulfur metabolism, biosynthesis of the glutamate group (proline, hydroxyprolin, arginine, glutamine, glutamate), degradation of amino acids of the glutamate group, nitrogen and sulfur utilization, urea cycle, biosynthesis of polyamines and creatine, biosynthesis of the aspartate family, assimilation of ammonia, and/or biosynthesis of the glutamate group, more preferred with the activity of a argininosuccinic acid synthetase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of malic acid and/or compositions comprising malic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of malic acid, preferably malic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a argininosuccinic acid synthetase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3172 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a argininosuccinic acid synthetase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of argininosuccinic acid synthase superfamily, preferably a protein being involved in amino acid biosynthesis, nitrogen and sulfur metabolism, biosynthesis of the glutamate group (proline, hydroxyprolin, arginine, glutamine, glutamate), degradation of amino acids of the glutamate group, nitrogen and sulfur utilization, urea cycle, biosynthesis of polyamines and creatine, biosynthesis of the aspartate family, assimilation of ammonia, and/or biosynthesis of the glutamate group, more preferred with the activity of a argininosuccinic acid synthetase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of malic acid and fumaric acid and/or compositions comprising malic acid and fumaric acid, in particular for increasing the amount of malic acid and fumaric acid, preferably malic acid and fumaric acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a argininosuccinic acid synthetase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1961 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a DNA cytosine methylase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a protein of “site-specific methyltransferase (cytosine-specific) EcoRII” superfamily, preferably a protein being involved in nucleotide metabolism, metabolism of cyclic and unusual nucleotides, TRANSCRIPTION, DNA repair, cell differentiation, DEVELOPMENT (Systemic), and/or nucleic acid binding, more preferred with the activity of a cytosine methylase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of succinic acid and/or compositions comprising succinic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of succinic acid, preferably succinic acid in free or bound form, in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a cytosine methylase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1961 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a DNA cytosine methylase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a protein of “site-specific methyltransferase (cytosine-specific) EcoRII” superfamily, preferably a protein being involved in nucleotide metabolism, metabolism of cyclic and unusual nucleotides, TRANSCRIPTION, DNA repair, cell differentiation, DEVELOPMENT (Systemic), and/or nucleic acid binding, more preferred with the activity of a cytosine methylase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of fumaric acid and/or compositions comprising fumaric acid, in particular for increasing the amount of fumaric acid, preferably fumaric acid in free or bound form, in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a cytosine methylase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1961 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a DNA cytosine methylase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a protein of “site-specific methyltransferase (cytosine-specific) EcoRII” superfamily, preferably a protein being involved in nucleotide metabolism, metabolism of cyclic and unusual nucleotides, TRANSCRIPTION, DNA repair, cell differentiation, DEVELOPMENT (Systemic), and/or nucleic acid binding, more preferred with the activity of a cytosine methylase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of fumaric acid and succinic acid and/or compositions comprising fumaric acid and succinic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of fumaric acid and succinic acid, preferably fumaric acid and succinic acid in free or bound form, in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a cytosine methylase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2599 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a bifunctional enzyme: chorismate mutase P (N-terminal) and prephenate dehydratase (C-terminal). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of “pheA bifunctional enzyme, prephenate dehydratase homology”-superfamily, preferably a protein being involved in biosynthesis of the cysteine-aromatic group, amino acid biosynthesis, degradation of amino acids of the cysteine-aromatic group, and/or biosynthesis of vitamins, cofactors, and prosthetic groups, more preferred with the activity of a bifunctional enzyme: chorismate mutase P (N-terminal) and prephenate dehydratase (C-terminal) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g.

as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of succinic acid and/or compositions comprising succinic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of succinic acid, preferably succinic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a bifunctional enzyme: chorismate mutase P (N-terminal) and prephenate dehydratase (C-terminal) is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b4122 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a fumarase B (hydratase Class I). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of “iron-dependent hydratase, iron-dependent tartrate dehydratase alpha chain homology”-superfamily, preferably with the activity of a fumarase B (hydratase Class I) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of fumaric acid and/or compositions comprising fumaric acid, in particular for increasing the amount of fumaric acid, preferably fumaric acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a fumarase B (hydratase Class I) is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YCL038C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon, B. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 98-102 (1997), and its activity is being defined as a Autophagy-related protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product being involved in other transport facilitators, preferably with the activity of a Autophagy-related protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of succinic acid and/or compositions comprising succinic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of succinic acid, preferably succinic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a Autophagy-related protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YCL038C. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, A, Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996), Oliver, S. G et al., Nature 357 (6373), 38-46 (1992), and its activity is being defined as a Autophagy-related protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product being involved in other transport facilitators, preferably with the activity of a Autophagy-related protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of malic acid and/or compositions comprising malic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of malic acid, preferably malic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a Autophagy-related protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YCL038C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon, B. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 98-102 (1997), and its activity is being defined as a Autophagy-related protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product being involved in other transport facilitators, preferably with the activity of a Autophagy-related protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of succinic acid and malic acid and/or compositions comprising succinic acid and malic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of succinic acid and malic acid, preferably succinic acid and malic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a Autophagy-related protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YCR012W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, A., Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996), and Dujon, B. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 98-102 (1997), and its activity is being defined as a 3-phosphoglycerate kinase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product of the phosphoglycerate kinase-superfamily, preferably being involved in C-compound and carbohydrate utilization, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, sugar, glucoside, polyol and carboxylate catabolism, and/or ENERGY, more preferred with the activity of a 3-phosphoglycerate kinase from

Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of fumaric acid and/or compositions comprising fumaric acid, in particular for increasing the amount of fumaric acid, preferably fumaric acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a 3-phosphoglycerate kinase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YOR168W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon, B. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 98-102 (1997), and Goffeau, A, Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996), and its activity is being defined as a glutamine-tRNA ligase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product of the “human glutamine-tRNA ligase, glutamine-tRNA ligase homology”-superfamily, preferably being involved in aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetases, nucleotide binding, translation, and/or PROTEIN SYNTHESIS, more preferred with the activity of a glutamine-tRNA ligase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of malic acid and/or compositions comprising malic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of malic acid, preferably malic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a glutamine-tRNA ligase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1896 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, F. R. et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474 (1997) and it is being defined as a protein with trehalose-6-phosphate synthase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein b1896 from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the trehalose-6-phosphate synthase b1896 is increased.

The sequence of YBL015W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, A. et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996) and it is being defined as a protein having acetyl-coA hydrolase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein having said activity, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of fumaric acid and/or malic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said acetyl-coA hydrolase activity YBL015W is increased.

The sequence of YCR059C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, A. et al. Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996) and its activity is being defined as an unclassified protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of said unclassified protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of fumaric acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the unclassified protein YCR059Cis increased.

The sequence of YFR007W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, A. et al. Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996) and its activity is being defined as an unclassified protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of said unclassified protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of fumaric acid preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the unclassified protein YFR007W is increased.

The sequence of YJL055W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, A. et al. Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996) and its activity is being defined as a lysine-decarboxylase-like protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of said protein YJL055W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of fumaric acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YJL055W is increased.

The sequence of YJL099W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, A. et al. Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996) and its activity is being defined as a protein involved in chitin biosynthesis. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of said protein involved in chitin biosynthesis from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of fumaric acid and/or malic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YJL099W is increased.

The sequence of YMR241W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Bowman, S. Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 90-93 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a mitochondrial DNA replication protein having yeast suppressor gene activity (abf2). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein having suppressor gene activity from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of fumaric acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of said protein YMR241W is increased.

The sequence of YPRO24W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Bussey, H. et al. Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 103-105 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having mitochondrial ATPase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of an ATPase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of fumaric acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YPRO24W is increased.

The sequence of YPR138C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Bussey, H. et al. Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 103-105 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having ammonia transporter activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein having ammonia transporter activity from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of fumaric acid and/or malic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YPR138C is increased.

The sequence of b0730 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Buck D. et al. Biochem. J. 260:737-747(1989) and its activity is being defined as a protein having fatty acyl responsive regulator and/or “transcriptional regulator of the succinyl-CoA synthase operon” function. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein b0730 having fatty acyl responsive regulator function from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of fumaric acid, malic acid and/or succinic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b0730 is increased.

The sequence of b1611 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, F. R. et al. Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having fumarase C or fumaric acid hydratase class II activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein having fumarase C or fumaric acid hydratase class II activity from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of fumaric acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b1611 is increased.

The sequence of b2699 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, F. R. et al. Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having DNA strand exchange and recombination activity (RecA). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein b2699 having RecA activity from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of fumaric acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b2699 is increased.

The sequence of b4139 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, F. R. et al. Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having aspartate ammonia-lyase (aspartase) activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein having aspartate ammonia-lyase (aspartase) activity from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of fumaric acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b4139 is increased.

The sequence of b1676 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, F. R. et al. Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having pyruvic acid kinase I (formerly F) activity and is stimulated by fructose. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein having pyruvic acid kinase I (formerly F) activity from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of fumaric acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b1676 is increased.

The sequence of b4063 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, F. R. et al. Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having redox-sensing activator function of soxS and transcriptional activator function for superoxide response. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein having redox-sensing activator function of soxS and transcriptional activator function for superoxide response from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of fumaric acid and/or malic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b4063 is increased.

The sequence of YBR084W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, A. et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996) and its activity is being defined as a protein having mitochondrial Cl-tetrahydrofolate synthase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein having mitochondrial Cl-tetrahydrofolate synthase activity from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of malic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YBR084W is increased.

The sequence of YBR184W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, A. et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996) and its activity is being defined as an unclassified protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of an unclassified protein YBR184W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of malic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the unclassified protein YBR184W is increased.

The sequence of YCL032W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, A. et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996) and its activity is being defined as a protein involved in the pheromone signal transduction pathway. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of the protein YCL032W involved in the pheromone signal transduction pathway from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of malic acid and/or succinic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YCL032W is increased.

The sequence of YGR007W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Tettelin, H. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 81-84 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having choline phosphate cytidylyltransferase (also called phosphoethanolamine cytidylyltransferase or phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase) activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein having choline phosphate cytidylyltransferase activity from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of malic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YGR007W is increased.

The sequence of YJL072C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, A. Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996) and its function is being defined as a protein being the subunit of the GINS complex required for chromosomal DNA replication. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YJL072C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of malic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YJL072C is increased.

The sequence of YKL132C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, A. et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996) and its activity is being defined as a protein having folyl-polyglutamate synthetase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YKL132C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of malic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the YKL132C protein is increased.

The sequence of b0695 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, F. R. et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having histidine kinase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein b0695 from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of pyruvic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b0695 is increased.

The sequence of YOR044W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon, B. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 98-102 (1997) and its activity is being defined as an unclassified protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YOR044W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of succinic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YOR044W is increased.

[0023.0.16.16] Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the respective fine chemical amount or content.

Further, in the present invention, the term “homologue” relates to the sequence of an organism having the highest sequence homology to the herein mentioned or listed sequences of all expressed sequences of said organism.

However, the person skilled in the art knows, that, preferably, the homologue has said the—fine-chemical-increasing activity and, if known, the same biological function or activity in the organism as at least one of the protein(s) indicated in Table I, Column 3, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, e.g. having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule comprising the sequence indicated in indicated in Table I, Column 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594.

In one embodiment, the homolog of any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 190 or 564 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably citramalic acid.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 191 to 205 or lines 565 to 571 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably fumaric acid.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 206 to 217 or lines 577 to 583 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of malic acid in the organisms.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 218 to 219 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the lacton of trihydroxybutyric acid in the organisms.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 220 or line 584 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of pyruvic acid in the organisms.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 221 to 224 or lines 585 to 591 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of succinic acid in the organisms.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 225 to 226 or lines 592 to 594 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of trihydroxybutanoic acid in the organisms.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 572 to 576 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of glyceric acid in the organisms.

[0023.1.0.16] Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 190 or 564 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, line 190 or 564, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 190 or 564, having citramalic acid content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 191 to 205 or lines 565 to 571 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 191 to 205 or lines 565 to 571, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 191 to 205 or lines 565 to 571, having a fumaric acid content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 206 to 217 or lines 577 to 583 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 206 to 217 or lines 577 to 583, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 206 to 217 or lines 577 to 583, having a malic acid content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 218 and 219 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 218 and 219, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 218 and 219, having a trihydroxybuyrate content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 220 or line 584 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, line 220 or line 584, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, line 220 or line 584, having a pyruvic acid content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 221 to 224 or lines 585 to 591 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 221 to 224 or lines 585 to 591, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 221 to 224 or lines 585 to 591, having a succinic acid content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 225 and 226 or lines 592 to 594 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in

Table I, column 7, lines 225 and 226 or lines 592 to 594, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 225 and 226 or lines 592 to 594, having a trihydroxybutanoic acid content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

[0024.0.0.16] see [0024.0.0.0]

[0025.0.16.16] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of a protein of the invention”, e.g. the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid level, resp., in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism. In a preferred embodiment, the protein or polypeptide has the above-mentioned additional activities of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594. Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, line 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary close to the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 and is expressed in an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the origin organism. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums whereas origin and the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 are derived from the same families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0025.1.0.16] and [0025.2.0.16] see [0025.1.0.0] and [0025.2.0.0]

[0025.3.16.16] In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary close to the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 and is expressed in an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the origin organism. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums whereas origin and the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 are derived from the same families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0026.0.0.16] to [0033.0.0.16]: see [0026.0.0.0] to [0033.0.0.0]

[0034.0.16.16] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention. E.g., it differs by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, its biochemical or genetic causes. It therefore shows the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.16] to [0044.0.0.16]: see [0035.0.0.0] to [0044.0.0.0]

[0045.0.16.16] In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0057 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 572, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, conferring preferably, the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glyceric acid between 35% and 57%, or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0161 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 565 for fumaric acid or line 577 for malic acid, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, conferring preferably, the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid and/or of malic acid, preferably of fumaric acid between 64% and 151% and/or of malic acid between 64% and 229%, or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0970 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 592, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, conferring preferably, the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of trihydroxybutanoic acid between 34% and 80%, or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1343 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 593, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, conferring preferably, the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of trihydroxybutanoic acid between 33% and 108%, or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1693 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 564 for citramalic acid or line 573 for glyceric acid, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, conferring preferably, the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glyceric acid and/or of citramalic acid, preferably of glyceric acid between 33% and 52% and/or of citramalic acid between 48% and 105%, or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1738 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 566 for fumaric acid or line 585 for succinic acid, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, conferring preferably, the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of succinic acid and/or of fumaric acid, preferably of succinic acid between 49% and 95% and/or of fumaric acid between 53% and 149%, or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1961 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 567 for fumaric acid or line 586 for succinic acid, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, conferring preferably, the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of succinic acid and/or of fumaric acid, preferably of succinic acid between 29% and 54% and/or of fumaric acid between 76% and 105%, or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2478 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 578, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, conferring preferably, the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of malic acid between 51% and 124%, or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2599 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 587, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, conferring preferably, the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of succinic acid between 33% and 156%, or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3116 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 588 for succinic acid or line 568 for fumaric acid or line 579 for malic acid, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, conferring preferably, the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of succinic acid, and/or of fumaric acid, and/or of malic acid between, preferably of succinic acid between 31% and 42%, and/or of fumaric acid between 63% and 99%, and/or of malic acid between 60% and 212%, or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3129 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 574, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, conferring preferably, the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glyceric acid between 30% and 35%, or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3160 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 589, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, conferring preferably, the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of succinic acid between 33% and 90%, or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3169 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 580 for malic acid or 594 for trihydroxybutanoic acid, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, conferring preferably, the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of malic acid and/or of trihydroxybutanoic acid, preferably of malic acid between 132% and 143% and/or of trihydroxybutanoic acid between 60% and 88%, or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3172 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 581 for malic acid or 569 for fumaric acid, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, conferring preferably, the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid and/or of malic acid, preferably of fumaric acid between 63% and 325% and/or of malic acid between 64% and 408%, or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3231 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 575 for glyceric acid or line 584 for pyruvic acid, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, conferring preferably, the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of pyruvic acid and/or of glyceric acid, preferably of pyruvic acid between 43% and 46% and/or of glyceric acid between 21% and 34%, or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3938 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 576, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, conferring preferably, the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glyceric acid between 37% and 40%, or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4122 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 570, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, conferring preferably, the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid between 108% and 430%, or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4129 or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 590, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, conferring preferably, the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of succinic acid between 40% and 84%, or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YCL038C or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 591 for succinic acid or line 582 for malic acid, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, conferring preferably, the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of succinic acid and/or of malic acid, preferably of succinic acid between 47% and 91% and/or of malic acid between 87% and 123%, or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YCR012W or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 571, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, conferring preferably, the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid between 62% and 93%, or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR168W or its homologs, as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 583, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, conferring preferably, the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of malic acid between 56% and 562%, or more.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1896 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 190 is increased, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of citramalic acid between 63 and 99% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisae protein YBL015W or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 191 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid between 50% and 126% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisae protein YCR059C or its homologs e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 192, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid between 71% and 183% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFR007W or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 193, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid between 69% and 156% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YJL055W or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 194, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid between 72% and 561% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YJL099W or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 195, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid between 98% and 734% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YMR241W or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 196, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid between 75% and 368% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YPR024W or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 197, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid between 97% and 374% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YPR138C or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 198, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid between 61% and 327% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0730 or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 199, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid between 75% and 838% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1611 or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 200, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid between 106% and 328% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 201, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid between 65% and 802% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4139 or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 202, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid between 118% and 525% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1676 or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 203, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid between 108% and 430% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1896 or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 204, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid between 232% and 320% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4063 or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 205, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid between 64% and 308% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBL015W or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 206, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of malic acid between 45% and 86% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBR084W or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 207, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of malic acid between 107% and 448% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBR184W or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 208, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of malic acid between 67% and 213% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YCL032W or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 209, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of malic acid between 87% and 123% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGR007W or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 210, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of malic acid between 55% and 90% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YJL072C or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 211, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of malic acid between 49% and 249% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YJL099W or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 212, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of malic acid between 94% and 797% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YKL132C or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 213, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of malic acid between 109% and 213% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YPR138C or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 214, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of malic acid between 72% and 359% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0730 or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 215, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of malic acid between 96% and 672% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1896 or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 216, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of malic acid between 149% and 319% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4063 or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 217, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of malic acid between 78% and 93% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 218, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of trihydroxybutyric acid between 48% and 215% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1896 or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 219, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of trihydroxybutyric acid between 34% and 96% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0695 or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 220, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of pyruvic acid between 61% and 155% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YCL032W or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 221, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of succinic acid between 47% and 91% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR044W or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 222, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of succinic acid between 45% and 265% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0730 or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 223, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of succinic acid between 51% and 332% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1896 or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 224, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of succinic acid between 55% and 110% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 225, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of trihydroxybutanoic acid between 82% and 281% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1896 or its homologs, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 226, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of trihydroxybutanoic acid between 60% and 161% or more is conferred.

[0046.0.16.16] In case the activity of a protein as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 190, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of citramalic acid and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a protein as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 191 to 205, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a protein as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 206 to 217, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of malic acid and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a protein as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 218 or 219, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of lacton of trihydroxybutyric acid and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a protein as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 220, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of pyruvic acid and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a protein as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 221 to 224, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of succinic acid and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a protein as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 225 to 226, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of trihydroxybutanoic acid and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a Escherichia coli K12 protein b0057 as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 572, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glyceric acid and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a Escherichia coli K12 protein b0161 as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 565 for fumaric acid and/or line 577 for malic acid, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid and/or malic acid, and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a Escherichia coli K12 protein b0970 as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 592, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of trihydroxybutanoic acid, and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a Escherichia coli K12 protein b1343 as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 593, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of trihydroxybutanoic acid, and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a Escherichia coli K12 protein b1693 as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 573 for glyceric acid and/or line 564 for citramalic acid, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glyceric acid and/or citramalic acid, and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a Escherichia coli K12 protein b1738 as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 566 for fumaric acid and/or line 585 for succinic acid, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid and/or succinic acid, and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a Escherichia coli K12 protein b1961 as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 567 for fumaric acid and/or line 586 for succinic acid, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid and/or succinic acid, and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a Escherichia coli K12 protein b2478 as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 578, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of malic acid and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a Escherichia coli K12 protein b2599 as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 587, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of succinic acid, and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a Escherichia coli K12 protein b3116 as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 588 for succinic acid, and/or line 568 for fumaric acid and/or line 579 for malic acid, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of succinic acid, fumaric acid and/or malic acid, and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a Escherichia coli K12 protein b3129 as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 574, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glyceric acid, and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a Escherichia coli K12 protein b3160 as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 589, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of succinic acid, and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a Escherichia coli K12 protein b3169 as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 594 for trihydroxabutanoic acid and/or line 580 for malic acid, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of trihydroxybutanoic acid and/or malic acid, and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a Escherichia coli K12 protein b3172 as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 569 for fumaric acid and/or line 581 for malic acid, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid and/or malic acid, and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a Escherichia coli K12 protein b3231 as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 575 for glyceric acid and/or line 584 for pyruvic acid, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glyceric acid and/or pyruvic acid, and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a Escherichia coli K12 protein b3938 as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 576, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glyceric acid, and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a Escherichia coli K12 protein b4122 as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 570, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid, and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a Escherichia coli K12 protein b4129 as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 590, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of succinic acid, and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YCL038C as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 591 for succinic acid and/or line 582 for malic acid, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of succinic acid and/or malic acid, and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YCR012W as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 571, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fumaric acid, and of an other organic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR168W as disclosed in [0016.0.16.16] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 583, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.16.16], is increased, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of malic acid, and of an other organic acid is conferred.

[0047.0.0.16] to [0048.0.0.16]: see [0047.0.0.0] to [0048.0.0.0]

[0049.0.16.16] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical citramalic acid preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 190 or line 564 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 190 or line 564 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 190 or line 564 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the citramalic acid level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fumaric acid preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 191 to 205 or lines 565 to 571 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 191 to 205 or lines 565 to 571 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 191 to 205 or lines 565 to 571 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the fumaric acid level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the glyceric acid preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 572 to 576 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 572 to 576 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 572 to 576 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the glyceric acid level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical malic acid preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 206 to 217 or lines 577 to 583 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 577 to 583 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 206 to 217 or lines 577 to 583 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the malic acidlevel.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical trihydroxybutyric acid preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, line 218 or 219, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 218 or 219 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 218 or 219 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the trihydroxybutyric acid level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical pyruvic acid preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, line 220 or line 584 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 220 or line 584 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 220 or line 584 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the pyruvic acid level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical succinic acid preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 221 to 224 or lines 585 to 591 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 221 to 224 or lines 585 to 591 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 221 to 224 or lines 585 to 591 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the succinic acid level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical trihydroxybutanoic acid preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 225 to 226 or lines 592 to 594 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 225 to 226 or lines 592 to 594 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 225 to 226 or lines 592 to 594 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the trihydroxybutanoic acid level.

[0050.0.16.16] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “the respective fine chemical” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid, resp., or their ester, or glucoside thereof, e.g the diglucoside thereof.

[0051.0.16.16] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the respective fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free chemical free or bound, e.g. compositions comprising glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid. Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of organic acids or there salts, e.g. glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid can be produced.

[0052.0.0.16] see [0052.0.0.0]

[0053.0.16.16] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or     used in the process of the invention or of the polypeptid of the     invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a     polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table     II, column 3, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 or its homologs,     e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or     lines 564 to 594, activity having herein-mentioned the respective     fine chemical increasing activity; -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or     used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having     an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines     190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 or its homologs activity, e.g. as     indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564     to 594, or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity; -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention or     of the polypeptide of the present invention having herein-mentioned     the respective fine chemical increasing activity, e.g. of a     polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table     II, column 3, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 or its homologs     activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190     to 226 or lines 564 to 594, or decreasing the inhibitory regulation     of the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the     invention; -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of     the invention or of the polypeptide of the invention or used in the     process of the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine     chemical increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 190     to 226 or lines 564 to 594 or its homologs activity, e.g. as     indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564     to 594; -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated     in Table II, column 3, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 or its     homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, by adding one or more     exogenous inducing factors to the organism or parts thereof; -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 190 to 226 or     lines 564 to 594 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process     of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention or used in the     process of the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine     chemical increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 190     to 226 or lines 564 to 594 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594,     activity. -   h) Increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the     invention, e.g. a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as     indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to     594 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns     5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, by adding positive     expression or removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous     recombination can be used to either introduce positive regulatory     elements like for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to     remove repressor elements form regulatory regions. Further gene     conversion methods can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to     enhance to activity of positive elements. Positive elements can be     randomly introduced in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and     lines can be identified in which the positive elements have be     integrated near to a gene of the invention or used in the process of     the invention, the expression of which is thereby enhanced; -   i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or used in the process of the invention or the protein     itself is enhanced for example microorganisms or plants can be grown     for example under a higher temperature regime leading to an enhanced     expression of heat shock proteins, which can lead to an enhanced     respective fine chemical production, and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention or used in the process of the invention     from natural or from mutagenized resources and breeding them into     the target organisms, e.g. the elite crops.

[0054.0.16.16] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 3 or 5, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp.

[0055.0.0.16] to [0067.0.0.16]: see [0055.0.0.0] to [0067.0.0.0]

[0068.0.16.16] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.16] see [0069.0.0.0]

[0070.0.16.16] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolite composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous composition of citramalic acid, glyceric acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid or their biochemical derivatives, e.g. comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid or their derivatives.

[0071.0.0.16] see [0071.0.0.0]

[0072.0.16.16]

[0073.0.16.16] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant; and

increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention or a homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and described below, e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism, preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant, and growing an organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and

if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or bound the respective fine chemical synthesized by the organism, the microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.16.16] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound respective fine chemical.

[0075.0.0.16] to [0077.0.0.16]: see [0075.0.0.0] to [0077.0.0.0]

[0078.0.16.16] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, the respective fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications. The fermentation broth, fermentation products, plants or plant products can be purified with methods known to the person skilled in the art. Products of these different work-up procedures are glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid or comprising compositions of glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid still comprising fermentation broth, plant particles and cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably below 50% by weight.

[0079.0.0.16] to [0084.0.0.16]: see [0079.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0]

[0084.0.16.16] -/-

[0085.0.16.16] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7,     lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, or a derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, or a     derivative thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.16] to [0087.0.0.16]: see [0086.0.0.0] to [0087.0.0.0]

[0088.0.16.16] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose content of the respective fine chemical is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for poultry is dependent on the abovementioned fine chemicals or the plants are more resistant to biotic and abiotic stress and the yield is increased.

[0088.1.0.16] see [0088.1.0.0]

[0089.0.0.16] to [0094.0.0.16]: see [0089.0.0.0] to [0094.0.0.0]

[0095.0.16.16] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the pure respective fine chemical and/or to obtain increased resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses and to obtain higher yield.

[0096.0.16.16] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptid or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired fine chemical, for example in the organism, is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0097.0.16.16] -/-

[0098.0.16.16] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated.

[0099.0.10.16] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned desired fine chemical may accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, and spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the respective fine chemical comprising compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.16.16] Transgenic plants which comprise the fine chemicals such as glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the fine chemicals synthesized to be isolated. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue.

However, the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, as extracts, e.g. ether, alcohol, or other organic solvents or water containing extract and/or free fine chemicals. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts. To increase the efficiency of extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, specifically the seeds, they can previously be comminuted, steamed or roasted. Seeds, which have been pre-treated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents such as warm hexane. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. Thereafter, the resulting products can be processed further, i.e. degummed and/or refined. In this process, substances such as the plant mucilages and suspended matter can be first removed. What is known as desliming can be affected enzymatically or, for example, chemico-physically by addition of acid such as phosphoric acid.

Because glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid in microorganisms are localized intracellular, their recovery essentially comes down to the isolation of the biomass. Well-established approaches for the harvesting of cells include filtration, centrifugation and coagulation/flocculation as described herein. Of the residual hydrocarbon, adsorbed on the cells, has to be removed. Solvent extraction or treatment with surfactants have been suggested for this purpose.

[0101.0.10.16] The identity and purity of the compound(s) isolated can be determined by prior-art techniques. They encompass high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assays or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are compiled in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11 27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19:67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Bd. A27, VCH Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michal, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 17.

[0102.0.16.16] glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid can for example be detected advantageously via HPLC, LC or GC separation methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid containing products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MS, MS or TLC. The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding, cooking, or via other applicable methods.

[0103.0.16.16] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, or a fragment     thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the respective     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridization conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table III, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to     594, and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table IV,     columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, and conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[00103.1.18.16] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594: In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594.

[00103.2.0.16] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594: In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594.

[0104.0.16.16] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the present invention or used in the the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594.

[0105.0.0.16] to [0107.0.0.16]: see [0105.0.0.0] to [0107.0.0.0]

[0108.0.16.16] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from an amino acid sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical, meaning glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid, resp., after increasing its expression or activity, are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.16.16] In one embodiment, said sequences are cloned into nucleic acid constructs, either individually or in combination. These nucleic acid constructs enable an optimal synthesis of the respective fine chemicals, in particular glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid, produced in the process according to the invention.

[0110.0.0.16] see [0110.0.0.0]

[0111.0.0.16] see [0111.0.0.0]

[0112.0.16.16] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 and 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 and conferring an increase in the glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid level.

[0113.0.0.16] to [0114.0.0.16]: see [0113.0.0.0] to [0114.0.0.0]

[0115.0.0.16] see [0115.0.0.0]

[0116.0.0.16] to [0120.0.0.16] see [0116.0.0.0] to [0120.0.0.0]

[0120.1.0.16]: -/-

[0121.0.16.16] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a citramalic acid level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 190 or line 564 or conferring a fumaric acid level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 191 to 205 or lines 565 to 571 or conferring a glyceric acid level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequence indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 572 to 576, or conferring a malic acid level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 206 to 217 or lines 577 to 583 or conferring a trihydroxybutyric acid level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 218 or 219 or conferring a pyruvic acid level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 220 or 584 or conferring a succinic acid level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 221 to 224 or lines 585 to 591 or conferring a trihydroxybutanoic acid level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 225 and 226 or lines 592 to 594.

[0122.0.0.16] to [0127.0.0.16]: see [0122.0.0.0] to [0127.0.0.0]

[0128.0.16.16] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table III, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 or the sequences derived from a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594.

[0129.0.16.16] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 is derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.16.16] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid after increasing the expression or activity the protein comprising said fragment.

[0131.0.0.16] to [0138.0.0.16]: see [0131.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0]

[0139.0.16.16] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical level increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridise to a sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 190 or line 564 for citramalic acid or indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 191 to 205 or 565 to 571 for fumaric acid or indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 206 to 217 or 577 to 583 for malic acid or indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 218 or 219 for trihydroxybutyric acid or indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 220 or line 584 for pyruvic acid or indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 221 to 224 or lines 585 to 591 for succinic acid or indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 225 or 226 or 592 to 594 for trihydroxybutanoic acid under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the respective fine chemical, i.e. glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid, resp., increasing-activity.

[0140.0.0.16] to [0146.0.0.16]: see [0140.0.0.0] to [0146.0.0.0]

[0147.0.16.16] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridise to one of said nucleotide sequences, thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.16.16] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular having a glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.16.16] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table IB, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring a of glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid increase, resp., and optionally, the activity of protein indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table II B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594.

[00149.1.0.16] Optionally, in one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table I B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table I B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594.

[0150.0.16.16] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table I B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid, resp., if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 or its gene product. Preferred is Table I B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594.

[0151.0.0.16]: see [0151.0.0.0]

[0152.0.16.16] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular a citramalic acid (line 190) or fumaric acid (lines 191 to 205 or 565 to 571) or malic acid (lines 206 to 217 or 577 to 583) or trihydroxybutyric acid (line 218 or 219) or pyruvic acid (line 220 or line 584) or succinic acid (lines 221 to 224 or lines 585 to 591) or trihydroxybutanoic acid (line 225 or 226) increasing activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.16.16] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594.

[0154.0.16.16] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.16] to [0156.0.0.16]: see [0155.0.0.0] to [0156.0.0.0]

[0157.0.16.16] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 or as polypeptides depicted in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 or the functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, an amino acid sequence of a consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table I A, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp. Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, ines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594.

[0158.0.0.16] to [0160.0.0.16]: see [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0]

[0161.0.16.16] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.16] see [0162.0.0.0]

[0163.0.16.16] Preferably, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the amount of the respective fine chemical in a organism or a part thereof, e.g. a tissue, a cell, or a compartment of a cell, after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.16] see [0164.0.0.0]

[0165.0.16.16] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp.

[0166.0.0.16] to [0167.0.0.16]: see [0166.0.0.0] to [0167.0.0.0]

[0168.0.16.16] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table II B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table II B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table II B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table II B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table II B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 preferably in Table II B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594.

[0169.0.0.16] to [0172.0.0.16]: see [0169.0.0.0] to [0172.0.0.0]

[0173.0.16.16] For example a sequence, which has 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 17198 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 17198 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.16]: see [0174.0.0.0]

[0175.0.16.16] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 17199 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 17199 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.16.16] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp.

[0177.0.16.16] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table I B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table II B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table II B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp.

[0178.0.0.16] see [0178.0.0.0]

[0179.0.16.16] A nucleic acid molecule encoding a homologous to a protein sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table I B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences for example into sequences of nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.16] to [0183.0.0.16]: see [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0]

[0184.0.16.16] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table I B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table II B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.16.16] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table I B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table I B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table I B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp.

[0186.0.16.16] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table II B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table II B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp.

[0187.0.16.16] In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table II B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table II B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp.

[0188.0.16.16] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., preferably compared to a sequence as indicated in preferably in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, and is expressed under identical conditions. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention is a homolog consisting of or comprising the sequence as indicated in Table I B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594.

[0189.0.16.16] Homologues of a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.16]: see [0190.0.0.0]

[0191.0.0.16] see [0191.0.0.0]

[0191.0.16.16] The organisms or part thereof produce according to the herein mentioned process of the invention an increased level of free and/or bound the respective fine chemical compared to said control or selected organisms or parts thereof.

[0192.0.0.16] to [0203.0.0.16]: see [0192.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0]

[0204.0.16.16] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table II B,     columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp.; or a     fragment thereof conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, i.e. glyceric acid (lines 572 to 576),     citramalic acid (line 190 or 564) or fumaric acid (lines 191 to 205     or 565 to 571) or malic acid (lines 206 to 217 or 577 to 583) or     trihydroxybutyric acid (line 218 or 219) or pyruvic acid (line 220     or line 584) or succinic acid (lines 221 to 224 or lines 585 to 591)     or trihydroxybutanoic acid (lines 225 or 226 or 592 to 594), resp.,     in an organism or a part thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5     or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table I B,     columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., or a     fragment thereof conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table III, columns 5 or 7,     lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 and conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical, i.e. glyceric acid     (lines 572 to 576), citramalic acid (line 190 or 564) or fumaric     acid (lines 191 to 205 or 565 to 571) or malic acid (lines 206 to     217 or 577 to 583) or trihydroxybutyric acid (line 218 or 219) or     pyruvic acid (line 220 or line 584) or succinic acid (lines 221 to     224 or lines 585 to 591) or trihydroxybutanoic acid (lines 225 or     226 or 592 to 594), resp., in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 190 to     226 or lines 564 to 594 and conferring an increase in the amount of     the respective fine chemical, i.e. glyceric acid (lines 572 to 576),     citramalic acid (line 190 or 564) or fumaric acid (lines 191 to 205     or 565 to 571) or malic acid (lines 206 to 217 or 577 to 583) or     trihydroxybutyric acid (line 218 or 219) or pyruvic acid (line 220     or line 584) or succinic acid (lines 221 to 224 or lines 585 to 591)     or trihydroxybutanoic acid (lines 225 or 226 or 592 to 594), resp.,     in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domain of a polypeptide as indicated in Table     II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably     in Table II B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594,     resp., and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective     fine chemical, i.e. glyceric acid (lines 572 to 576), citramalic     acid (line 190 or 564) or fumaric acid (lines 191 to 205 or 565     to 571) or malic acid (lines 206 to 217 or 577 to 583) or     trihydroxybutyric acid (line 218 or 219) or pyruvic acid (line 220     or line 584) or succinic acid (lines 221 to 224 or lines 585 to 591)     or trihydroxybutanoic acid (lines 225 or 226 or 592 to 594), resp.,     in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines     564 to 594, preferably in Table I B, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or     lines 564 to 594, resp., or a nucleic acid molecule encoding,     preferably at least the mature form of, a polypeptide as indicated     in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594,     resp., and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; or which encompasses     a sequence which is complementary thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IA,     columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., by one     or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of     the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table     I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp. In     an other embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present     invention is at least 30% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%,     99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table I     A, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp. In a     further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a     polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table II A, columns 5 or 7,     lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp. Accordingly, in one     embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention     encodes in one embodiment a polypeptide which differs at least in     one or more amino acids from a polypeptide indicated in Table II A,     columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 does not encode     a protein of a sequence as indicated in Table II A, columns 5 or 7,     lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594. Accordingly, in one     embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid     according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated     in Table II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594.     In a further embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at     least 30 identical to a protein sequence indicated in Table II A,     columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 and less than     100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably     less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as     indicated in Table II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines     564 to 594.

In an other embodiment, however, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a) to (l) distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp. In an other embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at least 30 identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp. In a further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention encodes in one embodiment a polypeptide which differs at least in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide indicated in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 does not encode a protein of a sequence as indicated in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594. In a further embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at least 30% identical to a protein sequence indicated in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 and less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 98%, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594.

[0205.0.0.16] to [0206.0.0.16]: see [0205.0.0.0] to [0206.0.0.0]

[0207.0.16.16] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes, are genes of the glutamic acid metabolism, the phosphoenolpyruvate metabolism, the amino acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acid metabolism or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.16] to [0226.0.0.16]: see [0208.0.0.0] to [0226.0.0.0]

[0227.0.16.16] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 or its derivatives, it is advantageous to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the glutamic acid or phosphoenolpyruvate metabolic pathway, is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the fine chemicals desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine one or more of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organism, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.16.16] In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore, organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of at least one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteins directly or indirectly involved in the glutamic acid or phosphoenolpyruvate metabolism.

[0229.0.0.0] %

[0230.0.0.16] see [230.0.0.0]

[0231.0.16.16] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.16] to [0276.0.0.16]: see [0232.0.0.0] to [0276.0.0.0]

[0277.0.16.16] The respective fine chemical produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker are familiar, for example via extraction, salt precipitation, and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously.

[0278.0.0.16] to [0282.0.0.16]: see [0278.0.0.0] to [0282.0.0.0]

[0283.0.16.16] Moreover, native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells, for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, e.g. an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., or an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., or an antigenic part thereof which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing polypeptides comprising or consisting of above mentioned sequences, e.g. the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies specifically binding to polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594.

[0284.0.0.16] see [0284.0.0.0]

[0285.0.16.16] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., or as coded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.16.16] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a poylpeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, ines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594.

[0287.0.0.16] to [0289.0.0.16]: see [0287.0.0.0] to [0289.0.0.0]

[00290.0.16.16] The alignment was performed with the Software AlignX (Sep. 25, 2002) a component of Vector NTI Suite 8.0, InforMax™, Invitrogen™ life science software, U.S. Main Office, 7305 Executive Way, Frederick, Md. 21704, USA with the following settings: For pair wise alignments: gap opening penalty: 10.0; gap extension penalty 0.1. For multiple alignments: Gap opening penalty: 10.0; Gap extension penalty: 0.1; Gap separation penalty range: 8; Residue substitution matrix: blosum62; Hydrophilic residues: G P S N D Q E K R; Transition weighting: 0.5; Consensus calculation options: Residue fraction for consensus: 0.9. Presettings were selected to allow also for the alignment of conserved amino acids

[0291.0.16.16] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594.

[0292.0.0.16] see [0292.0.0.0]

[0293.0.16.16] In one embodiment, the invention relates to a polypeptide conferring an increase in the fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp.

In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp.

[0294.0.16.16] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.16] to [0296.0.0.16]: see [0295.0.0.0] to [0296.0.0.0]

[0297.0.0.16] see [0297.0.0.0]

[00297.1.0.16] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity and/or amino acid sequence of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 3, 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594

[0298.0.16.16] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp.

[0299.0.16.16] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.16.16] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of as indicated in Table II A or B, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp.

[0301.0.0.16] see [0301.0.0.0]

[0302.0.16.16] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.16] see [0303.0.0.0]

[0304.0.16.16] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.16] to [0308.0.0.16]: see [0305.0.0.0] to [0308.0.0.0]

[00306.1.0.0] In one embodiment, the compound is a composition comprising the repective fine chemical, i.e. said organic acids, or a recovered fine chemical, i.e. said organic acid free or in protein-bound form.

[0309.0.16.16] In one embodiment, a reference to a protein (=polypeptide) of the invention or as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas an “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, an “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof. In one embodiment, a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.16] to [0334.0.0.16] but[0318.0.18.18]: see [0310.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0]

[0318.0.18.18] In an especially preferred embodiment, the polypeptide according to the invention furthermore also does not have the sequences of those proteins which are encoded by a sequences shown in table II, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594.

[0335.0.16.16] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived there from), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of a protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.16] to [0342.0.0.16]: see [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0]

[0343.0.16.16] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.16] to [0361.0.0.16]: see [0344.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0]

[0362.0.16.16] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., e.g. encoding a polypeptide having protein activity, as indicated in Table II, columns 3, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., Due to the abovementioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide used in the method of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.16] see [0363.0.0.0]

[0364.0.16.16] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of a promoter of a gene encoding a polypeptide of the invention as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp. with the corresponding protein-encoding sequence as indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modified by non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example, mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

[0365.0.0.16] to [0373.0.0.16]: see [0365.0.0.0] to [0373.0.0.0]

[0374.0.16.16] Transgenic plants comprising the respective fine chemical synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid, in particular the respective fine chemical, produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid, in particular the free respective fine chemical, or bound in or to compounds or moieties, like glucosides, e.g. diglucosides. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field.

This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography or other chromatographic methods of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.16] to [0376.0.0.16]: see [0375.0.0.0] to [0376.0.0.0]

[0377.0.16.16] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process whereby the produced glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid is isolated.

[0378.0.16.16] In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid produced in the process can be isolated. The resulting glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.16.16] In one embodiment, gamma-aminobutyric acid and shikimate are a mixture of the respective fine chemicals.

[0380.0.16.16] The glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid obtained in the process are suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates a method for the production of pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid composition produced or the respective fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals or for the production of glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid e.g. after isolation of the respective fine chemical or without, e.g. in situ, e.g. in the organism used for the process for the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0381.0.0.16] to [0382.0.0.16]: see [0381.0.0.0] to [0382.0.0.0]

[0383.0.16.16] -/-

[0384.0.0.16] see [0384.0.0.0]

[0385.0.16.16] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid in mixtures with other organic acids, amino acids, polypeptides or polysaccarides, normally have a dry matter content of from 1 to 70% by weight, preferably 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, e.g. at the end, for example over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 10 g/l, preferably to 0 to 3 g/I during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed or isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it.

The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

[0386.0.16.16] Accordingly, it is possible to purify the glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid produced according to the invention further. For this purpose, the product-containing composition is subjected for example to separation via e.g. an open column chromatography or HPLC in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use.

[0387.0.0.16] to [0392.0.0.16]: see [0387.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0]

[0393.0.16.16] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226     or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, ines     190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, resp., and, optionally, isolating     the full length cDNA clone or complete genomic clone; -   c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the respective fine chemical; -   d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   e) assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host cells;     and -   f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the respective fine chemical level     in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.16] to [0398.0.0.16]: see [0394.0.0.0] to [0398.0.0.0]

[0399.0.16.16] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to process for the identification of a compound conferring increase of the respective fine chemical production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps:

culturing a cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide according to the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding said polypeptide and a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of said readout system and the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the invention; and identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said readout system.

The screen for a gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production can be performed by growth of an organism for example a microorganism in the presence of growth reducing amounts of an inhibitor of the synthesis of the respective fine chemical. Better growth, e.g. higher dividing rate or high dry mass in comparison to the control under such conditions would identify a gene or gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in respective fine chemical production.

[00399.1.0.16] One can think to screen for increased production of the respective fine chemical by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the respective fine chemical and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotype of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.16] to [0415.0.0.16]: see [0400.0.0.0] to [0415.0.0.0]

[0416.0.0.16] see [0416.0.0.0]

[0417.0.16.16] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect an organism such as a microorganism or a plant against inhibitors, which block the glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid synthesis.

[0418.0.0.16] to [0423.0.0.16]: see [0418.0.0.0] to [0423.0.0.0]

[0424.0.16.16] Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention or used in the method of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the respective fine chemical or of the respective fine chemical and one or more other organic acids. Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the respective fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0425.0.0.16] to [0434.0.0.0]: see [0425.0.0.0] to [0434.0.0.0]

[0435.0.16.16] Example 3 In-Vivo and In-Vitro Mutagenesis

[0436.0.16.16] An in vivo mutagenesis of organisms such as Saccharomyces, Mortierella, Escherichia and others mentioned above, which are beneficial for the production of glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid can be carried out by passing a plasmid DNA (or another vector DNA) containing the desired nucleic acid sequence or nucleic acid sequences, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the vector of the invention, through E. coli and other microorganisms (for example Bacillus spp. or yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which are not capable of maintaining the integrity of its genetic information. Usual mutator strains have mutations in the genes for the DNA repair system [for example mutHLS, mutD, mutT and the like; for comparison, see Rupp, W. D. (1996) DNA repair mechanisms in Escherichia coli and Salmonella, pp. 2277-2294, ASM: Washington]. The skilled worker knows these strains. The use of these strains is illustrated for example in Greener, A. and Callahan, M. (1994) Strategies 7; 32-34.

In-vitro mutation methods such as increasing the spontaneous mutation rates by chemical or physical treatment are well known to the skilled person. Mutagens like 5-bromo-uracil, N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (=NTG), ethyl methanesulfonate (=EMS), hydroxylamine and/or nitrous acid are widely used as chemical agents for random in-vitro mutagenesis. The most common physical method for mutagenesis is the treatment with UV irradiation. Another random mutagenesis technique is the error-prone PCR for introducing amino acid changes into proteins. Mutations are deliberately introduced during PCR through the use of error-prone DNA polymerases and special reaction conditions known to a person skilled in the art. For this method randomized DNA sequences are cloned into expression vectors and the resulting mutant libraries screened for altered or improved protein activity as described below.

Site-directed mutagensis method such as the introduction of desired mutations with an M13 or phagemid vector and short oligonucleotides primers is a well-known approach for site-directed mutagensis. The clou of this method involves cloning of the nucleic acid sequence of the invention into an M13 or phagemid vector, which permits recovery of single-stranded recombinant nucleic acid sequence. A mutagenic oligonucleotide primer is then designed whose sequence is perfectly complementary to nucleic acid sequence in the region to be mutated, but with a single difference: at the intended mutation site it bears a base that is complementary to the desired mutant nucleotide rather than the original. The mutagenic oligonucleotide is then allowed to prime new DNA synthesis to create a complementary full-length sequence containing the desired mutation. Another site-directed mutagensis method is the PCR mismatch primer mutagensis method also known to the skilled person. Dpnl site-directed mutagensis is a further known method as described for example in the Stratagene Quickchange™ site-directed mutagenesis kit protocol. A huge number of other methods are also known and used in common practice.

Positive mutation events can be selected by screening the organisms for the production of the desired respective fine chemical.

[0437.0.16.16] Example 4 DNA Transfer Between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae and Mortierella alpina

[0438.0.16.16] Shuttle vectors such as pYE22m, pPAC-ResQ, pClasper, pAUR224, pAMH10, pAML10, pAMT10, pAMU10, pGMH10, pGML10, pGMT10, pGMU10, pPGAL1, pPADH1, pTADH1, pTAex3, pNGA142, pHT3101 and derivatives thereof which allow the transfer of nucleic acid sequences between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or Mortierella alpina are available to the skilled worker. An easy method to isolate such shuttle vectors is disclosed by Soni R. and Murray J. A. H. [Nucleic Acid Research, vol. 20 no. 21, 1992: 5852]: If necessary such shuttle vectors can be constructed easily using standard vectors for E. coli (Sambrook, J. et al., (1989), “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons) and/or the aforementioned vectors, which have a replication origin for, and suitable marker from, Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Mortierella alpina added. Such replication origins are preferably taken from endogenous plasmids, which have been isolated from species used in the inventive process. Genes, which are used in particular as transformation markers for these species are genes for kanamycin resistance (such as those which originate from the Tn5 or Tn-903 transposon) or for chloramphenicol resistance (Winnacker, E. L. (1987) “From Genes to Clones—Introduction to Gene Technology”, VCH, Weinheim) or for other antibiotic resistance genes such as for G418, gentamycin, neomycin, hygromycin or tetracycline resistance.

[0439.0.16.16] Using standard methods, it is possible to clone a gene of interest into one of the above-described shuttle vectors and to introduce such hybrid vectors into the microorganism strains used in the inventive process. The transformation of Saccharomyces can be achieved for example by LiCI or sheroplast transformation (Bishop et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 6, 1986: 3401-3409; Sherman et al., Methods in Yeasts in Genetics, [Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y.] 1982, Agatep et al., Technical Tips Online 1998, 1:51: P01525 or Gietz et al., Methods Mol. Cell. Biol. 5, 1995: 255f) or electroporation (Delorme E., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., vol. 55, no. 9, 1989: 2242-2246).

[0440.0.16.16] If the transformed sequence(s) is/are to be integrated advantageously into the genome of the microorganism used in the inventive process for example into the yeast or fungi genome, standard techniques known to the skilled worker also exist for this purpose. Solinger et al. (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA., 2001 (15): 8447-8453) and Freedman et al. (Genetics, Vol. 162, 15-27, September 2002,) teaches a homolog recombination system dependent on rad 50, rad51, rad54 and rad59 in yeasts. Vectors using this system for homologous recombination are vectors derived from the Ylp series. Plasmid vectors derived for example from the 2μ-Vector are known by the skilled worker and used for the expression in yeasts. Other preferred vectors are for example pART1, pCHY21 or pEVP11 as they have been described by McLeod et al. (EMBO J. 1987, 6:729-736) and Hoffman et al. (Genes Dev. 5, 1991: :561-571.) or Russell et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 258, 1983: 143-149.). Other beneficial yeast vectors are plasmids of the REP, REP-X, pYZ or RIP series.

[0441.0.0.16] to [0443.0.0.16] see [0441.0.0.0] to [0443.0.0.0]

[0444.0.16.16] Example 6 Growth of Genetically Modified Organism: Media and Culture Conditions

[0445.0.16.16] Genetically modified Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are grown in synthetic or natural growth media known by the skilled worker. A number of different growth media for Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are well known and widely available. A method for culturing Mortierella is disclosed by Jang et al. [Bot. Bull. Acad. Sin. (2000) 41:41-48]. Mortierella can be grown at 20° C. in a culture medium containing: 10 g/l glucose, 5 g/l yeast extract at pH 6.5. Furthermore Jang et al. teaches a submerged basal medium containing 20 g/l soluble starch, 5 g/l Bacto yeast extract, 10 g/l KNO₃, 1 g/l KH₂PO₄, and 0.5 g/l MgSO₄.7H₂O, pH 6.5.

[0446.0.0.16] to [0450.0.0.16]: see [0446.0.0.0] to [0450.0.0.0]

[0451.0.0.16] see [0451.0.5.5]

[0452.0.0.16] to [0453.0.0.16]: see [0452.0.0.0] to [0453.0.0.0]

[0454.0.16.16] Analysis of the effect of the nucleic acid molecule on the production of glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid

[0455.0.16.16] The effect of the genetic modification in plants, fungi, algae, ciliates or on the production of a desired compound (such as a glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid) can be determined by growing the modified microorganisms or the modified plant under suitable conditions (such as those described above) and analyzing the medium and/or the cellular components for the elevated production of desired product (i.e. of glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid). These analytical techniques are known to the skilled worker and comprise spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, various types of staining methods, enzymatic and microbiological methods and analytical chromatography such as high-performance liquid chromatography (see, for example, Ullman, Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. A2, p. 89-90 and p. 443-613, VCH: Weinheim (1985); Fallon, A., et al., (1987) “Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry” in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 17; Rehm et al. (1993) Biotechnology, Vol. 3, Chapter III: “Product recovery and purification”, p. 469-714, VCH: Weinheim; Belter, P. A., et al. (1988) Bioseparations: downstream processing for Biotechnology, John Wiley and Sons; Kennedy, J. F., and Cabral, J. M. S. (1992) Recovery processes for biological Materials, John Wiley and Sons; Shaeiwitz, J. A., and Henry, J. D. (1988) Biochemical Separations, in: Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. B3; Chapter 11, p. 1-27, VCH: Weinheim; and Dechow, F. J. (1989) Separation and purification techniques in biotechnology, Noyes Publications).

[0456.0.0.16]: see [0456.0.0.0]

[0457.0.16.16] Example 9 Purification of Glyceric Acid, Citramalic Acid, Fumaric Acid, Malic Acid, Pyruvic Acid, Succinic Acid, Trihydroxybutyric Acid or Trihydroxybutanoic Acid

[0458.0.16.16] Abbreviations; GC-MS, gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; TLC, thin-layer chromatography.

The unambiguous detection for the presence of glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MSMS or TLC, as described. The total amount produced in the organism for example in yeasts used in the inventive process can be analysed for example according to the following procedure:

The material such as yeasts, E. coli or plants to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods.

Plant material is initially homogenized mechanically by comminuting in a pestle and mortar to make it more amenable to extraction.

A typical sample pre-treatment consists of a total lipid extraction using such polar organic solvents as acetone or alcohols as methanol, or ethers, saponification, partition between phases, separation of non-polar epiphase from more polar hypophasic derivatives and chromatography.

For analysis, solvent delivery and aliquot removal can be accomplished with a robotic system comprising a single injector valve Gilson 232XL and a 402 2S1V diluter [Gilson, Inc. USA, 3000 W. Beltline Highway, Middleton, Wis.]. For saponification, 3 ml of 50% potassium hydroxide hydro-ethanolic solution (4 water—1 ethanol) can be added to each vial, followed by the addition of 3 ml of octanol. The saponification treatment can be conducted at room temperature with vials maintained on an IKA HS 501 horizontal shaker [Labworld-online, Inc., Wilmington, N.C.] for fifteen hours at 250 movements/minute, followed by a stationary phase of approximately one hour.

Following saponification, the supernatant can be diluted with 0.17 ml of methanol. The addition of methanol can be conducted under pressure to ensure sample homogeneity. Using a 0.25 ml syringe, a 0.1 ml aliquot can be removed and transferred to HPLC vials for analysis.

For HPLC analysis, a Hewlett Packard 1100 HPLC, complete with a quaternary pump, vacuum degassing system, six-way injection valve, temperature regulated autosampler, column oven and Photodiode Array detector can be used [Agilent Technologies available through Ultra Scientific Inc., 250 Smith Street, North Kingstown, R.I.]. The column can be a Waters YMC30, 5-micron, 4.6×250 mm with a guard column of the same material [Waters, 34 Maple Street, Milford, Mass.]. The solvents for the mobile phase can be 81 methanol: 4 water: 15 tetrahydrofuran (THF) stabilized with 0.2% BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol). Injections were 20 l. Separation can be isocratic at 30° C. with a flow rate of 1.7 ml/minute. The peak responses can be measured by absorbance at 447 nm.

[0459.0.16.16] If required and desired, further chromatography steps with a suitable resin may follow. Advantageously, the glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid can be further purified with a so-called RTHPLC. As eluent acetonitrile/water or chloroform/acetonitrile mixtures can be used. If necessary, these chromatography steps may be repeated, using identical or other chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the selection of suitable chromatography resin and the most effective use for a particular molecule to be purified.

[0460.0.0.16] see [0460.0.0.0]

[0461.0.16.16] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 17198, 17818, 16100, 17898, 15872, 15848, 15780, 18092, 18380, 17104, 16824, 17374, 16284, 16410, 17712, 16132, 16128, 16118, 16014, 17920, 17948, 17198, 17038 or 18088 or Others as Indicated, for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.16] see [0462.0.0.0]

[0463.0.16.16] SEQ ID NO: 17198, 17818, 16100, 17898, 15872, 15848, 15780, 18092, 18380, 17104, 16824, 17374, 16284, 16410, 17712, 16132, 16128, 16118, 16014, 17920, 17948, 17198, 17038 or 18088 or others as indicated, is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.0.16] to [0466.0.0.16]: see [0464.0.0.0] to [0466.0.0.0]

[0466.1.0.16] In case the Herculase enzyme can be used for the amplification, the PCR amplification cycles were as follows: 1 cycle of 2-3 minutes at 94° C., followed by 25-30 cycles of in each case 30 seconds at 94° C., 30 seconds at 55-60° C. and 5-10 minutes at 72° C., followed by 1 cycle of 10 minutes at 72° C., then 4° C.

[0467.0.16.16] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 17198:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 17372) atgagtcgtt tagtcgtagt atcta ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 17373) ttacgcaagc tttggaaagg tagc

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 17818:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 17896) atgacaattt ctaatttgtt aaagcag ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 17897) ctagtcaact ggttcccagc tgt

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 16100

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 16116) atggatgacg atcacgaaca gttg ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 16117) ttacgagtcg aagccggccc t

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 17898:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 17918) atggtcgata cgcataaact agca ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 17919) ctagtcgttg cggatatgga cga

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 15872:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 16012) atgacaatgg aaaaaaatgg aggtaa ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 16013) ttatttagca caatcctcgt gagc

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 15848:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 15870) atgaatttgt tttggccatc ggaaa ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 15871) tcaaggttgt actgtgtgat ctag

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 15780:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 15846) atgccatcta ccactaatac tgct ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 15847) ctaatgtttg gcaactgggg tttc

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 18092:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 18378) atgaacgttt caaaaatact tgtgtc ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 18379) tcatgcattt aacattgtag gaatttt

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 18380:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 18640) atggctcggg gtgacggaca t ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 18641) tcatgcttct tttgcgtgat gcaat

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 17104:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 17196) atgggacaca agcccttata ccg ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 17197) ttatcgcgat gattttcgct gcg

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 16824:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 17036) atgaatacag tacgcagcga aaa ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 17037) ttaacgcccg gctttcatac tgc

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 17374:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 17710) atggctatcg acgaaaacaa acag ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 17711) ttaaaaatct tcgttagttt ctgctac

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 16284:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 16408) atgtgtttaa agcaaatcat tggcag ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 16409) ttactgttcg ctttcatcag tatag

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 16410:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 16822) atgaaaaaga ccaaaattgt ttgca ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 16823) ttacaggacg tgaacagatg cgg

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 17712:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 17816) atggaaaaga aattaccccg catta ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 17817) ttagttttgt tcatcttcca gcaag

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 17818:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 17896) atgacaattt ctaatttgtt aaagcag ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 17897) ctagtcaact ggttcccagc tgt

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 16132:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 16282) atgttgtcga gactatcttt attgag ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 16283) ttaaaataga ccttcaattt caccgt

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 16128:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 16130) atgtaccaaa ataatgtatt gaatgct ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 16131) tcaatagtgc attaactctc ccatt

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 16118:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 16126) atggaggacg gtaaacaggc cat ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 16127) ttagagtctt ccaccggggg tg

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 16014:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 16098) atgacggtaa acttagatcc ggata ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 16099) ttatatggac attccctttt tttggt

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 17920:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 17946) atgtcactac cggcacattt gca ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 17947) ttaaatattg aattcttctt catcatttt

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 17948:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 18086) atggatgata taagcggaag gcaaa ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 18087) ctatactggc aagtgacagt tgtg

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 17038:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 17102) atgaataacg aacccttacg tccc ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 17103) ttacatatcc tcatgaaatt cttcaagt

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 16118:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 16126 ) atggaggacg gtaaacaggc cat ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 16127) ttagagtctt ccaccggggg tg

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 18088:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 18090) atgatagagg cgttggaaat agttc ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 18091) ttatatcgat cctgcgatat aataac

Further primers for the cloning of the nucleic acids indicated in table II, column 5 see table III, column 7, resp.,

[0468.0.16.16] to [0470.0.16.16]: see [0468.0.0.0] to [0470.0.0.0]

[0470.1.16.16] The PCR-products, produced by Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase, were phosphorylated using a T4 DNA polymerase using a standard protocol (e.g. MBI Fermentas) and cloned into the processed binary vector.

[0471.0.16.16] see [0471.0.0.0]

[0471.1.16.16] The DNA termini of the PCR-products, produced by Herculase DNA polymerase, were blunted in a second synthesis reaction using Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The composition for the protocol of the blunting the DNA-termini was as follows: 0.2 mM blunting dTTP and 1.25 u Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The reaction was incubated at 72° C. for 30 minutes. Then the PCR-products were phosphorylated using a T4 DNA polymerase using a standard protocol (e.g. MBI Fermentas) and cloned into the processed vector as well.

[0472.0.16.16] to [0479.0.16.16]: see [0472.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0]

[0480.0.16.16] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO:17198, 17818, 16100, 17898, 15872, 15848, 15780, 18092, 18380, 17104, 16824, 17374, 16284, 16410, 17712, 16132, 16128, 16118, 16014, 17920, 17948, 17198, 17038 or 18088 or as Indicated in Table I Column 5

[0481.0.0.16] to [0513.0.0.16]: see [0481.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0]

[0514.0.16.16] As an alternative, the organic acids can be detected as described in Farre, E. et al., Plant Physiol, 2001, Vol. 127, pp. 685-700.

The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the table 1 which follows:

TABLE 1 ORF Metabolite Method Min Max b1896 citramalic acid GC 1.63 1.99 YBL015W fumaric acid LC 1.50 2.26 YCR059C fumaric acid GC 1.71 2.83 YFR007W fumaric acid GC 1.69 2.56 YJL055W fumaric acid GC 1.72 6.61 YJL099W fumaric acid GC 1.98 8.34 YMR241W fumaric acid GC + LC 1.75 4.68 YPR024W fumaric acid GC 1.97 4.74 YPR138C fumaric acid LC 1.61 4.27 b0730 fumaric acid GC + LC 1.75 9.38 b1611 fumaric acid GC + LC 2.06 4.28 b2699 fumaric acid GC 1.65 9.02 b4139 fumaric acid GC + LC 2.18 6.25 b1676 fumaric acid GC 2.08 5.30 b1896 fumaric acid GC + LC 3.32 4.20 b4063 fumaric acid GC 1.64 4.08 YBL015W malic acid LC 1.45 1.86 YBR084W malic acid GC 2.07 5.48 YBR184W malic acid LC 1.67 3.13 YCL032W malic acid LC 1.87 2.23 YGR007W malic acid LC 1.55 1.90 YJL072C malic acid GC 1.49 3.49 YJL099W malic acid GC 1.94 8.97 YKL132C malic acid GC 2.09 3.13 YPR138C malic acid GC 1.72 4.59 b0730 malic acid GC + LC 1.96 7.72 b1896 malic acid GC 2.49 4.19 b4063 malic acid GC 1.78 1.93 b2699 trihydroxybutyric acid GC 1.48 3.15 b1896 trihydroxybutyric acid GC 1.34 1.96 b0695 pyruvic acid GC 1.61 2.55 YCL032W succinic acid LC 1.47 1.91 YOR044W succinic acid LC 1.45 3.65 b0730 succinic acid LC 1.51 4.32 b1896 succinic acid GC + LC 1.55 2.10 b2699 Trihydroxybutanoic acid GC 1.82 3.81 b1896 Trihydroxybutanoic acid GC 1.60 2.61 b1693 Citramalic acid GC 1.48 2.05 b0161 Fumaric acid LC 1.64 2.51 b1738 Fumaric acid LC 1.53 2.49 b1961 Fumaric acid GC + LC 1.76 2.05 b3116 Fumaric acid GC 1.63 1.99 b3172 Fumaric acid GC 1.63 4.25 b4122 Fumaric acid GC 2.08 5.30 YCR012W Fumaric acid LC 1.62 1.93 b0057 Glyceric acid GC 1.35 1.57 b1693 Glyceric acid GC 1.33 1.52 b3129 Glyceric acid GC 1.30 1.35 b3231 Glyceric acid GC 1.21 1.34 b3938 Glyceric acid GC 1.37 1.40 b0161 Malic acid GC 1.64 3.29 b2478 Malic acid GC + LC 1.51 2.24 b3116 Malic acid GC 1.60 3.12 b3169 Malic acid GC 2.32 2.43 b3172 Malic acid GC 1.64 5.08 YCL038C Malic acid LC 1.87 2.23 YOR168W Malic acid GC + LC 1.56 6.62 b3231 Pyruvic acid GC 1.43 1.46 b1738 Succinic acid LC 1.49 1.95 b1961 Succinic acid LC 1.29 1.54 b2599 Succinic acid GC + LC 1.33 2.56 b3116 Succinic acid LC 1.31 1.42 b3160 Succinic acid LC 1.33 1.90 b4129 Succinic acid LC 1.40 1.84 YCL038C Succinic acid LC 1.47 1.91 b0970 Trihydroxybutanoic acid GC 1.34 1.80 b1343 Trihydroxybutanoic acid GC 1.33 2.08 b3169 Trihydroxybutanoic acid GC 1.60 1.88

Column 2 shows the organic acids citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid, trihydroxybutanoic acid, succinic acid, pyruvic acid as analyzed. Columns 4 and 5 show the ratio of the analyzed organic acid between the transgenic plants and the wild type; Increase of the metabolites: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type)-Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type). Decrease of the metabolites: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type) minimal decrease), Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (minimal decrease), Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type) maximal decrease). Column 3 indicates the analytical method.

[0515.0.0.16] to [0552.0.0.16]: see [0515.0.0.0] to [0552.0.0.0] including [0530.1.0.0] to [0530.6.0.0] as well as [0552.2.0.0]

[0552.1.16.16] Example 15 Metabolite Profiling Info from Zea mays

Zea mays plants were engineered, grown and analyzed as described in Example 14c.

The results of the different Zea mays plants analysed can be seen from Table 2 which follows:

TABLE 2 ORF Metabolite Min Max b2699 Fumaric acid 1.56 10.21  b2699 Trihydroxybutanoic acid 1.43 2.03 YJL055W Fumaric acid 2.08 2.32 YMR241W Fumaric acid 1.93 19.59  b1611 Fumaric acid 1.40 1.88 YBRO84W Malic acid 1.73 11.39  b1896 Lacton of 1.59 2.01 Trihydroxybutyric acid b0970 Trihydroxybutanoic acid, 1.56 2.32 putative b3116 Fumaric acid 1.42 3.47 b3116 Malic acid 1.33 5.30 b3172 Malic acid 1.82 2.48 YBL015W Fumaric acid 1.39 2.69 YBL015W Malic acid 1.31 2.59 YOR044W Succinic acid 1.54 4.33

Table 2 exhibits the metabolic data from maize, shown in either TO or T1, describing the increase in organic acids in genetically modified corn plants expressing the E. coli nucleic acid sequence b2699, b1611, b1896, b0970, b3116 or b3172 or the Saccaromyces cerevisiae nucleic acid sequence YJL055W, YMR241W, YBR084W, YBL015W or YOR044W resp.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs, e.g. a protein having the activity of a recombination protein recA, preferably being involved in DNA recombination and DNA repair, pheromone response, mating-type determination, sex-specific proteins, nucleotide binding, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical fumaric acid between 56% and 921% is conferred and/or an increase of the fine chemical Trihydroxybutanoic acid, between 43% and 103% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1896 or its homologs, e.g. a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase, is increased in corn plants, conferring an increase of the fine chemical preferably of Lacton of Trihydroxybutyric acid between 59% and 101% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1611 or its homologs, e.g. a protein of the superfamily of fumarate hydratase, preferably being involved in C-compound, carbohydrate catabolism, tricarboxylic-acid pathway (citrate cycle, Krebs cycle, TCA cycle), ENERGY, biosynthesis of aspartate, degradation of aspartate, nitrogen and sulfur utilization, degradation of amino acids of the aspartate group, biosynthesis of the pyruvate family (alanine, isoleucine, leucine, valine) and d-alanine, or regulation of nitrogen and sulphur utilization, preferably being a fumarase C (fumarate hydratase Class II), is increased in corn plants, preferably, conferring the increase of fumaric acid between 40% and 88% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YJL055W or its homologs, e.g. a protein of the superfamily of yeast conserved hypothetical protein YJL055w, preferably being involved in biosynthesis of lysine, preferably being a Lysine decarboxylase-like protein, is increased in corn plants, preferably, conferring the increase of fumaric acid between 108% and 132% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YMR241W or its homologs, e.g. a protein of the superfamily of ADP,ATP carrier protein, preferably being involved in C-compound, carbohydrate transport, and/or mitochondrial transport, preferably being a Mitochondrial DNA replication protein, is increased in corn plants, preferably, conferring the increase of fumaric acid between 93% and 1859% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBR084W or its homologs, e.g. a protein of the superfamily “C1-tetrahydrofolate synthase, formate-tetrahydrofolate ligase homology, methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase (NAD+) homology”, preferably being involved in amino acid biosynthesis, purine nucleotide metabolism, biosynthesis of vitamins, cofactors, and prosthetic groups, C-compound and carbohydrate utilization, tRNA modification, biosynthesis of histidine, degradation of histidine, biosynthesis of the aspartate family, degradation of amino acids of the aspartate group, nucleotide binding, and/or nucleotide metabolism, preferably being a C1-tetrahydrofolate synthase, is increased in corn plants, preferably, conferring the increase of malic acid between 73% and 1039% or more.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b0970 or its homologs, e.g. “the activity of a glutamate receptor”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical Trihydroxybutanoic acid between 56% and 132% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b3116 or its homologs, e.g. “the activity of a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family)”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical fumaric acid between 42% and 247% is conferred and/or an increase of the fine chemical malic acid between 33% and 430% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b3172 or its homologs, e.g. “the activity of an argininosuccinic acid synthetase”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical malic acid between 82% and 148% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBL015W or its homologs, e.g. “the activity of an acetyl-coA hydrolase”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical fumaric acid between 39% and 169% is conferred and/or an increase of the fine chemical malic acid between 31% and 159% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR044W or its homologs, its activity has not been characterized yet, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical succinic acid between 54% and 333% is conferred.

[00552.2.0.16] see [00552.2.0.0]

[0553.0.16.16]

-   1. A process for the production of glyceric acid. citramalic acid,     fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid,     trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid, which comprises     a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as indicated     in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 or     a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism or in one or     more parts thereof; and     b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the production     of glyceric acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic     acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic     acid in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of glyceric acid. citramalic acid,     fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid,     trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid, comprising the     increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the     expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a     nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to         594 or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the         amount of glyceric acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic         acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or         trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or         lines 564 to 594;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of glyceric acid.         citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid,         succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of glyceric acid.         citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid,         succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to -   (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions and conferring an     increase in the amount of glyceric acid. citramalic acid, fumaric     acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric     acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, columns 5 or 7, lines         190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 and conferring an increase in the         amount of glyceric acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic         acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or         trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of glyceric         acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid,         succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to         226 or lines 564 to 594 and conferring an increase in the amount         of glyceric acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid,         pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or         trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         glyceric acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid,         pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or         trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound glyceric acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid,     pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or     trihydroxybutanoic acid. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         glyceric acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid,         pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or         trihydroxybutanoic acid produced by the selected mutated         organisms or parts thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to         594 or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the         amount of glyceric acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic         acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or         trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 90 to 226 or         lines 564 to 594;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of glyceric acid.         citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid,         succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of glyceric acid.         citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid,         succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of glyceric acid.         citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid,         succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 190 to         226 or lines 564 to 594 and conferring an increase in the amount         of glyceric acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid,         pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or         trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of glyceric         acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid,         succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 190 to 226         or lines 564 to 594 and conferring an increase in the amount of         in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         glyceric acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid,         pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or         trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to         226 or lines 564 to 594 by one or more nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594 by one or     more amino acids. -   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of glyceric acid.     citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic     acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid in an     organism or a part thereof comprising:     (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which     express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of glyceric acid.     citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic     acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid in an     organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a sample     comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions which permit     the expression the polypeptide;     (b) assaying the glyceric acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic     acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or     trihydroxybutanoic acid level or the polypeptide expression level in     the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or the media the cell,     tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured or maintained in; and     (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the measured     glyceric acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic     acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic     acid level or polypeptide expression level with a standard glyceric     acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid,     succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid or     polypeptide expression level measured in the absence of said     candidate compound or a sample comprising said plurality of     compounds, whereby an increased level over the standard indicates     that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality of     compounds is an agonist and a decreased level over the standard     indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality     of compounds is an antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased glyceric acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid,     pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or     trihydroxybutanoic acid production in a plant or microorganism,     comprising the steps:     (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining     a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of glyceric     acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid,     succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid in     an organism or a part thereof and a readout system capable of     interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which     permit the interaction of the polypeptide with said readout system     in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of     compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response     to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions     which permit the expression of said readout system and of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6     conferring an increase in the amount of glyceric acid. citramalic     acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid,     trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or     a part thereof;     (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting     the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said     readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in glyceric acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic     acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or     trihydroxybutanoic acid production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can     contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an     increase in glyceric acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic     acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or     trihydroxybutanoic acid after expression with the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6;     (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of claim     6;     (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells     appropriate for producing glyceric acid. citramalic acid, fumaric     acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric     acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid;     (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells;     (e) assaying the glyceric acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic     acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or     trihydroxybutanoic acid level in the host cells; and     (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the glyceric acid. citramalic     acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid,     trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid level in the host     cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in glyceric acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic     acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or     trihydroxybutanoic acid production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the glyceric acid. citramalic         acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid,         trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid amount or         level in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and         which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing glyceric acid. citramalic acid,         fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid,         trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the glyceric acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid,         malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid         or trihydroxybutanoic acid level in the host cells; and     -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the glyceric acid. citramalic         acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid,         trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid level in the         host cell after expression compared to the wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     glyceric acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic     acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic     acid after expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of glyceric acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic     acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or     trihydroxybutanoic acid levels in an organism. -   25. Agrochemical, pharmaceutical, food or feed composition     comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20. -   26. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid     construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or     agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15,     the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of     claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product     identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the     fine chemical is glyceric acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic     acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or     trihydroxybutanoic acid.

[0554.0.0.16] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.0]

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS Description

[0000.0.0.17] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.17] see [0001.0.0.0]

[0002.0.17.17] Gamma-aminobutyric acid is used to enhance growth of specified plants, prevent development of powdery mildew on grapes, and suppress certain other plant diseases. Humans and animals normally ingest and metabolize gamma-aminobutyric acid in variable amounts. Gamma-aminobutyric acid was registered (licensed for sale) as growth enhancing pesticidal active ingredient in 1998. Gamma-aminobutyric acid is an important signal which helps to regulate mineral availability in plants. Minerals support the biochemical pathways governing growth and reproduction as well as the pathways that direct plant's response to a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses. Mineral needs are especially high during times of stress and at certain stages of plant growth. Gamma-aminobutyric acid levels in plants naturally increase at these times.

Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), a nonprotein amino acid, is often accumulated in plants following environmental stimuli that can also cause ethylene production. Exogenous GABA causes up to a 14-fold increase in the ethylene production rate after about 12 h. GABA causes increases in ACC synthase mRNA accumulation, ACC levels, ACC oxidase mRNA levels and in vitro ACC oxidase activity. Possible roles of GABA as a signal transducer are suggested, see Plant Physiol. 115(1):129-35(1997)

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a four-carbon non-protein amino acid, is a significant component of the free amino acid pool in most prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. In plants, stress initiates a signal-transduction pathway, in which increased cytosolic Ca²⁺ activates Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent glutamate decarboxylase activity and GABA synthesis. Elevated H⁺ and substrate levels can also stimulate glutamate decarboxylase activity. GABA accumulation probably is mediated primarily by glutamate decarboxylase. Experimental evidence supports the involvement of GABA synthesis in pH regulation, nitrogen storage, plant development and defence, as well as a compatible osmolyte and an alternative pathway for glutamate utilization, see Trends Plant Sci. 4(11):446-452(1999).

Gamma-aminobutyric acid enhances nutrient uptake by roots and leaves so that plant nutrient levels are higher than those achieved by using nutrients alone. When plants are stressed and nutrient uptake is limited, it is believed that gamma-aminobutyric acid facilitates nutrient utilization, thereby enhancing growth during stress.

Rapid GABA accumulation in response to wounding may play a role in plant defense against insects (Ramputh and Brown, Plant Physiol. 111(1996): 1349-1352). The development of gamma aminobutyrate (GABA) as a potential control agent in plant-invertebrate pest systems has been reviewed in She1p et al., Canadien Journal of Botany (2003) 81, 11, 1045-1048. The authors describe that available evidence indicates that GABA accumulation in plants in response to biotic and abiotic stresses is mediated via the activation of glutamate decarboxylase. More applied research, based on the fact that GABA acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in invertebrate pests, indicates that ingested GABA disrupts nerve functioning and causes damage to oblique-banded leaf roller larvae, and that walking or herbivory by tobacco budworm and oblique-banded leaf roller larvae stimulate GABA accumulation in soybean and tobacco, respectively. In addition, elevated levels of endogenous GABA in genetically engineered tobacco deter feeding by tobacco budworm larvae and infestation by the northern root-knot nematode. Therefore the author concluded that genetically engineered crop species having high GABA-producing potential may be an alternative strategy to chemical pesticides for the management of invertebrate pests.

During angiosperm reproduction, pollen grains form a tube that navigates through female tissues to the micropyle, delivering sperm to the egg. In vitro, GABA stimulates pollen tube growth. The Arabidopsis POP2 gene encodes a transaminase that degrades GABA and contributes to the formation of a gradient leading up to the micropyle, see Cell. 114(1):47-59(2003).

Due to these interesting physiological roles and agrobiotechnological potential of GABA there is a need to identify the genes of enzymes and other proteins involved in GABA metabolism, and to generate mutants or transgenic plant lines with which to modify the GABA content in plants.

Shikimic acid is found in various plants. It has two functional groups in the same molecule, hydroxyl groups and a carboxylic acid group which are optically active. They can yield various kinds of esters and salts. It belongs to the class of cyclitols, which means it is a hydroxylated cycloalkane containing at least three hydroxy groups, each attached to a different ring carbon atom. The term “shikimic acid” or “shikimate” relates to the anionic form as well as the neutralised status of that compound.

A key intermediate in synthesis of virtually all aromatic compounds in the cells is shikimic acid. These include phenylalanine, tyrosine, tryptophan, p-aminobenzoic acid, and p-hvdroxvbenzoic acid.

Glyphosate (N-phosphonomethylglycine) is a non-selective, broad spectrum herbicide that is symplastically translocated to the meristems of growing plants. It causes shikimate accumulation through inhibition of the chloroplast localized EPSP synthase (5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase; EPSPs) [EC 2.5.1.19] (Amrhein et al, 1980, Plant Physiol. 66: 830-834).

The starting product of the biosynthesis of most phenolic compounds is shikimate. Phenols are acidic due to the dissociability of their —OH group. They are rather reactive compounds and as long as no steric inhibition due to additional side chains occurs, they form hydrogen bonds. Consequently, many flavonoids have intramolecular bonds. Another important feature is their ability to form chelate complexes with metals. Also, they are easily oxidized and, if so, form polymers (dark aggregates). The darkening of cut or dying plant parts is caused by this reaction. They have usually an inhibiting effect on plant growth. Among the phenylpropanol derivatives of lower molecular weight are a number of scents like the coumarins, cinnamic acid, sinapinic acid, the coniferyl alcohols and others. These substances and their derivatives are at the same time intermediates of the biosynthesis of lignin.

The shikimate pathway links metabolism of carbohydrates to biosynthesis of aromatic compounds. In a sequence of seven metabolic steps, phosphoenolpyruvate and erythrose 4-phosphate are converted to chorismate, the precursor of the aromatic amino acids and many aromatic secondary metabolites. All pathway intermediates can also be considered branch point compounds that may serve as substrates for other metabolic pathways. The shikimate pathway is found only in microorganisms and plants, never in animals. All enzymes of this pathway have been obtained in pure form from prokaryotic and eukaryotic sources and their respective DNAs have been characterized from several organisms. The cDNAs of higher plants encode proteins with amino terminal signal sequences for plastid import, suggesting that plastids are the exclusive locale for chorismate biosynthesis. In microorganisms, the shikimate pathway is regulated by feedback inhibition and by repression of the first enzyme. In higher plants, no physiological feedback inhibitor has been identified, suggesting that pathway regulation may occur exclusively at the genetic level. This difference between microorganisms and plants is reflected in the unusually large variation in the primary structures of the respective first enzymes. Several of the pathway enzymes occur in isoenzymic forms whose expression varies with changing environmental conditions and, within the plant, from organ to organ. The penultimate enzyme of the pathway is the sole target for the herbicide glyphosate. Glyphosate-tolerant transgenic plants are at the core of novel weed control systems for several crop plants (Annual Review of Plant Physiology and Plant Molecular Biology 50(1999): 473-503). The term “shikimic acid” or “shikimate” relates to the anionic form as well as the neutralised status of that compound.

Natural products derived from shikimic acid range in complexity from the very simple, such as vanillin (used primarily as a flavoring agent), salicylic acid (the precursor of aspirin), lawsone (a naphthoquinone used in some sunscreens), and scopletin (a coumarin once used as a uterine sedative), to the more complex, such as the lignan lactone podophyllotoxin. Podophyllotoxin is basically a dimer incorporating two phenylpropanoid (a nine-carbon unit derived from shikimic acid) units. Podophyllotoxin was first isolated from Podophyllum peltatum, also known as mayapple or American mandrake, a plant which has a long history of use as a cathartic and purgative. Podophyllotoxin has been used to treat warts, and is a mitotic inhibitor which shows antineoplastic activity. Etoposide, in particular, is used to treat forms of lung cancer, testicular cancer, and acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Furthermore shikimic acid is a important basic substance for the or the production of pharmacyticals. For example the synthesis of Oseltamivir, which is known under ist trading name Tamiflu is synthesized from shikimic acid in a complex synthesis process.

Putrescine is synthesized by healthy living cells by the action of ornithin decarboxylase, is one of the simplest polyamines and appears to be a growth factor necessary for cell division.

Experimental evidence indicate that polyamines may be involved in growth, differentiation or morphogenesis, stress and senescence in plants (Evans and Malmberg, 1989).

[0003.0.0.17] %

[0004.0.0.17] %

[0005.0.0.17] %

[0006.0.0.17] %

[0007.0.0.17] %

[0008.0.17.17] One way to increase the productive capacity of biosynthesis is to apply recombinant DNA technology. Thus, it would be desirable to produce gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate in plants. That type of production permits control over quality, quantity and selection of the most suitable and efficient producer organisms. The latter is especially important for commercial production economics and therefore availability to consumers. In addition it is desireable to produce gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate in plants in order to increase plant productivity and resistance against biotic and abiotic stress as discussed before. The term “shikimic acid” or “shikimate” relates to the anionic form as well as the neutralised status of that compound.

Methods of recombinant DNA technology have been used for some years to improve the production of fine chemicals in microorganisms and plants by amplifying individual biosynthesis genes and investigating the effect on production of fine chemicals. It is for example reported, that the xanthophyll astaxanthin could be produced in the nectaries of transgenic tobacco plants. Those transgenic plants were prepared by Argobacterium tumifaciens-mediated transformation of tobacco plants using a vector that contained a ketolase-encoding gene from H. pluvialis denominated crtO along with the Pds gene from tomato as the promoter and to encode a leader sequence. Those results indicated that about 75 percent of the carotenoids found in the flower of the transformed plant contained a keto group.

[0009.0.17.17] Thus, it would be advantageous if an algae, plant or other microorganism were available which produce large amounts gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganisms.

It would also be advantageous if plants were available whose roots, leaves, stem, fruits or flowers produced large amounts of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed plants.

[0010.0.17.17] Therefore improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the food-and-feed industry. This is necessary since, for example gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate, as mentioned above, which occur in plants and some microorganisms are limited with regard to the supply of mammals. Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible a specific gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate profile in the diet since an excess of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate above a specific concentration in the food has a positive effect. A further increase in quality is only possible via addition of further gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate, which are limiting.

[0011.0.17.17] To ensure a high quality of foods and animal feeds, it is therefore necessary to add gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate in a balanced manner to suit the organism.

[0012.0.17.17] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes or other proteins which participate in the biosynthesis of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine and make it possible to produce them specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of gamma-aminobutyric acid, putrescine and shikimate; on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.17] see [0013.0.0.0]

[0014.0.17.17] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is a gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to a gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine.

[0015.0.17.17] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means at least one chemical compound with gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine activity.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means a gamma-aminobutyric acid. In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means shikimate depending on the context in which the term is used. In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means putrescine depending on the context in which the term is used. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine, its salts, ester, thioester or in free form or bound to other compounds such sugars or sugarpolymers, like glucoside, e.g. diglucoside.

[0016.0.17.17] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more YER156C,     YFR042W, YOR084W, YLR375W, b1693, b0651, b0847 or b 2965 protein(s)     in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof; and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus gamma-aminobutyric acid,     putrescine or shikimate in said organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising.

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of a protein indicated in Table IIA or IIB,     column 3, lines 227 to 230, 595 to 598, resp. or having the sequence     of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in     Table IA or IB, column 5 or 7, lines 227 to 230, 595 to 598, resp.     in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof; and     growing the organism under conditions which permit the production of     the fine chemical, thus, gamma-aminobutyric acid, putrescine or     shikimate, in said organism.

[0016.1.17.17] Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means “gamma-aminobutyric acid” in relation to all sequences listed in Table IA or IB, lines 227 to 229, 595 and 596 or homologs thereof and means “shikimate” in relation to the sequence listed in Table IA or IB, line 230 and 597 or homologs thereof and means “putrescine” in relation to the sequence listed in Table IA or IB, line 598. Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” can mean “gamma-aminobutyric acid” or “shikimate” or “putrescine”, owing to circumstances and the context. In order to illustrate that the meaning of the term “the respective fine chemical” means “gamma-aminobutyric acid” or “shikimate” or “putrescine” owing to the sequences listed in the context the term “the respective fine chemical” is also used.

[0017.0.0.17] to [0018.0.0.17]: see [0017.0.0.0] to [0018.0.0.0]

[0019.0.17.17] Advantageously the process for the production of the respective fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the respective fine chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the respective fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein having the activity of a protein indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 227 to 230, 595 to 598 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 230, 595 to 598.

[0020.0.17.17] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteins YER156C, YFR042W, YOR084W, YLR375W, and/or the Escherichia coli proteins b1693, b0651, b0847 or b 2965 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine (“the fine chemical” or “the fine respective chemical”) content in respect to said proteins and their homologs as well as the encoding nucleic acid molecules, in particular as indicated in Table IA or IB and Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 227 to 230, 595 to 598 of the transformed plants.

[0021.0.0.17] see [0021.0.0.0]

[0022.0.17.17] The sequence of YER156C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dietrich, F. S et al, Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 78-81 (1997), and its activity is being defined as an unclassified protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YER156C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the unspecified protein YER156C is increased.

The sequence of YFR042W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, A. et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996) and its activity is being defined as a protein required for cell viability. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein having said activity, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity required for cell viability is increased.

The sequence of YOR084W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon, B. et al, Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 98-102 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a putative lipase of the peroxisomal martrix. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a lipase protein of the peroxisomal martrix from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of the lipase protein of the peroxisomal matrix is increased.

The sequence of YLR375W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Johnston, M., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 87-90 (1997) and its activity is being defined as protein involved in pre-tRNA splicing and in uptake of branched-chain amino acids. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with pre-tRNA splicing and in uptake of branched-chain amino acids activity from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of shikimate preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a protein involved in pre-tRNA splicing and in uptake of branched-chain amino acids is increased.

The sequence of b0651 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a pyrimidine specific nucleoside hydrolase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with pyrimidine specific nucleoside hydrolase activity from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a protein with pyrimidine specific nucleoside hydrolase activity, is increased.

The sequence of b0847 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative transport protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with putative transport protein activity from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a transport protein b0847 is increased.

The sequence of b1693 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of shikimate or linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing shikimate, linoleic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of shikimate, linoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing shikimate, linoleic acid, preferably linoleic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b 2965 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474,1997, and its activity is being defined as an ornithine decarboxylase isozyme. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with ornithine decarboxylase isozyme activity from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of putrescine preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a protein with ornithine decarboxylase activity is increased.

[0023.0.17.17] Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the respective fine chemical amount or content.

In one embodiment, the homolog of any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 227 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably gamma-aminobutyric acid.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 228 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably gamma-aminobutyric acid.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 229 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably gamma-aminobutyric acid.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 230 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of shikimate in the organisms.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 595 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the organisms.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 596 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the organisms.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 597 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of shikimate in the organisms.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 598 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of putrescine in the organisms.

[0023.1.0.17] Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 227 to 230, 595 to 598 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, lines 227 to 230, 595 to 598 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 7, lines 227 to 230, 595 to 598.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 227 to 229, 595, 596 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, lines 227 to 229, 595, 596, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 7, lines 227 to 229, 595, 596, having a gamma-aminobutyric acid content and/or amount increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 230 and 597 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, line 230 and 597, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 7, line 230 and 597, having a shikimate content and/or amount increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 598 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, line 598, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 7, line 598 having a putrescine content and/or amount increasing activity.

[0024.0.0.17] see [0024.0.0.0]

[0025.0.17.17] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of a protein of the invention”, e.g. the activity of a protein indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine level, resp., in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism. In a preferred embodiment, the protein or polypeptide has the above-mentioned additional activities of a protein indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598. Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or a nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of any one of the proteins indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to any one of the proteins indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 227 to 230, 595 to 598 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary close to the organism indicated in Table IA or IB, column 4 and is expressed in an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the origin organism. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums whereas origin and the organism indicated in Table IA or IB, column 4 are derived from the same families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0025.1.0.17] see [0025.1.0.0]

[0026.0.0.17] to [0033.0.0.17]: see [0026.0.0.0] to [0033.0.0.0]

[0034.0.17.17] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention. E.g., it differs by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table IA or IB, column 5, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or 595 to 598 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, its biochemical or genetic causes. It therefore shows the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.17] to [0038.0.0.17]: see [0035.0.0.0] to [0038.0.0.0]

[0039.0.0.17]: see [0039.0.0.0]

[0040.0.0.17] to [0044.0.0.17]: see [0040.0.0.0] to [0044.0.0.0]

[0045.0.17.17] In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisae protein YER156C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 227, is increased, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of gamma-aminobutyric acid between 68% and 1029% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisae protein YFR042W or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 228 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of gamma-aminobutyric acid between 91% and 110% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisae protein YOR084W or its homologs e.g. a protein of a putative lipase of the peroxisomal matrix as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 229, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of gamma-aminobutyric acid between 71% and 459% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLR375W or its homologs, e.g. a protein involved in pre-tRNA splicing and in uptake of branched-chain amino acids as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 230, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of shikimate between 14% and 26% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli protein b 0651 or its homologs, e.g. a protein with pyrimidine specific nucleoside hydrolase activity as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 595, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of gamma-aminobutyric acid between 53% and 206% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli protein b 0847 or its homologs, e.g. a protein with putative transport protein activity as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 596, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of gamma-aminobutyric acid between 85% and 187% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli protein b 1693 or its homologs, e.g. a protein with 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase activity as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 597, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of shikimate between 15% and 31% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli protein b 2965 or its homologs, e.g. a protein with ornithine decarboxylase activity as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 598, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of putrescine between 111% and 1693% or more is conferred.

[0046.0.17.17] %

[0047.0.0.17] to [0048.0.0.17]: see [0047.0.0.0] to [0048.0.0.0]

[0049.0.17.17] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 15722, 15723, 15724, 15725, 15726, 15727 or 15778, 15779, 91412, 91413, 91414, 91525, 91526, 91527, 91528, 91529 or as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 227, 228, 229, 595 and 596 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227, 228, 229, 595 and 596 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the gamma-aminobutyric acid level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the shikimate preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 15768, 15769, 15770, 15771, 91630, 91631, 91632, 91633, 91634 e.g. as indicated in Table IV, column 7, line 230, 597 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 230, 597 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 230, 597 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the shikimate level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the putrescine preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 91831, 91832, 91833, 91834, 91835, 91836 e.g. as indicated in Table IV, column 7, line 598 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 598 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 598 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the putrescine level.

[0050.0.17.17] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “the respective fine chemical” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate, resp., or their ester, or glucoside thereof, e.g the diglucoside thereof.

[0051.0.17.17] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the respective fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free chemical free or bound, e.g compositions comprising gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine. Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine can be produced.

[0052.0.0.17] see [0052.0.0.0]

[0053.0.17.17] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3,     lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 or its homologs,     e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to     229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, activity having     herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical increasing activity; -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, e.g.     of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in     Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines     595 to 598 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA     or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to     598, or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide of the present invention     having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical increasing     activity; -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 227 to 229     or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 or its homologs activity, e.g. as     indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or     line 230 or lines 595 to 598, or decreasing the inhibitory     regulation of the polypeptide of the invention; -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 227 to 229     or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 or its homologs activity, e.g. as     indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or     line 230 or lines 595 to 598; -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated     in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines     595 to 598 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA     or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to     598, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors to the     organism or parts thereof; -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 227 to 229     or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 or its homologs activity, e.g. as     indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or     line 230 or lines 595 to 598, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 227 to 229     or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated     in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or     lines 595 to 598, activity. -   h) Increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having an activity     of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 227     to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 or its homologs activity,     e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to     229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, by adding positive expression     or removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous     recombination can be used to either introduce positive regulatory     elements like for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to     remove repressor elements form regulatory regions. Further gene     conversion methods can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to     enhance to activity of positive elements. Positive elements can be     randomly introduced in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and     lines can be identified in which the positive elements have be     integrated near to a gene of the invention, the expression of which     is thereby enhanced; and/or -   i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead to an enhanced respective fine chemical     production. -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, e.g. the elite crops.

[0054.0.17.17] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 3 or 5, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp.

[0055.0.0.17] to [0067.0.0.17]: see [0055.0.0.0] to [0067.0.0.0]

[0068.0.17.17] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.17] see [0069.0.0.0]

[0070.0.17.17] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding a protein of the invention into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolite composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous composition ofgamma-aminobutyric acid and shikimate or their biochemical derivatives, e.g. comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) gamma-aminobutyric acid and shikimate or putrescine or their derivatives.

[0071.0.0.17] see [0071.0.0.0]

[0072.0.17.17] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to shikimate their biochemical derivatives like chorismate, prephenate, anthranilate, phenylpyruvate, phenylalanine, 4-hydroxyphenylbutyrate, tyrosine, tryptophan, vanillin, salicylic acid, lawsone or scopletin.

[0073.0.17.17] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant;

increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or a homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and described below, e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism, preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant, growing an organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or bound the respective fine chemical synthesized by the organism, the microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.17.17] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound respective fine chemical.

[0075.0.0.17] to [0077.0.0.17]: see [0075.0.0.0] to [0077.0.0.0]

[0078.0.17.17] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, the respective fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications. The fermentation broth, fermentation products, plants or plant products can be purified with methods known to the person skilled in the art. Products of these different work-up procedures are gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine or comprising compositions of gamma-butyric acid or shikimate or putrescine still comprising fermentation broth, plant particles and cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably below 50% by weight.

[0079.0.0.17] to [0084.0.0.17]: see [0079.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0]

[0084.0.17.17] %

[0085.0.17.17] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5     or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, or a     derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or     lines 595 to 598, or a derivative thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.17] to [0087.0.0.17]: see [0086.0.0.0] to [0087.0.0.0]

[0088.0.17.17] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose content of the respective fine chemical is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for poultry is dependent on the abovementioned fine chemicals or the plants are more resistant to biotic and abiotic stress and the yield is increased.

[0088.1.0.17] see [0088.1.0.0]

[0089.0.0.17] to [0090.0.0.17]: see [0089.0.0.0] to [0090.0.0.0]

[0091.0.0.17] see [0091.0.0.0]

[0092.0.0.17] to [0094.0.0.17]: see [0092.0.0.0] to [0094.0.0.0]

[0095.0.17.17] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the pure respective fine chemical and/or to obtain increased resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses and to obtain higher yield.

[0096.0.17.17] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptid or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired fine chemical, for example in the organism, is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0097.0.17.17] %

[0098.0.17.17] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated.

[0099.0.10.17] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned desired fine chemical may accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, and spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the respective fine chemical comprising compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.17.17] Transgenic plants which comprise the fine chemicals such as gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the fine chemicals synthesized to be isolated. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue.

However, the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, as extracts, e.g. ether, alcohol, or other organic solvents or water containing extract and/or free fine chemicals. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts. To increase the efficiency of extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, specifically the seeds, they can previously be comminuted, steamed or roasted. Seeds, which have been pretreated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents such as warm hexane. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. Thereafter, the resulting products can be processed further, i.e. degummed and/or refined. In this process, substances such as the plant mucilages and suspended matter can be first removed. What is known as desliming can be affected enzymatically or, for example, chemico-physically by addition of acid such as phosphoric acid.

Because gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine in microorganisms are localized intracellular, their recovery essentially comes down to the isolation of the biomass. Well-established approaches for the harvesting of cells include filtration, centrifugation and coagulation/flocculation as described herein. Of the residual hydrocarbon, adsorbed on the cells, has to be removed. Solvent extraction or treatment with surfactants have been suggested for this purpose.

[0101.0.10.17] The identity and purity of the compound(s) isolated can be determined by prior-art techniques. They encompass high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assays or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are compiled in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11 27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19:67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Bd. A27, VCH Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michal, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 17.

[0102.0.17.17] Gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine can for example be detected advantageously via HPLC, LC or GC separation methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate containing or putrescine products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MS, MS or TLC). The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding, cooking, or via other applicable methods.

[0103.0.17.17] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table IIA     or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to     598 or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount     of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or     lines 595 to 598, -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridization     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table III, columns 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or     lines 595 to 598, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table IV,     columns 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5     or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0104.0.17.17] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the present invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598.

[0105.0.0.17] to [0107.0.0.17]: see [0105.0.0.0] to [0107.0.0.0]

[0108.0.17.17] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from an amino acid sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 227 to 229 or lines 230 or lines 595 to 598, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical, meaning gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine, resp., after increasing its expression or activity, are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.17.17] In one embodiment, said sequences are cloned into nucleic acid constructs, either individually or in combination. These nucleic acid constructs enable an optimal synthesis of the respective fine chemicals, in particular gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine, produced in the process according to the invention.

[0110.0.0.17] see [0110.0.0.0]

[0111.0.0.17] see [0111.0.0.0]

[0112.0.17.17] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 and 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 and conferring an increase in the gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine level.

[0113.0.0.17] to [0114.0.0.17]: see [0113.0.0.0] to [0114.0.0.0]

[0115.0.0.17] see [0115.0.0.0]

[0116.0.0.17] to [0120.0.0.17] see [0116.0.0.0] to [0120.0.0.0]

[0120.1.0.17]: %

[0121.0.17.17] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a gamma-aminobutyric acid level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229, 595 or 596 or conferring a shikimate level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 230 or 597 or conferring a putrescin level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 598.

[0122.0.0.17] to [0127.0.0.17]: see [0122.0.0.0] to [0127.0.0.0]

[0128.0.17.17] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table III, columns 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229, resp. or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp. or the sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229, resp. or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp.

[0129.0.17.17] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 227 and 228 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 is derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.17.17] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g.

conferring the increase of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate after increasing the expression or activity the protein comprising said fragment.

[0131.0.0.17] to [0138.0.0.17]: see [0131.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0]

[0139.0.17.17] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical level increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridise to a sequence indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229, 595, 596 for gamma-aminobutyric acid or indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7 lines 230, 597 for shikimate or indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 598 for putrescine under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the respective fine chemical, i.e. gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine, resp., increasing-activity.

[0140.0.0.17] to [0146.0.0.17]: see [0140.0.0.0] to [0146.0.0.0]

[0147.0.17.17] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridise to one of said nucleotide sequences, thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.17.17] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular having a gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.17.17] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring a of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine increase, resp., and optionally, the activity of protein indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 5, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598.

[00149.1.0.17] Optionally, in one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598.

[0150.0.17.17] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine, resp., if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 or its gene product.

[0151.0.0.17]: see [0151.0.0.0]

[0152.0.17.17] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular a gamma-aminobutyric acid (lines 227 to 229, 595, 596) or shikimate (lines 230, 597) or putrescine (line 598) increasing activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.17.17] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II A or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598.

[0154.0.17.17] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.17] to [0156.0.0.17]: see [0155.0.0.0] to [0156.0.0.0]

[0157.0.17.17] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as polypeptides comprising the sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 or as polypeptides depicted in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 or the functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, an amino acid sequence of a consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 or the functional homologues. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp.

[0158.0.0.17] to [0160.0.0.17]: see [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0]

[0161.0.17.17] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.17] see [0162.0.0.0]

[0163.0.17.17] Preferably, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the amount of the respective fine chemical in a organism or a part thereof, e.g. a tissue, a cell, or a compartment of a cell, after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.17] see [0164.0.0.0]

[0165.0.17.17] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp.

[0166.0.0.17] to [0167.0.0.17]: see [0166.0.0.0] to [0167.0.0.0]

[0168.0.17.17] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598.

[0169.0.0.17] to [0172.0.0.17]: see [0169.0.0.0] to [0172.0.0.0]

[0173.0.17.17] For example a sequence, which has 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 15720 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 15720 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.17]: see [0174.0.0.0]

[0175.0.17.17] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 15721 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 15721 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.17.17] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp.

[0177.0.17.17] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp.

[0178.0.0.17] see [0178.0.0.0]

[0179.0.17.17] A nucleic acid molecule encoding a homologous to a protein sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.17] to [0183.0.0.17]: see [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0]

[0184.0.17.17] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.17.17] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp.

[0186.0.17.17] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp.

[0187.0.17.17] In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II A or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp.

[0188.0.17.17] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., and is expressed under identical conditions.

[0189.0.17.17] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.17]: see [0190.0.0.0]

[0191.0.17.17] The organisms or part thereof produce according to the herein mentioned process of the invention an increased level of free and/or bound the respective fine chemical compared to said control or selected organisms or parts thereof.

[0192.0.0.17] to [0203.0.0.17]: see [0192.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0]

[0204.0.17.17] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5     or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp.; or a     fragment thereof conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, i.e. gamma-aminobutyric acid (lines 227 to     229, 595, 596) or shikimate (lines 230, 597) or putrescine (line     598), resp., in an organism or a part thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table IA or IB,     columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595, 596 or     line 597 or line 598, resp., or a fragment thereof conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table III, columns 5 or 7,     lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or line 595, 596 or line 597 or line     598 and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical, i.e. gamma-aminobutyric acid (lines 227 to 229, 595, 596)     or shikimate (line 230, 597) or putrescine (line 598), resp., in an     organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines     227 to 229 or line 230 and conferring an increase in the amount of     the respective fine chemical, i.e. gamma-aminobutyric acid (lines     227 to 229, 595, 596) or shikimate (line 230, 597) or putrescine     (line 598), resp., in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230,     resp., and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective     fine chemical, i.e. gamma-aminobutyric acid (lines 227 to 229,     595, 596) or shikimate (line 230, 597) or putrescine (line 598),     resp., in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or     line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., or a nucleic acid molecule     encoding, preferably at least the mature form of, a polypeptide as     indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or     line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., and conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; or which encompasses a sequence which is complementary     thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB,     columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598,     resp., by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic     acid molecule of the invention does not consist of the sequence as     indicated in Table I A or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or     line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp. In an other embodiment, the     nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at least 30     identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99%     identical to a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or     7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp. In a     further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a     polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or     7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp.     Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention encodes in one embodiment a polypeptide which     differs at least in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide     indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or     line 230 or lines 595 to 598 does not encode a protein of a sequence     as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229     or line 230 or lines 595 to 598. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the     protein encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid according to (a)     to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or     IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595     to 598. In a further embodiment, the protein of the present     invention is at least 30 identical to a protein sequence indicated     in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or     lines 595 to 598 and less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%,     99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 98%, 97%, 96% or 95%     identical to a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5     or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598.

[0205.0.0.17] to [0206.0.0.17]: see [0205.0.0.0] to [0206.0.0.0]

[0207.0.17.17] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes, are genes of the glutamic acid metabolism, the phosphoenolpyruvate metabolism, the amino acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acid metabolism or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.17] to [0226.0.0.17]: see [0208.0.0.0] to [0226.0.0.0]

[0227.0.17.17] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 or its derivatives, it is advantageous to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the glutamic acid or phosphoenolpyruvate metabolic pathway, is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the fine chemicals desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine one or more of the sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.17.17] In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore, organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of at least one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteins directly or indirectly involved in the glutamic acid or phosphoenolpyruvate metabolism.

[0229.0.17.17] Further advantageous nucleic acid sequences which can be expressed in combination with the sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes are the sequences encoding further genes of the aromatic amino acid pathway, such as tryptophan, phenylalanine or tyrosine. These genes can lead to an increased synthesis of the essential amino acids tryptophan, phenylalanine or tyrosine.

[0230.0.0.17] see [230.0.0.0]

[0231.0.17.17] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene. A person skilled in the art knows for example, that the inhibition of an enzyme or a gene of the biosynthesis of the essential aromatic amino acids tryptophan, tyrosine or phenylalanine may increase the amount of shikimate accumulating in an organism, in particular in plants. Furthermore the inhibition of tryptophan, phenylalanine or tyrosine degrading enzymes also may result in an increased shikimate accumulation in the organism.

[0232.0.0.17] to [0276.0.0.17]: see [0232.0.0.0] to [0276.0.0.0]

[0277.0.17.17] The respective fine chemical produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker are familiar, for example via extraction, salt precipitation, and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously.

[0278.0.0.17] to [0282.0.0.17]: see [0278.0.0.0] to [0282.0.0.0]

[0283.0.17.17] Moreover, native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells, for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, e.g. an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., or an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table II A or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies.

[0284.0.0.17] see [0284.0.0.0]

[0285.0.17.17] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., or as coded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.17.17] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table

IV, column 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 227 to 230 and/or 595 to 598, resp.

[0287.0.0.17] to [0289.0.0.17]: see [0287.0.0.0] to [0289.0.0.0]

[00290.0.17.17] The alignment was performed with the Software AlignX (Sep. 25, 2002) a component of Vector NTI Suite 8.0, InforMax™, Invitrogen™ life science software, U.S. Main Office, 7305 Executive Way, Frederick, Md. 21704, USA with the following settings: For pairwise alignments: gap opening penalty: 10.0; gap extension penalty 0.1. For multiple alignments: Gap opening penalty: 10.0; Gap extension penalty: 0.1; Gap separation penalty range: 8; Residue substitution matrix: blosum62; Hydrophilic residues: G P S N D Q E K R; Transition weighting: 0.5; Consensus calculation options: Residue fraction for consensus: 0.9. Presettings were selected to allow also for the alignment of conserved amino acids

[0291.0.17.17] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598.

[0292.0.0.17] see [0292.0.0.0]

[0293.0.17.17] In one embodiment, the invention relates to a polypeptide conferring an increase in the fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp.

[0294.0.17.17] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.17] to [0296.0.0.17]: see [0295.0.0.0] to [0296.0.0.0]

[0297.0.0.17] see [0297.0.0.0]

[00297.1.0.17] %

[0298.0.17.17] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp.

[0299.0.17.17] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.17.17] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp.

[0301.0.0.17] see [0301.0.0.0]

[0302.0.17.17] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.17] see [0303.0.0.0]

[0304.0.17.17] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.17] to [0308.0.0.17]: see [0305.0.0.0] to [0308.0.0.0]

[0309.0.17.17] In one embodiment, a reference to a protein (=polypeptide) of the invention or as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas an “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, an “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.17] to [0334.0.0.17]: see [0310.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0] [0335.0.17.17] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived there from), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of aprotein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.17] to [0342.0.0.17]: see [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0]

[0343.0.17.17] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.17] to [0350.0.0.17]: see [0344.0.0.0] to [0350.0.0.0]

[0351.0.0.17] to [0361.0.0.17]: see [0351.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0]

[0362.0.17.17] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., e.g. encoding a polypeptide having protein activity, as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 3, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp. Due to the abovementioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.17] see [0363.0.0.0]

[0364.0.17.17] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of a promoter of a gene encoding a polypeptide of the invention as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp. with the corresponding protein-encoding sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, column 5, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modified by non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example, mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

[0365.0.0.17] to [0373.0.0.17]: see [0365.0.0.0] to [0373.0.0.0]

[0374.0.17.17] Transgenic plants comprising the respective fine chemical synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate, in particular the respective fine chemical, produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate, in particular the free respective fine chemical, or bound in or to compounds or moieties, like glucosides, e.g. diglucosides. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography or other chromatographic methods of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.17] to [0376.0.0.17]: see [0375.0.0.0] to [0376.0.0.0]

[0377.0.17.17] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process whereby the produced gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate is isolated.

[0378.0.17.17] In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate produced in the process can be isolated. The resulting gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.17.17] In one embodiment, gamma-aminobutyric acid and shikimate are a mixture of the respective fine chemicals.

[0380.0.17.17] The gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate obtained in the process are suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates a method for the production of pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate composition produced or the respective fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals or for the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate e.g. after isolation of the respective fine chemical or without, e.g. in situ, e.g in the organism used for the process for the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0381.0.0.17] to [0382.0.0.17]: see [0381.0.0.0] to [0382.0.0.0] [0383.0.17.17]

[0384.0.0.17] see [0384.0.0.0]

[0385.0.17.17] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate in mixtures with other organic acids, aminoacids, polypeptides or polysaccarides, normally have a dry matter content of from 1 to 70% by weight, preferably 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, e.g. at the end, for example over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 10 g/l, preferably to 0 to 3 g/I during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed or isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it.

The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

[0386.0.17.17] Accordingly, it is possible to purify the gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate produced according to the invention further. For this purpose, the product-containing compositions subjected for example to separation via e.g. an open column chromatography or HPLC in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use.

[0387.0.0.17] to [0392.0.0.17]: see [0387.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0]

[0393.0.17.17] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   a. contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   b. identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227     to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598, resp., and, optionally,     isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete genomic clone; -   c. introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the respective fine chemical; -   d. expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   e. assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host cells;     and -   f. identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the respective fine chemical level     in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.17] to [0398.0.0.17]: see [0394.0.0.0] to [0398.0.0.0]

[0399.0.17.17] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to process for the identification of a compound conferring increase of the respective fine chemical production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps:

culturing a cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide according to the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding said polypeptide and a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of said readout system and the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the invention; and

identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said readout system.

The screen for a gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production can be performed by growth of an organism for example a microorganism in the presence of growth reducing amounts of an inhibitor of the synthesis of the respective fine chemical. Better growth, e.g. higher dividing rate or high dry mass in comparison to the control under such conditions would identify a gene or gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in respective fine chemical production.

[00399.1.0.17] One can think to screen for increased production of the respective fine chemical by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the respective fine chemical and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotype of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.17] to [0415.0.0.17]: see [0400.0.0.0] to [0415.0.0.0]

[0416.0.0.17] see [0416.0.0.0]

[0417.0.17.17] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect an organism such as a microorganism or a plant against inhibitors, which block the gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine synthesis.

[0418.0.0.17] to [0423.0.0.17]: see [0418.0.0.0] to [0423.0.0.0]

[0424.0.17.17] Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the respective fine chemical or of the respective fine chemical and one or more other organic acids. Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the respective fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0425.0.0.17] to [0434.0.0.0]: see [0425.0.0.0] to [0434.0.0.0]

[0435.0.17.17] Example 3 In-Vivo and In-Vitro Mutagenesis

[0436.0.17.17] An in vivo mutagenesis of organisms such as Saccharomyces, Mortierella, Escherichia and others mentioned above, which are beneficial for the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine can be carried out by passing a plasmid DNA (or another vector DNA) containing the desired nucleic acid sequence or nucleic acid sequences, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the vector of the invention, through E. coli and other microorganisms (for example Bacillus spp. or yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which are not capable of maintaining the integrity of its genetic information. Usual mutator strains have mutations in the genes for the DNA repair system [for example mutHLS, mutD, mutT and the like; for comparison, see Rupp, W. D. (1996) DNA repair mechanisms in Escherichia coli and Salmonella, pp. 2277-2294, ASM: Washington]. The skilled worker knows these strains. The use of these strains is illustrated for example in Greener, A. and Callahan, M. (1994) Strategies 7; 32-34.

In-vitro mutation methods such as increasing the spontaneous mutation rates by chemical or physical treatment are well known to the skilled person. Mutagens like 5-bromo-uracil, N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (=NTG), ethyl methanesulfonate (=EMS), hydroxylamine and/or nitrous acid are widly used as chemical agents for random in-vitro mutagensis. The most common physical method for mutagensis is the treatment with UV irradiation. Another random mutagenesis technique is the error-prone PCR for introducing amino acid changes into proteins. Mutations are deliberately introduced during PCR through the use of error-prone DNA polymerases and special reaction conditions known to a person skilled in the art. For this method randomized DNA sequences are cloned into expression vectors and the resulting mutant libraries screened for altered or improved protein activity as described below.

Site-directed mutagensis method such as the introduction of desired mutations with an M13 or phagemid vector and short oligonucleotides primers is a well-known approach for site-directed mutagensis. The clou of this method involves cloning of the nucleic acid sequence of the invention into an M13 or phagemid vector, which permits recovery of single-stranded recombinant nucleic acid sequence. A mutagenic oligonucleotide primer is then designed whose sequence is perfectly complementary to nucleic acid sequence in the region to be mutated, but with a single difference: at the intended mutation site it bears a base that is complementary to the desired mutant nucleotide rather than the original. The mutagenic oligonucleotide is then allowed to prime new DNA synthesis to create a complementary full-length sequence containing the desired mutation. Another site-directed mutagensis method is the PCR mismatch primer mutagensis method also known to the skilled person. Dpnl site-directed mutagensis is a further known method as described for example in the Stratagene Quickchange™ site-directed mutagenesis kit protocol. A huge number of other methods are also known and used in common practice.

Positive mutation events can be selected by screening the organisms for the production of the desired respective fine chemical.

[0437.0.17.17] Example 4 DNA Transfer Between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae and Mortierella alpina

[0438.0.17.17] Shuttle vectors such as pYE22m, pPAC-ResQ, pClasper, pAUR224, pAMH10, pAML10, pAMT10, pAMU10, pGMH10, pGML10, pGMT10, pGMU10, pPGAL1, pPADH1, pTADH1, pTAex3, pNGA142, pHT3101 and derivatives thereof which allow the transfer of nucleic acid sequences between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or Mortierella alpina are available to the skilled worker. An easy method to isolate such shuttle vectors is disclosed by Soni R. and Murray J. A. H. [Nucleic Acid Research, vol. 20 no. 21, 1992: 5852]: If necessary such shuttle vectors can be constructed easily using standard vectors for E. coli (Sambrook, J. et al., (1989), “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons) and/or the aforementioned vectors, which have a replication origin for, and suitable marker from, Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Mortierella alpina added. Such replication origins are preferably taken from endogenous plasmids, which have been isolated from species used in the inventive process. Genes, which are used in particular as transformation markers for these species are genes for kanamycin resistance (such as those which originate from the Tn5 or Tn-903 transposon) or for chloramphenicol resistance (Winnacker, E. L. (1987) “From Genes to Clones—Introduction to Gene Technology”, VCH, Weinheim) or for other antibiotic resistance genes such as for G418, gentamycin, neomycin, hygromycin or tetracycline resistance.

[0439.0.17.17] Using standard methods, it is possible to clone a gene of interest into one of the above-described shuttle vectors and to introduce such hybrid vectors into the microorganism strains used in the inventive process. The transformation of Saccharomyces can be achieved for example by LiCI or sheroplast transformation (Bishop et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 6, 1986: 3401-3409; Sherman et al., Methods in Yeasts in Genetics, [Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y.] 1982, Agatep et al., Technical Tips Online 1998, 1:51: P01525 or Gietz et al., Methods Mol. Cell. Biol. 5, 1995: 255f) or electroporation (Delorme E., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., vol. 55, no. 9, 1989: 2242-2246).

[0440.0.17.17] If the transformed sequence(s) is/are to be integrated advantageously into the genome of the microorganism used in the inventive process for example into the yeast or fungi genome, standard techniques known to the skilled worker also exist for this purpose. Solinger et al. (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA., 2001 (15): 8447-8453) and Freedman et al. (Genetics, Vol. 162, 15-27, September 2002,) teaches a homolog recombination system dependent on rad 50, rad51, rad54 and rad59 in yeasts. Vectors using this system for homologous recombination are vectors derived from the Ylp series. Plasmid vectors derived for example from the 2μ-Vector are known by the skilled worker and used for the expression in yeasts. Other preferred vectors are for example pART1, pCHY21 or pEVP11 as they have been described by McLeod et al. (EMBO J. 1987, 6:729-736) and Hoffman et al. (Genes Dev. 5, 1991: :561-571.) or Russell et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 258, 1983: 143-149.). Other beneficial yeast vectors are plasmids of the REP, REP-X, pYZ or RIP series.

[0441.0.0.17] see [0441.0.0.0]

[0442.0.0.17] see [0442.0.0.0]

[0443.0.0.17] see [0443.0.0.0]

[0444.0.17.17] Example 6 Growth of Genetically Modified Organism: Media and Culture Conditions

[0445.0.17.17] Genetically modified Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are grown in synthetic or natural growth media known by the skilled worker. A number of different growth media for Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are well known and widely available. A method for culturing Mortierella is disclosed by Jang et al. [Bot. Bull. Acad. Sin. (2000) 41:41-48]. Mortierella can be grown at 20° C. in a culture medium containing: 10 g/l glucose, 5 g/l yeast extract at pH 6.5. Furthermore Jang et al. teaches a submerged basal medium containing 20 g/l soluble starch, 5 g/l Bacto yeast extract, 10 g/l KNO₃, 1 g/l KH₂PO₄, and 0.5 g/l MgSO₄.7H₂O, pH 6.5.

[0446.0.0.17] to [0450.0.0.17]: see [0446.0.0.0] to [0450.0.0.0]

[0451.0.0.17] see [0451.0.5.5]

[0452.0.0.17] to [0453.0.0.17]: see [0452.0.0.0] to [0453.0.0.0]

[0454.0.17.17] Analysis of the effect of the nucleic acid molecule on the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine

[0455.0.17.17] The effect of the genetic modification in plants, fungi, algae, ciliates or on the production of a desired compound (such as a gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine) can be determined by growing the modified microorganisms or the modified plant under suitable conditions (such as those described above) and analyzing the medium and/or the cellular components for the elevated production of desired product (i.e. of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine). These analytical techniques are known to the skilled worker and comprise spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, various types of staining methods, enzymatic and microbiological methods and analytical chromatography such as high-performance liquid chromatography (see, for example, Ullman, Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. A2, p. 89-90 and p. 443-613, VCH: Weinheim (1985); Fallon, A., et al., (1987) “Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry” in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 17; Rehm et al. (1993) Biotechnology, Vol. 3, Chapter III: “Product recovery and purification”, p. 469-714, VCH: Weinheim; Better, P. A., et al. (1988) Bioseparations: downstream processing for Biotechnology, John Wiley and Sons; Kennedy, J. F., and Cabral, J. M. S. (1992) Recovery processes for biological Materials, John Wiley and Sons; Shaeiwitz, J. A., and Henry, J. D. (1988) Biochemical Separations, in: Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. B3; Chapter 11, p. 1-27, VCH: Weinheim; and Dechow, F. J. (1989) Separation and purification techniques in biotechnology, Noyes Publications).

[0456.0.0.17]: see [0456.0.0.0]

[0457.0.17.17] Example 9 Purification of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid or Shikimate or Putrescine

[0458.0.17.17] Abbreviations; GC-MS, gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; TLC, thin-layer chromatography.

The unambiguous detection for the presence of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MSMS or TLC, as described. The total amount produced in the organism for example in yeasts used in the inventive process can be analysed for example according to the following procedure:

The material such as yeasts, E. coli or plants to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods.

Plant material is initially homogenized mechanically by comminuting in a pestle and mortar to make it more amenable to extraction.

A typical sample pretreatment consists of a total lipid extraction using such polar organic solvents as acetone or alcohols as methanol, or ethers, saponification, partition between phases, separation of non-polar epiphase from more polar hypophasic derivatives and chromatography.

For analysis, solvent delivery and aliquot removal can be accomplished with a robotic system comprising a single injector valve Gilson 232XL and a 402 2S1V diluter [Gilson, Inc. USA, 3000 W. Beltline Highway, Middleton, Wis.]. For saponification, 3 ml of 50% potassium hydroxide hydro-ethanolic solution (4 water—1 ethanol) can be added to each vial, followed by the addition of 3 ml of octanol. The saponification treatment can be conducted at room temperature with vials maintained on an IKA HS 501 horizontal shaker [Labworld-online, Inc., Wilmington, N.C.] for fifteen hours at 250 movements/minute, followed by a stationary phase of approximately one hour.

Following saponification, the supernatant can be diluted with 0.17 ml of methanol. The addition of methanol can be conducted under pressure to ensure sample homogeneity. Using a 0.25 ml syringe, a 0.1 ml aliquot can be removed and transferred to HPLC vials for analysis.

For HPLC analysis, a Hewlett Packard 1100 HPLC, complete with a quaternary pump, vacuum degassing system, six-way injection valve, temperature regulated autosampler, column oven and Photodiode Array detector can be used [Agilent Technologies available through Ultra Scientific Inc., 250 Smith Street, North Kingstown, R.I.]. The column can be a Waters YMC30, 5-micron, 4.6×250 mm with a guard column of the same material [Waters, 34 Maple Street, Milford, Mass.]. The solvents for the mobile phase can be 81 methanol: 4 water: 15 tetrahydrofuran (THF) stabilized with 0.2% BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol). Injections were 20 l. Separation can be isocratic at 30° C. with a flow rate of 1.7 ml/minute. The peak responses can be measured by absorbance at 447 nm.

[0459.0.17.17] If required and desired, further chromatography steps with a suitable resin may follow. Advantageously, the gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine can be further purified with a so-called RTHPLC. As eluent acetonitrile/water or chloroform/acetonitrile mixtures can be used. If necessary, these chromatography steps may be repeated, using identical or other chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the selection of suitable chromatography resin and the most effective use for a particular molecule to be purified.

[0460.0.0.17] see [0460.0.0.0]

[0461.0.17.17] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 15720, 15762, 15708, 15712, 91094, 91415, 91530 or 91635 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.17] see [0462.0.0.0]

[0463.0.17.17] SEQ ID NO: 15720, 15762, 15708,15712, 91094, 91415, 91530 or 91635 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.0.17] to [0466.0.0.17]: see [0464.0.0.0] to [0466.0.0.0]

[0466.1.0.17] In case the Herculase enzyme can be used for the amplification, the PCR amplification cycles were as follows: 1 cycle of 2-3 minutes at 94° C., followed by 25-30 cycles of in each case 30 seconds at 94° C., 30 seconds at 55-60° C. and 5-10 minutes at 72° C., followed by 1 cycle of 10 minutes at 72° C., then 4° C.

[0467.0.17.17] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 15720:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 15760) atgaatagcg taaaaagagt aaagct ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 15761) ctaggccaaa gacatcttag cca

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 15762:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 15766) atggcaggta tcaagttgac gcat ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 15767) tcattttgtt aatagttttt tgtatgct

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 15708

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 15710) atggaacaga acaggttcaa gaaag ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 15711) ttacagtttt tgtttagtcg ttttaac

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 15712:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 15718) atgagtaatg caaacaatag tgctat ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 15719) tcaatggtat ttatagccgc attgt

The primer sequences were selected for the genes described in Table III, column 5, lines 227 to 230 or lines 595 to 598 and as described in Table III, column 7, lines 227 to 230 or lines 595 to 598.

[0468.0.17.17] to [0470.0.17.17]: see [0468.0.0.0] to [0470.0.0.0]

[0470.1.17.17] The PCR-products, produced by Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase, were phosphorylated using a T4 DNA polymerase using a standard protocol (e.g. MBI Fermentas) and cloned into the processed binary vector.

[0471.0.17.17] see [0471.0.0.0]

[0471.1.17.17] The DNA termini of the PCR-products, produced by Herculase DNA polymerase, were blunted in a second synthesis reaction using Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The composition for the protocol of the blunting the DNA-termini was as follows: 0.2 mM blunting dTTP and 1.25 u Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The reaction was incubated at 72° C. for 30 minutes. Then the PCR-products were phosphorylated using a T4 DNA polymerase using a standard protocol (e.g. MBI Fermentas) and cloned into the processed vector as well.

[0472.0.17.17] to [0479.0.17.17]: see [0472.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0]

[0480.0.17.17] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 15720, 15762, 15708,15712, 91094, 91415, 91530 or 91635

[0481.0.0.17] to [0513.0.0.17]: see [0481.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0]

[0514.0.17.17] As an alternative, gamma-aminobutyric acid can be detected as described in Haak and Reineke, Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 19(3): 493(1981)

As an alternative, shikimate can be detected as described in Gould and Erickson, J Antibiot 41(5), 688-9 (1988).

As an alternative, putrescine can be detected as described in Endo Y., Anal Biochem. 89(1):235-46(1978).

The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the table 1 which follows:

TABLE 1 ORF metabolite method min max YER156C gamma-Aminobutyric Acid GC 1,68 11,29 YFR042W gamma-Aminobutyric Acid GC 1,91 2,10 YOR084W gamma-Aminobutyric Acid GC 1,71 5,59 YLR375W Shikimate GC 1,14 1,26 b0651 gamma-Aminobutyric acid GC 1.53 3.06 (GABA) b1693 Shikimic Acid GC 1.15 1.31 b2965 Putrescine GC 2.11 17.93 gamma-Aminobutyric acid b0847 (GABA) GC 1.85 2.87

[0515.0.0.17] to [0552.0.0.17]: see [0515.0.0.0] to [0552.0.0.0]

[0552.1.17.17]: Example 15 Metabolite Profiling Info from Zea mays

Zea mays plants were engineered, grown and analyzed as described in Example 14c.

The results of the different Zea mays plants analysed can be seen from Table 2 which follows:

TABLE 2 ORF Metabolite Min Max YLR375W Shikimate 1.59 5.97

Table 2 exhibits the metabolic data from maize, shown in either TO or T1, describing the increase in shikimate in genetically modified corn plants expressing the Saccharomyces cerevisiae nucleic acid sequence YLR375W.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLR375W or a protein with an activity being involved in pre-tRNA splicing and in uptake of branched-chain amino acids or its homolog, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical shikimate between 59% and 497% is conferred.

[00552.2.0.17]: see [00552.2.0.0]

[0553.0.17.17]

-   1. A process for the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid or     shikimate or putrescine, which comprises     a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as indicated     in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or     lines 595 to 598 or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human     organism or in one or more parts thereof; and     b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the production     of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine in said     organism. -   2. A process for the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid or     shikimate or putrescine, comprising the increasing or generating in     an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic     acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the     group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line         230 or lines 595 to 598 or a fragment thereof, which confers an         increase in the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate         or putrescine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229         or line 230 or lines 595 to 598;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid         or shikimate or putrescine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of gamma-aminobutyric         acid or shikimate or putrescine in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of         gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, columns 5 or 7, lines         227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 and conferring an         increase in the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate         or putrescine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of         gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 227 to 229         or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 and conferring an increase in         the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine         in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine in an         organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine produced by         the selected mutated organisms or parts thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line         230 or lines 595 to 598 or a fragment thereof, which confers an         increase in the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate         or putrescine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229         or line 230 or lines 595 to 598;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid         or shikimate or putrescine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of gamma-aminobutyric         acid or shikimate or putrescine in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of gamma-aminobutyric         acid or shikimate or putrescine in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 227 to         229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 and conferring an increase         in the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or         putrescine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of         gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 227 to 229         or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 and conferring an increase in         the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine         in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine in an         organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines         227 to 229 or line 230 or lines 595 to 598 by one or more         nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 227 to 229 or line 230 or lines     595 to 598 by one or more amino acids. -   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of gamma-aminobutyric     acid or shikimate or putrescine in an organism or a part thereof     comprising:     (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which     express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of gamma-aminobutyric     acid or shikimate or putrescine in an organism or a part thereof     with a candidate compound or a sample comprising a plurality of     compounds under conditions which permit the expression the     polypeptide;     (b) assaying the gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine     level or the polypeptide expression level in the cell, tissue, plant     or microorganism or the media the cell, tissue, plant or     microorganisms is cultured or maintained in; and     (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the measured     gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine level or     polypeptide expression level with a standard gamma-aminobutyric acid     or shikimate or putrescine or polypeptide expression level measured     in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample comprising     said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased level over the     standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said     plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased level over the     standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said     plurality of compounds is an antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine     production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps:     (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining     a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of     gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine in an organism or     a part thereof and a readout system capable of interacting with the     polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction     of the polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a     compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable     of providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a     compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the     expression of said readout system and of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the     amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine in an     organism or a part thereof;     (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting     the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said     readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine     production in a cell, comprising the following steps:     (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can     contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an     increase in gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine after     expression with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of claim     6;     (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells     appropriate for producing gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or     putrescine;     (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells;     (e) assaying the gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine     level in the host cells; and     (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the gamma-aminobutyric acid or     shikimate or putrescine level in the host cell in the host cell     after expression compared to the wild type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine     production in a cell, comprising the following steps:     -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the gamma-aminobutyric acid or         shikimate or putrescine amount or level in an organism or a part         thereof after expression, and which are at least 20% homolog to         the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing gamma-aminobutyric acid or         shikimate or putrescine;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or         putrescine level in the host cells; and     -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the gamma-aminobutyric acid or         shikimate or putrescine level in the host cell after expression         compared to the wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine after expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine     levels in an organism. -   25. Agrochemical, pharmaceutical, food or feed composition     comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20. -   26. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid     construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or     agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15,     the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of     claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product     identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the     fine chemical is gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine.

[0554.0.0.17] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.0]

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS Description

[0000.0.0.18] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.18.18] The present invention relates to a process for the production of the fine chemical in a microorganism, a plant cell, a plant, a plant tissue or in one or more parts thereof. The invention furthermore relates to nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, nucleic acid constructs, vectors, antisense molecules, antibodies, host cells, plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material, plants, microorganisms as well as agricultural compositions and to their use.

[0002.0.18.18] Coenzymes are molecules that cooperate in the catalytic action of an enzyme. Like enzymes, coenzymes are not irreversibly changed during catalysis; they are either unmodified or regenerated. Each kind of coenzyme has a particular chemical function. Coenzymes may either be attached by covalent bonds to a particular enzyme or exist freely in solution, but in either case they participate intimately in the chemical reactions catalyzed by the enzyme.

[0003.0.18.18] Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ 10) or ubiquinone is essentially a vitamin or vitamin-like substance. Disagreements on nomenclature notwithstanding, vitamins are defined as organic compounds essential in minute amounts for normal body function acting as coenzymes or precursors to coenzymes. Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 belongs to a family of substances called ubiquinones. Ubiquinones, also known as coenzymes Q and mitoquinones, are lipophilic, water-insoluble substances involved in electron transport and energy production in mitochondria. The basic structure of ubiquinones consists of a benzoquinone “head” and a terpinoid “tail.” The “head” structure participates in the redox activity of the electron transport chain. The major difference among the various coenzymes Q is in the number of isoprenoid units (5-carbon structures) in the “tail.” Coenzymes Q contain one to 12 isoprenoid units in the “tail”; 10 isoprenoid units are common in animals. Coenzymes Q occur in the majority of aerobic organisms, from bacteria to plants and animals. Two numbering systems exist for designation of the number of isoprenoid units in the terpinoid “tail”: coenzyme Qn and coenzyme Q(x). N refers to the number of isoprenoid side chains, and x refers to the number of carbons in the terpinoid “tail” and can be any multiple of five. Thus, coenzyme Q10 refers to a coenzyme Q having 10 isoprenoid units in the “tail.” Since each isoprenoid unit has five carbons, coenzyme Q10 can also be designated coenzyme Q(50). The structures of coenzymes Q are analogous to those of vitamin K2.

Coenzyme Q10 is also known as Coenzyme Q(50), CoQ10, CoQ(50), ubiquinone (50), ubiquinol-10 and ubidecarerone.

They are present naturally in foods and sometimes are also synthesized in the body. CoQ10 likewise is found in small amounts in a wide variety of foods and is synthesized in all tissues. The biosynthesis of CoQ10 from the amino acid tyrosine is a multistage process requiring at least eight vitamins and several trace elements. Coenzymes are cofactors upon which the comparatively large and complex enzymes absolutely depend for their function. Coenzyme Q10 is the coenzyme for at least three mitochondrial enzymes (complexes I, II and III) as well as enzymes in other parts of the cell. Mitochondrial enzymes of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway are essential for the production of the high-energy phosphate, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), upon which all cellular functions depend. The electron and proton transfer functions of the quinone ring are of fundamental importance to all life forms; ubiquinone in the mitochondria of animals, plastoquinone in the chloroplast of plants, and menaquinone in bacteria. The term “bioenergetics” has been used to describe the field of biochemistry looking specifically at cellular energy production. In the related field of free radical chemistry, CoQ10 has been studied in its reduced form as a potent antioxidant. The bioenergetics and free radical chemistry of CoQ10 are reviewed in Gian Paolo Littarru's book, Energy and Defense, published in 1994. The precise chemical structure of CoQ10 is 2,3 dimethoxy-5 methyl-6 decaprenyl benzoquinone

[0004.0.18.18] Discovered in 1957, CoQ-10 is also called ubiquinone because it belongs to a class of compounds called quinones, and because it's ubiquitous in living organisms, especially in the heart, liver, and kidneys. It plays a crucial role in producing energy in cells. And it acts as a powerful antioxidant, meaning that it helps neutralize cell-damaging molecules called free radicals. Manufactured by all cells in the body, CoQ-10 is also found in small amounts in foods, notably meat and fish. By the mid-1970's, the industrial technology to produce pure CoQ10 in quantities sufficient for larger clinical trials was established. Principally CoQ10 can be isolated from microorganisms or plants or algae; in particular mitochondria are a common source for CoQ10. Alternatively, they are obtained advantageously from animals or fish.

[0005.0.18.18] Since the actions of supplemental CoQ10 have yet to be clarified, the mechanism of these actions is a matter of speculation. However, much is known about the biochemistry of CoQ10. CoQ10 is an essential cofactor in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, where it accepts electrons from complex I and II, an activity that is vital for the production of ATP. CoQ10 has antioxidant activity in mitochondria and cellular membranes, protecting against peroxidation of lipid membranes. It also inhibits the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol. LDL-cholesterol oxidation is believed to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. CoQ10 is biosynthesized in the body and shares a common synthetic pathway with cholesterol.

CoQ10 levels decrease with aging in humans. Why this occurs is not known but may be due to decreased synthesis and/or increased lipid peroxidation which occurs with aging. Significantly decreased levels of CoQ10 have been noted in a wide variety of diseases in both animal and human studies. CoQ10 deficiency may be caused by insufficient dietary CoQ10, impairment in CoQ10 biosynthesis, excessive utilization of CoQ10 by the body, or any combination of the three. Decreased dietary intake is presumed in chronic malnutrition and cachexia.

[0006.0.18.18] The relative contribution of CoQ10 biosynthesis versus dietary CoQ10 is under investigation. Karl Folkers takes the position that the dominant source of CoQ10 in man is biosynthesis. This complex, 17 step process, requiring at least seven vitamins (vitamin B2—riboflavin, vitamin B3—niacinamide, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and pantothenic acid) and several trace elements, is, by its nature, highly vulnerable. Karl Folkers argues that suboptimal nutrient intake in man is almost universal and that there is subsequent secondary impairment in CoQ10 biosynthesis. This would mean that average or “normal” levels of CoQ10 are really suboptimal and the very low levels observed in advanced disease states represent only the tip of a deficiency “ice berg”.

Supplemental CoQ10 may have cardioprotective, cytoprotective and neuroprotective activities. There are claims that it has positive effects in cancer, muscular dystrophy and immune dysfunction. Similarly, it may inhibit obesity or enhance athletic performance.

[0007.0.18.18] HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors used to treat elevated blood cholesterol levels by blocking cholesterol biosynthesis also block CoQ10 biosynthesis. The resulting lowering of blood CoQ10 level is due to the partially shared biosynthetic pathway of CoQ10 and cholesterol. In patients with heart failure this is more than a laboratory observation. It has a significant harmful effect which can be negated by oral CoQ10 supplementation.

Increased body consumption of CoQ10 is the presumed cause of low blood CoQ10 levels seen in excessive exertion, hypermetabolism, and acute shock states. It is likely that all three mechanisms (insufficient dietary CoQ10, impaired CoQ10 biosynthesis, and excessive utilization of CoQ10) are operable to varying degrees in most cases of observed CoQ10 deficiency.

[0008.0.18.18] In nature, Coenzymes Q0 to Q9 are found as well. E.g. Coenzyme Q9 is a derivative of CoQ10 found e.g. in the chloroplast of plants. Coenzyme Q9 has a shorter aliphatic group bound to the ring structure. Due to the high structural homology of Coenzymes Q0 to Q9 are expected to provide the same or very similar activities as CoQ10 in cells or organisms. However, Matsura et al., Biochim Biophys Acta, 1992, 1123(3) pp. 309-15 concluded from their study that CoQ9 constantly acts as a potential antioxidant in hepatocytes whereas CoQ10 manly exhibit its antioxidant activity in cells containing CoQ10 as the predominate CoQ homolog. Coenzyme Q10 is actual a very common ingredient in different types of cosmetics, due to its protective role against radicals and its predicted function in skin tautening.

[0009.0.18.18] Thus, Coenzymes, in particular CoQ10 or CoQ9 can be used in a lot of different applications, for example in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and in feed and food.

[0010.0.18.18] Therefore improving the productivity of said Coenzymes and improving the quality of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs and animal feeds, in particular of nutrition supplements, is an important task of the different industries.

[0011.0.18.18] To ensure a high productivity of said Coenzymes in plants or microorganism, it is necessary to manipulate the natural biosynthesis of said Coenzymes in said organisms.

[0012.0.18.18] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes or other regulators which participate in the biosynthesis of said Coenzymes and make it possible to produce certain said Coenzymes specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of said Coenzymes on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.18] It was now found that this object is achieved by providing the process according to the invention described herein and the embodiments characterized in the claims.

[0014.0.18.18] It was found that the overexpression of the nucleic acid molecules characterized herein confers an increase in the content of Coenzyme Q10 or Coenzyme Q9 in plants. Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9. Accordingly, in a further embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9”. Further, in another embodiment the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to compositions of the fine chemicals comprising Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9.

[0015.0.18.18] In one embodiment, the term “the respective fine chemicals” means Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9, depending on the context. For example, the increase of the gene product of a gene with the Gene/ORF Locus name YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699, or b1829 or its homologs as mentioned confer the increase of the level of coenzyme CoQ10 in plants or parts thereof. For example, the increase of the gene product of a gene with the Gene/ORF Locus name YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, or b0175 or its homologs as mentioned confers the increase of the level of coenzymes CoQ9 in plants or parts thereof. For example, the increase of the gene product of a gene with the ORF name b2699 from E. coli or its homologs confer the increase of the level of coenzymes CoQ9 and CoQ10 in plants or parts thereof. For example, the increase of a sequence as indicated in the Tables, lines 231 to 234 confers the increase of the level of coenzyme CoQ10 in plants or parts thereof. For example, the increase of a sequence as indicated in the Tables, lines 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 confers the increase of the level of coenzyme Q9 in plants or parts thereof. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the term “the respective fine chemicals” means Coenzyme Q10 and Coenzyme Q9. In one embodiment, the term “the respective fine chemical” means Coenzyme Q10 or Coenzyme Q9. In a further embodiment, the term “the respective fine chemical” means Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 and their salts, ester, or thioester or Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 in free form or bound to protein(s), e.g. enzyme(s), or peptide(s), e.g. polypeptide(s) or to membranes or parts thereof, e.g. in the form of oils or waxes or in compositions with lipids, oils, fats or lipid mixture, as well as Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 in its reduced or oxidized form. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the respective fine chemical” means Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ9, in free form or its salts or bound to peptide(s) or protein(s). Lipids, oils, waxes, fats or lipid mixture shall mean any, lipid, oil, wax and/or fat containing any bound or free Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” and the term “the respective fine chemical” mean at least one chemical compound with an activity of the above mentioned fine chemical.

[0016.0.18.18] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more of YPR138C,     YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829 protein(s) in a non-human organism in     one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the respective fine chemical, thus, CoQ10 or the     respective fine chemical-comprising compositions, in said organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more of YPR172W,     YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699,     b0730 and/or b0175 protein(s) in a non-human organism in one or more     parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the respective fine chemical, thus, CoQ9 or the     respective fine chemical-comprising compositions, in said organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3,     lines 231 to 234 or having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by     a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5 or 7, lines     231 to 234, in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof;     and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the respective fine chemical, thus, CoQ10 in said     organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3,     lines 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or having the sequence of a     polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I,     column 5 or 7, lines 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, in a non-human     organism in one or more parts thereof; and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the respective fine chemical, thus, CoQ9 in said     organism.

[0016.1.0.18] In one embodiment, the method of the present invention confers the increase of the content of more than one of the respective fine chemicals, i.e. of Coenzyme Q9 and/or Coenzyme Q10.

Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” can mean “Coenzyme Q9”, and/or “Coenzyme Q10”, owing to circumstances and the context. In order to illustrate that the meaning of the term “the fine chemical” means “Coenzyme Q9” and/or “Coenzyme Q10” the term “the respective fine chemical” is also used.

[0017.0.0.18] to [0018.0.0.18] see [0017.0.0.0] to [0018.0.0.0]

[0019.0.18.18] Advantageously the process of the invention leads to an enhanced production of the respective fine chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the respective fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of an YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699, b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, b0175 protein, resp.

[0020.0.18.18] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of at least one of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein(s) YPR138C or YBR184W, or the E. coli K12 protein(s) b2699 or b1829 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the CoQ10 content of the transformed plants.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of at least one of the

Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein(s) YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C or YDR513W or the E. coli K12 protein(s) b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730 or b0175 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the CoQ9 content of the transformed plants. Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the E. coli K12 protein b2699 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the CoQ9 and CoQ10 content of the transformed plants.

[0021.0.0.18] see [0021.0.0.0]

[0022.0.18.18] The sequence of b2426 (Accession number NP_(—)416921) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474,1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative oxidoreductase with NAD(P)-binding domain. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the “ribitol dehydrogenase, short-chain alcohol dehydrogenase homology” superfamily, preferably being involved in C-compound and carbohydrate utilization, metabolism of vitamins, cofactors and prosthetic groups, biosynthesis of secondary products derived from primary amino acids, aerobic aromate catabolism, anaerobic aromate catabolism, and/or catabolism of secondary metabolites, biosynthesis of the cysteine-aromatic group and/or degradation of amino acids of the cysteine-aromatic group, aromate anabolism, more preferred a protein with the activity of a putative oxidoreductase with NAD(P)-binding domain from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein in Table II, column 5 or 7, line 599 or as encoded by the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table I, column 5 or 7, line 599, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of Coenzyme Q9, in particular for increasing the amount of Coenzyme Q9, preferably Coenzyme Q9 in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2729 (Accession number YP 026181) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as hydrogenase expression/formation protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the “hydrogenase expression/formation protein hypD”-superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a hydrogenase expression/formation protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein in Table II, column 5 or 7, line 601 or as encoded by the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table I, column 5 or 7, line 601, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of Coenzyme Q9, in particular for increasing the amount of Coenzyme Q9, preferably Coenzyme Q9 in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2703 (Accession number NP_(—)417209) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as phosphotransferase system enzyme II; glucitol/sorbitol-specific. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the “phosphotransferase system sorbitol-specific enzyme II, factor II”-superfamily, preferably being involved in plasma membrane, cellular import, modification by phosphorylation, dephosphorylation, C-compound, carbohydrate transport, sugar binding, and/or phosphotransferase system, more preferred a protein with the activity of a phosphotransferase system enzyme II; glucitol/sorbitol-specific from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein in Table II, column 5 or 7, line 600 or as encoded by the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table I, column 5 or 7, line 600, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of Coenzyme Q9, in particular for increasing the amount of Coenzyme Q9, preferably Coenzyme Q9 in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. The sequence of b3644 (Accession number NP_(—)418101) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as an uncharacterized stress-induced protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein of the superfamily of hypothetical protein H10467, preferably of a stress-induced protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein in Table II, column 5 or 7, line 602 or as encoded by the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table I, column 5 or 7, line 602, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of Coenzyme Q9, preferably in free or bound form, in particular for increasing the amount of Coenzyme Q9, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of an uncharacterized stress-induced protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2699 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA, in particular of a protein with DNA recombination and DNA repair, pheromone response, mating-type determination, sex-specific protein, nucleotide binding and/or a protease and nuclease activity, in particular a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity or its homologs, e.g. as shown herein in Table II, column 5 or 7, lines 233, or as encoded by the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table I, column 5 or 7, lines 233, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of reduced or oxidized Coenzyme Q10, preferably in free or bound or derivative form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein with protease and nuclease activity, in particular of a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity of the superfamily of recombination protein rec A or its homolog is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1829 (ACCESSION NP_(—)416343) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a heat shock protein with protease activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein of the stress response, the pheromone response, the mating type determination, protein modification or having a proteolytic degradation activity or being a sex specific protein, in particular the use of a protease, in particular of a heat shock protein with protease activity, preferably of the superfamily of the heat shock protein htpX, or its homologs, e.g. as shown herein in Table II, column 5 or 7, lines 234, or as encoded by the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table I, column 5 or 7, lines 234, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of reduced or oxidized Coenzyme Q10, e.g. in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protease, in particular of a heat shock protein with protease activity, preferably of the superfamily of the heat shock protein htpX, is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. The sequence of b3605 (ACCESSION NP_(—)418062) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a L-lactate dehydrogenase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein of the superfamily (S)-2-hydroxy-acid oxidase homology, in particular of a protein with an activity in the respiration, lipid, fatty-acid and isoprenoid metabolism, as electron/hydrogen carrier, and/or in the breakdown of lipids, fatty acids and isoprenoids activity, e.g. a L-lactate dehydrogenase, or its homologs, e.g. as shown herein in Table II, column 5 or 7, lines 239, or as encoded by the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table I, column 5 or 7, lines 239, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of reduced or oxidized Coenzyme Q9 preferably in free or bound or derivative form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein of the superfamily (S)-2-hydroxy-acid oxidase homology, in particular of a protein with L-lactate dehydrogenase or its homolog is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2699 (ACCESSION NP_(—)417179) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA, in particular of a protein with DNA recombination and DNA repair, pheromone response, mating-type determination, sex-specific protein, nucleotide binding and/or a protease and nuclease activity, in particular a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity or its homologs, e.g. as shown herein in Table II, column 5 or 7, lines 240, or as encoded by the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table I, column 5 or 7, lines 240, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of reduced or oxidized Coenzyme Q9, preferably in free or bound or derivative form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein with protease and nuclease activity, in particular of a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity of the superfamily of recombination protein rec A or its homolog is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. The sequence of b0730 (ACCESSION NP_(—)415258) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon and fatty acyl response regulator. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein of the transcription regulator GntR superfamily, in particular of a protein having a regulation of C-compound and carbohydrate utilization, transcriptional control, prokaryotic nucleotide, transcriptional repressor, DNA binding transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon or a fatty acid response regulator activity, e.g. a transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon and fatty acyl response regulator or its homologs, e.g. as shown herein in Table II, column 5 or 7, lines 241, or as encoded by the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table I, column 5 or 7, lines 241, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of reduced or oxidized Coenzyme Q9, preferably in free or bound or derivative form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon and fatty acyl response regulator or its homolog is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0175 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a CDP-diglyceride synthase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein having a activity in the nucleotide-metabolism, phospholipid biosynthesis, lipid, fatty-acid or isoprenoids metabolism, cellular communication, signal transduction, or cellular sensing and response, preferably of a protein of the phophatidate cytidylyltransferase superfamily, preferably of a CDP-diglyceride synthase, e.g. from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, in Table II, column 5 or 7, lines 242, or as encoded by the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table I, column 5 or 7, lines 242, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning reduced or oxidized Coenzyme Q9, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a phosphatidate cytidylytransferase, in particular of a CDP-diglyceride synthase, is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YPR138C (ACCESSION NP_(—)015464) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Bussey, H et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 103-105 (1997) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity has characterized as NH4+ transporter. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a NH4+ transporter or an ammonium transport protein; or a protein of the ammonium transporter nrgA superfamily, in particular the use of a protein having a anion transporters (Cl, SO4, PO4, etc.), other cation transporters (Na, K, Ca, NH4, etc.), nitrogen and sulfur transport, cellular import, and/or plasma membrane activity for the production of Coenzyme Q10. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of YPR138C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, e.g. as indicated herein in Table II, line 231, columns 3 or 5, or its homologue, e.g. as shown herein in Table II, line 231, column 7, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of Coenzyme Q10, in particular for increasing the amount of reduced and/or oxidized Coenzyme Q10, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a NH4+ transporter is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YBR184W (Accession NP_(—)009743) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Feldmann, H. et al., EMBO J. 13 (24), 5795-5809 (1994) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity has not been identified characterized, yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of YBR184W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, e.g. as indicated herein in Table II, line 232, columns 3 or 5, or its homologue, e.g. as shown herein in Table II, line 232, column 7, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of Coenzyme Q10, in particular for increasing the amount of reduced and/or oxidized Coenzyme Q10, preferably of Coenzyme Q10 in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of YBR 184W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof is increased or generated.

The sequence of YPR172W (ACCESSION NP_(—)015498) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Bussey, H. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 103-105 (1997) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity has not been identified characterized, yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of YPR172W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, e.g. as indicated herein in Table II, line 235, columns 3 or 5, or its homologue, e.g. as shown herein in Table II, line 235, column 7, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of Coenzyme Q9, in particular for increasing the amount of reduced and/or oxidized Coenzyme Q9, preferably of Coenzyme Q9 in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of YPR172W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof is increased or generated.

The sequence of YER174C (ACCESSION NP_(—)011101) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dietrich, F. S et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 78-81 (1997) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity has characterized as hydroperoxide and superoxide-radical responsive glutathione-dependent oxidoreductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of hydroperoxide and superoxide-radical responsive glutathione-dependent oxidoreductase or a protein of the thioredoxin homology superfamily, e.g. of a protein having a protein modification, stress response activity for the production of Coenzyme Q9. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of YER174C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, e.g. as indicated herein in Table II, line 236, columns 3 or 5, or its homologue, e.g. as shown herein in Table II, line 236, column 7, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of Coenzyme Q9, in particular for increasing the amount of reduced and/or oxidized Coenzyme Q9 and/or Coenzyme Q9 in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a hydroperoxide and superoxide-radical responsive glutathione-dependent oxidoreductase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YER156C (ACCESSION NP_(—)011083) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dietrich et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 78-81 (1997) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity has not been identified characterized, yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of YER156C or a protein of the Arabidopsis thaliana hypothetical protein F2K15.180 superfamily for the production of Coenzyme Q9. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of YER156C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, e.g. as indicated herein in Table II, line 237, columns 3 or 5, or its homologue, e.g. as shown herein in Table II, line 237, column 7, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of Coenzyme Q9, in particular for increasing the amount of reduced and/or oxidized Coenzyme Q9, preferably of Coenzyme Q9 in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of YER156C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof is increased or generated.

The sequence of YDR513W (ACCESSION NP_(—)010801) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78 (1997) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity has characterized as glutathione reductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of glutathione reductase or a protein of the glutaredoxin superfamily, in particular of a protein having a deoxyribonucleotide metabolism, cytoplasm, stress response, detoxification, and/or electron transport and membrane-associated energy conservation activity for the production of Coenzyme Q9. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of YDR513W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, e.g. as indicated herein in Table II, line 238, columns 3 or 5, or its homologue, e.g. as shown herein in Table II, line 238, column 7, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of Coenzyme Q9, in particular for increasing the amount of reduced and/or oxidized Coenzyme Q9 and/or Coenzyme Q9 in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a glutathione reductase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

[0023.0.18.18] Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the respective fine chemical amount or content. Further, in the present invention, the term “homologue” relates to the sequence of an organism having the highest sequence homology to the herein mentioned or listed sequences of all expressed sequences of said organism. However, the person skilled in the art knows, that, preferably, the homologue has said the—fine-chemical-increasing activity and, if known, the same biological function or activity in the organism as at least one of the protein(s) indicated in Table II, Column 3, e.g. having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule comprising the sequence indicated in Table I, Column 5 or 7.

In one embodiment, a homolog of any one of the polypeptides indicated in any one of lines 231 or 232 or 235 to 238 of Table II, column 3 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity as described herein or annotated. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms. In one embodiment, the homologue is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in any one of lines 231 or 232 or 235 to 238 of Table I or II, column 7, resp. In one embodiment, the homologue of one of the polypeptides indicated in any one of lines 231 or 232 or 235 to 238 of Table II, column 3, is derived from an eukaryotic organism. In one embodiment, the homologue is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homologue of a polypeptide indicated in any one of lines 231 or 232 or 235 to 238 of Table II, column 3, is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homologue of a polypeptide indicated in any one of lines 231 or 232 or 235 to 238 of Table II, column 3, is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homologue of a polypeptide indicated in any one of lines 231 or 232 or 235 to 238 of Table II, column 3, is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in any one of lines 231 or 232 or 235 to 238 of Table II, column 3, is a homologue being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homologue of a polypeptide indicated in any one of lines 231 or 232 or 235 to 238 of Table II, column 3, is a homologue having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homologue of a polypeptide indicated in any one of lines 231 or 232 or 235 to 238 of Table II, column 3 is a homologue having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 in a organisms or part thereof, being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in any one of lines 233 or 234 or 239 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 of Table II, column 3, is a homolog having the same or a similar activity as described herein or annotated. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in any one of lines 233 or 234 or 239 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 of Table I or II, column 7, resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in any one of lines 233 or 234 or 239 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 of Table II, column 3, is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in any one of lines 233 or 234 or 239 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 of Table II, column 3, is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in any one of lines 233 or 234 or 239 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 of Table II, column 3, is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in any one of lines 233 or 234 or 239 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 of Table II, column 3, is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in any one of lines 233 or 234 or 239 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 of Table II, column 3, is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in any one of lines 233 or 234 or 239 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 of Table II, column 3, is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 in a organisms or part thereof being derived from Escherichia.

[0023.1.18.18] Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 231 to 234 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 231 to 234, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 having a Coenzyme Q10 content and/or amount increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, respectively, or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 having a Coenzyme Q9 content and/or amount increasing activity.

[0024.0.0.18] see [0024.0.0.0]

[0025.0.18.18] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699, and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 protein” if its de novo activity or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased level of the respective fine chemical, in particular of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9, resp., and/or polypeptides, proteins, peptides, enzymes, triglycerides, lipids, oils, waxes, membranes, membrane fractions and/or fats containing Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism. In one embodiment, the protein has the activities of a protein as indicated in Table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 3 or 5. Throughout the specification, in a preferred embodiment, the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity protein as indicated in Table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 3 or 5, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably at least 20%, particularly preferably at least 30%, most particularly preferably at least 40% in comparison to an, YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699, and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae or E. Coli, resp. or a combination thereof.

[0025.3.18.18] In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary close to the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 and is expressed in an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the origin organism. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums whereas origin and the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 are derived from the same families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0025.2.0.18] see [0025.2.0.0]

[0025.1.0.18] see [0025.1.0.0]

[0026.0.0.18] to [0033.0.0.18] see[0026.0.0.0] to [0033.0.0.0]

[0034.0.18.18] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs from the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the method of the invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, e.g. by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 its biochemical or genetical causes and the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.18] to [0044.0.0.18] see [0035.0.0.0] to [0044.0.0.0]

[0045.0.18.18] In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2426 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 599, is increased, e.g. the activity of a oxidoreductase with NAD(P)-binding domain is increased. Preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of Coenzyme Q9 between 38% and 77% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3644 or its homologs e.g. an uncharacterized stress-induced protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 602, is increased, preferably, conferring the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of Coenzyme Q9 between 37% and 130% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2703 or its homologs e.g. phosphotransferase system enzyme II; glucitol/sorbitol-specific, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 600, is increased, preferably, conferring the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of Coenzyme Q9 between 37% and 118% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2729 or its homologs, e.g. an hydrogenase expression/formation protein, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 601, is increased, preferably, conferring the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of Coenzyme Q9 between 35% and 41% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1829 or its homologs, e.g. of a protein of the stress response, the pheromone response, the mating type determination, protein modification or having a proteolytic degradation activity or being a sex specific protein, in particular the use of a protease, in particular of a heat shock protein with protease activity, preferably of the superfamily of the heat shock protein htpX or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 234, is increased, conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of Coenzyme Q10 between 48% and 433% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs, e.g. a DNA recombination and DNA repair activity, a pheromone response activity, a mating-type determination activity, a sex-specific protein activity, a nucleotide binding activity and/or a protease and nuclease activity, in particular a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity, in particular of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 233, is increased, conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of Coenzyme Q10 between 62% and 220% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs, e.g. a DNA recombination and DNA repair activity, a pheromone response activity, a mating-type determination activity, a sex-specific protein activity, a nucleotide binding activity and/or a protease and nuclease activity, in particular a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity, in particular of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 240, is increased, conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of Coenzyme Q9 between 34% and 253% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs, e.g. a DNA recombination and DNA repair activity, a pheromone response activity, a mating-type determination activity, a sex-specific protein activity, a nucleotide binding activity and/or a protease and nuclease activity, in particular a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity, in particular of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 233 and 240, is increased, preferably conferring an increase of the respective fine chemicals, preferably of Coenzyme Q10 between 62% and 220% and Coenzyme Q9 between 34% and 253% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3605 or its homologs, e.g. of a protein of the superfamily (S)-2-hydroxy-acid oxidase homology, in particular of a protein with an activity in the respiration, lipid, fatty-acid and isoprenoid metabolism, as electron/hydrogen carrier, and/or in the breakdown of lipids, fatty acids and isoprenoids activity, e.g. a L-lactate dehydrogenase, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 239, is increased, preferably conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of Coenzyme Q9 between 35% and 41% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0730 or its homologs, e.g. of a protein transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon and fatty acyl response regulator, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 241, is increased, preferably conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of Coenzyme Q9 between 30% and 203% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0175 or its homologs, e.g. of a protein having a activity in the nucleotide-metabolism, phospholipid biosynthesis, lipid, fatty-acid or isoprenoids metabolism, cellular communication, signal transduction, or cellular sensing and response, preferably of a protein of the phophatidate cytidylyltransferase superfamily, preferably of a CDP-diglyceride synthase, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 242, is increased, preferably conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of Coenzyme Q9 between 45% and 70% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR513W or its homologs, e.g. of glutathione reductase or a protein of the glutaredoxin superfamily, in particular of a protein having a deoxyribonucleotide metabolism, cytoplasm, stress response, detoxification, and/or electron transport and membrane-associated energy conservation activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 238, is increased, preferably, conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of Coenzyme Q9 between 31% and 73% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER156C or its homologs, e.g. of a protein of the Arabidopsis thaliana hypothetical protein F2K15.180 superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 237, is increased, preferably, conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of free Coenzyme Q9 between 32% and 58% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER174C or its homologs, e.g. of a Hydroperoxide and superoxide-radical responsive glutathione-dependent oxidoreductase or a protein of the thioredoxin homology superfamily, e.g. of a protein having a protein modification, stress response activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 236, is increased, preferably, conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of Coenzyme Q9 between 31% and 72% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YPR172W or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 235, is increased, preferably, conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of free Coenzyme Q9 between 34% and 66% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBR184W or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 232, is increased, preferably, conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of free Coenzyme Q10 between 70% and 95% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YPR138C or its homologs, e.g. of a NH4+ transporter or an ammonium transport protein; or a protein of the ammonium transporter nrgA superfamily, in particular the use of a protein having a anion transporters (Cl, SO4, PO4, etc.), other cation transporters (Na, K, Ca, NH4, etc.), nitrogen and sulfur transport, cellular import, and/or plasma membrane activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 231, is increased, preferably, conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of free Coenzyme Q10 between 65% and 257% or more.

[0046.0.18.18] In one embodiment, the activity of a protein as disclosed in [0016.0.18.18] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 231 to 234, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.18.18], is increased conferring, preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of Coenzyme Q10 and of further vitamin- or coenzyme-activity-having compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of a protein as disclosed in [0016.0.18.18] or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, e.g. a protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.18.18], is increased conferring preferably, an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of Coenzyme Q10 and of further vitamin- or coenzyme-activity-having compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment the activity of one or more of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Escherichia coli protein YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699, and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 or of its homologs with an activity as described above in any one of the paragraphs of section [0045.0.18.18], e.g. a homolog as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., is increased and confers an increased level of the respective fine chemical; preferably of the respective fine chemical and/or of waxes, membranes, membrane fractions, organelles, triglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing an increased level of Coenzyme Q9 and/or Coenzyme Q10.

[0047.0.0.18] see [0047.0.0.0]

[0048.0.18.18] The respective fine chemical can be contained in the organism either in its free form and/or bound to lipids, waxes, membranes, membrane fractions, proteins, fatty acids or other parts of membranes, in particular to compounds contained in membranes of mitochondria or plastids, resp., or mixtures thereof. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the amount of the free form in a membrane, an organelle, a cell, a tissue, more preferred in an organism e.g. as a plant or a microorganism, or a part thereof, is increased by 3% or more, especially preferably are 10% or more, very especially preferably are more than 30% and most preferably are 70% or more, such as 100%, 300% or 500%. Accordingly, in an other embodiment, the amount of the bound the respective fine chemical in a membrane, an organelle, a cell, a tissue, more preferred in an organism, e.g. as a plant or a microorganism or part thereof, is increased by 3% or more, especially preferably are 10% or more, very especially preferably are more than 30% and most preferably are 70% or more, such as 100%, 300% or 500%.

[0049.0.18.18] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, respectively, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity, in particular conferring an increase in the Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 level of an organism.

[0050.0.18.18] ./.

[0051.0.18.18] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the respective fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free chemical free or bound, e.g. hydrophobic or lipophilic compositions. Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of the respective fine chemical and various other coenzymes, vitamins and/or antioxidants, e.g. vitamin B6 or vitamin E, can be produced.

[0052.0.0.18] see [0052.0.0.0]

[0053.0.18.18] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptide of the invention, or the polypeptide used in the     method of the invention e.g. of a polypeptide having an YPR138C,     YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C,     YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or     b0175 protein activity e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II,     column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or     being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I,     column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or     its homologs activity having herein-mentioned Coenzyme Q10 and/or     Coenzyme Q9 increasing activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II,     column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602; -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or     used in the method of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having a     YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C,     YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730,     and/or b0175 protein activity, egg a protein as indicated in Table     II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602     or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I,     column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or     its homologs activity or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide of the     present invention having herein-mentioned Coenzyme Q10 and/or     Coenzyme Q9 increasing activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II,     column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention or     of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the method of     the invention having herein-mentioned Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme     Q9 increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having a YPR138C,     YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C,     YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or     b0175 protein activity, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II,     column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or     being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I,     column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or     its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7,     lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, or decreasing     the inhibitory regulation of the polypeptide of the invention or the     polypeptide used in the method of the invention; -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of     the invention or of the polypeptide of the invention or the     polypeptide used in the method of the invention having     herein-mentioned Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 increasing     activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699,     and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426,     b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 protein     activity, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5,     lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being     encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5,     lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, or of their     homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 231 to     234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602; -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 increasing     activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699,     and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426,     b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 protein     activity, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5,     lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being     encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5,     lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, or of their     homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 231 to     234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, by adding one or more     exogenous inducing factors to the organism or parts thereof; -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the YPR138C,     YBR184W, b2699, and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C,     YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or     b0175 protein activity, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II,     column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or     being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I,     column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, or     of their homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I or II, column 7,     lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method     of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention or used in the     method of the invention having herein-mentioned Coenzyme Q10 and/or     Coenzyme Q9 increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the     YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699, b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C,     YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, b0175     protein activity, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column     5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being     encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5,     lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, or of their     homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 231 to     234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602; -   h) Increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention,     e.g. a polypeptide having the YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829,     and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729,     b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 protein activity, e.g. of a     protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or     235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being encoded by a nucleic acid     molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235     to 242 and/or 599 to 602, or of their homologs, e.g. as indicated in     Table I or II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or     599 to 602, by adding positive expression or removing negative     expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination can be used to     either introduce positive regulatory elements like for plants the     35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor elements form     regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods can be used to     disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity of positive     elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced in plants by     T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be identified in which     the positive elements have be integrated near to a gene of the     invention, the expression of which is thereby enhanced; -   i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical production;     and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, e.g. the elite crops.

[0054.0.18.18] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 protein, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, or of their homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602.

[0055.0.0.18] to [0067.0.0.18] see [0055.0.0.0] to [0067.0.0.0]

[0068.0.9.9] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of the Coenzyme Q9 and/or Coenzyme Q10 is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.18] see [0069.0.0.0]

[0070.0.18.18] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding the

YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 protein, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolites composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous hydrophopic composition comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) coenzymes, vitamins and/or antioxidants, e.g. vitamin B6 and/or vitamin E. In one embodiment, the expression of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 conferring an increase of coenzymes, in particular of Coenzyme Q9 and/or Coenzyme Q10, and preferably of further coenzymes, vitamins, and/or antioxidants.

[0071.0.18.18] Preferably the composition further comprises higher amounts of metabolites positively affecting or lower amounts of metabolites negatively affecting the nutrition or health of animals or humans provided with said compositions or organisms of the invention or parts thereof. Likewise, the number or activity of further genes which are required for the import or export of nutrients or metabolites, including amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, coenzymes, antioxidants etc. or any one of their precursors, required for the cell's biosynthesis of the respective fine chemical may be increased so that the concentration of necessary or relevant precursors, e.g. of isoprenoids, acetyl CoA, HMG-CoA, mevalonate, Isopentenyl pyrophosphate, Geranyl pyrophosphate, Farnesyl Pyrophosphate, or other cofactors or intermediates within the organelle, e.g. in mitochondria or plastids, resp., within (a) cell(s) or within the corresponding storage compartments is increased. Owing to the increased or novel generated activity of the polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention or owing to the increased number of nucleic acid sequences of the invention or used in the method of the invention and/or to the modulation of further genes which are involved in the biosynthesis of the respective fine chemical, e.g. by increasing the activity of enzymes synthesizing precursors, e.g. Lovastatin, HMG-CoA Reductase, Mevalonate Kinase, or by destroying the activity of one or more genes which are involved in the breakdown of the respective fine chemical, it is possible to increase the yield, production and/or production efficiency of the respective fine chemical in the host organism, such as plants or the microorganisms.

[0072.0.18.18] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are antioxidants, further coenzymes, vitamins, e.g. vitamin B6 or vitamin E, or triglycerides, fatty acids, lipids, oils and/or fats containing Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9.

[0073.0.18.18] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

-   w) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a     non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, an organelle, a plant or     animal tissue or a plant; -   x) increasing the YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or     YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644,     b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 protein activity or of a     polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention and described below, e.g. of a protein as     indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242     and/or 599 to 602 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule     indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242     and/or 599 to 602 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II,     column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, and     conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in the     organism, preferably in the microorganism, the non-human animal, the     plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue, the organelle or     the plant, -   y) growing the organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human     animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant     under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine     chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant     cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and -   z) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or     bound the respective fine chemical and, optionally further free     and/or bound vitamins, coenzymes or antioxidants synthesized by the     organism, the microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or     animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.18.18] The organism, in particular the microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue, the organelle or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound the respective fine chemical or the free and bound the respective fine chemical but as option it is also possible to produce, recover and, if desired isolate, other free or/and bound antioxidants, vitamins or coenzymes and mixtures thereof.

[0075.0.0.18] to [0077.0.0.18] see [0075.0.0.0] to [0077.0.0.0]

[0078.0.18.18] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications, for example according to the disclosures made in the following US patent publications:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,380,252: Use of L-acetylcarnitine, L-isovalerylcarnitine, L-propionylcarnitine for increasing the levels of IGF-1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,198: Dentifrice for the mineralization and remineralization of teeth, U.S. Pat. No. 6,368,617: Dietary supplement, U.S. Pat. No. 6,350,473: Method for treating hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerosis, U.S. Pat. No. 6,335,361: Method of treating benign forgetfulness, U.S. Pat. No. 6,329,432: Mesozeaxanthin formulations for treatment of retinal disorders, U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,987: Cosmetic skin care compositions containing alpha interferon, U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,703: Compressed lecithin preparations, U.S. Pat. No. 6,306,392: Composition comprising a carnitine and glutathione, useful to increase the absorption of glutathione and synergize its effects, U.S. Pat. No. 6,303,586: Supportive therapy for diabetes, hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, U.S. Pat. No. 6,297,281: Association of no syntase inhibitors with trappers of oxygen reactive forms, U.S. Pat. No. 6,294,697: Discrete-length polyethylene glycols, U.S. Pat. No. 6,277,842: Dietary supplemental method for fat and weight reduction, U.S. Pat. No. 6,261,250: Method and apparatus for enhancing cardiovascular activity and health through rhythmic limb elevation, U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,855: Method of retarding and ameliorating carpal tunnel syndrome, U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,848: Methods and compositions for increasing insulin sensitivity, U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,847: Use of 2-mercaptoethanolamine (2-MEA) and related aminothiol compounds and copper(II)-3,5 di-isopropyl salicylates and related compounds in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, U.S. Pat. No. 6,255,354: Preparation of a pulmonary surfactant for instillation and oral application, U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,547: Breath methylated alkane contour: a new marker of oxidative stress and disease, U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,552: Enzyme-based assay for determining effects of exogenous and endogenous factors on cellular energy production, U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,363: Solid carriers for improved delivery of active ingredients in pharmaceutical compositions, U.S. Pat. No. 6,245,800: Method of preventing or treating statin-induced toxic effects using L-carnitine or an alkanoyl L-carnitine, U.S. Pat. No. 6,245,378: Nutritional supplement for facilitating skeletal muscle adaptation to strenuous exercise and counteracting defatigation in asthenic individuals, U.S. Pat. No. 6,242,491: Use of creatine or creatine compounds for skin preservation, U.S. Pat. No. 6,232,346: Composition for improvement of cellular nutrition and mitochondrial energetics, U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,836: Folic acid dentifrice, U.S. Pat. No. 6,228,891: Use of 2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-6-decaprenyl-1,4-benzoquinone, U.S. Pat. No. 6,228,402: Xylitol-containing non-human foodstuff and method, U.S. Pat. No. 6,228,347: Antioxidant gel for gingival conditions, U.S. Pat. No. 6,218,436: Pharmaceutically active carotenoids, U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,818: Nutritional supplement for cardiovascular health, U.S. Pat. No. 6,200,550: Oral care compositions comprising coenzyme Q10, U.S. Pat. No. 6,191,172: Water-soluble compositions of bioactive lipophilic compounds, U.S. Pat. No. 6,184,255: Pharmaceutical composition comprising coenzyme Q10, U.S. Pat. No. 6,166,077: Use of L-acetylcarnitine, L-isovalerylcarnitine, L-propionylcarnitine for increasing the levels of IGF-1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,162,419: Stabilized ascorbyl compositions, U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,508: Xylitol-containing non-human foodstuff and method, U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,476: Herbal supplement for increased muscle strength and endurance for athletes, U.S. Pat. No. 6,153,582: Defined serumfree medical solution for ophthalmology, U.S. Pat. No. 6,136,859: Pharmaceutical formulation for treating liver disorders, U.S. Pat. No. 6,107,281: Compounds and their combinations for the treatment of influenza infection, U.S. Pat. No. 6,106,286: Method and device for administering medicine to the periodontium, U.S. Pat. No. 6,099,854: Dry composition containing flavonol useful as a food supplement, U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,910: Food supplements, U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,788: Composition for improvement of cellular nutrition and mitochondrial energetics, U.S. Pat. No. 6,069,167: Use of antioxidant agents to treat cholestatic liver disease, U.S. Pat. No. 6,063,820: Medical food for diabetics, U.S. Pat. No. 6,054,261: Coenzyme Q.sub.10 compositions for organ protection during perfusion, U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,250: Process for the stabilization of vesicles of amphiphilic lipid(s) and composition for topical application containing the said stabilized vesicles,

The fermentation broth, fermentation products, plants or plant products can be purified in the customary manner by hydrolysis with strong bases, extraction and crystallization or via thin layer chromatography and other methods known to the person skilled in the art and described herein below. Products of these different work-up procedures are fatty acids or fatty acid compositions which still comprise fermentation broth, plant particles and cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably between below 50% by weight.

[0079.0.0.18] to [0084.0.0.18] see [0079.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0]

[0084.2.18.18] Coenzyme Q10 production was reported in Agrobacterium sp., Protaminobacter rubber and Paracoccus denitrificans. Coenzyme Q9 production was reported in Candida tropicalis. Production of ubiquiones with side chain length of 6-10 units, e.g. including Coenzyme Q10 and Coenzyme Q9 was reported for controlled continuous culture of phototrophic bacteria (wild-type strains of Rhodobacter capsulatus, Rhodobacter sphaeroides, Thiocapsa roseopersicina and Ectothiorhodospira shaposhnikovii. Cells mostly contained one main ubiquinone, whereby the content and composition dependent on growth conditions, substrates and other factors. Preferred is a production of more than 0.1, preferably more than 1 to 6 mg/g dry cells in one of said organisms or in any other microorganism, even more preferred are more than 10 mg/g dry cells, 20 mg/g dry cells, 50 mg/g dry cells, 100 mg/g dry cells, 200 mg/g dry cells, 300 mg/g dry cells, 500 mg/g dry cells or more.

[0084.0.0.18] see [0084.0.0.0]

[0085.0.18.18] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as shown in table I, lines 231 to 234     and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 or a derivative     thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as shown table I,     lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7     or a derivative thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.18] to [0087.0.0.18] see [0086.0.0.0] to [0087.0.0.0]

[0088.0.18.18] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose Coenzyme content, in particular its Coenzyme Q9 and/or Coenzyme Q10 content is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for feed or nutrition is dependent on the abovementioned coenzymes, in particular on the essential coenzyme Q10, and the general amount of coenzymes as source in feed or food. After the YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 protein activity, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, has been increased or generated, or after the expression of nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide according to the invention has been generated or increased, the transgenic plant generated thus is grown on or in a nutrient medium or else in the soil and subsequently harvested.

[0088.1.0.18] see [0088.1.0.0]

[0089.0.0.18] to [0094.0.0.18] see [0089.0.0.0] to [0094.0.0.0]

[0095.0.18.18] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of the respective fine chemical in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the essentially pure fine chemical.

[0096.0.18.18] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptid for example a coenzyme precursor (e.g. isoprenoids, acetyl CoA, HMG-CoA, mevalonate, isopentyl pyrophosphate, geranyl pyrophosphate, farnesyl pyrophosphate, etc.) transporter protein or a compound, which increases the production of Coenzyme precursors is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical (see Bao and Ohlrogge, Plant Physiol. 1999 August; 120 (4): 1057-1062).

[0097.0.18.18] In may also be advantageous to increase the content of the lipid bound respective fine chemical.

[0098.0.18.18] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further antioxidants, vitamins or coenzymes such as coenzymes Q0, Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, Q6, Q7, and/or Q8 or retinal, vitamin E, vitamin B6, or other fat soluble vitamins or mixtures thereof by the process according to the invention is advantageous, e.g. for the production of compositions used in food and/or feed or cosmetic production.

[0099.0.18.18] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned coenzymes may accumulate in membrane fragments and/or in the lipophilic or hydrophobic fraction. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the Coenzymes or the lipophilic or hydrophobic compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.18.18] Transgenic plants which comprise Coenzyme Q9 and Coenzyme Q10 synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the membrane fragments, cells, cell fragments, organelles, plastids, waxes, oils, lipids or fats comprising the respective fine chemical to be isolated. For example, as coenzymes may be isolated from membranes, e.g. mitochondrial or plastid membranes, it can be sufficient to isolate only cell fractions comprising said membrane or fragments of said membranes. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. However, the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, in the form of their cells, cell fragments, plastids, organelles, membranes, membrane fragments, waxes oils, fats, lipids and/or fatty acids. Coenzyme Q9 or Coenzyme Q10 produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds. To increase the efficiency of oil extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material especially the seeds. In this context, oils, fats, lipids, waxes and/or fatty acids fractions can be obtained by what is known as cold beating or cold pressing without applying heat. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. Chemically pure the fine chemical comprising compositions are advantageous for applications in the food or feed industry sector, the cosmetic sector and especially the pharmacological industry sector.

[0101.0.18.18] see [0101.0.0.0]

[0102.0.18.18] Coenzymes can for example be detected advantageously via LC separation methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of Coenzymes products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods like LC-MS, LC-MSMS, or TLC. The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding, cooking, or via other applicable methods; see also Biotechnology of Vitamins, Pigments and Growth Factors, Edited by Erik J. Vandamme, London, 1989, p. 96 to 103.

[0103.0.18.18] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or     235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 or a fragment thereof,     which confers an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of the nucleic acid molecule shown in table I, lines 231 to     234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers shown in table III, lines 231 to     234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, column 7 and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence shown in table IV, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to     242 and/or 599 to 602, column 7 and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide shown in table II, lines 231 to 234     and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 and conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0103.1.18.18] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp.: In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp.

[0103.2.18.18] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over a or more sequence(s) indicated in Table I B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of a or more sequence(s) indicated in Table I B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp.

[0104.0.18.18] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule or the invention or used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 by one or more nucleotides or does not consist of the sequence shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of the sequence shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7.

[0105.0.0.18] to [0107.0.0.18] see [0105.0.0.0] to [0107.0.0.0]

[0108.0.18.18] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from the amino acid sequences shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in table IV, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, column 7, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of an YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 protein or conferring a Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 increase dependent on its expression or its activity, are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.18] see [0109.0.0.0]

[0110.0.18.18] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. with YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 protein activity, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table

II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.18] see [0111.0.0.0]

[0112.0.18.18] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 protein activity and conferring Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 increase, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, or of their homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602.

[0113.0.0.18] to [0117.0.0.18] see [0113.0.0.0] to [0117.0.0.0]

[0118.1.0.18] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention or used in the process of the invention originates from a plant with a high Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 content. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention or used in the process of the invention originates from and/or is transformed into a plant with a high Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 content.

[0118.0.0.18] to [0120.0.0.18] see [0118.0.0.0] to [0120.0.0.0]

[0121.0.18.18] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a respective fine chemical increase after increasing its activity, e.g. having the activity of an YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 protein, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602.

[0122.0.0.18] to [0127.0.0.18] see [0122.0.0.0] to [0127.0.0.0]

[0128.0.18.18] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs shown in table III, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 or the sequences derived from table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7.

[0129.0.18.18] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence shown in table IV, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, column 7 is derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.18.18] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical, in particular of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 after increasing the expression or activity or having an YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 activity or further functional homologs of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. homologs from a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, from other organisms.

[0131.0.0.18] to [0138.0.0.18] see [0131.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0]

[0139.0.18.18] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to the sequences shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the respective fine chemical-increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.18] to [0146.0.0.18] see [0140.0.0.0] to [0146.0.0.0]

[0147.0.18.18] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 such that it can hybridize to one of the nucleotide sequences shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.18.18] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, or a functional portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular having a the respective fine chemical, in particular Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9-increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of an YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 gene product, e.g. a gene encoding a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or comprising or expressing a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, or of their homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602.

[0149.0.18.18] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of the fine chemical, and optionally, the activity of YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, or of their homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602.

[00149.1.18.18] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602.

[0150.0.18.18] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., set forth in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primers pairs shown in table III, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, column 7 will result in a fragment of YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 gene product, e.g. of a gene encoding of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., or expressing a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602.

[0151.0.0.18] see [0151.0.0.0]

[0152.0.18.18] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to the amino acid sequence shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular a Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 increasing the activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.18.18] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602.

[0154.0.18.18] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 and having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.18] to [0156.0.0.18] see [0155.0.0.0] to [0156.0.0.0]

[0157.0.18.18] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptide comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., or of the polypeptides encoded by the sequence shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 or the functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., or as shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 or the functional homologues. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of the sequence shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602. Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602.

[0158.0.0.18] to [0160.0.0.18] see [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0]

[0161.0.18.18] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.18] see [0162.0.0.0]

[0163.0.18.18] Preferably, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the respective fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.18] see [0164.0.0.0]

[0165.0.18.18] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp.,

[0166.0.0.18] to [0167.0.0.18] see [0166.0.0.0] to [0167.0.0.0]

[0168.0.18.18] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in the sequences shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to the sequence shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, 95% homologous to the sequence shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp.

[0169.0.0.18] to [0172.0.0.18] see [0169.0.0.0] to [0172.0.0.0]

[0173.0.18.18] For example a sequence, which has 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 22609 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 22609 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.18] see [0174.0.0.0]

[0175.0.18.18] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 22610 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 22610 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.18.18] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7.

[0177.0.18.18] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of a polypeptides as shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7.

[0178.0.0.18] see [0178.0.0.0]

[0179.0.18.18] A nucleic acid molecule encoding an homologous to a protein sequence of table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular of table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences of table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.18] to [0183.0.0.18] see [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0]

[0184.0.18.18] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from a sequences shown, preferably from table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.18.18] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more of the sequences shown in any of the table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule use in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp.,

[0186.0.18.18] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment used in the inventive process, the encoded polypeptide is identical to a sequence shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp.,

[0187.0.18.18] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., and comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence of a sequence shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp.,

[0188.0.18.18] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, expressed under identical conditions.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention is a homolog consisting of or comprising the sequence as indicated in, preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp.,

[0189.0.18.18] Homologues of nucleic acid sequences shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 or of the derived sequences shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.18] to [0191.0.0.18] see [0190.0.0.0] to [0191.0.0.0]

[0191.1.18.18] In one embodiment, the organisms or a part thereof provides according to the herein mentioned process of the invention an increased level of the fine chemical bound to any wax, triglycerides, lipid, oil and/or fat or any composition thereof containing any bound or free Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9, for example bound to lipids, lipoproteins, membrane fractions, sphingolipids, phosphoglycerides, lipids, glycolipids such as glycosphingolipids, phospholipids such as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol or diphosphatidylglycerol, or as monoacylglyceride, diacylglyceride or triacylglyceride, compared to said control or selected organisms or parts thereof.

[0192.0.0.18] to [0203.0.0.18] see [0192.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0]

[0204.0.18.18] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or     235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7; resp., preferably     Table II B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599     to 602, resp., or a fragment thereof conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule shown in table I, lines 231 to 234     and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, resp.,     preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242     and/or 599 to 602, resp., or a fragment thereof conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using the     primers or primer pairs indicated in table III, lines 231 to 234     and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, column 7 and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence shown in table IV, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to     242 and/or 599 to 602, column 7 and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domain of the polypeptide shown in table II,     lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or     7, resp., preferably Table II B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or     235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., and conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of the nucleic acid molecule     shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to     602, columns 5 or 7 or a nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably     at least the mature form of, a polypeptide shown in table II, lines     231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7, and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; or which encompasses a sequence     which is complementary thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over a sequence depicted in table I A, lines     231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 by     one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention     does not consist of a sequence shown in table I A, lines 231 to 234     and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7. In an other     embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at     least 30% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or     99% identical to a sequence shown in table I A, lines 231 to 234     and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7. In a further     embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide     sequence shown in table II A, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242     and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7. Accordingly, in one embodiment,     the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention encodes in one     embodiment a polypeptide which differs at least in one or more amino     acids from a polypeptide shown in table II A, lines 231 to 234     and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 but does not     encode a protein of a sequence shown in table II A, lines 231 to 234     and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7. Accordingly, in     one embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequence of a nucleic acid     according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence shown in     table II A, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602,     columns 5 or 7. In a further embodiment, the protein of the present     invention is at least 30% identical to protein sequence depicted in     table II A, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602,     columns 5 or 7 and less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%,     99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95%     identical to a sequence shown in table II A, lines 231 to 234 and/or     235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7.     whereby, in a further embodimen, the nucleic acid molecule according     to (a) to (l) distinguishes over a sequence depicted in table I B,     lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7     by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention     does not consist of a sequence shown in table I B, lines 231 to 234     and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7. In an other     embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at     least 30% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or     99% identical to a sequence shown in table I b, lines 231 to 234     and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7. In a further     embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide     sequence shown in table II B, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242     and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7. Accordingly, in one embodiment,     the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention encodes in one     embodiment a polypeptide which differs at least in one or more amino     acids from a polypeptide shown in table II A, lines 231 to 234     and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 but does not     encode a protein of a sequence shown in table II B, lines 231 to 234     and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7. Accordingly, in     one embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequence of a nucleic acid     according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence shown in     table II B, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602,     columns 5 or 7. In a further embodiment, the protein of the present     invention is at least 30% identical to protein sequence depicted in     table II B, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602,     columns 5 or 7 and less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%,     99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95%     identical to a sequence shown in table II B, lines 231 to 234 and/or     235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7.

[0205.0.0.18] to [0226.0.0.18] see [0205.0.0.0] to [0226.0.0.0]

[0227.0.18.18] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence mentioned in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., preferably Table I B, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., columns 5 or 7 or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway such as for acetyl CoA, HMG-CoA, Mevalonate, Isopentyl pyrophosphate, Geranyl pyrophosphate, Farnesyl pyrophosphate e.g. HMG-CoA Reductase, Mevalonate, Kinase, etc., is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the isoprenoids, coenzyme precursor or coenzymes, preferably Q9 and/or Q10, as desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine one or more sequences shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organism, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0227.1.18.18] In addition to the sequence mentioned in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to knock out and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. E.g. it may be advantageous, if one or more genes of the catabolic pathway for isoprenoids or quinones are reduced, deleted or in another way knocked out in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms.

[0228.0.18.18] In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore, organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of at least one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteins involved in the isoprenoid metabolism, in particular in Coenzyme Q9 or Coenzyme Q10 synthesis.

[0229.0.18.18] ./.

[0230.1.0.18] ./.

[0230.2.0.18] ./.

[0230.0.0.18] see [0230.0.0.0]

[0231.0.18.18] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.18] to [0276.0.0.18] see [0232.0.0.0] to [0276.0.0.0]

[0277.0.18.18] The coenzymes produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker is familiar, for example, via extraction, salt precipitation and/or different chromatography methods, e.g. as mentioned above. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously. The respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can be isolated as mentioned above from the organisms, advantageously plants, in the form of their waxes, membrane fractions, oils, fats, lipids and/or fatty acids. Fractions comprising the coenzymes produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds.

[0278.0.0.18] to [0283.0.0.18] see [0278.0.0.0] to [0283.0.0.0]

[0283.0.18.18] Moreover, a native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, in particular, an anti-YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 protein antibody or an antibody against a polypeptide as shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 or a antigenic part thereof, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing the polypeptid of the present invention or characterized in the process of the present invention or fragment thereof, i.e., the polypeptide of this invention. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies specifically binding to a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602.

[0284.0.0.18] see [0284.0.0.0]

[0285.0.18.18] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 or as coded by a nucleic acid molecule shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.18.18] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence shown in table IV, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, column 7 and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence shown in table IV, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, column 7 whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp.

[0287.0.0.18] to [0289.0.0.18] see [0287.0.0.0] to [0289.0.0.0]

[0290.0.0.18] see [0290.0.0.0]

[0291.0.18.18] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention distinguishes over a sequence shown in table II A or II B, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form a sequence shown in table II A or II B, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence shown in table II A or II B, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence shown in table II A or II B, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7.

[0292.0.0.18] see [0292.0.0.0]

[0293.0.18.18] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention and having a sequence which distinguishes from the sequence as shown in table II A or II B, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 by one or more amino acids. In another embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in table II A or II B, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by the nucleic acid molecules shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7.

[0294.0.18.18] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 protein activity, which distinguishes over the sequence depicted in table II A or II B, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.18] to [0296.0.0.18] see [0295.0.0.0] to [0296.0.0.0]

[0297.0.18.18] The language “substantially free of cellular material” includes preparations of the polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention in which the protein is separated from cellular components of the cells in which it is naturally or recombinantly produced. In one embodiment, the language “substantially free of cellular material” includes preparations having less than about 30% (by dry weight) of “contaminating protein”, more preferably less than about 20% of “contaminating protein”, still more preferably less than about 10% of “contaminating protein”, and most preferably less than about 5% “contaminating protein”. The term “Contaminating protein” relates to polypeptides, which are not polypeptides of the present invention. When the polypeptide of the present invention or biologically active portion thereof is recombinantly produced, it is also preferably substantially free of culture medium, i.e., culture medium represents less than about 20%, more preferably less than about 10%, and most preferably less than about 5% of the volume of the protein preparation. The language “substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals” includes preparations in which the polypeptide of the present invention is separated from chemical precursors or other chemicals, which are involved in the synthesis of the protein. The language “substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals” includes preparations having less than about 30% (by dry weight) of chemical precursors of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, or of non-YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 chemicals, more preferably less than about 20% chemical precursors of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, or of non-YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b3605, b2699 b0730 and/or b0175 chemicals, still more preferably less than about 10% chemical precursors of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, or of non-YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 chemicals, and most preferably less than about 5% chemical precursors of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, or of non-YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699, b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, b0175 chemicals. In preferred embodiments, isolated proteins or biologically active portions thereof lack contaminating proteins from the same organism from which the polypeptide of the present invention is derived. Typically, such proteins are produced by recombinant techniques.

[0298.0.18.18] A polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7.

[0299.0.18.18] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the amino acid sequences as shown in table II A or II B, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence of table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.18.18] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from the sequences shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7.

[0301.0.0.18] see [0301.0.0.0]

[0302.0.18.18] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., the amino acid sequence shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.18] see [0303.0.0.0]

[0304.0.18.18] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention may result in the production of protein indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, having differences from the wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.18.18] Any mutagenesis strategies for the polypeptide of the present invention or the polypeptide used in the process of the present invention to result in increasing said activity are not meant to be limiting; variations on these strategies will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. Using such strategies, and incorporating the mechanisms disclosed herein, the nucleic acid molecule and polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention may be utilized to generate plants or parts thereof, expressing wildtype YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 proteins, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, or a mutant of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5 or 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, e.g. a mutated YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 protein, and encoding nucleic acid molecules and polypeptide molecules of the invention or used in the method of the invention such that the yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of a desired compound is improved.

[0306.0.0.18] to [0308.0.0.18] see [0306.0.0.0] to [0308.0.0.0]

[0309.0.18.18] In one embodiment, an “YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 protein (=polypeptide)” refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 polypeptide” or “other polypeptide” refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide having an YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 protein activity, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, resp., does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.18] to [0317.0.0.18] see [0310.0.0.0] to [0317.0.0.0]

[0318.0.18.18] In an especially preferred embodiment, the polypeptide according to the invention furthermore also does not have the sequences of those proteins which are encoded by a sequences shown in table II, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7.

[0319.0.0.18] to [0334.0.0.18] see [0319.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0]

[0335.0.18.18] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of the nucleic acid sequences of the table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived there from), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences of the table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence of one of the table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.18] to [0342.0.0.18] see [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0]

[0343.0.18.18] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence of one of the sequences shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence of one of sequences shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.18] to [0361.0.0.18] see [0344.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0]

[0362.0.18.18] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. encoding a polypeptide having an YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 protein activity or of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602. Due to the above mentioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 protein activity e.g. for a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, the activity of YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 or a YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175-like activity is increased in the cell or organism or part thereof, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.18] see [0363.0.0.0]

[0364.0.18.18] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of the YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and/or B1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 protein promoter with the corresponding YPR138C, YBR184W, b2699 and or b1829, and/or YPR172W, YER174C, YER156C, YDR513W, b2426, b2703, b2729, b3644, b3605, b2699, b0730, and/or b0175 protein gene. e.g. the combination of the promoter of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, with the corresponding gene—becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modified by non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example, mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

[0365.0.0.18] to [0376.0.0.18] see [0365.0.0.0] to [0376.0.0.0]

[0377.0.18.18] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process according to the present invention whereby the produced coenzymes are isolated to high purity, preferably, to purity of more than 70% w/w or more, more preferred are 80% or more, in particular preferred are 90% w/w or more, even more preferred are 95% w/w or more, e.g. 97% w/w or more, e.g. 98% w/w, 99% w/w, or 99.9% w/w.

[0378.0.18.18] In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the Coenzyme Q9 or Coenzyme Q10 produced in the process can be recovered, purified or isolated. The resulting coenzymes, e.g. compositions comprising the former, can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.18.18] In one embodiment, said coenzyme is the respective fine chemical, preferably reduced Coenzyme Q9 and/or Coenzyme Q10.

[0380.0.18.18] The Coenzyme Q9 or Coenzyme Q10 comprising fraction or the respective fine chemical obtained in the process are suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates a method for the production of a pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of Coenzyme Q9 or Coenzyme Q10 composition produced or the respective fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the respective fine chemical produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

[0381.0.0.18] to [0382.0.0.18] see [0381.0.0.0] to [0382.0.0.0]

[0383.0.5.18] For preparing antioxidant, coenzyme and/or vitamin-containing fine chemicals, in particular the respective fine chemical-comprising fine chemicals, it is possible to use as source organic compounds such as, for example, waxes, oils, fats and/or lipids or a membrane comprising fraction, in particular compositions comprising membranes of mitochondria or of plastids.

[0384.0.0.18] see [0384.0.0.0]

[0385.0.18.18] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 in mixtures with other lipids, fats and/or oils and/or with other vitamins or coenzymes or antioxidants normally have a dry matter content of from, 1% to 50% by weight. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it. The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

[0386.0.18.18] However, it is also possible to further purify the fraction or composition comprising the respective fine chemical, e.g. Coenzyme Q9 and/or Coenzyme Q10, as produced. For this purpose, the product-containing composition is subjected for example to a thin layer chromatography on silica gel plates or to a chromatography such as a Florisil column (Bouhours J. F., J. Chromatrogr. 1979, 169, 462), in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use. An alternative method to purify the fatty acids is for example crystallization in the presence of urea. These methods can be combined with each other.

[0387.0.0.18] to [0392.0.0.18] see [0387.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0]

[0393.0.18.18] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

(i) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical after expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; (j) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule sequence shown in table I, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, columns 5 or 7 and, optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete genomic clone; (k) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells, preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for producing the respective fine chemical; (l) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (m) assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host cells; and (n) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the respective fine chemical level in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.18] to [0399.0.0.18] see [0394.0.0.0] to [0399.0.0.0]

[0399.1.18.18] One can think to screen for increased fine chemical production by for example resistance to drugs blocking Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 synthesis and looking whether this effect is dependent on a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, e.g. by comparing the phenotype of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602.

[0400.0.0.18] to [0416.0.0.18] see [0400.0.0.0] to [0416.0.0.0]

[0417.0.18.18] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the isoprenoid, in particular the Coenzyme Q9 and/or Coenzyme Q10 production biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect an organism such as a microorganism or a plant against inhibitors, which block the respective fine chemical synthesis in said organism.

As reduced Coenzyme Q9 and/or Coenzyme Q10 can protect organisms against damages of oxidative stress, a increased level of the respective fine chemical may protect plants against herbicides which cause the toxic build-up of oxidative compounds, e.g. singlet oxygen. Further it is known, that Coenzyme Q9 and/or Coenzyme Q10 stabilize membranes.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the increase of the level of the respective fine chemical is used to protect plants against herbicides destroying membranes or cells due to the creation of free oxygen radicals.

Examples of inhibitors or herbicides building up oxidative stress are aryl triazion, e.g. sulfentrazone, carfentrazone, or diphenylethers, e.g. acifluorfen, lactofen, or oxyfluorfen, or N-Phenylphthalimide, e.g. flumiclorac or flumioxazin, substituted ureas, e.g. fluometuron, tebuthiuron, or diuron, linuron, or triazines, e.g. atrazine, prometryn, ametryn, metributzin, prometon, simazine, or hexazinone, or uracils, e.g. bromacil or terbacil.

Inhibitors of the isoprenoids pathway may also lead to an toxic decrease of Coenzyme Q9 and/or Coenzyme Q10 in cells or membranes, e.g. as Clomazone. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of an increase of the respective fine chemical according to the present invention for the protection of plants against carotenoids inhibitors as pyridines and pyridazinones.

[0418.0.0.18] to [0423.0.0.18] see [0418.0.0.0] to [0423.0.0.0]

[0424.0.18.18] Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention or used in the method of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the respective fine chemical or of the respective fine chemical and one or more other antioxidants, coenzymes or vitamins, in particular vitamin E, or vitamin B6. Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention or used in the method of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the respective fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0425.0.0.18] see [0425.0.0.0]

[0425.1.18.18] There are many studies, spanning more than two decades, reporting positive results from the use of Coenzyme Q10 as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of congestive heart failure, e.g. supporting ATP in the mitochondria having Antioxidant action, stabilizing cell membranes or reducing platelet size and limitation of platelet activity. Coenzyme Q10 has been an approved drug in Japan for use in congestive heart failure since 1974. Early studies of congestive heart failure focused on idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, testing Coenzyme Q10 against placebo using echocardiography to assess heart function. Echocardiographic improvement seen in these studies was generally slow but sustained and was accompanied by diminished fatigue, chest pain, dyspnea and palpitations. Normal heart size and function were restored in some patients using only Coenzyme Q10; this occurred primarily in patients with recent onset of congestive heart failure.

It is now known that the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, while very effective in lowering cholesterol levels, also significantly lower levels of Coenzyme Q10. This may be particularly hazardous for patients with heart failure, suggesting a possible indication for Coenzyme Q10 in many, if not all, individuals using these cholesterol-lowering drugs. Significant Coenzyme Q10 deficiencies have been noted in diseased gingiva. It is not unreasonable to hypothesize that Coenzyme Q10 might be helpful in muscular dystrophy, cancer (e.g. reduce tumor size, remission in metastatic breast cancer), AIDS, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Huntington's disease, Familial Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease), Male infertility (Coenzyme Q10 improves sperm motility and protects seminal fluid from free radical injury), chronic stable angina, Significant reduction of plasma levels of lipid peroxidation, skin photoaging, other immune dysfunctions. Muscular dystrophy is usually associated with cardiac disease. There is also some evidence that Coenzyme Q10 might boost energy and speed recovery of exercise-related muscle exhaustion and damage.

Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention or used in the method of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist or the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the preparation of pharmaceutical, e.g. comprising isolated or recovered the fine chemical, vegetable, lipids, fats or oils, in particular e.g. in combination with other antioxidants, vitamins or coenzymes for the treatment of congestive heart failure, heart muscle dysfunction, (e.g. for stabilizing cell membranes), reduced platelet size, limited of platelet activity, idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, atigue, chest pain, dyspnea and palpitations, hypertension and other manifestations of cardiovascular disease, lowering levels of Coenzyme Q10 due to treatments with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, diseased gingival, gingival inflammation, cancer, AIDS, other immune dysfunctions, Muscular dystrophy associated with cardiac disease, exercise-related muscle exhaustion and damage, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Huntington's disease, Familial Alzheimer's disease (e.g. in combination with vitamin B6), Parkinson's disease), male infertility, chronic stable angina, significant reduction of plasma levels of lipid peroxidation, skin photoaging, lipid peroxidation or for reducing the size of tumors, for remission in metastatic breast cancer, for improving sperm motility, for protecting against oxidative stress or protecting seminal fluid. The pharmaceutical composition can comprise other coenzymes, vitamins, antioxidants or nutrients. As antioxidant the respective fine chemical is used in one advantageous embodiment in the reduced form.

[0425.2.18.18] Further, the nucleic acid of the invention or used in the method of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist or the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the preparation of an pharmaceutical composition, e.g. in combination with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier, a cosmetical composition, e.g. in combination with a emulsifier, detergent, dye additive, softener, formulation agent, wetting agent, lubricating agent etc, or as nutrition supplement, e.g. as oil-based capsules, powder-filled capsules, or tablets or solubilized softgels (microemulsions and others).

Daily doses of Coenzyme Q10 range from 5 to 300 milligrams. Those who use Coenzyme Q10 for periodontal health take 50 to 200 milligrams daily, e.g. 100 to 150 milligrams daily. The same dose range applies to those who take statin drugs for treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Coenzyme Q10 is best taken with food, in particular together with fats or oils. It is reported, that about three weeks of daily dosing are necessary to reach maximal serum concentrations of Coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 is also available topically in some toothpastes and skin creams.

In one further embodiment, the nucleic acid of the invention or used in the method of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof, of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist or the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention used for the preparation of an pharmaceutical composition comprises the isolated or recovered the respective fine chemical, or are comprised in lipids, fats, oils, or membrane fractions of said organism, host cell, microorganism, plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof, of the invention, e.g. comprising further other antioxidants, vitamins, nutritional supplements or coenzymes, e.g. selen, vitamin E, vitamin B6, retinol.

It is assumed that Coenzyme Q9 can be used for the above mentioned usages as well. Coenzyme Q9 distincts from Coenzyme Q10 only by “tail” which is one isoprenoid unit shorter. Thus, it is assumed that Coenzyme Q9 is less lipophilic and more hydrophilic than Coenzyme Q10. Therefore, in one embodiment, it is advantageous to use products of the process of the present invention or the products of the present invention for production of a particular hydrophilic cosmetic composition, e.g. in combination with a emulsifier, detergent, dye additive, softener, formulation agent, wetting agent, lubricating agent etc, or a particular hydrophilic nutrition supplement, e.g. as oil-based capsules, powder-filled capsules, or tablets or solubilized softgels (microemulsions and others).

[0425.3.18.18] In a further embodiment the present invention relates to the use of the agonist of the present invention, the plant of the present invention or a part thereof, the microorganism or the host cell of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention, or a part thereof, for the production a cosmetic composition or a pharmaceutical composition. Such a composition has antioxidative activity, photoprotective activity, and/or tanning activity, can be used for the treating of high levels of cholesterol and/or lipids, to protect, treat or heal the above mentioned diseases, or can be used for the cleaning, conditioning, and/or treating of the skin, e.g. if combined with a pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable carrier.

The Coenzyme Q9 and/or Coenzyme Q10 can be also used as stabilizer of other colours or oxygen sensitive compounds.

[0426.0.0.18] see [0426.0.0.0]

[0426.1.0.18] ./.

[0427.0.0.18] to [0430.0.0.0] see [0427.0.0.0] to [0430.0.0.0]

[0431.0.18.18] Example 1 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 22609 into in Escherichia coli

[0432.0.18.18] A DNA polynucleotide with a sequence as indicated in Table I, column 5 and encoding a polypeptide as listed in Table 1 below, e.g. SEQ ID NO: 22609 was cloned into the plasmids pBR322 (Sutcliffe, J. G. (1979) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, 75: 3737-3741); pACYC177 (Change & Cohen (1978) J. Bacteriol. 134:

1141-1156); plasmids of the pBS series (pBSSK+, pBSSK− and others; Stratagene, LaJolla, USA) or cosmids such as SuperCosi (Stratagene, LaJolla, USA) or Lorist6 (Gibson, T. J. Rosenthal, A., and Waterson, R. H. (1987) Gene 53: 283-286) for expression in E. coli using known, well-established procedures (see, for example, Sambrook, J. et al. (1989) “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons).

[0433.0.0.18] to [0435.0.0.18] see [0433.0.0.0] to [0435.0.0.0]

[0436.0.0.18] see [0436.0.0.0]

[0436.1.0.18] see [0436.1.0.0]

[0437.0.5.18] Example 4 DNA Transfer Between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Mortierella alpina (see [0437.0.5.5])

[0438.0.5.18] see [0438.0.5.5]

[0438.1.5.18] see [0438.0.5.5])

[0439.0.0.18] see [0439.0.0.18]

[0439.1.5.18] see [0439.0.5.5]

[0440.0.0.18] see [0440.0.0.0]

[0440.1.5.18] see [0440.0.5.5]

[0441.0.0.18] see [0441.0.0.0]

[0442.0.0.18] see [0442.0.0.0]

[0442.1.5.18] see [0442.0.5.5]

[0443.0.0.18] to [0445.0.0.18] see [0443.0.0.0] to [0445.0.0.0]

[0445.1.5.18] see [0445.0.5.5]

[0445.1.9.18] to [0445.3.9.18] see [0445.1.9.9] to [0445.3.9.9]

[0446.0.0.18] to [0451.0.0.18] see [0446.0.0.0] to [0451.0.0.0]

[0451.1.5.18] see [0451.0.5.5])

[00451.2.0.18] see [00451.1.0.0]

[0452.0.0.18] to [0455.0.0.18] see [0452.0.0.0] to [0455.0.0.0]

[0455.0.5.18] The effect of the genetic modification in plants, fungi, algae, ciliates or on the production of a desired compound (such as a fatty acid) can be determined by growing the modified microorganisms or the modified plant under suitable conditions (such as those described above) and analyzing the medium and/or the cellular components for the elevated production of desired product (i.e. of the lipids or a fatty acid). These analytical techniques are known to the skilled worker and comprise spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, various types of staining methods, enzymatic and microbiological methods and analytical chromatography such as high-performance liquid chromatography (see, for example, Ullman, Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. A2, p. 89-90 and p. 443-613, VCH: Weinheim (1985); Fallon, A., et al., (1987) “Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry” in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 17; Rehm et al. (1993) Biotechnology, Vol. 3, Chapter III: “Product recovery and purification”, p. 469-714, VCH: Weinheim; Better, P. A., et al. (1988) Bioseparations: downstream processing for Biotechnology, John Wiley and Sons; Kennedy, J. F., and Cabral, J. M. S. (1992) Recovery processes for biological Materials, John Wiley and Sons; Shaeiwitz, J. A., and Henry, J. D. (1988) Biochemical Separations, in: Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. B3; Chapter 11, p. 1-27, VCH: Weinheim; and Dechow, F. J. (1989) Separation and purification techniques in biotechnology, Noyes Publications). In addition to the abovementioned processes, plant lipids are extracted from plant material as described by Cahoon et al. (1999) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 96 (22): 12935-12940 and Browse et al. (1986) Analytic Biochemistry 152:141-145. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of lipids or fatty acids is described by Christie, William W., Advances in Lipid Methodology, Ayr/Scotland: Oily Press (Oily Press Lipid Library; 2); Christie, William W., Gas Chromatography and Lipids. A Practical Guide—Ayr, Scotland: Oily Press, 1989, Repr. 1992, IX, 307 pp. (Oily Press Lipid Library; 1); “Progress in Lipid Research, Oxford: Pergamon Press, 1 (1952)—16 (1977) under the title: Progress in the Chemistry of Fats and Other Lipids CODEN. (see [0455.0.5.5])

[0456.0.0.18] see [0456.0.0.0]

[0457.0.18.18] Example 9 Purification of Coenzyme Q9 or Coenzyme Q10

[0458.0.18.18] One example is the analysis of the coenzymes. The unambiguous detection for the presence of the coenzymes products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods, especially HPLC with UV or electrochemical detection as for example described in The Journal of Lipid Research, Vol. 39, 2099-2105, 1998.

Possible methods for the production and preparation of coenzymes like Coenzyme Q10 has also been described for example in WO2003056024, J57129695, J57202294, DE3416853 and DD-229152. Further methods for the isolation of the respective fine chemical can also been found in WO 9500634, Fat-Sci. Technol.; (1992) 94, 4, 153-57, DD-294280, DD-293048, JP-145413, DD-273002, DD-271128, SU1406163, JP-166837, JP-176705, Acta-Biotechnol.; (1986) 6, 3, 277-79, DD-229152, DE3416854, DE3416853, JP-202840, JP-048433, JP-125306, JP-087137, JP-014026, WO2003056024 and W0200240682

Plant material is initially homogenized mechanically by comminuting in a pestle and mortar to make it more amenable to extraction.

[0459.0.18.18] Usually acetone or hexane is used for the extraction of the coenzymes and further purification is achieved either by column chromatography with a suitable resin.

If necessary, these chromatography steps may be repeated, using identical or other chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the selection of suitable chromatography resin and the most effective use for a particular molecule to be purified.

[0460.0.18.18] In addition depending on the produced fine chemical purification is also possible with crystallization or distillation. Both methods are well known to a person skilled in the art.

[0461.0.18.18] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 22609 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.18] see [0462.0.0.0]

[0463.0.18.18] SEQ ID NO: 22609 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.18] to [0466.0.0.18] see [0464.0.0.0] to [0466.0.0.0]

[0467.0.18.18] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 22609:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 22701) atgggacaca agcccttata ccg ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 22702) ttatcgcgat gattttcgct gcg

[0468.0.0.18] to [0479.0.0.18] see [0468.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0]

[0480.0.18.18] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 22609

[0481.0.0.18] to [0513.0.0.18] see [0481.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0]

[0514.0.18.18] The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the table which follows:

TABLE 1 Metabolite Profiling Info: ORF Metabolite Method Min Max YBR184W Coenzyme Q10 LC 1.70 1.95 YDR513W Coenzyme Q9 LC 1.31 1.73 YER156C Coenzyme Q9 LC 1.32 1.58 YER174C Coenzyme Q9 LC 1.31 1.72 YPR138C Coenzyme Q10 LC 1.65 3.57 YPR172W Coenzyme Q9 LC 1.34 1.66 b3644 Coenzyme Q9 LC 1.37 2.30 b2426 Coenzyme Q9 LC 1.38 1.77 b2703 Coenzyme Q9 LC 1.37 2.18 b2729 Coenzyme Q9 LC 1.35 1.41 b0175 Coenzyme Q9 LC 1.45 1.70 b0730 Coenzyme Q9 LC 1.30 3.03 b1829 Coenzyme Q10 LC 1.48 5.33 b2699 Coenzyme Q10 LC 1.62 3.20 b2699 Coenzyme Q9 LC 1.34 3.53 b3605 Coenzyme Q9 LC 1.35 1.41

[0515.0.0.18] to [0552.0.0.18] see [0515.0.0.0] to [0552.0.0.0] including [0530.1.0.0] to [0530.6.0.0] as well as [0552.2.0.0]

[0552.1.18.18] Example 15 Metabolite Profiling Info from Zea mays

Zea mays plants were engineered, grown and analysed as described in Example 14c.

The results of the different Zea mays plants analysed can be seen from Table 2 which follows:

TABLE 2 ORF_NAME Metabolite Min Max b1829 Coenzyme Q10 1.28 1.65

Table 2 exhibits the metabolic data from maize, shown in either TO or T1, describing the increase in Coenzyme Q10 in genetically modified corn plants expressing the E. coli nucleic acid sequence b1829.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b1829 or its homologs, an activity being defined as a heat shock protein or its homolog, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical Coenzyme Q10 between 28% and 65% is conferred.

[0552.2.0.18] see [0552.2.0.0]

[0553.0.18.18]

-   1. A process for the production of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9,     which comprises     -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or         235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 or a functional equivalent thereof         in a non-human organism, or in one or more parts thereof; and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9,     comprising the increasing or generating in an organism or a part     thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule     comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group     consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242         and/or 599 to 602 or a fragment thereof, which confers an         increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in     -   Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242         and/or 599 to 602;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q10 and/or         Coenzyme Q9 in an organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q10 and/or         Coenzyme Q9 in an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q10 and/or         Coenzyme Q9 in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 231 to         234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 and conferring an         increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q10         and/or Coenzyme Q9 in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 231 to 234         and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 and conferring an increase         in the amount of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 in an organism         or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 in an organism or a part thereof     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 produced by the selected mutated         organisms or parts thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242         and/or 599 to 602, preferably Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines         231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q10         and/or Coenzyme Q9 in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or         235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, preferably Table I B, columns 5 or         7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q10 and/or         Coenzyme Q9 in an organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q10 and/or         Coenzyme Q9 in an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q10 and/or         Coenzyme Q9 in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 231 to         234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 and conferring an         increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q10         and/or Coenzyme Q9 in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 231 to 234         and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 and conferring an increase         in the amount of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 in an organism         or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 in an organism or a part thereof     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 231 to         234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602 by one or more         nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599     to 602 by one or more amino acids -   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q10 and/or     Coenzyme Q9 in an organism or a part thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q10         and/or Coenzyme Q9 in an organism or a part thereof with a         candidate compound or a sample comprising a plurality of         compounds under conditions which permit the expression the         polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 level or the         polypeptide expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or         microorganism or the media the cell, tissue, plant or         microorganisms is cultured or maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 level or polypeptide         expression level with a standard Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9         or polypeptide expression level measured in the absence of said         candidate compound or a sample comprising said plurality of         compounds, whereby an increased level over the standard         indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said         plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased level over         the standard indicates that the compound or the sample         comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 production in a plant or     microorganism, comprising the steps:     -   (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 CoQ 9 in an organism         or a part thereof and a readout system capable of interacting         with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the         interaction of the polypeptide with said readout system in the         presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of         compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in         response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under         conditions which permit the expression of said readout system         and of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q10         and/or Coenzyme Q9 in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 production in a cell,     comprising the following steps:     -   (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 after expression         with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 level in the         host cells; and     -   (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the Coenzyme Q10 and/or         Coenzyme Q9 level in the host cell in the host cell after         expression compared to the wild type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in

Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the Coenzyme Q10 and/or         Coenzyme Q9 amount or level in an organism or a part thereof         after expression, and which are at least 20% homolog to the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 level in the         host cells; and     -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the Coenzyme Q10 and/or         Coenzyme Q9 level in the host cell after expression compared to         the wild type.

-   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture.

-   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier.

-   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 after expression.

-   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 levels in an organism.

-   25. Cosmetic, pharmaceutical, nutrition composition, food or feed     composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the     polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the     vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified     according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant     tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, the host     cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to     the method of claim 19 or 20.

-   26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20 for the protection of vegetable fats, oils, lipids or waxes     comprising the respective fine chemical.

-   27. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20 for the production of oils, lipids, fats or waxes comprising the     respective fine chemical derived from microorganisms.

-   28. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20 for the production of of a pharmaceutical agent for the treatment     of congestive heart failure, heart muscle dysfunction, reduced     platelet size, limited of platelet activity, idiopathic dilated     cardiomyopathy, atigue, chest pain, dyspnea and palpitations,     hypertension and other manifestations of cardiovascular disease,     lowering levels of Coenzyme Q10 due to treatments with HMG-CoA     reductase inhibitors, diseased gingival, gingival inflammation,     cancer, AIDS, other immune dysfunctions, Muscular dystrophy     associated with cardiac disease, exercise-related muscle exhaustion     and damage, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, male infertility,     chronic stable angina, significant reduction of plasma levels of     lipid peroxidation, skin photoaging, lipid peroxidation or for     reducing the size of tumors, for remission in metastatic breast     cancer, for improving sperm motility, for protecting against     oxidative stress, for stabilizing cell membranes or protecting     seminal fluid or a cosmetic agent or a nutrition supplement for food     or feed.

[0554.0.0.18] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.0]

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS Description

[0000.0.0.19] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0001.0.0.0].

[0002.0.19.19] Plants produce several important secondary metabolites from phenylalanine through the phenylpropanoid pathway. Such substances include flavonoids, lignins, tannins, salicylic acid and hydroxycinnamic acid esters. Recent work on the phenylpropanoid pathway has shown that the traditional view of lignin biosynthesis is incorrect. Although the hydroxylation and methylation reactions of the pathway were long thought to occur at the level of the free hydroxycinnamic acids, it turns now out, that the enzymes catalyzing phenylpropanoid 3-hydroxylation and 3-O-methylation reactions uses shikimate and CoA conjugates as substrates. The recent cloning of a aldehyde dehydrogenase involved in ferulic acid and sinapic acid biosynthesis suggest that both substances are derived at least in part through oxidation of coniferaldehyde and sinapaldehyde (see Nair et al., 2004, Plant Cell, 16, 544-554 and citations therein).

[0003.0.0.19] Ferulic acid is a substance found in the seeds and leaves of most plants, especially in the brans of grasses such as wheat, rice, and oats. Its chemical structure strongly resembles that of curcumin, the substance responsible for the yellow color of the spice turmeric.

[0004.0.0.19] The amount of ferulic acid in plant materials varies widely depending on the species and growing conditions; supplements are therefore a more reliable source of this substance than food or unprocessed herbal materials.

[0005.0.0.19] Ferulic acid has antioxidant properties that make it an important anti-aging supplement, and they also contribute to ferulic acid's other potential uses. These include applications in diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, neuroprotection, bone degeneration, menopause, immunity, and (perhaps) athletic performance.

[0006.0.0.19] In male rats fed a high cholesterol diet, ferulic acid supplementation significantly lowered total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in the blood, as compared to a control group. Moreover, HDL (good cholesterol′) is increased with ferulic acid supplementation.

Like many other dietary substances, ferulic acid is an antioxidant—but it is an unusually good one. It is especially good at neutralizing the free radicals known as ‘superoxide’, ‘hydroxyl radical’, and ‘nitric oxide’. It acts synergistically with other antioxidants, giving them extra potency. In addition, ferulic acid can be activated to even higher antioxidant activity by exposure to UV light, suggesting that it might help to protect skin from sun damage.

In microbiological applications ferulic acid is useful as a substrate for vanillin production, as for example described in WO 9735999 or DE19960106 or for melanin production (WO 9720944).

[0007.0.0.19] Cinnamic acids, which include caffeic and ferulic acids, are also powerful antioxidants. Experiments have found that these compounds can stop the growth of cancer cells.

In addition sinapic acid is an intermediate in syringyl lignin biosynthesis in angiosperms, and in some taxa serves as a precursor for soluble secondary metabolites. The biosynthesis and accumulation of the sinapate esters sinapoylglucose, sinapoylmalate, and sinapoylcholine are developmentally regulated in at least Arabidopsis and other members of the Brassicaceae (Ruegger et al., 1999, 119(1): 101-10, 1999).

Due to these interesting physiological roles and agrobiotechnological potential of ferulic acid or sinapic acid there is a need to identify the genes of enzymes and other proteins involved in ferulic acid or sinapic acid metabolism, and to generate mutants or transgenic plant lines with which to modify the ferulic acid or sinapic acid content in plants.

[0008.0.19.19] One way to increase the productive capacity of biosynthesis is to apply recombinant DNA technology. Thus, it would be desirable to produce ferulic acid or sinapic acid in plants. That type of production permits control over quality, quantity and selection of the most suitable and efficient producer organisms. The latter is especially important for commercial production economics and therefore availability to consumers. In addition it is desirable to produce ferulic acid or sinapic acid in plants in order to increase plant productivity and resistance against biotic and abiotic stress as discussed before.

Methods of recombinant DNA technology have been used for some years to improve the production of fine chemicals in microorganisms and plants by amplifying individual biosynthesis genes and investigating the effect on production of fine chemicals. It is for example reported, that the xanthophyll astaxanthin could be produced in the nectaries of transgenic tobacco plants. Those transgenic plants were prepared by Argobacterium tumifaciens-mediated transformation of tobacco plants using a vector that contained a ketolase-encoding gene from H. pluvialis denominated crtO along with the Pds gene from tomato as the promoter and to encode a leader sequence. Those results indicated that about 75 percent of the carotenoids found in the flower of the transformed plant contained a keto group.

[0009.0.19.19] Thus, it would be advantageous if an algae, plant or other microorganism were available which produce large amounts ferulic acid or sinapic acid. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganisms.

It would also be advantageous if plants were available whose roots, leaves, stem, fruits or flowers produced large amounts of ferulic acid or sinapic acid. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed plants.

[0010.0.19.19] Therefore improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the food-and-feed industry. This is necessary since, for example ferulic acid or sinapic acid, as mentioned above, which occur in plants and some microorganisms are limited with regard to the supply of mammals. Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible a specific ferulic acid or sinapic acid profile in the diet since an excess of ferulic acid or sinapic acid above a specific concentration in the food has a positive effect. A further increase in quality is only possible via addition of further ferulic acid or sinapic acid, which are limiting.

[0011.0.19.19] To ensure a high quality of foods and animal feeds, it is therefore necessary to add ferulic acid or sinapic acid in a balanced manner to suit the organism.

[0012.0.19.19] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes or other proteins which participate in the biosynthesis of ferulic acid or sinapic acid and make it possible to produce them specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of ferulic acid or sinapic acid; on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0013.0.0.0].

[0014.0.19.19] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is a ferulic acid or sinapic acid. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to a ferulic acid or sinapic acid. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising ferulic acid or sinapic acid.

[0015.0.19.19] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means at least one chemical compound with ferulic acid or sinapic acid activity.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means ferulic acid. In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means sinapic acid depending on the context in which the term is used. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means ferulic acid or sinapic acid, its salts, ester, thioester or in free form or bound to other compounds such sugars or sugarpolymers, like glucoside, e.g. diglucoside.

[0016.0.19.19] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more b0196,     b0730, b1896, b2414, b3074, b3172, YBR184W, YDR513W or b2818     protein(s) in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof; and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus ferulic acid or sinapic acid     in said organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising.

(a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp. or having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp. in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof; and

growing the organism under conditions which permit the production of the fine chemical, thus, ferulic acid or sinapic acid, in said organism.

[0016.1.19.19] Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means “ferulic acid” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I, lines 243, 244, 246, 247, 249 or homologs thereof and means “sinapic acid” in relation to the sequence listed in Table I, lines 245, 248, 250, 603 or homologs thereof. Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” can mean “ferulic acid” or “sinapic acid”, owing to circumstances and the context. In order to illustrate that the meaning of the term “the respective fine chemical” means “ferulic acid” or “sinapic acid” owing to the sequences listed in the context the term “the respective fine chemical” is also used.

[0017.0.0.19] and [0018.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0017.0.0.19] and [0018.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0017.0.0.0] and [0018.0.0.0] above.

[0019.0.19.19] Advantageously the process for the production of the respective fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the respective fine chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the respective fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603.

[0020.0.19.19] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0196, b0730, b1896, b2414, b3074, b3172, b2818 or

Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBR184W or YDR513W in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in ferulic acid or sinapic acid (“the fine chemical” or “the fine respective chemical”) in respect to said proteins and their homologs as wells as the encoding nucleic acid molecules, in particular as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603 content of the transformed plants.

[0021.0.0.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0021.0.0.0] above.

[0022.0.19.19] The sequence of b0196 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, F. R. et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474 (1997) and its activity is being defined as regulator in colanic acid synthesis. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein b0196 from

Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount offerulic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b0196 is increased.

The sequence of b0730 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner F. R. et al., Science 277:1453-1474(1997) and its activity is being defined as a transcriptional regulator of succinyl Co Asynthase operon and fatty acyl responsive regulator. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein b0730 from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of ferulic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b0730 is increased.

The sequence of b1896 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner F. R. et al., Science 277:1453-1474(1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having trehalose-6-phosphate synthase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein b1896 from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of sinapic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b1896 is increased.

The sequence of b2414 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner F. R. et al., Science 277:1453-1474(1997) and its function is being defined as a subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, a PLP-dependent enzyme. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein b2414 from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of ferulic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b2414 is increased.

The sequence of b3074 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner F. R. et al., Science 277:1453-1474(1997) and its activity is being defined as a putative tRNA synthetase protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein b3074 from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of ferulic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b3074 is increased.

The sequence of b3172 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner F. R. et al., Science 277:1453-1474(1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having argininosuccinate synthetase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein b3172 from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of sinapic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b3172 is increased.

The sequence of YBR184W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, A. et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996) and its activity is being defined as an unclassified protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YBR184W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of ferulic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the unspecified protein YBR184W is increased.

The sequence of YDR513W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq, C. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having glutaredoxin (thioltransferase) (glutathione reductase) activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YDR513W having said activity, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of sinapic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YDR513W is increased. The sequence of b2818 (Accession number NP_(—)417295) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a N-acetylglutamate synthase (amino acid N-acetyltransferase). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of amino-acid acetyltransferase, acetylglutamate kinase superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a a N-acetylglutamate synthase (amino acid N-acetyltransferase) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of sinapic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of sinapic acid, preferably sinapic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

[0023.0.19.19] Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the respective fine chemical amount or content.

In one embodiment, the homolog of any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243, 244, 246, 247 or 249 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably ferulic acid.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 245, 248, 250 or 603 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably sinapic acid.

[0023.0.19.19] Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 248, 250 and 603 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 243 to 248, 250 and 603 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 243 to 248, 250 and 603.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243, 244, 246, 247 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 243, 244, 246, 247, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 243, 244, 246, 247, having a ferulic acid content and/or amount increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 245, 248, 250, 603 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 245, 248, 250, 603 respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 245, 248, 250, 603 having a sinapic acid content and/or amount increasing activity.

[0023.1.0.19] Homologs of the polypeptides polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules polypeptide indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603.

[0024.0.0.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0024.0.0.0] above.

[0025.0.19.19] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of a protein of the invention”, e.g. the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603 if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased ferulic acid or sinapic acid level, resp., in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism. In a preferred embodiment, the protein or polypeptide has the above-mentioned additional activities of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603. Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603 of Escherichia coli K12 or Saccharomyces cerevisiae respectively.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary close to the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 and is expressed in an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the origin organism. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums whereas origin and the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 are derived from the same families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0025.1.0.19] and [0025.2.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0025.1.0.19] and [0025.2.0.19] see [0025.1.0.0] and [0025.2.0.0] above.

[0026.0.0.19] to [0033.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0026.0.0.19] to [0033.0.0.19] see [0026.0.0.0] to [0033.0.0.0] above.

[0034.0.19.19] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention. E.g., it differs by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 243 to 250 and 603 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, its biochemical or genetic causes. It therefore shows the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.19] to [0044.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0035.0.0.19] to [0044.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0035.0.0.0] to [0044.0.0.0] above.

[0045.0.19.19] In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0196 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 243 is increased, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of ferulic acid acid between 10% and 25% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0730 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 244 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of ferulic acid between 38% and 97% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1896 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 245 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of sinapic acid between 38% and 98% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2414 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 246 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of ferulic acid between 34% and 86% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3074 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 247 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of ferulic acid between 35% and 73% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3172 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 248 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of sinapic acid between 31% and 89% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisae protein YBR184W or its homologs as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 249, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of ferulic acid between 30% and 37% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR513W or its homologs as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 250, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of sinapic acid between 30% and 39% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2818 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 603 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of sinapic acid between 27% and 54% or more is conferred.

[0046.0.0.19] In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0196 or its homologs, e.g. a regulator in colanic acid synthesis is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical ferulic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0730 or its homologs, e.g. a transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon and fatty acyl response regulator increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical ferulic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1896 or its homologs, e.g. a trehalose-6-phosphate synthase 5 is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical sinapic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2414 or its homologs, e.g. a subunit of cysteine synthase A and O-acetylserine sulfhydrolase A, PLP-dependent enzyme is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical ferulic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3074 or its homologs, e.g. a putative tRNA synthetase is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical ferulic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3172 or its homologs, e.g. a protein having argininosuccinate synthetase activity is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical sinapic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisae protein YBR184W or its homologs is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical ferulic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR513W or its homologs is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical sinapic acid is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2818 or its homologs, e.g. a N-acetylglutamate synthase (amino acid N-acetyltransferase) is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably an increase of the fine chemical sinapic acid is conferred.

[[0047.0.0.19] and [0048.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0047.0.0.19] and [0048.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0047.0.0.0] and [0048.0.0.0] above.

[0049.0.19.19] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical ferulic acid preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 243, 244, 246, 247 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243, 244, 246, 247 and/or 249 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243, 244, 246, 247 and/or 249 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the ferulic acid level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the sinapic preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, line 245, 248, 250 and/or 603 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 245, 248, 250 and/or 603 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 245, 248, 250 and/or 603 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the sinapic level.

[0050.0.19.19] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “the respective fine chemical” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of ferulic acid or sinapic acid, resp., or their ester, or glucoside thereof, e.g the diglucoside thereof.

[0051.0.19.19] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the respective fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free chemical free or bound, e.g compositions comprising ferulic acid or sinapic acid. Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of ferulic acid or sinapic acid can be produced.

[0052.0.0.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0052.0.0.0] above.

[0053.0.19.19] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243     to 250 and 603 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, activity having     herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical increasing activity; -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, e.g.     of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in     Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603 or its homologs     activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243     to 250 and 603, or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity; -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603     or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5     or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, or decreasing the inhibitory     regulation of the polypeptide of the invention; -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603     or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5     or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603; -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated     in Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603 or its homologs     activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243     to 250 and 603, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors to     the organism or parts thereof; -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603     or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5     or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603     or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 243 to 250 and 603, activity. -   h) Increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having an activity     of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 250     and 603 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, by adding positive     expression or removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous     recombination can be used to either introduce positive regulatory     elements like for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to     remove repressor elements form regulatory regions. Further gene     conversion methods can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to     enhance to activity of positive elements. Positive elements can be     randomly introduced in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and     lines can be identified in which the positive elements have be     integrated near to a gene of the invention, the expression of which     is thereby enhanced;     -   and/or -   i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead to an enhanced respective fine chemical     production. -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, e.g. the elite crops.

[0054.0.19.19] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 3 or 5, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp.

[0055.0.0.19] to [0067.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0055.0.0.19] to [0067.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0055.0.0.0] to [0067.0.0.0] above.

[0068.0.19.19] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of ferulic acid or sinapic acid is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0069.0.0.0] above.

[0070.0.19.19] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding a protein of the invention into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolite composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous composition of ferulic acid and sinapic acid or their biochemical derivatives, e.g. comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) ferulic acid and/or sinapic acid or their derivatives.

[0071.0.0.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0071.0.0.0] above.

[0072.0.0.19] %

[0073.0.19.19] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

(c) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant; (d) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or a homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and described below, e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism, preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant, (e) growing an organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and (f) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or bound the respective fine chemical synthesized by the organism, the microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.19.19] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound respective fine chemical.

[0075.0.0.19] to [0077.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0075.0.0.19] to [0077.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0075.0.0.0] to [0077.0.0.0] above.

[0078.0.19.19] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, the respective fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications. The fermentation broth, fermentation products, plants or plant products can be purified with methods known to the person skilled in the art. Products of these different work-up procedures are ferulic acid or sinapic acid or comprising compositions of ferulic acid and sinapic acid still comprising fermentation broth, plant particles and cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably below 50% by weight.

[0079.0.0.19] to [0084.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0079.0.0.19] to [0084.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0075.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0] above.

[0085.0.19.19] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   -   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or         7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, or a derivative thereof, or     -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which         is functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated         in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, or a         derivative thereof, or     -   c) (a) and (b)         is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or         has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods,         it being possible for the modification to be, by way of example,         a substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of         one or more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the         natural chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the         presence in a genomic library. In the case of a genomic library,         the natural, genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is         preferably at least partially still preserved. The environment         flanks the nucleic acid sequence at least on one side and has a         sequence length of at least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp,         particularly preferably at least 1000 bp, very particularly         preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.19] and [0087.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0086.0.0.19] and [0087.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0086.0.0.0] and [0087.0.0.0] above.

[0088.0.19.19] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose content of the respective fine chemical is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for animals such as poultry is dependent on the abovementioned fine chemicals or the plants are more resistant to biotic and abiotic stress and the yield is increased.

[0088.1.0.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0088.1.0.0] above.

[0089.0.0.19] to [0094.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0089.0.0.19] to [0094.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0089.0.0.0] to [0094.0.0.0] above.

[0095.0.19.19] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of ferulic acid or sinapic acid in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the pure respective fine chemical and/or to obtain increased resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses and to obtain higher yield.

[0096.0.19.19] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptid or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired fine chemical, for example in the organism, is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0097.0.0.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0097.0.0.0] above.

[0098.0.19.19] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated.

[0099.0.19.19] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned desired fine chemical may accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, and spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the respective fine chemical comprising compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.19.19] Transgenic plants which comprise the fine chemicals such as ferulic acid or sinapic acid synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the fine chemicals synthesized to be isolated. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue.

However, the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, as extracts, e.g. ether, alcohol, or other organic solvents or water containing extract and/or free fine chemicals. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts. To increase the efficiency of extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, specifically the seeds, they can previously be comminuted, steamed or roasted. Seeds, which have been pretreated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents such as warm hexane. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. Thereafter, the resulting products can be processed further, i.e. degummed and/or refined. In this process, substances such as the plant mucilages and suspended matter can be first removed. What is known as desliming can be affected enzymatically or, for example, chemico-physically by addition of acid such as phosphoric acid.

Because ferulic acid or sinapic acid in microorganisms are localized intracellular, their recovery essentially comes down to the isolation of the biomass. Well-established approaches for the harvesting of cells include filtration, centrifugation and coagulation/flocculation as described herein. Of the residual hydrocarbon, adsorbed on the cells, has to be removed. Solvent extraction or treatment with surfactants have been suggested for this purpose.

[0101.0.19.19] The identity and purity of the compound(s) isolated can be determined by prior-art techniques. They encompass high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assays or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are compiled in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11 27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19:67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Bd. A27, VCH Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michal, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 17.

[0102.0.19.19] Ferulic acid or sinapic acid can for example be detected advantageously via HPLC, LC or GC separation methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of ferulic acid or sinapic acid containing products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MS, MS or TLC). The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding, cooking, or via other applicable methods.

[0103.0.19.19] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, or a fragment thereof,     which confers an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridization     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table III, columns 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table IV,     column 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 243 to 250 and 603, and conferring an increase in the amount     of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[00103.1.19.19] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603.

[00103.2.19.19] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603.

[0104.0.19.19] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the present invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603.

[0105.0.0.19] to [0107.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0105.0.0.19] to [0107.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0105.0.0.0] and [0107.0.0.0] above.

[0108.0.19.19] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from an amino acid sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical, meaning ferulic acid or sinapic acid, resp., after increasing its expression or activity, are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.19.19] In one embodiment, said sequences are cloned into nucleic acid constructs, either individually or in combination. These nucleic acid constructs enable an optimal synthesis of the respective fine chemicals, in particular ferulic acid or sinapic acid, produced in the process according to the invention.

[0110.0.0.19] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0111.0.0.0] above.

[0112.0.19.19] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603 or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 and 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 and conferring an increase in the ferulic acid or sinapic acid level.

[0113.0.0.19] to [0120.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0113.0.0.19] to [0120.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0113.0.0.0] and [0120.0.0.0] above.

[0121.0.19.19] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a ferulic acid level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243, 244, 246, 247, 249 or conferring a sinapic acid level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 245, 248 250 and 603.

[0122.0.0.19] to [0127.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0122.0.0.19] to [0127.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0122.0.0.0] and [0127.0.0.0] above.

[0128.0.19.19] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp. or the sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp.

[0129.0.19.19] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence shown in Table IV, column 7, lines 243 to 248, 250 and 603 is derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.19.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0130.0.0.0].

[0131.0.0.19] to [0138.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0131.0.0.19] to [0138.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0131.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0] above.

[0139.0.19.19] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical level increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridise to a sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243, 244, 246, 247, 249, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 243, 244, 246, 247, 249 for ferulic acid or indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 245, 248, 250, 603, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 245, 248, 250, 603 for sinapic under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the respective fine chemical, i.e. ferulic acid or sinapic acid, resp., increasing-activity.

[0140.0.0.19] to [0146.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0140.0.0.19] to [0146.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0140.0.0.0] and [0146.0.0.0] above.

[0147.0.19.19] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridise to one of said nucleotide sequences, thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.19.19] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular having a ferulic acid or sinapic acid increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.19.19] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring a of ferulic acid or sinapic acid increase, resp., and optionally, the activity of protein indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 243 to 250 and 603, preferably of Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603.

[00149.1.19.19] Optionally, in one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603, preferably of Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603.

[0150.0.19.19] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of ferulic acid or sinapic acid, resp., if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 or its gene product. Preferred is Table II B, column 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603.

[0151.0.0.19]: for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0151.0.0.0] above.

[0152.0.19.19] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular a ferulic acid (lines 243, 244, 246, 247, 249) or sinapic acid (lines 245, 248, 250, 603) increasing activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.19.19] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603.

[0154.0.19.19] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.19] and [0156.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0155.0.0.19] and [0156.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0155.0.0.0] and [0156.0.0.0] above.

[0157.0.19.19] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as polypeptides comprising the sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 243 to 248, 250 and 603 or as polypeptides depicted in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 or the functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, an amino acid sequence of a consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 243 to 248, 250 and 603 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 243 to 248, 250 and 603 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 or the functional homologues. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., preferably as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and/or 603. Preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and/or 603.

[0158.0.0.19] to [0160.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0158.0.0.19] to [0160.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0] above.

[0161.0.19.19] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0162.0.0.0] above.

[0163.0.19.19] Preferably, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the amount of the respective fine chemical in a organism or a part thereof, e.g. a tissue, a cell, or a compartment of a cell, after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0164.0.0.0] above.

[0165.0.19.19] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp.

[0166.0.0.19] and [0167.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0166.0.0.19] and [0167.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0166.0.0.0] and [0167.0.0.0] above.

[0168.0.19.19] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603.

Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603.

[0169.0.0.19] to [0172.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0169.0.0.19] to [0172.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0169.0.0.0] to [0172.0.0.0] above.

[0173.0.19.19] For example a sequence, which has 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 24071 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 24071 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.19]: for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0174.0.0.0] above.

[0175.0.19.19] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 24072 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 24072 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.19.19] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp.

[0177.0.19.19] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp.

[0178.0.0.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0178.0.0.0] above.

[0179.0.19.19] A nucleic acid molecule encoding a homologous to a protein sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.19] to [0183.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0180.0.0.19] to [0183.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0] above.

[0184.0.19.19] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.19.19] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, preferably of Table I B, column 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp.

[0186.0.19.19] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp.

[0187.0.19.19] In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp.

[0188.0.19.19] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., and is expressed under identical conditions. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention is a homolog consisting or or comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II B, column 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603,

[0189.0.19.19] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.19], [0191.0.0.19], [00191.1.0.19] and [0192.0.0.19] to [0203.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0190.0.0.19], [0191.0.0.19], [0191.1.0.19] and [0192.0.0.19] to [0203.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0190.0.0.0], [0191.0.0.0], [0191.1.0.0] and [0192.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0] above.

[0204.0.19.19] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 243 to 250 and 603, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines     243 to 250 and 603, resp.; or a fragment thereof conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, i.e. ferulic     acid (lines 243, 244, 246, 247, 249) or sinapic acid (lines 245,     248, 250, 603), resp., in an organism or a part thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5     or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, preferably of Table I B, column 7,     lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., or a fragment thereof conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines     243 to 250 and 603 and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, i.e. ferulic acid (lines 243, 244, 246,     247, 249) or sinapic acid (lines 245, 248, 250, 603), resp., in an     organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 243 to     248, 250 and 603 and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, i.e. ferulic acid (lines 243, 244, 246,     247, 249) or sinapic acid (lines 245, 248, 250, 603), resp., in an     organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, preferably of     Table II B, column 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical, i.e. ferulic acid (lines 243, 244, 246, 247, 249) or     sinapic acid (lines 245, 248, 250, 603), resp., in an organism or a     part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603,     resp., or a nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the     mature form of, a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or     7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., and conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; or which encompasses a sequence which is complementary     thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB,     columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., by one or more     nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the     invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table IA     or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp. In an other     embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at     least 30% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or     99% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns     5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp. In a further embodiment the     nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide sequence as     indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and     603, resp. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule     of the present invention encodes in one embodiment a polypeptide     which differs at least in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide     indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and     603 does not encode a protein of a sequence as indicated in Table     IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603. Accordingly,     in one embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequences of a nucleic     acid according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as     indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250     and 603. In a further embodiment, the protein of the present     invention is at least 30% identical to a protein sequence indicated     in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 and     less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more     preferably less than 99%, 98%, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a     sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 243     to 250 and 603.

[0205.0.0.19] and [0206.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0205.0.0.19] and [0206.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0205.0.0.0] and [0206.0.0.0] above.

[0207.0.19.19] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes, are genes of the glutamic acid metabolism, the phosphoenolpyruvate metabolism, the amino acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acid metabolism or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.19] to [0226.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0208.0.0.19] to [0226.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0208.0.0.0] to [0226.0.0.0] above.

[0227.0.19.19] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 or its derivatives, it is advantageous to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the glutamic acid or phosphoenolpyruvate metabolic pathway, is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the fine chemicals desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine one or more of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.19.19] %

[0229.0.19.19] Further advantageous nucleic acid sequences which can be expressed in combination with the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes are the sequences encoding further genes of the aromatic amino acid pathway, such as tryptophan, phenylalanine or tyrosine. These genes can lead to an increased synthesis of the essential amino acids tryptophan, phenylalanine or tyrosine.

[0230.0.0.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0230.0.0.0] above.

[0231.0.19.19] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a ferulic acid or sinapic acid degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene. A person skilled in the art knows for example, that the inhibition or repression of a ferulic acid or sinapic acid degrading enzyme will result in an increased ferulic acid and/or sinapic acid accumulation in the plant.

[0232.0.0.19] to [0276.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0232.0.0.19] to [0276.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0232.0.0.0] to [0276.0.0.0] above.

[0277.0.19.19] The respective fine chemical produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker are familiar, for example via extraction, salt precipitation, and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously.

[0278.0.0.19] to [0282.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0278.0.0.19] to [0282.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0278.0.0.0] to [0282.0.0.0] above.

[0283.0.19.19] Moreover, native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells, for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, e.g. an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., or an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies.

[0284.0.0.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0284.0.0.0] above.

[0285.0.19.19] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., or as coded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.19.19] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 243 to 248, 250 and 603 and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 243 to 248, 250 and 603 whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid.

[0287.0.0.19] to [0290.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0287.0.0.19] to [0290.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0287.0.0.0] to [0290.0.0.0] above.

[0291.0.19.19] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603.

[0292.0.0.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0292.0.0.0] above.

[0293.0.19.19] In one embodiment, the invention relates to a polypeptide conferring an increase in the fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp.

[0294.0.19.19] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.19] to [0297.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0295.0.0.19] to [0297.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0295.0.0.0] to [0297.0.0.0] above.

[00297.1.0.19] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity and/or the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 3, 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603.

[0298.0.19.19] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp.

[0299.0.19.19] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.19.19] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp.

[0301.0.0.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0301.0.0.0] above.

[0302.0.19.19] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0303.0.0.0] above.

[0304.0.19.19] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603 but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.19] to [0308.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0305.0.0.19] to [0308.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0305.0.0.0 to [0308.0.0.0] above.

[0309.0.19.19] In one embodiment, a reference to a protein (=polypeptide) of the invention or as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas an “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, an “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.19] to [0334.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0310.0.0.19] to [0334.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0310.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0] above.

[0335.0.19.19] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in

Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived there from), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of aprotein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.19] to [0342.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0336.0.0.19] to [0342.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0] above.

[0343.0.19.19] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.19] to [0361.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0344.0.0.19] to [0361.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0344.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0] above.

[0362.0.19.19] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., e.g. encoding a polypeptide having protein activity, as indicated in Table II, columns 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., Due to the abovementioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0363.0.0.0] above.

[0364.0.19.19] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of a promoter of a gene encoding a polypeptide of the invention as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp. with the corresponding protein-encoding sequence as indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 243 to 250 and 603, resp., becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modified by non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example, mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

[0365.0.0.19] to [0373.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0365.0.0.19], to [0373.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0365.0.0.0] to [0373.0.0.0] above.

[0374.0.19.19] Transgenic plants comprising the respective fine chemical synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. ferulic acid or sinapic acid, in particular the respective fine chemical, produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free ferulic acid or sinapic acid, in particular the free respective fine chemical, or bound in or to compounds or moieties, like glucosides, e.g. diglucosides. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography or other chromatographic methods of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.19] and [0376.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0375.0.0.19] and [0376.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0375.0.0.0] and [0376.0.0.0] above.

[0377.0.19.19] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process whereby the produced ferulic acid or sinapic acid is isolated.

[0378.0.19.19] In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the ferulic acid or sinapic acid produced in the process can be isolated. The resulting ferulic acid or sinapic acid can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.19.19] In one embodiment, ferulic acid and sinapic are a mixture of the respective fine chemicals.

[0380.0.19.19] The ferulic acid or sinapic acid obtained in the process are suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates a method for the production of pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the ferulic acid or sinapic acid composition produced or the respective fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the ferulic acid or sinapic acid produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals or for the production of ferulic acid or sinapic acid e.g. after isolation of the respective fine chemical or without, e.g. in situ, e.g in the organism used for the process for the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0381.0.0.19] to [0384.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0381.0.0.19], to [0384.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0381.0.0.0] to [0384.0.0.0] above.

[0385.0.19.19] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular ferulic acid or sinapic acid in mixtures with other organic acids, aminoacids, polypeptides or polysaccarides, normally have a dry matter content of from 1 to 70% by weight, preferably 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, e.g. at the end, for example over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 10 g/l, preferably to 0 to 3 g/I during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed or isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it.

The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

[0386.0.19.19] Accordingly, it is possible to purify the ferulic acid or sinapic acid produced according to the invention further. For this purpose, the product-containing composition is subjected for example to separation via e.g. an open column chromatography or HPLC in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use.

[0387.0.0.19] to [0392.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0387.0.0.19] to [0392.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0387.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0] above.

[0393.0.19.19] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

(c) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical after expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention;

-   b. identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250     and 603, preferably in Table IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250     and 603 resp., and, optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone     or complete genomic clone; -   c. introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the respective fine chemical; -   d. expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   e. assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host cells;     and -   f. identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the respective fine chemical level     in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.19] to [0398.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0394.0.0.19] to [0398.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0394.0.0.0] to [0398.0.0.0] above.

[0399.0.19.19] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to process for the identification of a compound conferring increase of the respective fine chemical production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps:

(o) culturing a cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide according to the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding said polypeptide and a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of said readout system and the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the invention; and (p) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said readout system.

The screen for a gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production can be performed by growth of an organism for example a microorganism in the presence of growth reducing amounts of an inhibitor of the synthesis of the respective fine chemical. Better growth, e.g. higher dividing rate or high dry mass in comparison to the control under such conditions would identify a gene or gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in respective fine chemical production.

[00399.1.19.19] One can think to screen for increased production of the respective fine chemical by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the respective fine chemical and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotype of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.19] to [0416.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0400.0.0.19] to [0416.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0400.0.0.0] to [0416.0.0.0] above.

[0417.0.19.19] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the ferulic acid or sinapic acid biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect an organism such as a microorganism or a plant against inhibitors, which block the ferulic acid or sinapic acid synthesis.

[0418.0.0.19] to [0423.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0418.0.0.19] to [0423.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0418.0.0.0] to [0423.0.0.0] above.

[0424.0.19.19] Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the respective fine chemical or of the respective fine chemical and one or more other organic acids. Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the respective fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0425.0.0.19] to [0434.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0425.0.0.19] to [0434.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0425.0.0.0] to [0434.0.0.0] above.

[0435.0.19.19] Example 3 In-Vivo and In-Vitro Mutagenesis

[0436.0.19.19] An in vivo mutagenesis of organisms such as Saccharomyces, Mortierella, Escherichia and others mentioned above, which are beneficial for the production of ferulic acid or sinapic acid can be carried out by passing a plasmid DNA (or another vector DNA) containing the desired nucleic acid sequence or nucleic acid sequences, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the vector of the invention, through E. coli and other microorganisms (for example Bacillus spp. or yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which are not capable of maintaining the integrity of its genetic information. Usual mutator strains have mutations in the genes for the DNA repair system [for example mutHLS, mutD, mutT and the like; for comparison, see Rupp, W. D. (1996) DNA repair mechanisms in Escherichia coli and Salmonella, pp. 2277-2294, ASM: Washington]. The skilled worker knows these strains. The use of these strains is illustrated for example in Greener, A. and Callahan, M. (1994) Strategies 7; 32-34.

In-vitro mutation methods such as increasing the spontaneous mutation rates by chemical or physical treatment are well known to the skilled person. Mutagens like 5-bromo-uracil, N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (=NTG), ethyl methanesulfonate (=EMS), hydroxylamine and/or nitrous acid are widly used as chemical agents for random in-vitro mutagensis. The most common physical method for mutagensis is the treatment with UV irradiation. Another random mutagenesis technique is the error-prone PCR for introducing amino acid changes into proteins. Mutations are deliberately introduced during PCR through the use of error-prone DNA polymerases and special reaction conditions known to a person skilled in the art. For this method randomized DNA sequences are cloned into expression vectors and the resulting mutant libraries screened for altered or improved protein activity as described below.

Site-directed mutagensis method such as the introduction of desired mutations with an M13 or phagemid vector and short oligonucleotides primers is a well-known approach for site-directed mutagensis. The clou of this method involves cloning of the nucleic acid sequence of the invention into an M13 or phagemid vector, which permits recovery of single-stranded recombinant nucleic acid sequence. A mutagenic oligonucleotide primer is then designed whose sequence is perfectly complementary to nucleic acid sequence in the region to be mutated, but with a single difference: at the intended mutation site it bears a base that is complementary to the desired mutant nucleotide rather than the original. The mutagenic oligonucleotide is then allowed to prime new DNA synthesis to create a complementary full-length sequence containing the desired mutation. Another site-directed mutagensis method is the PCR mismatch primer mutagensis method also known to the skilled person. Dpnl site-directed mutagensis is a further known method as described for example in the Stratagene Quickchange™ site-directed mutagenesis kit protocol. A huge number of other methods are also known and used in common practice.

Positive mutation events can be selected by screening the organisms for the production of the desired respective fine chemical.

[0437.0.19.19] Example 4 DNA Transfer Between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae and Mortierella alpina

[0438.0.19.19] Shuttle vectors such as pYE22m, pPAC-ResQ, pClasper, pAUR224, pAMH10, pAML10, pAMT10, pAMU10, pGMH10, pGML10, pGMT10, pGMU10, pPGAL1, pPADH1, pTADH1, pTAex3, pNGA142, pHT3101 and derivatives thereof which allow the transfer of nucleic acid sequences between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or Mortierella alpina are available to the skilled worker. An easy method to isolate such shuttle vectors is disclosed by Soni R. and Murray J. A. H. [Nucleic Acid Research, vol. 20 no. 21, 1992: 5852]: If necessary such shuttle vectors can be constructed easily using standard vectors for E. coli (Sambrook, J. et al., (1989), “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons) and/or the aforementioned vectors, which have a replication origin for, and suitable marker from, Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Mortierella alpina added. Such replication origins are preferably taken from endogenous plasmids, which have been isolated from species used in the inventive process. Genes, which are used in particular as transformation markers for these species are genes for kanamycin resistance (such as those which originate from the Tn5 or Tn-903 transposon) or for chloramphenicol resistance (Winnacker, E. L. (1987) “From Genes to Clones—Introduction to Gene Technology”, VCH, Weinheim) or for other antibiotic resistance genes such as for G418, gentamycin, neomycin, hygromycin or tetracycline resistance.

[0439.0.19.19] Using standard methods, it is possible to clone a gene of interest into one of the above-described shuttle vectors and to introduce such hybrid vectors into the microorganism strains used in the inventive process. The transformation of Saccharomyces can be achieved for example by LiCI or sheroplast transformation (Bishop et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 6, 1986: 3401-3409; Sherman et al., Methods in Yeasts in Genetics, [Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y.] 1982, Agatep et al., Technical Tips Online 1998, 1:51: P01525 or Gietz et al., Methods Mol. Cell. Biol. 5, 1995: 255f) or electroporation (Delorme E., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., vol. 55, no. 9, 1989: 2242-2246).

[0440.0.19.19] If the transformed sequence(s) is/are to be integrated advantageously into the genome of the microorganism used in the inventive process for example into the yeast or fungi genome, standard techniques known to the skilled worker also exist for this purpose. Solinger et al. (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA., 2001 (15): 8447-8453) and Freedman et al. (Genetics, Vol. 162, 15-27, September 2002,) teaches a homolog recombination system dependent on rad 50, rad51, rad54 and rad59 in yeasts. Vectors using this system for homologous recombination are vectors derived from the Ylp series. Plasmid vectors derived for example from the 2μ-Vector are known by the skilled worker and used for the expression in yeasts. Other preferred vectors are for example pART1, pCHY21 or pEVP11 as they have been described by McLeod et al. (EMBO J. 1987, 6:729-736) and Hoffman et al. (Genes Dev. 5, 1991: :561-571.) or Russell et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 258, 1983: 143-149.). Other beneficial yeast vectors are plasmids of the REP, REP-X, pYZ or RIP series.

[0441.0.0.19] to [0443.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0441.0.0.19] to [0443.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0441.0.0.0] to [0443.0.0.0] above.

[0444.0.19.19] Example 6 Growth of Genetically Modified Organism: Media and Culture Conditions

[0445.0.19.19] Genetically modified Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are grown in synthetic or natural growth media known by the skilled worker. A number of different growth media for Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are well known and widely available. A method for culturing Mortierella is disclosed by Jang et al. [Bot. Bull. Acad.

Sin. (2000) 41:41-48]. Mortierella can be grown at 20° C. in a culture medium containing: 10 g/l glucose, 5 g/l yeast extract at pH 6.5. Furthermore Jang et al. teaches a submerged basal medium containing 20 g/l soluble starch, 5 g/l Bacto yeast extract, 10 g/l KNO₃, 1 g/l KH₂PO₄, and 0.5 g/l MgSO₄.7H₂O, pH 6.5.

[0446.0.0.19] to [0450.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0446.0.0.19] to [0450.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0446.0.0.0] to [0450.0.0.0] above.

[0451.0.5.19], [0452.0.0.19] and [0453.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0451.0.5.19], [0452.0.0.19] and [0453.0.0.19] see [0451.0.5.5], [0452.0.0.0] and [0453.0.0.0] above.

[0454.0.19.19] Analysis of the effect of the nucleic acid molecule on the production of ferulic acid or sinapic acid

[0455.0.19.19] The effect of the genetic modification in plants, fungi, algae, ciliates or on the production of a desired compound (such as a ferulic acid or sinapic acid) can be determined by growing the modified microorganisms or the modified plant under suitable conditions (such as those described above) and analyzing the medium and/or the cellular components for the elevated production of desired product (i.e. of ferulic acid or sinapic acid). These analytical techniques are known to the skilled worker and comprise spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, various types of staining methods, enzymatic and microbiological methods and analytical chromatography such as high-performance liquid chromatography (see, for example, Ullman, Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. A2, p. 89-90 and p. 443-613, VCH: Weinheim (1985); Fallon, A., et al., (1987) “Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry” in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 17; Rehm et al. (1993) Biotechnology, Vol. 3, Chapter III: “Product recovery and purification”, p. 469-714, VCH: Weinheim; Better, P. A., et al. (1988) Bioseparations: downstream processing for Biotechnology, John Wiley and Sons; Kennedy, J. F., and Cabral, J. M. S. (1992) Recovery processes for biological Materials, John Wiley and Sons; Shaeiwitz, J. A., and Henry, J. D. (1988) Biochemical Separations, in: Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. B3; Chapter 11, p. 1-27, VCH: Weinheim; and Dechow, F. J. (1989) Separation and purification techniques in biotechnology, Noyes Publications).

[0456.0.0.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0456.0.0.0] above.

[0457.0.19.19] Example 9 Purification of Ferulic Acid or Sinapic Acid

[0458.0.19.19] Abbreviations; GC-MS, gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; TLC, thin-layer chromatography.

The unambiguous detection for the presence of ferulic acid or sinapic acid can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MSMS or TLC, as described. The total amount produced in the organism for example in yeasts used in the inventive process can be analysed for example according to the following procedure:

The material such as yeasts, E. coli or plants to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods.

Plant material is initially homogenized mechanically by comminuting in a pestle and mortar to make it more amenable to extraction.

A typical sample pretreatment consists of a total lipid extraction using such polar organic solvents as acetone or alcohols as methanol, or ethers, saponification, partition between phases, separation of non-polar epiphase from more polar hypophasic derivatives and chromatography.

For analysis, solvent delivery and aliquot removal can be accomplished with a robotic system comprising a single injector valve Gilson 232XL and a 402 2S1V diluter [Gilson, Inc. USA, 3000 W. Beltline Highway, Middleton, Wis.]. For saponification, 3 ml of 50% potassium hydroxide hydro-ethanolic solution (4 water—1 ethanol) can be added to each vial, followed by the addition of 3 ml of octanol. The saponification treatment can be conducted at room temperature with vials maintained on an IKA HS 501 horizontal shaker [Labworld-online, Inc., Wilmington, N.C.] for fifteen hours at 250 movements/minute, followed by a stationary phase of approximately one hour.

Following saponification, the supernatant can be diluted with 0.17 ml of methanol. The addition of methanol can be conducted under pressure to ensure sample homogeneity. Using a 0.25 ml syringe, a 0.1 ml aliquot can be removed and transferred to HPLC vials for analysis.

For HPLC analysis, a Hewlett Packard 1100 HPLC, complete with a quaternary pump, vacuum degassing system, six-way injection valve, temperature regulated autosampler, column oven and Photodiode Array detector can be used [Agilent Technologies available through Ultra Scientific Inc., 250 Smith Street, North Kingstown, R.I.]. The column can be a Waters YMC30, 5-micron, 4.6×250 mm with a guard column of the same material [Waters, 34 Maple Street, Milford, Mass.]. The solvents for the mobile phase can be 81 methanol: 4 water: 15 tetrahydrofuran (THF) stabilized with 0.2% BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol). Injections were 20 l. Separation can be isocratic at 30° C. with a flow rate of 1.7 ml/minute. The peak responses can be measured by absorbance at 447 nm.

[0459.0.19.19] If required and desired, further chromatography steps with a suitable resin may follow. Advantageously, the ferulic acid or sinapic acid can be further purified with a so-called RTHPLC. As eluent acetonitrile/water or chloroform/acetonitrile mixtures can be used. If necessary, these chromatography steps may be repeated, using identical or other chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the selection of suitable chromatography resin and the most effective use for a particular molecule to be purified.

[0460.0.0.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0460.0.0.0] above.

[0461.0.19.19] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 24071, 24083, 24177, 24353, 24865, 25117, 25357, 25361 or 92604 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0462.0.0.0] above.

[0463.0.19.19] SEQ ID NO: 24071, 24083, 24177, 24353, 24865, 25117, 25357, 25361 or 92604 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.19] to [0466.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0464.0.0.19] to [0466.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0464.0.0.0] to [0466.0.0.0] above.

[0466.1.0.19] In case the Herculase enzyme can be used for the amplification, the PCR amplification cycles were as follows: 1 cycle of 2-3 minutes at 94° C., followed by 25-30 cycles of in each case 30 seconds at 94° C., 30 seconds at 55-60° C. and 5-10 minutes at 72° C., followed by 1 cycle of 10 minutes at 72° C., then 4° C.

[0467.0.19.19] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 24071:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 24081) atgcgtgctt taccgatctg ttta ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 24082) ttatttcgcc gtaatgttaa gcgcag

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 24083:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 24175) atgggacaca agcccttata ccg ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 24176) ttatcgcgat gattttcgct gcg

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 24177:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 24351) atgagtcgtt tagtcgtagt atcta ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 24152) ttacgcaagc tttggaaagg tagc

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 24353:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 24863) atgagtaaga tttttgaaga taac ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 24864) ttactgttgc aattctttct cagtg

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 24865:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 25115) atggaaaccg tggcttacgc tg ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 24116) ttatacgacg cgtacgcccg c

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 25117:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 25355) atgacgacga ttctcaagca tctc ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 25356) ttactggcct ttgttttcca gattc

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 25357:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 25359) atgtaccaaa ataatgtatt gaatgct ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 25360) tcaatagtgc attaactctc ccatt

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 25361:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 25495) atggagacca atttttcctt cgact ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 25496) ctattgaaat accggcttca atattt

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 92604:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 92658) atggtaaagg aacgtaaaac cgagt ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 92659) ttaccctaaa tccgccatca acac

[0468.0.0.19] to [0470.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0468.0.0.19] to [0470.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0468.0.0.0] to [0470.0.0.0] above.

[0470.1.19.19] The PCR-products, produced by Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase, were phosphorylated using a T4 DNA polymerase using a standard protocol (e.g. MBI Fermentas) and cloned into the processed binary vector.

[0471.0.0.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0471.0.0.0] above.

[0471.1.19.19] The DNA termini of the PCR-products, produced by Herculase DNA polymerase, were blunted in a second synthesis reaction using Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The composition for the protocol of the blunting the DNA-termini was as follows: 0.2 mM blunting dTTP and 1.25 u Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The reaction was incubated at 72° C. for 30 minutes. Then the PCR-products were phosphorylated using a T4 DNA polymerase using a standard protocol (e.g. MBI Fermentas) and cloned into the processed vector as well.

[0472.0.0.19] to [0479.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0472.0.0.19] to [0479.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0472.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0] above.

[0480.0.19.19] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO:24071, 24083, 24177, 24353, 24865, 25117, 25357, 25361 or 92604

[0481.0.0.19] to [0513.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0481.0.0.19] to [0513.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0481.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0] above.

[0514.0.19.19] As an alternative, ferulic acid acid can be detected as described in Mattila, P. and Kumpulainen J., J. Agric Food Chem. 2002 Jun. 19; 50(13):3660-7.

As an alternative, sinapic acid can be detected as described in Noda, M. and Matsumoto, M., Biochim Biophys Acta. 1971 Feb. 2; 231(1):131-3.

The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the table 1 which follows:

TABLE 1 ORF Metabolite Method Min Max b0196 Ferulic acid LC 1.10 1.25 b0730 Ferulic acid LC 1.38 1.97 b1896 Sinapic Acid GC 1.38 1.98 b2414 Ferulic acid LC 1.34 1.86 b3074 Ferulic acid LC 1.35 1.73 b3172 Sinapic Acid GC 1.31 1.89 YBR184W Ferulic acid LC 1.30 1.37 YDR513W Sinapic Acid GC 1.30 1.39 b2818 Sinapic Acid GC 1.27 1.54

Column 2 shows the metabolite ferulic acid or sinapic acid analyzed. Columns 4 and 5 shows the ratio of the analyzed metabolite between the transgenic plants and the wild type; Increase of the metabolite: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type)-Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type). Decrease of the metabolite: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (minimal decrease), Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (maximal decrease). Column 3 indicates the analytical method.

[0515.0.0.19] to [0530.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0515.0.0.19] to [0530.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0515.0.0.0] to [0530.0.0.0] above.

[0530.1.0.19] to [0530.6.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0530.1.0.19] to [0530.6.0.19] see paragraphs [0530.1.0.0] to [0530.6.0.0] above.

[0531.0.0.19] to [0552.0.0.19] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0531.0.0.19] to [0552.0.0.19] see paragraphs [0531.0.0.0] to [0552.0.0.0] above.

[0552.1.0.19] %

[0552.2.0.19] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0552.2.0.0] above.

[0553.0.19.19]

-   1. A process for the production of ferulic acid or sinapic acid,     which comprises     -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603         or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism or in         one or more parts thereof; and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of ferulic acid or sinapic acid in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of ferulic acid or sinapic acid,     comprising the increasing or generating in an organism or a part     thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule     comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group     consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 or a         fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         ferulic acid or sinapic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and         603;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of ferulic acid or sinapic         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of ferulic acid or         sinapic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of ferulic acid or         sinapic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 243 to         250 and 603 and conferring an increase in the amount of ferulic         acid or sinapic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of ferulic acid         or sinapic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 243 to 250         and 603 and conferring an increase in the amount of ferulic acid         or sinapic acid in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         ferulic acid or sinapic acid in an organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound ferulic acid or sinapic acid. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         ferulic acid or sinapic acid produced by the selected mutated         organisms or parts thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 or a         fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         ferulic acid or sinapic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and         603;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of ferulic acid or sinapic         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of ferulic acid or         sinapic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under r stringent hybridization         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of ferulic         acid or sinapic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 243 to         250 and 603 and conferring an increase in the amount of ferulic         acid or sinapic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of ferulic acid         or sinapic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 243 to 250         and 603 and conferring an increase in the amount of in an         organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         ferulic acid or sinapic acid in an organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to         250 and 603 by one or more nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     IIA, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 by one or more amino     acids. -   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of ferulic acid or     sinapic acid in an organism or a part thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of ferulic acid         or sinapic acid in an organism or a part thereof with a         candidate compound or a sample comprising a plurality of         compounds under conditions which permit the expression the         polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the ferulic acid or sinapic acid level or the         polypeptide expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or         microorganism or the media the cell, tissue, plant or         microorganisms is cultured or maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured ferulic acid or sinapic acid level or polypeptide         expression level with a standard ferulic acid or sinapic acid or         polypeptide expression level measured in the absence of said         candidate compound or a sample comprising said plurality of         compounds, whereby an increased level over the standard         indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said         plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased level over         the standard indicates that the compound or the sample         comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased ferulic acid or sinapic acid production in a plant or     microorganism, comprising the steps:     -   a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of ferulic acid or sinapic acid in an organism or a part         thereof and a readout system capable of interacting with the         polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the         interaction of the polypeptide with said readout system in the         presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of         compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in         response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under         conditions which permit the expression of said readout system         and of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of ferulic acid or         sinapic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in ferulic acid or sinapic acid production in a cell,     comprising the following steps:     -   a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in ferulic acid or sinapic acid after expression with         the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     -   b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under         relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6;     -   c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing ferulic acid or sinapic acid;     -   d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   e) assaying the ferulic acid or sinapic acid level in the host         cells; and     -   f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the ferulic acid or sinapic         acid level in the host cell in the host cell after expression         compared to the wild type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in ferulic acid or sinapic acid production in a cell,     comprising the following steps:     -   a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the ferulic acid or sinapic         acid amount or level in an organism or a part thereof after         expression, and which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic         acid molecule of claim 6;     -   b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing ferulic acid or sinapic acid;     -   c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   d) assaying the ferulic acid or sinapic acid level in the host         cells; and     -   e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the ferulic acid or sinapic         acid level in the host cell after expression compared to the         wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     ferulic acid or sinapic acid after expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of ferulic acid or sinapic acid levels in an organism. -   25. Agrochemical, pharmaceutical, food or feed composition     comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20. -   26. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid     construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or     agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15,     the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of     claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product     identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the     fine chemical is ferulic acid or sinapic acid.

[0554.0.0.19] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.0]

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS Description

[0000.0.0.20] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.20] see [0001.0.0.0]

[0002.0.20.20]

Plants produce very long chain fatty acids such as behenic acid (C22:0), lignoceric acid (C24:0), cerotic acid (C26:0) and/or melissic acid (C30:0).

Very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) are synthesized by a membrane-bound fatty acid elongation complex (elongase, FAE) using acyl-CoA substrates. The first reaction of elongation involves condensation of malonyl-CoA with a long chain substrate producing a β-ketoacyl-CoA. Subsequent reactions are reduction of β-hydroxyacyl-CoA, dehydration to an enoyl-CoA, followed by a second reduction to form the elongated acyl-CoA. The β-ketoacyl-CoA synthase (KCS) catalyzing the condensation reaction plays a key role in determining the chain length of fatty acid products found in seed oils and is the rate-limiting enzyme for seed VLCFA production (Lassner et al., Plant Cell, 8(1996), 281-292).

The elongation process can be repeated to yield members that are 20, 22, and 24 carbons long. Although such very long chain fatty acids are minor components of the lipid membranes of the body, they undoubtedly perform valuable functions, apparently helping to stabilize membranes, especially those in peripheral nerve cells.

Behenic acid (22:0) (docosanoic acid) is a component of rapeseed oil (up to 2%) and peanut oil (1-5%).

Behenic acid is used to give hair conditioners and moisturizers their smoothing properties.

Lignoceric acid (24:0) (tetracosanoic acid) is a component of rapeseed oil (up to 1%) and peanut oil (1-3%).

Cerotic acid (26:0) (hexacosanoic acid) is a component of beeswax.

Echinacea angustifolia extracts are sold as natural health products comprising the very long chain fatty acid cerotic acid.

Cerotic acid is used in cosmetics as a constituent in hairstyling products.

Melissic acid (C30:0) (triacontanoic acid) is a component of beeswax.

Beeswax (cera alba) is obtained from the product excreted by certain glands of the honeybee from which the honeycomb is made. It is freed of solid impurities by melting and centrifugation (cera flava). Finally, it is bleached completely white (cera alba). Beeswax consists of 10-15 percent paraffin carbohydrates, 35-37 percent esters of C16 to C36 fatty acids and about 15 percent cerotic acid, melissic acid and their homologues. Beeswax is used as a thickener and a humectant in the manufacture of ointments, creams, lipsticks and other cosmetics and skincare products as an emulsifier, emollient, moisturizer and film former.

Beeswax is also used for the production of candles.

Wax is a general term used to refer to the mixture of long-chain apolar lipids forming a protective coating (cutin in the cuticle) on plant leaves and fruits but also in animals (wax of honeybee, cuticular lipids of insects, spermaceti of the sperm whale, skin lipids, uropygial glands of birds, depot fat of planktonic crustacea), algae, fungi and bacteria.

Many of the waxes found in nature have commercial uses in the lubricant, food and cosmetic industry. Jojoba oil has long been suggested as a putative resource of wax, since this desert shrub is unusual in its capacity to produce waxes rather than triacylglycerols (TAG) as seed storage lipids. These waxes are esters of very-long-chain-fatty acids and fatty alcohols (Miwa, 1971, J Am Oil Chem Soc 48, 259-264). As the production cost for jojoba wax, which is primarily used for cosmetic applications, is high, there is a need to engineer crop plants to produce high level of wax esters in its seed oil.

Plant aerial surfaces are covered by epicuticular waxes, complex mixtures of very long (C₂₀-C₃₄) fatty acids, alkanes, aldehydes, ketones and esters. In addition to repelling atmospheric water they prevent dessication and are therefore an important determinant of drought resistance (Riederer and Schreiber, 2001, J. Exp. Bot 52, 2023-2032). Beside abiotic stress resistance the wax layer is part of the plant defense against biotic stressor, especially insects as for example described by Marcell and Beattie, 2002, Mol Plant Microbe Interact. 15(12), 1236-44. Furthermore they provide stability to pollen grains, thus influencing fertility and productivity.

Very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), consisting of more than 18 carbon atoms like behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid and melissic acid, are essential components for the vitality of higher plants. The key enzyme of VLCFA biosynthesis, the extraplastidary fatty acid elongase, is shown for to be the primary target site of chloroacetamide herbicides. With an analysis of the fatty acid composition and the metabolism of 14C-labelled precursors (sterate, malonate, acetate), the reduction of VLCFAs was determined in vivo. The inhibition of the recombinant protein substantiates the first and rate-limiting step of VLCFA biosynthesis, the condensation of acyl-CoA with malonyl-CoA to β-ketoacyl-CoA, to be the primary target site of chloroacetamides (150=10-100 nM). The concentration of VLCFAs within the untreated cell is low, the very-long-chain compounds are found mainly in plasma membrane lipids and epicuticular waxes. A shift of fatty acids towards shorter chain length or even the complete depletion of very-long-chain components is the consequence of the inhibition of VLCFA biosynthesis. Especially the loss of plasma membrane VLCFAs is involved in phytotoxic effects of chloroacetamides such as the inhibition of membrane biogenesis and mitosis (Matthes, B., http://www.ub.uni-konstanz.de/kops/volltexte/2001/661/).

Increased wax production in transgenic plants has for example been reported by Broun et al., 2004, Proc Natl. Acad. Sci, 101, 4706-4711. The authors overexpressed the transcriptional activator WIN1 in Arabidopsis, leading to increased wax load on anal organs. As this resulted in a complex change in the wax profile and the transgenic overexpressors had characteristic alterations in growth and development (Broun et al., 2004, Proc Natl. Acad. Sci, 101, 4706-4711) there is still a need for a more controlled increased production of defined VLCFAs.

Very long chain fatty alcohols obtained from plant waxes and beeswax have also been reported to lower plasma cholesterol in humans and existing data support the hypothesis that VLCFA exert regulatory roles in cholesterol metabolism in the peroxisome and also alter LDL uptake and metabolism (discussed in Hargrove et al., 2004, Exp Biol Med (Maywood), 229(3): 215-26).

Due to these interesting physiological roles and the nutritional, cosmetic and agrobiotechnological potential of behenic acid (C22:0), lignoceric acid (C24:0), cerotic acid (C26:0) and melissic acid (C30:0) there is a need to identify the genes of enzymes and other proteins involved in behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid metabolism, and to generate mutants or transgenic plant lines with which to modify the behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid content in plants.

[0003.0.0.20] %

[0004.0.0.20] %

[0005.0.0.20] %

[0006.0.0.20] %

[0007.0.0.20] %

[0008.0.20.20] One way to increase the productive capacity of biosynthesis is to apply recombinant DNA technology. Thus, it would be desirable to produce behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in plants. That type of production permits control over quality, quantity and selection of the most suitable and efficient producer organisms. The latter is especially important for commercial production economics and therefore availability to consumers. In addition it is desirable to produce behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in plants in order to increase plant productivity and resistance against biotic and abiotic stress as discussed before.

Methods of recombinant DNA technology have been used for some years to improve the production of fine chemicals in microorganisms and plants by amplifying individual biosynthesis genes and investigating the effect on production of fine chemicals. It is for example reported, that the xanthophyll astaxanthin could be produced in the nectaries of transgenic tobacco plants. Those transgenic plants were prepared by Argobacterium tumifaciens-mediated transformation of tobacco plants using a vector that contained a ketolase-encoding gene from H. pluvialis denominated crtO along with the Pds gene from tomato as the promoter and to encode a leader sequence. Those results indicated that about 75 percent of the carotenoids found in the flower of the transformed plant contained a keto group.

[0009.0.20.20] Thus, it would be advantageous if an algae, plant or other microorganism were available which produce large amounts behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganisms.

It would also be advantageous if plants were available whose roots, leaves, stem, fruits or flowers produced large amounts of behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed plants.

[0010.0.20.20] Therefore improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the food-and-feed industry. This is necessary since, for example behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid, as mentioned above, which occur in plants and some microorganisms are limited with regard to the supply of mammals. Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible a specific behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid profile in the diet since an excess of behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid above a specific concentration in the food has a positive effect. A further increase in quality is only possible via addition of further behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid, which are limiting.

[0011.0.20.20] To ensure a high quality of foods and animal feeds, it is therefore necessary to add behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in a balanced manner to suit the organism.

[0012.0.20.20] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes or other proteins which participate in the biosynthesis of behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid and make it possible to produce them specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid; on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.20] see [0013.0.0.0]

[0014.0.20.20] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is a behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to a behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means behenic acid. In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means lignoceric acid depending on the context in which the term is used. In another embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means cerotic acid. In a further another embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means melissic acid. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid, its salts, ester, thioester or in free form or bound to other compounds such sugars or sugarpolymers, like glucoside, e.g. diglucoside.

[0016.0.20.20] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more b0019,     b0880, b1886, b1896, b3938, YDR513W, YER156C, YGL205W, YHR201C,     YLR255C, YPR138C, b0255 protein(s) in a non-human organism in one or     more parts thereof; and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus behenic acid, lignoceric acid,     cerotic acid or melissic acid in said organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of a protein indicated in Table IIA or IIB,     column 3, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp. or having the sequence of a     polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table IA     or IB, column 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp. in a non-human     organism in one or more parts thereof; and     growing the organism under conditions which permit the production of     the fine chemical, thus, behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid     or melissic acid, in said organism.

[0016.1.20.20] Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means “behenic acid” in relation to all sequences listed in Table IA or IB, line 258 or homologs thereof, means “lignoceric acid” in relation to the sequence listed in Table IA or IB, lines 251, 255, 259, 261 or 627 homologs thereof, means “melissic acid” in relation to the sequences listed in Table IA or IB, lines 256, 257 or 260. Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” can mean “behenic acid”, “lignoceric acid”, “cerotic acid” or “melissic acid”, owing to circumstances and the context. In order to illustrate that the meaning of the term “the respective fine chemical” means “behenic acid”, “lignoceric acid”, “cerotic acid” or “melissic acid” owing to the sequences listed in the context the term “the respective fine chemical” is also used.

[0017.0.0.20] to [0018.0.0.20]: see [0017.0.0.0] to [0018.0.0.0]

[0019.0.20.20] Advantageously the process for the production of the respective fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the respective fine chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the respective fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein having the activity of a protein indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251 to 261, 627 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627.

[0020.0.20.20] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0019, b0880, b1886, b1896, b3938, b0255 or Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR513W, YER156C, YGL205W, YHR201C, YLR255C, YPR138C in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid (“the fine chemical” or “the fine respective chemical”) in respect to said proteins and their homologs as wells as the encoding nucleic acid molecules, in particular as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251 to 261, 627 content of the transformed plants.

[0021.0.0.20] see [0021.0.0.0]

[0022.0.20.20] The sequence of b0019 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, F. R. et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having Na+/H+ antiporter activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein b0019 from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of lignoceric acid and/or cerotic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b0019 is increased.

The sequence of b0880 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, F. R. et al, Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having stress induced DNA replication inhibitor activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein b0880 from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of cerotic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b0880 is increased.

The sequence of b1886 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, F. R. et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein II, aspartate sensor receptor. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein b1886 from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of cerotic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b1886 is increased.

The sequence of b1896 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, F. R. et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having trehalose-6-phosphate synthase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein b1896 from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of cerotic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b1896 is increased.

The sequence of b3938 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, F. R. et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474 (1997) and its activity is being defined as transcriptional repressor for methionine biosynthesis. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein b3938 from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of lignoceric acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b3938 is increased.

The sequence of YDR513W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq, C. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having glutathione reductase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YDR513W or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of melissic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YDR513W is increased.

The sequence of YER156C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dietrich, F. S. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 78-81 (1997) and its activity has not been characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YER156C or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of melissic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YER156C is increased.

The sequence of YGL205W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Tettelin, H. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 81-84 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having fatty-acyl coenzyme A oxidase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein

YGL205W or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of behenic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YGL205W is increased.

The sequence of YHR201C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, A. et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996) and its activity is being defined as a protein having exopolyphosphatase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YHR201C or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of lignoceric acid and/or cerotic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YHR201C is increased.

The sequence of YLR255C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in the EMBL Data Library, February 1995 and its activity has not been characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YLR255C or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of melissic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YLR255C is increased.

The sequence of YPR138C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Bussey, H. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 103-105 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having NH4+ transporter activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YPR138C or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of lignoceric acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YPR138C is increased.

The sequence of b0255 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a CP4-6 prophage; IS911 homolog. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of said CP4-6 prophage; IS911 homolog protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of linoleic acid (ist linoleic acid korrekt?) or lignoceric acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid or lignoceric acid, in particular for increasing the amount of linoleic acid or lignoceric acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing linoleic acid and/or lignoceric acid, preferably linoleic acid or lignoceric acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of said CP4-6 prophage; IS911 homolog protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

[0023.0.20.20] Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the respective fine chemical amount or content.

In one embodiment, the homolog of any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251, 255, 259, 261 and 627 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably lignoceric acid.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251, 252, 253, 254 and 259 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably cerotic acid.

In one embodiment, the homolog of any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 256, 257 and 260 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably melissic acid.

In one embodiment, the homolog of any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 258 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably behenic acid.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251, 255, 259, 261 and 627 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, lines 251, 255, 259, 261 and 627 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 7, lines 251, 255, 259, 261 and 627 having a lignoceric acid content and/or amount increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251, 252, 253, 254 and 259 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, lines 251, 252, 253, 254 and 259, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 7, lines 251, 252, 253, 254 and 259 having a cerotic acid content and/or amount increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 256, 257 and 260 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, lines 256, 257 and 260, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 7, lines 256, 257 and 260, having a melissic acid content and/or amount increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 258 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, line 258, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 7, line 258, having a behenic content and/or amount increasing activity.

[0024.0.0.20] see [0024.0.0.0]

[0025.0.20.20] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of a protein of the invention”, e.g. the activity of a protein indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251 to 261, 627 if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid level, resp., in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism. In a preferred embodiment, the protein or polypeptide has the above-mentioned additional activities of a protein indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251 to 261, 627. Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of any one of the proteins indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251 to 261, 627, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to any one of the proteins indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 251 to 255 of Escherichia coli K12 or line 256 to 261 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae respectively.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary close to the organism indicated in Table IA or IB, column 4 and is expressed in an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the origin organism. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums whereas origin and the organism indicated in Table IA or IB, column 4 are derived from the same families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0025.1.0.20] see [0025.1.0.0]

[0026.0.0.20] to [0033.0.0.20]: see [0026.0.0.0] to [0033.0.0.0]

[0034.0.20.20] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs from the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention. E.g., it differs by or in the expression level or activity of a protein having the activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251 to 261, 627 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table IA or IB, column 5, lines 251 to 261, 627 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, its biochemical or genetic causes. It therefore shows the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.20] to [0038.0.0.20]: see [0035.0.0.0] to [0038.0.0.0]

[0039.0.0.20]: see [0039.0.0.0]

[0040.0.0.20] to [0044.0.0.20]: see [0040.0.0.0] to [0044.0.0.0]

[0045.0.20.20] In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0019 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 251 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of cerotic acid between 40% and 150% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0019 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 251 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of lignoceric acid between 46% and 224% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0880 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 252 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of cerotic acid between 172% and 294% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1886 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 253 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of cerotic acid between 39% and 335% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1896 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 254 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of cerotic acid between 39% and 75% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3938 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 255 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of lignoceric acid between 37% and 89% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisae protein YDR513W or its homologs as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 256, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of melissic acid between 31% and 108% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER156C or its homologs as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 257, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of melissic acid between 33% and 73% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGL205W or its homologs as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 258, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of behenic acid between 74% and 132% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YHR201C or its homologs as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 259, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of cerotic acid between 46% and 227% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YHR201C or its homologs as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 259, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of lignoceric acid between 29% and 271% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLR255C or its homologs as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 260, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of melissic acid between 34% and 88% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YPR138C or its homologs as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 261, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of lignoceric acid between 92% and 160% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0255 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 627 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of lignoceric acid between 35% and 115% or more is conferred.

[0046.0.0.20] %

[0047.0.0.20] to [0048.0.0.20]: see [0047.0.0.0] to [0048.0.0.0]

[0049.0.20.20] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical lignoceric acid preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 27297, 27298 or 27309, 27310 or 27322, 27323, 27324 or 27325, 27326, 27327, 27328, 97769, 97770 or as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 251, 255, 259, 261 and 627 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251, 255, 259, 261 and 627 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251, 255, 259, 261 or 627 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the lignoceric acid level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical cerotic acid preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 27297, 27298 or 27299, 27300, 27301, 27302 or 27303, 27304 or 27305, 27306, 27307, 27308 or 27322, 27323, 27324 or as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 251, 252, 253, 254 and 259 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251, 252, 253, 254 and 259 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251, 252, 253, 254 and 259 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the cerotic acid level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical melissic acid preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 27311, 27312, 27313 or 27314, 27315, 27316, 27317, 27318, 27319 or as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 256 and 257 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 256, 257 and 260 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 256, 257 and 260 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the melissic acid level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical behenic acid preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 27320, 27321 or as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, line 258 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 258 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 258 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the behenic acid level.

[0050.0.20.20] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “the respective fine chemical” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid, resp., or their ester, or glucoside thereof, e.g the diglucoside thereof.

[0051.0.20.20] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the respective fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free chemical free or bound, e.g compositions comprising behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid. Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid can be produced.

[0052.0.0.20] see [0052.0.0.0]

[0053.0.20.20] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3,     lines 251 to 261, 627 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table     IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 161, activity having     herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical increasing activity; -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, e.g.     of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in     Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251 to 261, 627 or its homologs     activity, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7,     lines 251 to 261, 627, or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide of the     present invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine     chemical increasing activity; -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251 to     261, 627 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or     IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, or decreasing the     inhibitory regulation of the polypeptide of the invention; -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251 to     261, 627 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or     IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627; -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated     in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251 to 261, 627 or its homologs     activity, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7,     lines 251 to 261, 627, by adding one or more exogenous inducing     factors to the organism or parts thereof; -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251 to     261, 627 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or     IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251 to     261, 627 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB,     columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627. -   h) Increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having an activity     of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251     to 261, 627 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA     or IIB, columns 5 or 7, 251 to 261, 627, by adding positive     expression or removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous     recombination can be used to either introduce positive regulatory     elements like for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to     remove repressor elements form regulatory regions. Further gene     conversion methods can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to     enhance to activity of positive elements. Positive elements can be     randomly introduced in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and     lines can be identified in which the positive elements have be     integrated near to a gene of the invention, the expression of which     is thereby enhanced; and/or -   i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead to an enhanced respective fine chemical     production. -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, e.g. the elite crops.

[0054.0.20.20] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 3 or 5, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp.

[0055.0.0.20] to [0067.0.0.20]: see [0055.0.0.0] to [0067.0.0.0]

[0068.0.20.20] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.20] see [0069.0.0.0]

[0070.0.20.20] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding a protein of the invention into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolite composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous composition of behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid and/or melissic acid or their biochemical derivatives, e.g. comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid and/or melissic acid or their derivatives.

[0071.0.0.20] see [0071.0.0.0]

[0072.0.0.20] %

[0073.0.20.20] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant;

increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or a homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and described below, e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism, preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant,

growing an organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and

if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or bound respective fine chemical synthesized by the organism, the microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.20.20] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound respective fine chemical.

[0075.0.0.20] to [0077.0.0.20]: see [0075.0.0.0] to [0077.0.0.0]

[0078.0.20.20] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, respective fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications. The fermentation broth, fermentation products, plants or plant products can be purified with methods known to the person skilled in the art. Products of these different work-up procedures are behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid or comprising compositions of behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid still comprising fermentation broth, plant particles and cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably below 50% by weight.

[0079.0.0.20] to [0084.0.0.20]: see [0079.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0]

[0084.0.0.20] %

[0085.0.20.20] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5     or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, or a derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, or a     derivative thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.20] to [0087.0.0.20]: see [0086.0.0.0] to [0087.0.0.0]

[0088.0.20.20] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose content of the respective fine chemical is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for poultry is dependent on the abovementioned fine chemicals or the plants are more resistant to biotic and abiotic stress and the yield is increased.

[0088.1.0.20] see [0088.1.0.0]

[0089.0.0.20] to [0090.0.0.20]: see [0089.0.0.0] to [0090.0.0.0]

[0091.0.0.20] see [0091.0.0.0]

[0092.0.0.20] to [0094.0.0.20]: see [0092.0.0.0] to [0094.0.0.0]

[0095.0.20.20] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the pure respective fine chemical and/or to obtain increased resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses and to obtain higher yield.

[0096.0.20.20] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptid or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired fine chemical, for example in the organism, is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0097.0.0.20] %

[0098.0.20.20] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated.

[0099.0.20.20] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned desired fine chemical may accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, and spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the respective fine chemical comprising compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.20.20] Transgenic plants which comprise the fine chemicals such as behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the fine chemicals synthesized to be isolated. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue.

However, the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, as extracts, e.g. ether, alcohol, or other organic solvents or water containing extract and/or free fine chemicals. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts. To increase the efficiency of extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, specifically the seeds, they can previously be comminuted, steamed or roasted. Seeds, which have been pretreated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents such as warm hexane. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. Thereafter, the resulting products can be processed further, i.e. degummed and/or refined. In this process, substances such as the plant mucilages and suspended matter can be first removed. What is known as desliming can be affected enzymatically or, for example, chemico-physically by addition of acid such as phosphoric acid.

Because behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in microorganisms are localized intracellular, their recovery essentially comes down to the isolation of the biomass. Well-established approaches for the harvesting of cells include filtration, centrifugation and coagulation/flocculation as described herein. Of the residual hydrocarbon, adsorbed on the cells, has to be removed. Solvent extraction or treatment with surfactants have been suggested for this purpose.

[0101.0.20.20] The identity and purity of the compound(s) isolated can be determined by prior-art techniques. They encompass high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assays or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are compiled in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11 27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19:67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Bd. A27, VCH Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michel, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 17.

[0102.0.20.20] Behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid can for example be analyzed advantageously via HPLC, LC or GC separation and MS (masspectrometry) detection methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid containing products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MS, MS or TLC). The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding, cooking, or via other applicable methods.

[0103.0.20.20] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table IIA     or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, or a fragment     thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the respective     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridization conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primer pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table III, columns 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having sequences as indicated in Table IV, column     7, lines 251 to 261, 627 and conferring an increase in the amount of     the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5     or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0104.0.20.20] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the present invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627 by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627.

[0105.0.0.20] to [0107.0.0.20]: see [0105.0.0.0] to [0107.0.0.0]

[0108.0.20.20] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from an amino acid sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627 or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical, meaning behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid, resp., after increasing its expression or activity, are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.20.20] In one embodiment, said sequences are cloned into nucleic acid constructs, either individually or in combination. These nucleic acid constructs enable an optimal synthesis of the respective fine chemicals, in particular behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid, produced in the process according to the invention.

[0110.0.0.20] see [0110.0.0.0]

[0111.0.0.20] see [0111.0.0.0]

[0112.0.20.20] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251 to 261, 627 or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 and 7, lines 251 to 261, 627 and conferring an increase in the behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid level.

[0113.0.0.20] to [0114.0.0.20]: see [0113.0.0.0] to [0114.0.0.0]

[0115.0.0.20] see [0115.0.0.0]

[0116.0.0.20] to [0120.0.0.20] see [0116.0.0.0] to [0120.0.0.0]

[0120.1.0.20]: %

[0121.0.20.20] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a lignoceric acid level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table

IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251, 255, 259 or 261, conferring a cerotic acid level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251, 252, 253, 254 or 259, conferring a melissic acid level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 256, 257 or 260 or conferring a behenic acid level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 258.

[0122.0.0.20] to [0127.0.0.20]: see [0122.0.0.0] to [0127.0.0.0]

[0128.0.20.20] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table III, columns 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp. or the sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp.

[0129.0.20.20] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 251 to 259, 261 and 627 is derived from such alignments.

[0130.0.20.20] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid after increasing the expression or activity the protein comprising said fragment.

[0131.0.0.20] to [0138.0.0.20]: see [0131.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0]

[0139.0.20.20] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical level increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridise to a sequence indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251, 255, 259, 261 or 627 for lignoceric acid or indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251, 252, 253, 254 or 259 for cerotic acid or indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 256, 257 or 260 for melissic acid or indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, line 258 for benic acid under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the respective fine chemical, i.e. behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid, resp., increasing-activity.

[0140.0.0.20] to [0146.0.0.20]: see [0140.0.0.0] to [0146.0.0.0]

[0147.0.20.20] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridise to one of said nucleotide sequences, thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.20.20] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627 or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular having a behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.20.20] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid, resp., and optionally, the activity of protein indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 5, lines 251 to 261, 627.

[00149.1.20.20] Optionally, in one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251 to 261, 627.

[0150.0.20.20] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627 preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627 for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid, resp., if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in I Table III, column 7, lines 251 to 261, 627 will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627 or its gene product.

[0151.0.0.20]: see [0151.0.0.0]

[0152.0.20.20] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular a lignoceric acid (lines 251, 255, 259, 261, 627) or cerotic acid (lines 251, 252, 253, 254, 259) or melissic acid (lines 256, 257, 260) or behenic acid (line 258) increasing activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.20.20] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627 such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627 has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251 to 261, 627.

[0154.0.20.20] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627 and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.20] to [0156.0.0.20]: see [0155.0.0.0] to [0156.0.0.0]

[0157.0.20.20] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627 (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as polypeptides comprising the sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 251 to 261, 627 or as polypeptides depicted in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627 or the functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, an amino acid sequence of a consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 251 to 259 and 261 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 251 to 259 and 261, 627 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627 or the functional homologues. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp.

[0158.0.0.20] to [0160.0.0.20]: see [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0]

[0161.0.20.20] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.20] see [0162.0.0.0]

[0163.0.20.20] Preferably, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627 corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, e.g. a tissue, a cell, or a compartment of a cell, after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.20] see [0164.0.0.0]

[0165.0.20.20] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp.

[0166.0.0.20] to [0167.0.0.20]: see [0166.0.0.0] to [0167.0.0.0]

[0168.0.20.20] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627.

[0169.0.0.20] to [0172.0.0.20]: see [0169.0.0.0] to [0172.0.0.0]

[0173.0.20.20] For example a sequence, which has 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 25525 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 25525 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.20]: see [0174.0.0.0]

[0175.0.20.20] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 25526 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 25526 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.20.20] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp.

[0177.0.20.20] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp.

[0178.0.0.20] see [0178.0.0.0]

[0179.0.20.20] A nucleic acid molecule encoding a homologue to a protein sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.20] to [0183.0.0.20]: see [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0]

[0184.0.20.20] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.20.20] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp.

[0186.0.20.20] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp.

[0187.0.20.20] In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp.

[0188.0.20.20] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity. Advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., and is expressed under identical conditions.

[0189.0.20.20] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., or of derived sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.20]: see [0190.0.0.0]

[0191.0.20.20] The organisms or part thereof produce according to the herein mentioned process of the invention an increased level of free and/or bound the respective fine chemical compared to said control or selected organisms or parts thereof.

[0192.0.0.20] to [0203.0.0.20]: see [0192.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0]

[0204.0.20.20] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5     or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp.; or a fragment thereof conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, i.e.     lignoceric acid (lines 251, 255, 259, 261, 627) or cerotic acid     (lines 251, 252, 253, 254, 259) or melissic acid (lines 256,     257, 260) or behenic acid (line 258), resp., in an organism or a     part thereof, -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table IA or IB,     columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., or a fragment thereof     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in I Table III, columns 5 or 7,     lines 251 to 261, 627 and conferring an increase in the amount of     the respective fine chemical, i.e. lignoceric acid (lines 251, 255,     259, 261, 627) or cerotic acid (lines 251, 252, 253, 254, 259) or     melissic acid (lines 256, 257, 260) or behenic acid (line 258),     resp., in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 252 to     259, 261 and 627 and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, i.e. lignoceric acid (lines 251, 255, 259,     261, 627) or cerotic acid (lines 251, 252, 253, 254, 259) or     melissic acid (lines 256, 257, 260) or behenic acid (line 258),     resp., in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical, i.e. lignoceric acid (lines 251, 255, 259, 261, 627) or     cerotic acid (lines 251, 252, 253, 254, 259) or melissic acid (lines     256, 257, 260) or behenic acid (line 258) resp., in an organism or a     part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in

Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., or a nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature form of, a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; or which encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;

whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a) to (l) distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at least 30% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp. In a further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention encodes in one embodiment a polypeptide which differs at least in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627 does not encode a protein of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627. In a further embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at least 30% identical to a protein sequence indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627 and less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627.

[0205.0.0.20] to [0206.0.0.20]: see [0205.0.0.0] to [0206.0.0.0]

[0207.0.20.20] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes, are genes of the glutamic acid metabolism, the phosphoenolpyruvate metabolism, the amino acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acid metabolism or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.20] to [0226.0.0.20]: see [0208.0.0.0] to [0226.0.0.0]

[0227.0.20.20] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627 or its derivatives, it is advantageous to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the acetyl-CoA or malonyl-CoA metabolic pathway or a polypeptide having a very long chain fatty acid acyl (VLCFA) CoA synthase activity, is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the fine chemicals desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine one or more of the sequences indicated in Table IA or

IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., with genes which generally support or enhance to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.20.20] %

[0229.0.20.20] Further advantageous nucleic acid sequences which can be expressed in combination with the sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627 used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes are the sequences encoding further genes of the fatty acid pathway, such as acetyl-CoA or malonyl-CoA or a polypeptide having a very long chain fatty acid acyl (VLCFA) CoA synthase activity. These genes can lead to an increased synthesis of the VLCFAs.

[0230.0.0.20] see [230.0.0.0]

[0231.0.20.20] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene. A person skilled in the art knows for example, that the inhibition or repression of a behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid degrading enzyme will result in an increased accumulation of behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in plants.

[0232.0.0.20] to [0276.0.0.20]: see [0232.0.0.0] to [0276.0.0.0]

[0277.0.20.20] The respective fine chemical produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker are familiar, for example via extraction, salt precipitation, and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously.

[0278.0.0.20] to [0282.0.0.20]: see [0278.0.0.0] to [0282.0.0.0]

[0283.0.20.20] Moreover, native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells, for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, e.g. an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., or an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies.

[0284.0.0.20] see [0284.0.0.0]

[0285.0.20.20] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., or as coded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.20.20] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 251 to 259 and 261 and 627 and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 251 to 259 and 261 and 627 whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 251 to 259, 261 and 627,

[0287.0.0.20] to [0289.0.0.20]: see [0287.0.0.0] to [0289.0.0.0]

[00290.0.20.20] The alignment was performed with the Software AlignX (Sep. 25, 2002) a component of Vector NTI Suite 8.0, InforMax™, Invitrogen™ life science software, U.S. Main Office, 7305 Executive Way, Frederick, Md. 21704, USA with the following settings: For pairwise alignments: gap opening penalty: 10.0; gap extension penalty 0.1. For multiple alignments: Gap opening penalty: 10.0; Gap extension penalty: 0.1; Gap separation penalty range: 8; Residue substitution matrix: blosum62; Hydrophilic residues: G P S N D Q E K R; Transition weighting: 0.5; Consensus calculation options: Residue fraction for consensus: 0.9. Presettings were selected to allow also for the alignment of conserved amino acids

[0291.0.20.20] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In another embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627.

[0292.0.0.20] see [0292.0.0.0]

[0293.0.20.20] In one embodiment, the invention relates to a polypeptide conferring an increase in the fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., by one or more amino acids. In another embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp.

[0294.0.20.20] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.20] to [0296.0.0.20]: see [0295.0.0.0] to [0296.0.0.0]

[0297.0.0.20] see [0297.0.0.0]

[00297.1.0.20] %

[0298.0.20.20] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp.

[0299.0.20.20] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.20.20] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp.

[0301.0.0.20] see [0301.0.0.0]

[0302.0.20.20] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.20] see [0303.0.0.0]

[0304.0.20.20] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251 to 261, 627 but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.20] to [0308.0.0.20]: see [0305.0.0.0] to [0308.0.0.0]

[0309.0.20.20] In one embodiment, a reference to a protein (=polypeptide) of the invention or as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas an “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, an “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.20] to [0334.0.0.20]: see [0310.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0]

[0335.0.20.20] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived there from), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of a protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.20] to [0342.0.0.20]: see [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0]

[0343.0.20.20] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.20] to [0350.0.0.20]: see [0344.0.0.0] to [0350.0.0.0]

[0351.0.0.20] to [0361.0.0.20]: see [0351.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0]

[0362.0.20.20] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., e.g. encoding a polypeptide having protein activity, as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 3, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp. Due to the above-mentioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251 to 261, 627, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.20] see [0363.0.0.0]

[0364.0.20.20] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of a promoter of a gene encoding a polypeptide of the invention as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp. with the corresponding protein-encoding sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, column 5, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modified by non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example, mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

[0365.0.0.20] to [0373.0.0.20]: see [0365.0.0.0] to [0373.0.0.0]

[0374.0.20.20] Transgenic plants comprising the respective fine chemical synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid, in particular the respective fine chemical, produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid, in particular the free respective fine chemical, or bound in or to compounds or moieties, like glucosides, e.g. diglucosides. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography or other chromatographic methods of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.20] to [0376.0.0.20]: see [0375.0.0.0] to [0376.0.0.0]

[0377.0.20.20] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process whereby the produced behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid is isolated.

[0378.0.20.20] In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid produced in the process can be isolated. The resulting behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.20.20] In one embodiment the product produced by the present invention is a mixture of the respective fine chemicals behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid and/or melissic acid.

[0380.0.20.20] The behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid obtained in the process by carrying out the invention is suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a method for the production of pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid composition produced or the respective fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid produced in the process or of the transgenic organism in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals or for the production of behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid e.g. after isolation of the respective fine chemical or without, e.g. in situ, e.g in the organism used for the process for the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0381.0.0.20] to [0382.0.0.20]: see [0381.0.0.0] to [0382.0.0.0] [0383.0.20.20]

[0384.0.0.20] see [0384.0.0.0]

[0385.0.20.20] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in mixtures with other organic acids, amino acids, polypeptides or polysaccarides, normally have a dry matter content of from 1 to 70% by weight, preferably 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, e.g. at the end, for example over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 10 g/l, preferably to 0 to 3 g/l during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed or isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it.

The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

[0386.0.20.20] Accordingly, it is possible to purify the behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid produced according to the invention further. For this purpose, the product-containing composition is subjected for example to separation via e.g. an open column chromatography or HPLC in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use.

[0387.0.0.20] to [0392.0.0.20]: see [0387.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0]

[0393.0.20.20] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   a. contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   b. identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251     to 261, 627, resp., and, optionally, isolating the full length cDNA     clone or complete genomic clone; -   c. introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the respective fine chemical; -   d. expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   e. assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host cells;     and -   f. identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the respective fine chemical level     in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.20] to [0398.0.0.20]: see [0394.0.0.0] to [0398.0.0.0]

[0399.0.20.20] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to process for the identification of a compound conferring increase of the respective fine chemical production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps:

culturing a cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide according to the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding said polypeptide and a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of said readout system and the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the invention; and

identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said readout system.

The screen for a gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production can be performed by growth of an organism for example a microorganism in the presence of growth reducing amounts of an inhibitor of the synthesis of the respective fine chemical. Better growth, e.g. higher dividing rate or high dry mass in comparison to the control under such conditions would identify a gene or gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in respective fine chemical production.

[00399.1.20.20] One can think to screen for increased production of the respective fine chemical by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the respective fine chemical and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627 or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotype of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627 after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.20] to [0415.0.0.20]: see [0400.0.0.0] to [0415.0.0.0]

[0416.0.0.20] see [0416.0.0.0]

[0417.0.20.20] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect an organism such as a microorganism or a plant against inhibitors, which block the behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid synthesis.

Examples for such inhibitors are oxyacetamides, oxyacetamides or chloroacetamides which inhibit the first step in VLCFAs biosynthesis, the condensation of acyl-CoA with malonyl-CoA to β-ketoacyl-CoA (Matthes, 2001; Schmalfuss, J., Matthes, B, and P. Böger: Chloroacetamide mode of action. Abstr. Meeting Weed Science Society of America, Toronto, 40, 117-118, 2000). Therefore a plant overproducing behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid and/or melissic acid could result in the resistance to chloroacetamide-type herbicides.

[0418.0.0.20] to [0423.0.0.20]: see [0418.0.0.0] to [0423.0.0.0]

[0424.0.20.20] Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the respective fine chemical or of the respective fine chemical and one or more other organic acids. Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the respective fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0425.0.0.20] to [0434.0.0.0]: see [0425.0.0.0] to [0434.0.0.0]

[0435.0.20.20] Example 3 In-Vivo and In-Vitro Mutagenesis

[0436.0.20.20] An in vivo mutagenesis of organisms such as Saccharomyces, Mortierella, Escherichia and others mentioned above, which are beneficial for the production of behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid can be carried out by passing a plasmid DNA (or another vector DNA) containing the desired nucleic acid sequence or nucleic acid sequences, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the vector of the invention, through E. coli and other microorganisms (for example Bacillus spp. or yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which are not capable of maintaining the integrity of its genetic information. Usual mutator strains have mutations in the genes for the DNA repair system [for example mutHLS, mutD, mutT and the like; for comparison, see Rupp, W. D. (1996) DNA repair mechanisms in Escherichia coli and Salmonella, pp. 2277-2294, ASM: Washington]. The skilled worker knows these strains. The use of these strains is illustrated for example in Greener, A. and Callahan, M. (1994) Strategies 7; 32-34.

In-vitro mutation methods such as increasing the spontaneous mutation rates by chemical or physical treatment are well known to the skilled person. Mutagens like 5-bromo-uracil, N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (=NTG), ethyl methanesulfonate (=EMS), hydroxylamine and/or nitrous acid are widly used as chemical agents for random in-vitro mutagensis. The most common physical method for mutagensis is the treatment with UV irradiation. Another random mutagenesis technique is the error-prone PCR for introducing amino acid changes into proteins. Mutations are deliberately introduced during PCR through the use of error-prone DNA polymerases and special reaction conditions known to a person skilled in the art. For this method randomized DNA sequences are cloned into expression vectors and the resulting mutant libraries screened for altered or improved protein activity as described below.

Site-directed mutagensis method such as the introduction of desired mutations with an M13 or phagemid vector and short oligonucleotides primers is a well-known approach for site-directed mutagensis. The clou of this method involves cloning of the nucleic acid sequence of the invention into an M13 or phagemid vector, which permits recovery of single-stranded recombinant nucleic acid sequence. A mutagenic oligonucleotide primer is then designed whose sequence is perfectly complementary to nucleic acid sequence in the region to be mutated, but with a single difference: at the intended mutation site it bears a base that is complementary to the desired mutant nucleotide rather than the original. The mutagenic oligonucleotide is then allowed to prime new DNA synthesis to create a complementary full-length sequence containing the desired mutation. Another site-directed mutagensis method is the PCR mismatch primer mutagensis method also known to the skilled person. Dpnl site-directed mutagensis is a further known method as described for example in the Stratagene Quickchange™ site-directed mutagenesis kit protocol. A huge number of other methods are also known and used in common practice.

Positive mutation events can be selected by screening the organisms for the production of the desired respective fine chemical.

[0437.0.20.20] Example 4 DNA Transfer Between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Mortierella alpina

[0438.0.20.20] Shuttle vectors such as pYE22m, pPAC-ResQ, pClasper, pAUR224, pAMH10, pAML10, pAMT10, pAMU10, pGMH10, pGML10, pGMT10, pGMU10, pPGAL1, pPADH1, pTADH1, pTAex3, pNGA142, pHT3101 and derivatives thereof which allow the transfer of nucleic acid sequences between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or Mortierella alpina are available to the skilled worker. An easy method to isolate such shuttle vectors is disclosed by Soni R. and Murray J. A. H. [Nucleic Acid Research, vol. 20 no. 21, 1992: 5852]: If necessary such shuttle vectors can be constructed easily using standard vectors for E. coli (Sambrook, J. et al., (1989), “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons) and/or the aforementioned vectors, which have a replication origin for, and suitable marker from, Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Mortierella alpina added. Such replication origins are preferably taken from endogenous plasmids, which have been isolated from species used in the inventive process. Genes, which are used in particular as transformation markers for these species are genes for kanamycin resistance (such as those which originate from the Tn5 or Tn-903 transposon) or for chloramphenicol resistance (Winnacker, E. L. (1987) “From Genes to Clones—Introduction to Gene Technology”, VCH, Weinheim) or for other antibiotic resistance genes such as for G418, gentamycin, neomycin, hygromycin or tetracycline resistance.

[0439.0.20.20] Using standard methods, it is possible to clone a gene of interest into one of the above-described shuttle vectors and to introduce such hybrid vectors into the microorganism strains used in the inventive process. The transformation of Saccharomyces can be achieved for example by LiCI or sheroplast transformation (Bishop et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 6, 1986: 3401-3409; Sherman et al., Methods in Yeasts in Genetics, [Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y.] 1982, Agatep et al., Technical Tips Online 1998, 1:51: P01525 or Gietz et al., Methods Mol. Cell. Biol. 5, 1995: 255f) or electroporation (Delorme E., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., vol. 55, no. 9, 1989: 2242-2246).

[0440.0.20.20] If the transformed sequence(s) is/are to be integrated advantageously into the genome of the microorganism used in the inventive process for example into the yeast or fungi genome, standard techniques known to the skilled worker also exist for this purpose. Solinger et al. (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA., 2001 (15): 8447-8453) and Freedman et al. (Genetics, Vol. 162, 15-27, September 2002) teaches a homolog recombination system dependent on rad 50, rad51, rad54 and rad59 in yeasts. Vectors using this system for homologous recombination are vectors derived from the Ylp series. Plasmid vectors derived for example from the 2μ-Vector are known by the skilled worker and used for the expression in yeasts. Other preferred vectors are for example pART1, pCHY21 or pEVP11 as they have been described by McLeod et al. (EMBO J. 1987, 6:729-736) and Hoffman et al. (Genes Dev. 5, 1991: :561-571.) or Russell et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 258, 1983: 143-149.). Other beneficial yeast vectors are plasmids of the REP, REP-X, pYZ or RIP series.

[0441.0.0.20] see [0441.0.0.0]

[0442.0.0.20] see [0442.0.0.0]

[0443.0.0.20] see [0443.0.0.0]

[0444.0.20.20] Example 6 Growth of Genetically Modified Organism: Media and Culture Conditions [0445.0.20.20] Example 8

Genetically modified Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are grown in synthetic or natural growth media known by the skilled worker. A number of different growth media for Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are well known and widely available. A method for culturing Mortierella is disclosed by Jang et al. [Bot. Bull. Acad. Sin. (2000) 41:41-48]. Mortierella can be grown at 20° C. in a culture medium containing: 10 g/l glucose, 5 g/l yeast extract at pH 6.5. Furthermore Jang et al. teaches a submerged basal medium containing 20 g/l soluble starch, 5 g/l Bacto yeast extract, 10 g/l KNO₃, 1 g/l KH₂PO₄, and 0.5 g/l MgSO₄.7H₂O, pH 6.5.

[0446.0.0.20] to [0450.0.0.20]: see [0446.0.0.0] to [0450.0.0.0]

[0451.0.0.20] see [0451.0.5.5]

[0452.0.0.20] to [0453.0.0.20]: see [0452.0.0.0] to [0453.0.0.0]

[0454.0.20.20] Example 8 Analysis of the Effect of the Nucleic Acid Molecule on the Production of Behenic Acid, Lignoceric Acid, Cerotic Acid or Melissic Acid

[0455.0.20.20] The effect of the genetic modification in plants, fungi, algae, ciliates or on the production of a desired compound (such as a behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid) can be determined by growing the modified microorganisms or the modified plant under suitable conditions (such as those described above) and analyzing the medium and/or the cellular components for the elevated production of desired product (i.e. of behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid). These analytical techniques are known to the skilled worker and comprise spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, various types of staining methods, enzymatic and microbiological methods and analytical chromatography such as high-performance liquid chromatography (see, for example, Ullman, Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. A2, p. 89-90 and p. 443-613, VCH: Weinheim (1985); Fallon, A., et al., (1987) “Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry” in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 17; Rehm et al. (1993) Biotechnology, Vol. 3, Chapter III: “Product recovery and purification”, p. 469-714, VCH: Weinheim; Better, P. A., et al. (1988) Bioseparations: downstream processing for Biotechnology, John Wiley and Sons; Kennedy, J. F., and Cabral, J. M. S. (1992) Recovery processes for biological Materials, John Wiley and Sons; Shaeiwitz, J. A., and Henry, J. D. (1988) Biochemical Separations, in: Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. B3; Chapter 11, p. 1-27, VCH: Weinheim; and Dechow, F. J. (1989) Separation and purification techniques in biotechnology, Noyes Publications).

[0456.0.0.20]: see [0456.0.0.0]

[0457.0.20.20] Example 9 Purification of Behenic Acid, Lignoceric Acid, Cerotic Acid or Melissic Acid

[0458.0.20.20] Abbreviations; GC-MS, gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; TLC, thin-layer chromatography.

The unambiguous detection for the presence of behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MSMS, GC-MS or TLC, as described. The total amount produced in the organism for example in yeasts used in the inventive process can be analysed for example according to the following procedure:

The material such as yeasts, E. coli or plants to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods.

Plant material is initially homogenized mechanically by comminuting in a pestle and mortar to make it more amenable to extraction.

A typical sample pretreatment consists of a total lipid extraction using such polar organic solvents as acetone or alcohols as methanol, or ethers, saponification, partition between phases, separation of non-polar epiphase from more polar hypophasic derivatives and chromatography.

For analysis, solvent delivery and aliquot removal can be accomplished with a robotic system comprising a single injector valve Gilson 232XL and a 402 2S1V diluter [Gilson, Inc. USA, 3000 W. Beltline Highway, Middleton, Wis.]. For saponification, 3 ml of 50% potassium hydroxide hydro-ethanolic solution (4 water—1 ethanol) can be added to each vial, followed by the addition of 3 ml of octanol. The saponification treatment can be conducted at room temperature with vials maintained on an IKA HS 501 horizontal shaker [Labworld-online, Inc., Wilmington, N.C.] for fifteen hours at 250 movements/minute, followed by a stationary phase of approximately one hour.

Following saponification, the supernatant can be diluted with 0.20 ml of methanol. The addition of methanol can be conducted under pressure to ensure sample homogeneity. Using a 0.25 ml syringe, a 0.1 ml aliquot can be removed and transferred to HPLC vials for analysis.

For HPLC analysis, a Hewlett Packard 1100 HPLC, complete with a quaternary pump, vacuum degassing system, six-way injection valve, temperature regulated autosampler, column oven and Photodiode Array detector can be used [Agilent Technologies available through Ultra Scientific Inc., 250 Smith Street, North Kingstown, R.I.]. The column can be a Waters YMC30, 5-micron, 4.6×250 mm with a guard column of the same material [Waters, 34 Maple Street, Milford, Mass.]. The solvents for the mobile phase can be 81 methanol: 4 water: 15 tetrahydrofuran (THF) stabilized with 0.2% BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol). Injections were 20 μl. Separation can be isocratic at 30° C. with a flow rate of 1.7 ml/minute. The peak responses can be measured by absorbance at 447 nm.

[0459.0.20.20] If required and desired, further chromatography steps with a suitable resin may follow. Advantageously, the behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid can be further purified with a so-called RTHPLC. As eluent acetonitrile/water or chloroform/acetonitrile mixtures can be used. If necessary, these chromatography steps may be repeated, using identical or other chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the selection of suitable chromatography resin and the most effective use for a particular molecule to be purified.

[0460.0.0.20] see [0460.0.0.0]

[0461.0.20.20] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 25525, 25617, 26065, 26455, 26631, 26659, 26795, 26837, 26983, 27031, 27035 and 97565 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.20] see [0462.0.0.0]

[0463.0.20.20] SEQ ID NO: 25525, 25617, 26065, 26455, 26631, 26659, 26795, 26837, 26983, 27031, 27035 and 97565 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.0.20] to [0466.0.0.20]: see [0464.0.0.0] to [0466.0.0.0]

[0466.1.0.20] In case the Herculase enzyme can be used for the amplification, the PCR amplification cycles were as follows: 1 cycle of 2-3 minutes at 94° C., followed by 25-30 cycles of in each case 30 seconds at 94° C., 30 seconds at 55-60° C. and 5-10 minutes at 72° C., followed by 1 cycle of 10 minutes at 72° C., then 4° C.

[0467.0.20.20] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID: 25525

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 25615) atgaaacatc tgcatcgatt ctttag ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 25616) ttaaactgat ggacgcaaac gaacg

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 25617:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 26063) atggaaaagg gtactgttaa gtg ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 26064) ttatgcgact gccgcttcta cttc

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 26065:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 26453) atgattaacc gtatccgcgt agtc ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 26454 ) ttaaaatgtt tcccagtttg gatcttg

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 26455:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 26629) atgagtcgtt tagtcgtagt atcta ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 26630) ttacgcaagc tttggaaagg tagc

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 26631:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 26657) atggctgaat ggagcggcga ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 26658) ttagtattcc cacgtctccg gg

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 26659:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 26793) atggagacca atttttcctt cgact ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 26794) ctattgaaat accggcttca atattt

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 26795:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 26835) atgaatagcg taaaaagagt aaagct ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 26836) ctaggccaaa gacatcttag cca

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 26837:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 26981) atgacgagac gtactactat taatc ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 26982) tcacttgttt attttcgata aaatttcc

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 26983:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 27029) atgtcgcctt tgagaaagac ggtt ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 27030) tcactcttcc aggtttgagt acg

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 27031:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 27033) atggcggttg cgatcaaaaa gga ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 27034) tcaattgata aatgtacttt caatgatg

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 27035:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 27295) atggctcggg gtgacggaca t (q) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 27296) tcatgcttct tttgcgtgat gcaat

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 97565:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 97767) atgatatgct cacctcagaa caaca ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 97768) ttaaaaacag aggctttttc ctctgc

[0468.0.20.20] to [0470.0.20.20]: see [0468.0.0.0] to [0470.0.0.0]

[0470.1.20.20] The PCR-products, produced by Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase, were phosphorylated using a T4 DNA polymerase using a standard protocol (e.g. MBI Fermentas) and cloned into the processed binary vector.

[0471.0.20.20] see [0471.0.0.0]

[0471.1.20.20] The DNA termini of the PCR-products, produced by Herculase DNA polymerase, were blunted in a second synthesis reaction using Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The composition for the protocol of the blunting the DNA-termini was as follows: 0.2 mM blunting dTTP and 1.25 u Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The reaction was incubated at 72° C. for 30 minutes. Then the PCR-products were phosphorylated using a T4 DNA polymerase using a standard protocol (e.g. MBI Fermentas) and cloned into the processed vector as well.

[0472.0.20.20] to [0479.0.20.20]: see [0472.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0]

[0480.0.20.20] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 25525, 25617, 26065, 26455, 26631, 26659, 26795, 26837, 26983, 27031, 27035 or 97565

[0481.0.0.20] to [0513.0.0.20]: see [0481.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0]

[0514.0.20.20] As an alternative, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid, melissic acid or behenic acid can be detected as described in Beerthuis, R. K., Keppler, J. G., Nature. 1957 Apr. 6; 179(4562):731-2.

The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the table 1 which follows:

TABLE 1 ORF Metabolite Method Min Max b0019 Cerotic Acid GC 1.40 2.50 (C26:0) b0019 Lignoceric acid GC 1.46 3.24 (C24:0) b0880 Cerotic Acid GC 2.72 3.94 (C26:0) b1886 Cerotic Acid GC 1.39 4.35 (C26:0) b1896 Cerotic Acid GC 1.39 1.75 (C26:0) b3938 Lignoceric acid GC 1.37 1.89 (C24:0) YDR513W Melissic Acid GC 1.31 2.08 (C30:0) YER156C Melissic Acid GC 1.33 1.73 (C30:0) YGL205W Behenic acid GC 1.74 2.32 (C22:0) YHR201C Cerotic Acid GC 1.46 3.27 (C26:0) YHR201C Lignoceric acid GC 1.29 3.71 (C24:0) YLR255C Melissic Acid GC 1.34 1.88 (C30:0) YPR138C Lignoceric acid GC 1.92 2.60 (C24:0) b0255 Lignoceric acid GC 1.35 2.15 (C24:0)

[0515.0.20.20] Column 2 shows the metabolite behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid analyzed. Columns 4 and 5 shows the ratio of the analyzed metabolite between the transgenic plants and the wild type; Increase of the metabolite: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type)-Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type). Decrease of the metabolite: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (minimal decrease), Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (maximal decrease). Column 3 indicates the analytical method.

[0516.0.0.20] to [0552.0.0.20]: see [0516.0.0.0] to [0552.0.0.0]

[0552.1.20.20] Example 15 Metabolite Profiling Info from Zea mays

Zea mays plants were engineered, grown and analysed as described in Example 14c.

The results of the different Zea mays plants analysed can be seen from Table 2 which follows:

TABLE 2 ORF_NAME Metabolite Min Max YHR201C Cerotic acid 1.33 1.68 YHR201C Lignoceric acid 1.42 1.55

Table 2 exhibits the metabolic data from maize, shown in either TO or T1, describing the increase in cerotic acid and/or lignoceric acid in genetically modified corn plants expressing the Saccharomyces cerevisiae nucleic acid sequence YHR201C resp.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YHR201C or its homologs, e.g. “the activity of an exopolyphosphatase”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical cerotic acid between 33% and 68% is conferred and/or an increase of the fine chemical lignoceric acid between 42% and 55% is conferred.

[0552.2.0.20] Example 16 Preparation of Homologous Sequences from Plants

Different plants can be grown under standard or varying conditions in the greenhouse. RNA can be extracted following the protocol of Jones, Dunsmuir and Bedbrook (1985) EMBO J. 4: 2411-2418. Approx. 1 gram of tissue material from various organs is ground in liquid nitrogen. The powder is transferred to a 13 ml Falcon tube containing 4.5 ml NTES buffer (100 mM NaCl, 10 mM Tris/HCl pH 7.5, 1 mM EDTA, 1% SDS; in RNase-free water) and 3 ml phenol/chloroform/isoamylalcohol (25/24/1), immediately mixed and stored on ice. The mixture is spun for 10 minutes at 7000 rpm using a centrifuge (Sorval; SM24 or SS34 rotor). The supernatant is transferred to a new tube, 1/10th volume of 3 M NaAcetate (pH 5.2; in RNase-free water) and 1 volume of isopropanol is added, mixed at stored for 1 hour or overnight at −20° C. The mixture is spun for 10 minutes at 7000 rpm. The supernatant is discarded and the pellet washed with 70% ethanol (v/v). The mixture is spun for 5 minutes at 7000 rpm, the supernatant is discarded and the pellet is air-dried. 1 ml RNase-free water is added and allow the DNA/RNA pellet to dissolve on ice at 4 C. The nucleic acid solution is transferred to a 2 ml Eppendorf tube and 1 ml of 4 M LiAcetate is added. After mixing the solution is kept for at least 3 hours, or overnight, at 4 C. The mixture is spun for 10 minutes at 14000 rpm, the supernatant discarded, the pellet washed with 70% Ethanol, air-dried and dissolved in 200 μl of RNase-free water.

Total RNA can be used to construct a cDNA-library according to the manufacturer's protocol (for example using the ZAP-cDNA synthesis and cloning kit of Stratagene, La Jolla, USA). Basically, messenger RNA (mRNA) is primed in the first strand synthesis with a oligo(dT) linker-primer and is reverse-transcribed using reverse transcriptase. After second strand cDNA synthesis, the double-stranded cDNA is ligated into the Uni-ZAP XR vector. The Uni-ZAP XR vector allows in vivo excision of the pBluescript phagemid. The polylinker of the pBluescript phagemid has 21 unique cloning sites flanked by T3 and T7 promoters and a choice of 6 different primer sites for DNA sequencing. Systematic single run sequencing of the expected 5 prime end of the clones can allow preliminary annotation of the sequences for example with the help of the pedant pro Software package (Biomax, Munchen). Clones for the nucleic acids of the invention or used in the process according to the invention can be identified based on homology search with standard algorithms like blastp or gap. Identified putative full length clones with identity or high homology can be subjected to further sequencing in order to obtain the complete sequence.

Additional new homologous sequences can be identified in a similar manner by preparing respective cDNA libraries from various plant sources as described above. Libraries can then be screened with available sequences of the invention under low stringency conditions for example as described in Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A laboratory manual, Cold Spring Harbor 1989, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press. Purified positive clones can be subjected to the in vivo excision and complete sequencing. A pairwise sequence alignment of the original and the new sequence using the blastp or gap program allows the identification of orthologs, meaning homologous sequences from different organisms, which should have a sequence identity of at least 30%. Furthermore the conservation of functionally important amino acid residues or domains, which can be identified by the alignment of several already available paralogs, can identify a new sequence as a new orthologs. Alternatively libraries can be subjected to mass sequencing and obtained sequences can be stored in a sequence database, which then can be screened for putative orthologs by different search algorithms, for example the tbastn algorithm to search the obtained nucleic acid sequences with a amino acid sequence of the invention. Clones with the highest sequence identity are used for a complete sequence determination and orthologs can be identified as described above.

[0553.0.20.20]

-   1. A process for the production of behenic acid, lignoceric acid,     cerotic acid or melissic acid, which comprises     -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as         indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261,         627, 627 or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human         organism or in one or more parts thereof; and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or         melissic acid in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of behenic acid, lignoceric acid,     cerotic acid or melissic acid, comprising the increasing or     generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at     least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule     selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide as indicated in         Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, 627 or         a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to         261, 627, 627;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of behenic acid, lignoceric         acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of behenic acid,         lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in an organism or         a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of behenic acid,         lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in an organism or         a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 251 to         261, 627, 627 and conferring an increase in the amount of         behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of behenic acid,         lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in an organism or         a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 251 to 259         and 261, 627 and conferring an increase in the amount of behenic         acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in an         organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in         an organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid         produced by the selected mutated organisms or parts thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide as indicated in         Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, 627 or         a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to         261, 627, 627;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of behenic acid, lignoceric         acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of behenic acid,         lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in an organism or         a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of behenic acid,         lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in an organism or         a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 251 to         261, 627, 627 and conferring an increase in the amount of         behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of behenic acid,         lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in an organism or         a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 251 to 259         and 261, 627 and conferring an increase in the amount of behenic         acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in an         organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in         an organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines         251 to 261, 627, 627 by one or more nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, 627 by one or     more amino acids. -   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of behenic acid,     lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in an organism or a     part thereof comprising:     (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which     express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of behenic acid,     lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in an organism or a     part thereof with a candidate compound or a sample comprising a     plurality of compounds under conditions which permit the expression     the polypeptide;     (b) assaying the behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or     melissic acid level or the polypeptide expression level in the cell,     tissue, plant or microorganism or the media the cell, tissue, plant     or microorganisms is cultured or maintained in; and     (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the measured     behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid level     or polypeptide expression level with a standard behenic acid,     lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid or polypeptide     expression level measured in the absence of said candidate compound     or a sample comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an     increased level over the standard indicates that the compound or the     sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and a     decreased level over the standard indicates that the compound or the     sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic     acid production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps:     (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining     a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of behenic     acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in an organism     or a part thereof and a readout system capable of interacting with     the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the     interaction of the polypeptide with said readout system in the     presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of     compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response     to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions     which permit the expression of said readout system and of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6     conferring an increase in the amount of behenic acid, lignoceric     acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid in an organism or a part     thereof;     (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting     the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said     readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic     acid production in a cell, comprising the following steps:     (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can     contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an     increase in behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic     acid after expression with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of claim     6;     (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells     appropriate for producing behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic     acid or melissic acid;     (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells;     (e) assaying the behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or     melissic acid level in the host cells; and     (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the behenic acid, lignoceric acid,     cerotic acid or melissic acid level in the host cell in the host     cell after expression compared to the wild type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic     acid production in a cell, comprising the following steps:     -   a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the behenic acid, lignoceric         acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid amount or level in an         organism or a part thereof after expression, and which are at         least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     -   b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing behenic acid, lignoceric acid,         cerotic acid or melissic acid;     -   c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   d) assaying the behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or         melissic acid level in the host cells; and     -   e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the behenic acid, lignoceric         acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid level in the host cell after         expression compared to the wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid after     expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or     melissic acid levels in an organism. -   25. Agrochemical, pharmaceutical, food or feed composition     comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20. -   26. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid     construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or     agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15,     the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of     claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product     identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the     fine chemical is behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or     melissic acid. -   27. A host cell or plant according to any of the claims 10 to 12     which is resistant to a herbicide inhibiting the biosynthesis of     behenic acid, lignoceric acid, cerotic acid or melissic acid.

[0554.0.0.20] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.0]

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS Description

[0000.0.0.21] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0001.0.0.0].

[0002.0.21.21] Plants produce glycerol and glycerol-3-phosphate. Importantly lipids derived from glycerol are the major components of eukaryotic cells. In terms of dry weight they account for anywhere between 10% and 90% of the total mass of the cell. Triglycerol are the major source of store energy in eucaryotic organisms.

Glycerol-3-phosphate can be synthesized via two different routes in plants. In one route, it is formed from dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP), an intermediate of glycolysis, by the sequential action of triosephosphate isomerase, glyceraldehyd-phosphate phosphatase, glyeraldehyde reductase and glycerol kinase. The last enzyme of this pathway has been suggested as the rate-limiting step of this route for glycerol-3-phosphate synthesis. In an second pathway glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (NAD(+)-G-3-P oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.8) (GPDH) catalyses the reduction of dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) to form glycerol-3-phosphate (G-3-P). Based on enzymatic studies is has been suggested that this enzyme activity is probably the primary source of glycerol-3-phosphate at least in Brassica campestris seeds (Sharma et al., 2001, Plant Sci 160, 603-610).

[0003.0.0.21] In plants, at least two types of GPDH, a cytoplasmatic and a plastidial exist, which also differ in their reducing cosubstrate. The cytsolic GPDH uses NADH as the cosubstrate. The mitochondrial FAD-dependent glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (FAD-GPDH) of Arabidopsis forms a G-3-P shuttle, as previously established in other eukaryotic organisms, and links cytosolic G-3-P metabolism to carbon source utilization and energy metabolism in plants—also see Shen, W. et al., FEBS Lett. 2003 Feb. 11; 536(1-3): 92-6.

Glycerol-insensitive Arabidopsis mutants: glil seedlings lack glycerol kinase, accumulate glycerol and are more resistant to abiotic stress, see Eastmond P. J., HYPERLINK “http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bsc/tpj” \o “The Plant Journal” The Plant Journal, 2004, 37(4), 617-625. These data show that glycerol kinase is required for glycerol catabolism in Arabidopsis and that the accumulation of glycerol can enhance resistance to a variety of abiotic stresses associated with dehydration.

[0004.0.0.21] The major storage lipids (or oils) of seeds occur in the form of triacylglycerols (TAG), or three fatty acids linked to glycerol by ester bonds. Triacylglycerol synthesis involves diverse cellular compartments, including the cytoplasm, the mitochondria, the plastids, and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Glycerol-3-phosphate enters the ER for the final step in triacylglycerol synthesis. The newly formed triacylglycerols accumulate between the two layers of the double membrane of the ER, forming an oil body surrounded by a single (or half) unit membrane.

[0005.0.0.21] Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) is one of the most important enzymes in TAG biosynthesis, since it initiates TAG synthesis by catalyzing the acylation of the Sn-1 position of Sn-glycerol-3-phosphate, producing Sn-1-acyl-glycerol-3-phosphate. Lyso-phosphatidic acid (LPA) is then acetylated by LPA acyltransferases to produce phosphatidic acid (PA). Then diacylglycerol (DAG) is released through the dephosphorylation of PA by PA phosphohydrolase. Finally DAG becomes acylated by the activity of the DAG acyltransferase. In a second pathway phosphatidylcholine (PC) is formed and its acyl residues are desaturated further. The choline phosphate residue is then liberated by hydrolysis and the correspondinbg DAG acylated. This second pathway operates frequently in the synthesis of highly unsaturated TAG (Heldt 1997, Plant biochemistry and molecular biology. Oxford University Press, New York).

Additionally at present, many researches have proved that the GPAT is related to plant chilling-resistance, see Liu, Ji-Mei et al., Plant Physiol. 120(1999): 934.

Glycerol-3-phosphate is a primary substrate for triacylglycerol synthesis. Vigeolas and Geigenberger (Planta 219(2004): 827-835) have shown that injection of developing seeds with glycerol leads to increased glycerol-3-phosphate levels. These increased levels of glycerol-3-phosphate were accompanied by an increase in the flux of sucrose into total lipids and triacylglycerol providing evidence that the prevailing levels of glycerol-3-phosphate co-limit triacylglycerol production in developing seeds.

The direct acylation of glycerol by a glycerol: acyl-CoA acyltransferase to form mono-acyl-glycerol and, subsequently, diacylglycerol and triacylglycerol has been shown in myoblast and hepatocytes (Lee, D. P. et al. J. Lipid res. 42 (2001): 1979-1986). This direct acylation became more prominent when the glycerol-3-phosphate pathway was attenuated or when glycerol levels become elevated.

[0006.0.0.21] Glycerol is used together with water and alcohol (ethyl alcohol) in glycerinated water/alcohol plant extracts and phytoaromatic compounds. These products are used as food supplements, providing concentrates of the minerals, trace elements, active ingredients (alkaloids, polyphenols, pigments, etc.) and aromatic substances to be found in plants. Glycerin acts as a carrier for plant extracts. It is found in the end product (the fresh plant extract) in concentrations of up to 24% or 25%.

Raw glycerol is a by-product of the transesterification process of rape oil to rape methyl ester (RME) and used edible oil to used edible methyl ester (AME), both better known as Biodiesel.

Glycerol world production is estimated to be around 750.000 t/year. Around 90% is manufactured on the basis of natural oils and fats.

[0007.0.0.21] The green alga Dunaliella, for example, recently has been established in mass culture as a commercial source for glycerol. Dunaliella withstands extreme salinities while maintaing a low intracellular salt concentration. Osmotic adjustment is achieved by intracellular accumulation of glycerol to a level counterbalancing the external osmoticum.

The osmoregulatory isoform of dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) reductase (Osm-DHAPR) is an enzyme unique to Dunaliella tertiolecta and is the osmoregulatory isoform involved in the synthesis of free glycerol for osmoregulation in extreme environments, such as high salinity, see Ghoshal, D., et al., HYPERLINK “http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ap/ptjsessionid=708pg3rt74t81.victoria” “Protein Expression and Purification” Protein Expression and Purification, 2002, 24, (3), 404-411.

A unsolved problem in plant biochemistry is the understanding of metabolic regulation of glycerol-3-phosphate synthesis and its use in modifying glyceride metabolism or glycerol production. Practically it will have significance for rationally genetically engineering of plants for increased synthesis of triacylglycerols or for other value added products, and for introducing the glycerol synthesis capability into plants of economic importance for an elevated environmental stress tolerance—see: Durba, G. et al., J. Plant Biochemistry & Biotechnology 10(2001), 113-120.

[0008.0.21.21] One way to increase the productive capacity of biosynthesis is to apply recombinant DNA technology. Thus, it would be desirable to produce glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate in plants. That type of production permits control over quality, quantity and selection of the most suitable and efficient producer organisms. The latter is especially important for commercial production economics and therefore availability to consumers. In addition it is desirable to produce glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate in plants in order to increase plant productivity and resistance against biotic and abiotic stress as discussed before.

Methods of recombinant DNA technology have been used for some years to improve the production of fine chemicals in microorganisms and plants by amplifying individual biosynthesis genes and investigating the effect on production of fine chemicals. It is for example reported, that the xanthophyll astaxanthin could be produced in the nectaries of transgenic tobacco plants. Those transgenic plants were prepared by Argobacterium tumifaciens-mediated transformation of tobacco plants using a vector that contained a ketolase-encoding gene from H. pluvialis denominated crtO along with the Pds gene from tomato as the promoter and to encode a leader sequence. Those results indicated that about 75 percent of the carotenoids found in the flower of the transformed plant contained a keto group.

[0009.0.21.21] Thus, it would be advantageous if an algae, plant or other microorganism were available which produce large amounts of glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganisms.

It would also be advantageous if plants were available whose roots, leaves, stem, fruits or flowers produced large amounts of glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed plants.

Furthermore it would be advantageous if plants were available whose seed produced larger amounts of total lipids. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed plants.

[0010.0.21.21] Therefore improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the food-and-feed industry. This is necessary since, for example glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate, as mentioned above, which occur in plants and some microorganisms are limited with regard to the supply of mammals. Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible a specific glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate profile in the diet since an excess of glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate above a specific concentration in the food has a positive effect. A further increase in quality is only possible via addition of further glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate, which are limiting.

[0011.0.21.21] To ensure a high quality of foods and animal feeds, it is therefore necessary to add glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate in a balanced manner to suit the organism.

[0012.0.21.21] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes or other proteins which participate in the biosynthesis of glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate and make it possible to produce them specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate; on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

Furthermore there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes, which encode enzymes or other proteins, which participate in the biosynthesis of total lipids and make it possible to produce them specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of total lipids; on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

Glycerol or glycerol-3-phosphate is biosynthetic precusor for the biosynthesis of monoacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, triacylglycerols, phosphatidylglycerols and other glycerolipids (e.g. glycosylglycerides, diphosphatidylglycerols, phosphonolipids, phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylinositols, phytoglycolipids). Therefore the analysis of the glycerol content in cells, tissues or plant parts like seeds and leaves after total lipid extraction and lipid hydrolysis directly correlates with the analysis of the total lipid content. For example if the overexpression of a gene participating in the biosynthesis of triacylglycerols in the seed results in an increase in total lipid content in the seed or leaf this seed will also show an increased glycerol content after total lipid extraction and hydrolysis of the lipids.

Therefore the method as described below which leads to an increase in glycerol in the lipid fraction after cleavage of the ester functions for example with a mixture of methanol and hydrochloric acid clearly represents a method for an increased production of triacylglycerol or total lipids.

[0013.0.0.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0013.0.0.0].

[0014.0.21.21] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate.

[0015.0.21.21] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means glycerol. In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means glycerol-3-phosphate depending on the context in which the term is used. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate, its salts, ester, thioester or in free form or bound to other compounds such as sugars or sugarpolymers, like glucoside or polyols like myo-inositol.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means monoacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, triacylglycerols, phosphatidylglycerols and/or other glycerolipids (e.g. but not limited to glycosylglycerides, diphosphatidylglycerols, phosphonolipids, phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylinositols or phytoglycolipids) and is hereinafter referred to as “total lipids”.

[0016.0.21.21] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more YDR065W,     b2441, b3457, YBR084W, YDR513W, YGL237C, YIL150C, YLR082C, YLR224W,     YLR255C, -   YMR015C, YOR344C, YPL099C, YPL268W, b3644, YHR072W, b2710, b3498 or     b4073 protein(s) in a non-human organism in one or more parts     thereof; and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus glycerol and/or     glycerol-3-phosphate in said organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3,     lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp. or having the sequence     of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in     Table I, column 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp.     in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof; and     growing the organism under conditions which permit the production of     the fine chemical, thus, glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate, in     said organism.

[0016.1.21.21] Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means “glycerol” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I, lines 262 to 274 and lines 628 and 629 or homologs thereof, means “glycerol-3-phosphate” in relation to the sequence listed in Table I, line 173 and lines 630 to 632 or homologs thereof. The term “the fine chemical” could in addition mean “total lipids” comprising but not limited to “monoacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, triacylglycerols, phosphatidylglycerols and/or other glycerolipids (e.g. glycosylglycerides, diphosphatidylglycerols, phosphonolipids, phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylinositols or phytoglycolipids)” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I, lines 265, 266, 267, 269, 271, 272, 263 or 628 to 632 or homologs thereof. Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” can mean “glycerol”, “glycerol-3-phosphate” or “total lipids”, owing to circumstances and the context.

[0017.0.0.21] and [0018.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0017.0.0.21] and [0018.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0017.0.0.0] and [0018.0.0.0] above.

[0019.0.21.21] Advantageously the process for the production of the respective fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the respective fine chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the respective fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632.

[0020.0.21.21] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2441, b3457, b3644, b2710, b3498 or b4073 or Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR065W, YBR084W, YDR513W, YGL237C, YIL150C, YLR082C, YLR224W, YLR255C, YMR015C, YOR344C, YPL099C,

YPL268W or YHR072W in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate and/or total lipid (“the fine chemical” or “the fine respective chemical”) in respect to said proteins and their homologs as wells as the encoding nucleic acid molecules, in particular as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 content of the transformed plants.

[0021.0.0.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0021.0.0.0] above.

[0022.0.21.21] The sequence of YDR065W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq, C. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78 (1997) and its activity has not been characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YDR065W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of glycerol-3-phosphate, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YDR065W is increased.

The sequence of b2441 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, F. R. et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having ethanolamine ammonia-lyase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein b2441 from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of glycerol, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b2441 is increased.

The sequence of b3457 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, F. R. et al, Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having branched-chain amino acid transport activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein b3457 from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of glycerol and/or total lipids, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b3457 is increased.

The sequence of YBR084W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, A. et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996) and its activity is being defined as a protein having Cl-tetrahydrofolate synthase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YBR084W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of glycerol, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YBR084W is increased.

The sequence of YDR513W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq, C. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having gluthatione reductase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YDR513W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of glycerol and/or total lipid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YDR513W is increased.

The sequence of YGL237C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Tettelin, H. et al. Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 81-84 (1997) and its activity is being defined as transcriptional activator and global regulator of respiratory gene expression. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YGL237C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of glycerol and/or total lipid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YGL237C is increased.

The sequence of YIL150C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Churcher, C. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 84-87 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having chromatin binding activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YIL150C, e.g. a protein required for S-phase iniation or completion from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of glycerol and/or total lipid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YIL150C is increased.

The sequence of YLR082C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Johnston, M. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 87-90 (1997) and its activity has been characterized as a suppressor of Rad53 null lethality. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YLR082C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of glycerol, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YLR082C is increased.

The sequence of YLR224W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Johnston, M. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 87-90 (1997) and its activity has not been characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YLR224W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of glycerol and/or total lipid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YLR224W is increased.

The sequence of YLR255C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in the EMBL Data Library, February 1995.

MIPS_Reference: HYPERLINK “http://gcont01.basf-ag.de:8000/biors/searchtool/searchtool.cgi?request=lookup_entry&file=entry&kind=foreign&db_name=PIR&ref_id=S59386&ref_word=MIPS_Reference&use_sql=0&current_query_id=%401092226732&total=3&_db=PIR&_db=SPTREMBL&_db=TREMBL_NEW&S59386, Accession: S69301 and its activity has not been characterized yet. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YLR255C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of glycerol, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YLR255C is increased.

The sequence of YMR015C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published Bowman, S. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 90-93 (1997) and its activity. is being defined as a protein having C-22 sterol desaturase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YMR015C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of glycerol and/or total lipid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YMR015C is increased.

The sequence of YOR344C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon, B. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 98-102 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a serine-rich protein being involved in glycolytic gene expression. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YOR344C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of glycerol and/or total lipid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YOR344C is increased.

The sequence of YPL099C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Bussey, H. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 103-105 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a putative membrane protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YPL099C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of glycerol, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the YPL099C protein is increased.

The sequence of YPL268W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Bussey, H. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 103-105 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having phosphoinositide phospholipase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YPL268W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of glycerol, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the YPL268W protein is increased.

The sequence of b2710 (Accession number NP_(—)417190) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a flavorubredoxin (FIRd) bifunctional NO and O₂ reductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a flavorubredoxin (FIRd) bifunctional NO and O₂ reductase protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glycerol-3-phosphate and/or glycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing glycerol-3-phosphate, in particular for increasing the amount of glycerol-3-phosphate, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b2710 is increased. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a flavorubredoxin (FIRd) bifunctional NO and O₂ reductase protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3498 (Accession number NP_(—)417955) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a oligopeptidase A. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a oligopeptidase A protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glycerol-3-phosphate and/or glycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing glycerol-3-phosphate, in particular for increasing the amount of glycerol-3-phosphate, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b3498 is increased. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of an oligopeptidase A protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3644 (Accession number NP_(—)418101) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as an uncharacterized stress-induced protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of an uncharacterized stress-induced protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glycerol and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing glycerol, in particular for increasing the amount of glycerol, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of an uncharacterized stress-induced protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b4073 (Accession number NP_(—)418497) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a formate-dependent nitrate reductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a formate-dependent nitrate reductase protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glycerol-3-phosphate and/or glycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing glycerol-3-phosphate, in particular for increasing the amount of glycerol-3-phosphate, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b4073 is increased. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a formate-dependent nitrate reductase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YHR072W (Accession number NP_(—)011939) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996) and Johnston et al. Science 265 (5181), 2077-2082 (1994), and its activity is being defined as a 2,3-oxidosqualene-lanosterol cyclase protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a 2,3-oxidosqualene-lanosterol cyclase protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glycerol and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing glycerol, in particular for increasing the amount of glycerol, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a 2,3-oxidosqualene-lanosterol cyclase protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

[0023.0.21.21] Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the respective fine chemical amount or content.

In one embodiment, the homolog of any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 173 and lines 630 to 632 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferablyglycerol-3-phosphate.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 262 to 274, 628 and 629 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferablyglycerol and/or total lipid.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 173 and lines 630 to 632 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, line 173 and lines 630 to 632 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, line 173 and lines 630 to 632 having a glycerol-3-phosphate content and/or amount increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 262 to 267, 269, 271 to 274 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 262 to 267, 269, 271 to 274 and 628 to 632, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 262 to 267, 269, 271 to 274 and 628 to 632 having a glycerol and/or total lipid content and/or amount increasing activity.

[0023.1.0.21] Homologs of the polypeptides polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules polypeptide indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632.

Homologs of the polypeptides polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules polypeptide indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632.

[0024.0.0.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0024.0.0.0] above.

[0025.0.21.21] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of a protein of the invention”, e.g. the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased glycerol-3-phosphate and/or glycerol and/or total lipid level, resp., in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism. In a preferred embodiment, the protein or polypeptide has the above-mentioned additional activities of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632. Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, line 262 and 263 and 628 and 630 to 632 of Escherichia coli K12 or line 173, 264 to 274 and 629 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae respectively.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary close to the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 and is expressed in an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the origin organism. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums whereas origin and the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 are derived from the same families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0025.1.0.21] and [0025.2.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0025.1.0.21] and [0025.2.0.21] see [0025.1.0.0] and [0025.2.0.0] above.

[0026.0.0.17] to [0033.0.0.17] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0026.0.0.17] to [0033.0.0.17] see [0026.0.0.0] to [0033.0.0.0] above.

[0034.0.21.21] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs from the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention. E.g., it differs by or in the expression level or activity of a protein having the activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, its biochemical or genetic causes. It therefore shows the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.21] to [0044.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0035.0.0.21] to [0044.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0035.0.0.0] to [0044.0.0.0] above.

[0045.0.21.21] In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisae protein YDR065W or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 173 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glycerol-3-phosphate between 18% and 114% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2441 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 262 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glycerol in the polar fraction between 41% and 81% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 proteinb3457 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 263 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glycerol in the lipid fraction between 18% and 44% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisae protein YBR084W or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 264 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glycerol in the polar fraction between 102% and 253% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisae protein YDR513W or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 265 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glycerol in the lipid fraction between 17% and 48% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisae protein YDR513W or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 265 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glycerol in the polar fraction between 40% and 200% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisae protein YGL237C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 266 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glycerol in the lipid fraction between 23% and 73% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisae protein YIL150C or its homologs as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 267, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glycerol lipid fraction between 94% and 219% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLR082C or its homologs as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 268, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glycerol in the polar fraction between 41% and 173% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YRL224W or its homologs as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 269, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glycerol in the lipid fraction between 17% and 43% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLR255C or its homologs as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 270, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glycerol in the polar fraction between 44% and 73% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YMR015C or its homologs as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 271, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glycerol in the lipid fraction between 18% and 23% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR344C or its homologs as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 272, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glycerol in the lipid fraction between 18% and 104% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YPL099C or its homologs as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 273, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glycerol in the polar fraction between 55% and 104% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YPL268W or its homologs as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 274, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glycerol in the polar fraction between 38% and 115% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3644 or its homologs e.g. an uncharacterized stress-induced protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 628, is increased, preferably of glycerol in the polar fraction between 17% and 44% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YHR072W or its homologs e.g. a 2,3-oxidosqualene-lanosterol cyclase protein e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 629, is increased, preferably of glycerol in the polar fraction between 19% and 109% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2710 or its homologs e.g. a flavorubredoxin (FIRd) bifunctional NO and O₂ reductase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 630, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glycerol-3-phosphate between 20% and 95% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3498 or its homologs e.g. a oligopeptidase A e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 631, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glycerol-3-phosphate between 20% and 56% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4073 or its homologs e.g. a formate-dependent nitrate reductase e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 632, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glycerol-3-phosphate between 49% and 145% or more is conferred.

In addition in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR513W, YGL237C, YIL150C, YLR224W, YMR015C, YOR344C or YHR072W or the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3457, b3644, b2710, b3498 or b4073 or its homologs as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 265, 266, 267, 269, 271, 272 or 263 or 628 to 632 is increased in plant cells or especially in the seed of plants an increase in the total lipid content is conferred.

[0046.0.0.21] In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR065W or its homologs is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical glycerol-3-phosphate is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2441 or its homologs, e.g. a protein having ethanolamine ammonia-lyase activity increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical glycerol is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3457 or its homologs, e.g. a protein having branched-chain amino acid transport activity is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical glycerol is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBR084W or its homologs, e.g. a protein having Cl-tetrahydrofolate synthase activity is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical glycerol is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein

YDR513W or its homologs, e.g. a gluthatione reductase is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical glycerol is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGL237C or its homologs, e.g. a transcriptional activator protein and global regulator of respiratory gene expression activity is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical glycerol is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisae protein

YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical glycerol is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLR082C or its homologs e.g. a suppressor of Rad53 null lethality is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical glycerol is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLR224W or its homologs is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical glycerol is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLR255C or its homologs is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical glycerol is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisae protein YMR015C or its homologs, e.g. a protein having C-22 sterol desaturase activity is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical glycerol is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisae protein YOR344C or its homologs, e.g. a serine-rich protein being involved in glycolytic gene expression is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical glycerol is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisae protein YPL099C or its homologs, e.g. a putative membrane protein is increased; preferably an increase of the fine chemical glycerol is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisae protein YPL268W or its homologs, e.g. a protein having phosphoinositide phospholipase activity is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical glycerol is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3644 or its homologs, e.g. an uncharacterized stress-induced protein increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical glycerol is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisae protein YHR072W or its homologs, e.g. an 2,3-oxidosqualene-lanosterol cyclase protein is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical glycerol is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2710 or its homologs, e.g. a flavorubredoxin (FIRd) bifunctional NO and O₂ reductase is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical glycerol-3-phosphate is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3498 or its homologs, e.g. a oligopeptidase A is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical glycerol-3-phosphate is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4073 or its homologs, e.g. a formate-dependent nitrate reductase is increased, preferably an increase of the fine chemical glycerol-3-phosphate is conferred.

[0047.0.0.21] and [0048.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0047.0.0.21] and [0048.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0047.0.0.0] and [0048.0.0.0] above.

[0049.0.21.21] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical glycerol-3-phosphate preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 15671 to 15676, or 97963 to 97965, or 98284 to 98287 or 98529 to 98532 or as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 173 or 630 to 632 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173 or 630 to 632 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173 or 630 to 632 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the glycerol-3-phosphate level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical glycerol and/or total lipid preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 28565 to 28575 or 28576, 28577 or 28578 or 28579 to 28581 or 28582 to 28584 or 28585, 28586 or 28587 to 28590 or 28591 to 28594 or 28595 to 28597 or 28598 to 28600 or 28601 to 28605 or 98450 to 98452 or 98703 to 98713 or as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 262 to 274 or 628 and 629 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 262 to 274 or 628 and 629 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 262 to 274 or 628 and 629 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the glycerol level.

[0050.0.21.21] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “the respective fine chemical” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of glycerol-3-phosphate, resp., or their esters, e.g. monoacyl or diacyl fatty acids thereof.

[0051.0.21.21] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the respective fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free or bound, e.g compositions comprising glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate and or total lipid.

Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate and/or total lipid can be produced.

[0052.0.0.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0052.0.0.0] above.

[0053.0.21.21] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 173,     262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632,     activity having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity; -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, e.g.     of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in     Table II, column 3, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or its     homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, or of a mRNA encoding the     polypeptide of the present invention having herein-mentioned the     respective fine chemical increasing activity; -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 173, 262 to 274     and 628 to 632 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table     II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, or     decreasing the inhibitory regulation of the polypeptide of the     invention; -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 173, 262 to 274     and 628 to 632 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table     II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632; -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated     in Table II, column 3, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or its     homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, by adding one or more     exogenous inducing factors to the organism or parts thereof; -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 173, 262 to 274     and 628 to 632 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table     II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 173, 262 to 274     and 628 to 632 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632. -   h) Increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having an activity     of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 173, 262 to     274 and 628 to 632 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, by     adding positive expression or removing negative expression elements,     e.g. homologous recombination can be used to either introduce     positive regulatory elements like for plants the 35S enhancer into     the promoter or to remove repressor elements form regulatory     regions. Further gene conversion methods can be used to disrupt     repressor elements or to enhance to activity of positive elements.     Positive elements can be randomly introduced in plants by T-DNA or     transposon mutagenesis and lines can be identified in which the     positive elements have be integrated near to a gene of the     invention, the expression of which is thereby enhanced; and/or -   i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead to an enhanced respective fine chemical     production; and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, e.g. the elite crops.

[0054.0.21.21] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 3 or 5, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp.

[0055.0.0.21] to [0067.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0055.0.0.21] to [0067.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0055.0.0.0] to [0067.0.0.0] above.

[0068.0.21.21] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of the finde chemical, meaning glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate and or total lipid is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0069.0.0.0] above.

[0070.0.21.21] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding a protein of the invention into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolite composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous composition of glycerol-3-phosphate and glycerol or their biochemical derivatives, e.g. comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) glycerol-3-phosphate and glycerol or their derivatives including total lipids.

[0071.0.0.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0071.0.0.0] above.

[0072.0.0.21] %

[0073.0.21.21] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

-   (a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a     non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue     or a plant; -   (b) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or a     homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, or of a polypeptide being     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and     described below, e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine     chemical in an organism, preferably in a microorganism, a non-human     animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant, -   (c) growing an organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human     animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant     under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine     chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant     cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and -   (d) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or     bound respective fine chemical synthesized by the organism, the     microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the     plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.21.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0071.0.0.17] above.

[0075.0.0.21] to [0077.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0075.0.0.21] to [0077.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0075.0.0.0] to [0077.0.0.0] above.

[0078.0.21.21] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, respective fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications. The fermentation broth, fermentation products, plants or plant products can be purified with methods known to the person skilled in the art. Products of these different work-up procedures are glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate and/or glycerol as a component of lipids or comprising compositions of glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate and/or glycerol as a component of lipids still comprising fermentation broth, plant particles and cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably below 50% by weight.

[0079.0.0.21] to [0084.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0079.0.0.21] to [0084.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0079.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0] above.

[0085.0.21.21] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7,     lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, or a derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, or a     derivative thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.21] and [0087.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0086.0.0.21] and [0087.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0086.0.0.0] and [0087.0.0.0] above.

[0088.0.21.21] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose content of the respective fine chemical is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for poultry is dependent on the abovementioned fine chemicals or the plants are more resistant to biotic and abiotic stress and the yield is increased.

[0088.1.0.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0088.1.0.0] above.

[0089.0.0.21] to [0094.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0089.0.0.21] to [0094.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0088.0.0.0] to [0094.0.0.0] above.

[0095.0.21.21] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate and/or total lipid in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the pure respective fine chemical and/or to obtain increased resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses and to obtain higher yield.

[0096.0.21.21] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptid or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired fine chemical, for example in the organism, is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0097.0.0.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0097.0.0.0] above.

[0098.0.21.21] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated.

[0099.0.21.21] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned desired fine chemical may accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, and spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the respective fine chemical comprising compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.21.21] Transgenic plants which comprise the fine chemicals such as glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate and/or total lipids synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the fine chemicals synthesized to be isolated. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue.

However, the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, as extracts, e.g. ether, alcohol, or other organic solvents or water containing extract and/or free fine chemicals. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts. To increase the efficiency of extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, specifically the seeds, they can previously be comminuted, steamed or roasted. Seeds, which have been pretreated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents such as warm hexane. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. Thereafter, the resulting products can be processed further, i.e. degummed and/or refined. In this process, substances such as the plant mucilages and suspended matter can be first removed. What is known as desliming can be affected enzymatically or, for example, chemico-physically by addition of acid such as phosphoric acid.

Because glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate and/or total lipids in microorganisms are localized intracellular, their recovery essentially comes down to the isolation of the biomass. Well-established approaches for the harvesting of cells include filtration, centrifugation and coagulation/flocculation as described herein. Of the residual hydrocarbon, adsorbed on the cells, has to be removed. Solvent extraction or treatment with surfactants have been suggested for this purpose.

[0101.0.21.21] The identity and purity of the compound(s) isolated can be determined by prior-art techniques. They encompass high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assays or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are compiled in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11 27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19:67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Bd. A27, VCH Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michel, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 17.

[0102.0.21.21] Glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate can for example be analyzed advantageously via HPLC, LC or GC separation and MS (masspectrometry) detection methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate containing products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MS, MS or TLC). The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding, cooking, or via other applicable methods.

Total lipids in the seed of plants can for example be analyzed advantageously by lipid extraction as described by Bligh and Dyer (Can J Biochem Phys 1959, 37, 911-917) followed by the determination of the lipid content by gaschromatography as described by Benning and Sommerville (J Bacteriol 1992, 174, 6479-6487).

[0103.0.21.21] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, or a fragment     thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the respective     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridization conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primer pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to     632, and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having sequences as indicated in Table IV, column     7, lines 173, 262 to 267, 269 and 271 to 274 and 628 to 632 and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, and conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[00103.1.21.21] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632.

[00103.2.21.21] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632.

[0104.0.21.21] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the present invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably over the sequences as shown in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence as shown in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably as indicated in Table IIA, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632.

[0105.0.0.21] to [0107.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0105.0.0.21] to [0107.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0105.0.0.0] to [0107.0.0.0] above.

[0108.0.21.21] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from an amino acid sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 173, 262 to 267, 269 and 271 to 274 and 628 to 632, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical, meaning glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate and/or total lipid, resp., after increasing its expression or activity, are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.21.21] In one embodiment, said sequences are cloned into nucleic acid constructs, either individually or in combination. These nucleic acid constructs enable an optimal synthesis of the respective fine chemicals, in particular glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate and/or total lipids, produced in the process according to the invention.

[0110.0.0.21] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0111.0.0.0] above.

[0112.0.21.21] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 and 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 and conferring an increase in the glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate and/or total lipid level.

[0113.0.0.21] to [0120.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0113.0.0.21] to [0120.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0113.0.0.0] and [0120.0.0.0] above.

[0121.0.21.21] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 173 and lines 630 to 632 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a glycerol-3-phosphate increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 173 and lines 630 to 632 and conferring a glycerol and/or total lipid level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 262 to 274 and lines 628 and 629.

[0122.0.0.21] to [0127.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0122.0.0.21] to [0127.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0122.0.0.0] and [0127.0.0.0] above.

[0128.0.21.21] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp. or the sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp.

[0129.0.21.21] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 173, 262 to 267, 269 and 271 to 274 and 628 to 632 is derived from such alignments.

[0130.0.21.21] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate and/or total lipid after increasing the expression or activity the protein comprising said fragment.

[0131.0.0.21] to [0138.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0131.0.0.21] to [0138.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0131.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0] above.

[0139.0.21.21] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical level increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridise to a sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 173 and lines 630 to 632 for glycerol-3-phosphate or indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 262 to 274 and lines 628 and 629 for glycerol, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, line 173 and lines 630 to 632 or lines 262 to 274 and lines 628 and 629 respectively and/or total lipid under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the respective fine chemical, i.e. glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate and/or total lipids, resp., increasing-activity.

[0140.0.0.21] to [0146.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0140.0.0.21] to [0146.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0140.0.0.0] to [0146.0.0.0] above.

[0147.0.21.21] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridise to one of said nucleotide sequences, thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.21.21] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular having a glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate and/or total lipid increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.21.21] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of glycerol-3-phosphate and/or glycerol, resp., and optionally, the activity of protein indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably of Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632.

[00149.1.21.21] Optionally, in one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably of Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632.

[0150.0.21.21] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of gglycerol-3-phosphate and/or glycerol, resp., if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or its gene product. Preferred is Table I B, column 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632

[0151.0.0.21]: for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0151.0.0.0] above.

[0152.0.21.21] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular a glycerol-3-phosphate (line 173 and lines 630 to 632) or glycerol (lines 262 to 274 and lines 628 and 629) and total lipid (lines 265, 266, 267, 269, 271, 272 and 263) increasing activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.21.21] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632.

[0154.0.21.21] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.21] and [0156.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0155.0.0.21] and [0156.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0155.0.0.0] and [0156.0.0.0] above.

[0157.0.21.21] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as polypeptides comprising the sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or as polypeptides depicted in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or the functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, an amino acid sequence of a consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 173, 262 to 267, 269 and 271 to 274 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 173, 262 to 267, 269 and 271 to 274 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or the functional homologues. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp. Preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I B, column 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632.

[0158.0.0.21] to [0160.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0158.0.0.21] to [0160.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0] above.

[0161.0.21.21] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0162.0.0.0] above.

[0163.0.21.21] Preferably, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, e.g. a tissue, a cell, or a compartment of a cell, after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0164.0.0.0] above.

[0165.0.21.21] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp.

[0166.0.0.21] and [0167.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0166.0.0.21] and [0167.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0166.0.0.0] and [0167.0.0.0] above.

[0168.0.21.21] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632.

Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632.

[0169.0.0.21] to [0172.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0169.0.0.21] to [0172.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0169.0.0.0] to [0172.0.0.0] above.

[0173.0.21.21] For example a sequence, which has 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 27329 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 27329 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.21]: for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0174.0.0.0] above.

[0175.0.21.21] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 27330 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 27330 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.21.21] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp.

[0177.0.21.21] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably of Table I B, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably of Table II B, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 resp.

[0178.0.0.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0178.0.0.0] above.

[0179.0.21.21] A nucleic acid molecule encoding a homologue to a protein sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably as indicated in Table II B, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably as indicated in Table I B, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 resp., such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably as indicated in Table I B, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.21] to [0183.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0180.0.0.21] to [0183.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0] above.

[0184.0.21.21] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably as indicated in Table I B, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably as indicated in Table II B, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably as indicated in Table I B, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.21.21] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably as indicated in Table I B, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably as indicated in Table I B, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably as indicated in Table I B, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp.

[0186.0.21.21] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably as indicated in Table II B, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably as indicated in Table II B, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp.

[0187.0.21.21] In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably as indicated in Table II B, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably as indicated in Table II B, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp.

[0188.0.21.21] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity. Advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., and is expressed under identical conditions. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention is a homolog consisting of or comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II B, columns 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632.

[0189.0.21.21] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., or of derived sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.21]: for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0190.0.0.0] above.

[0191.0.21.21] In one embodiment, the organisms or part thereof produce according to the herein mentioned process of the invention an increased level of free and/or bound the respective fine chemical compared to said control or selected organisms or parts thereof.

[0191.1.0.21]: for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0191.1.0.0] above.

[0192.0.0.21] to [0203.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0192.0.0.21] to [0203.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0192.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0] above.

[0204.0.21.21] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably as indicated in     Table II B, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp.; or a     fragment thereof conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, i.e. glycerol-3-phosphate (line 173 and     lines 630 to 632) or glycerol (lines 262 to 274 and lines 628 and     629), and accordingly glycerol as a component of total lipid (lines     265, 266, 267, 269, 271, 272 and 263), resp., in an organism or a     part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5     or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, preferably as indicated     in Table I B, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., or a     fragment thereof conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table III, columns 5 or 7,     lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 and conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical, i.e.     glycerol-3-phosphate (line 173 and lines 630 to 632) or glycerol     (lines 262 to 274 and lines 628 and 629) and accordingly glycerol as     a component of total lipid (lines 265, 266, 267, 269, 271, 272     and 263) resp., in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 173,     262 to 267, 269 and 271 to 274 and lines 628 to 632 and conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, i.e.     glycerol-3-phosphate (line 173 and lines 630 to 632) or glycerol     (lines 262 to 274 and lines 628 and 629) and accordingly glycerol as     a component of total lipid (lines 265, 266, 267, 269, 271, 272     and 263) resp., in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632,     preferably as indicated in Table II B, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628     to 632, resp., and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, i.e. glycerol-3-phosphate (line 173 and     lines 630 to 632) or glycerol (lines 262 to 274 and lines 628     and 629) and accordingly glycerol as a component of total lipid     (lines 265, 266, 267, 269, 271, 272 and 263) resp., in an organism     or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and     628 to 632, preferably as indicated in Table I B, lines 173, 262 to     274 and 628 to 632, resp., or a nucleic acid molecule encoding,     preferably at least the mature form of, a polypeptide as indicated     in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632,     preferably as indicated in Table II B, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628     to 632, resp., and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; or which     encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB,     columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., by one     or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of     the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table     IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632,     resp. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention is at least 30% identical and less than 100%,     99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence as indicated     in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to     632, resp. In a further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does     not encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB,     columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp.     Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention encodes in one embodiment a polypeptide which     differs at least in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide     indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274     and 628 to 632 does not encode a protein of a sequence as indicated     in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628     to 632. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded by a     sequences of a nucleic acid according to -   (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA     or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632. In a     further embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at least     30% identical to a protein sequence indicated in Table IIA or IIB,     columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 and less than     100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably     less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as     indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274     and 628 to 632.

[0205.0.0.21] to [0206.0.0.21]: see [0205.0.0.0] to [0206.0.0.0]

[0207.0.21.21] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway.

These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes, are genes of the glutamic acid metabolism, the phosphoenolpyruvate metabolism, the amino acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acid metabolism or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.21] to [0226.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0208.0.0.21] to [0226.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0208.0.0.0] to [0226.0.0.0] above.

[0227.0.21.21] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or its derivatives, it is advantageous to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the acetyl-CoA or malonyl-CoA metabolic pathway or a polypeptide having a very long chain fatty acid acyl (VLCFA) CoA synthase activity, is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the fine chemicals desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine one or more of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., with genes which generally support or enhance to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.21.21] In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore, organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of at least one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteins involved in the glycerol-3-phosphate and/or glycerol metabolism, in particular in synthesis of glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol.

[0229.0.21.21] Further advantageous nucleic acid sequences which can be expressed in combination with the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes are the sequences encoding further genes of the fatty acid pathway, such as acetyl-CoA or malonyl-CoA or a polypeptide having a very long chain fatty acid acyl (VLCFA) CoA synthase activity. These genes can lead to an increased synthesis of the VLCFAs.

[0230.0.0.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0230.0.0.0] above.

[0231.0.21.21] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate and/or a lipid degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene. A person skilled in the art knows for example, that the inhibition or repression of a glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate or lipid degrading enzyme will result in an increased accumulation of glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate and/or total lipids in plants.

[0232.0.0.21] to [0276.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0232.0.0.21] to [0276.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0232.0.0.0] to [0276.0.0.0] above.

[0277.0.21.21] The respective fine chemical produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker are familiar, for example via extraction, salt precipitation, and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously.

[0278.0.0.21] to [0282.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0278.0.0.21] to [0282.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0278.0.0.0] to [0282.0.0.0] above.

[0283.0.21.21] Moreover, native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells, for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, e.g. an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., or an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof.

Preferred are monoclonal antibodies specifically binding to polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, more preferred specifically binding to polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632.

[0284.0.0.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0284.0.0.0] above.

[0285.0.21.21] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., or as coded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.21.21] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 173, 262 to 267, 269 and 271 to 274 and lines 628 to 632 and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 173, 262 to 267, 269 and 271 to 274 and lines 628 to 632 whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 173, 262 to 267, 269 and 271 to 274 and lines 628 to 632.

[0287.0.0.21] to [0290.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0287.0.0.21] to [0290.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0287.0.0.0] to [0290.0.0.0] above.

[0291.0.21.21] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632.

[0292.0.0.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0292.0.0.0] above.

[0293.0.21.21] In one embodiment, the invention relates to a polypeptide conferring an increase in the fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp.

[0294.0.21.21] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.21] to [0297.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0295.0.0.21] to [0297.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0295.0.0.0] to [0297.0.0.0] above.

[00297.1.21.21] Non polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 3, 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp.

[0298.0.21.21] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein.

Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp.

[0299.0.21.21] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein.

A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.21.21] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp.

[0301.0.0.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0301.0.0.0] above.

[0302.0.21.21] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0303.0.0.0] above.

[0304.0.21.21] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.21] to [0308.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0305.0.0.21] to [0308.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0305.0.0.0] to [0308.0.0.0] above.

[0306.1.0.21] %

[0309.0.21.21] In one embodiment, a reference to a protein (=polypeptide) of the invention or as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas an “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, an “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.21] to [0334.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0310.0.0.21] to [0334.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0310.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0] above.

[0335.0.21.21] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived there from), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of a protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.21] to [0342.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0336.0.0.21] to [0342.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0] above.

[0343.0.21.21] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.21] to [0361.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0344.0.0.21] to [0361.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0344.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0] above.

[0362.0.21.21] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., e.g. encoding a polypeptide having protein activity, as indicated in Table II, columns 3, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp. Due to the above-mentioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0363.0.0.0] above.

[0364.0.21.21] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of a promoter of a gene encoding a polypeptide of the invention as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp. with the corresponding protein-encoding sequence as indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632, resp., becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modified by non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example, mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

[0365.0.0.21] to [0373.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0365.0.0.21], to [0373.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0365.0.0.0] to [0373.0.0.0] above.

[0374.0.21.21] Transgenic plants comprising the respective fine chemical synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. Glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate, in particular the respective fine chemical, produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate, in particular the free respective fine chemical, or bound in or to compounds or moieties, as for example but not limited to in mono-, di- or triacylglyceroles, phosphoglycerides, monoacylglycerol phosphate or diacylglycerol phosphate. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography or other chromatographic methods of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.21] and [0376.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0375.0.0.21] and [0376.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0375.0.0.0] and [0376.0.0.0] above.

[0377.0.21.21] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process whereby the produced glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate and/or total lipid is isolated.

[0378.0.21.21] In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate and/or total lipid produced in the process can be isolated. The resulting glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate and/or total lipid can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.21.21] In one embodiment the product produced by the present invention is a mixture of the respective fine chemicals glycerol, glycerol-3-phosphate and total lipids.

[0380.0.21.21] The glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate or total lipids obtained in the process by carrying out the invention is suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a method for the production of pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate composition produced or the respective fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate and/or total lipid produced in the process or of the transgenic organism in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals or for the production of glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate e.g. after isolation of the respective fine chemical or without, e.g. in situ, e.g in the organism used for the process for the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0381.0.0.21] and [0382.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0381.0.0.21] and [0382.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0381.0.0.0] and [0382.0.0.0] above.

[0383.0.21.21] %

[0384.0.0.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0384.0.0.0] above.

[0385.0.21.21] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate and/or total lipids in mixtures with other organic acids, amino acids, polypeptides or polysaccarides, normally have a dry matter content of from 1 to 70% by weight, preferably 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, e.g. at the end, for example over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 10 g/l, preferably to 0 to 3 g/l during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed or isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it.

The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

[0386.0.21.21] Accordingly, it is possible to purify the glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate produced according to the invention further. For this purpose, the product-containing composition is subjected for example to separation via e.g. an open column chromatography or HPLC in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use.

[0387.0.0.21] to [0392.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0387.0.0.21] to [0392.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0387.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0] above.

[0393.0.21.21] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   a. contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   b. identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to     274 and 628 to 632, preferably as indicated in Table IB, columns 5     or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 resp., and, optionally,     isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete genomic clone; -   c. introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the respective fine chemical; -   d. expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   e. assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host cells;     and -   f. identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the respective fine chemical level     in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.21] to [0398.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0394.0.0.21] to [0398.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0394.0.0.0] to [0398.0.0.0] above.

[0399.0.21.21] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to process for the identification of a compound conferring increase of the respective fine chemical production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps:

-   (a) culturing a cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a     plant expressing the polypeptide according to the invention or a     nucleic acid molecule encoding said polypeptide and a readout system     capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable     conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with said     readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising     a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable     signal in response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide     under conditions which permit the expression of said readout system     and the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process     of the invention; and -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting     the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said     readout system.

The screen for a gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production can be performed by growth of an organism for example a microorganism in the presence of growth reducing amounts of an inhibitor of the synthesis of the respective fine chemical. Better growth, e.g. higher dividing rate or high dry mass in comparison to the control under such conditions would identify a gene or gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in respective fine chemical production.

[00399.1.21.21] One can think to screen for increased production of the respective fine chemical by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the respective fine chemical and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotype of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.21] to [0416.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0400.0.0.21] to [0416.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0400.0.0.0] to [0416.0.0.0] above.

[0417.0.21.21] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect an organism such as a microorganism or a plant against inhibitors, which block the glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate synthesis.

[0418.0.0.21] to [0423.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0418.0.0.21] to [0423.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0418.0.0.0] to [0423.0.0.0] above.

[0424.0.21.21] Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the respective fine chemical or of the respective fine chemical and one or more other organic acids. Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the respective fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0425.0.0.21] to [0434.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0425.0.0.21] to [0434.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0425.0.0.0] to [0434.0.0.0] above.

[0435.0.21.21] Example 3 In-Vivo and In-Vitro Mutagenesis

[0436.0.21.21] An in vivo mutagenesis of organisms such as Saccharomyces, Mortierella, Escherichia and others mentioned above, which are beneficial for the production of glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate can be carried out by passing a plasmid DNA (or another vector DNA) containing the desired nucleic acid sequence or nucleic acid sequences, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the vector of the invention, through E. coli and other microorganisms (for example Bacillus spp. or yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which are not capable of maintaining the integrity of its genetic information. Usual mutator strains have mutations in the genes for the DNA repair system [for example mutHLS, mutD, mutT and the like; for comparison, see Rupp, W. D. (1996) DNA repair mechanisms in Escherichia coli and Salmonella, pp. 2277-2294, ASM: Washington]. The skilled worker knows these strains. The use of these strains is illustrated for example in Greener, A. and Callahan, M. (1994) Strategies 7; 32-34.

[0436.1.21.21] In-vitro mutation methods such as increasing the spontaneous mutation rates by chemical or physical treatment are well known to the skilled person. Mutagens like 5-bromo-uracil, N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (=NTG), ethyl methanesulfonate (=EMS), hydroxylamine and/or nitrous acid are widly used as chemical agents for random in-vitro mutagensis. The most common physical method for mutagensis is the treatment with UV irradiation. Another random mutagenesis technique is the error-prone PCR for introducing amino acid changes into proteins. Mutations are deliberately introduced during PCR through the use of error-prone DNA polymerases and special reaction conditions known to a person skilled in the art. For this method randomized DNA sequences are cloned into expression vectors and the resulting mutant libraries screened for altered or improved protein activity as described below.

Site-directed mutagensis method such as the introduction of desired mutations with an M13 or phagemid vector and short oligonucleotides primers is a well-known approach for site-directed mutagensis. The clou of this method involves cloning of the nucleic acid sequence of the invention into an M13 or phagemid vector, which permits recovery of single-stranded recombinant nucleic acid sequence. A mutagenic oligonucleotide primer is then designed whose sequence is perfectly complementary to nucleic acid sequence in the region to be mutated, but with a single difference: at the intended mutation site it bears a base that is complementary to the desired mutant nucleotide rather than the original. The mutagenic oligonucleotide is then allowed to prime new

DNA synthesis to create a complementary full-length sequence containing the desired mutation. Another site-directed mutagensis method is the PCR mismatch primer mutagensis method also known to the skilled person. Dpnl site-directed mutagensis is a further known method as described for example in the Stratagene Quickchange™ site-directed mutagenesis kit protocol. A huge number of other methods are also known and used in common practice.

Positive mutation events can be selected by screening the organisms for the production of the desired respective fine chemical.

[0437.0.21.21] Example 4 DNA Transfer Between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Mortierella alpina

[0438.0.21.21] Shuttle vectors such as pYE22m, pPAC-ResQ, pClasper, pAUR224, pAMH10, pAML10, pAMT10, pAMU10, pGMH10, pGML10, pGMT10, pGMU10, pPGAL1, pPADH1, pTADH1, pTAex3, pNGA142, pHT3101 and derivatives thereof which allow the transfer of nucleic acid sequences between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or Mortierella alpina are available to the skilled worker. An easy method to isolate such shuttle vectors is disclosed by Soni R. and Murray J. A. H. [Nucleic Acid Research, vol. 20 no. 21, 1992: 5852]: If necessary such shuttle vectors can be constructed easily using standard vectors for E. coli (Sambrook, J. et al., (1989), “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons) and/or the aforementioned vectors, which have a replication origin for, and suitable marker from, Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Mortierella alpina added. Such replication origins are preferably taken from endogenous plasmids, which have been isolated from species used in the inventive process. Genes, which are used in particular as transformation markers for these species are genes for kanamycin resistance (such as those which originate from the Tn5 or Tn-903 transposon) or for chloramphenicol resistance (Winnacker, E. L. (1987) “From Genes to Clones—Introduction to Gene Technology”, VCH, Weinheim) or for other antibiotic resistance genes such as for G418, gentamycin, neomycin, hygromycin or tetracycline resistance.

[0439.0.21.21] Using standard methods, it is possible to clone a gene of interest into one of the above-described shuttle vectors and to introduce such hybrid vectors into the microorganism strains used in the inventive process. The transformation of Saccharomyces can be achieved for example by LiCI or sheroplast transformation (Bishop et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 6, 1986: 3401-3409; Sherman et al., Methods in Yeasts in Genetics, [Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y.] 1982, Agatep et al., Technical Tips Online 1998, 1:51: P01525 or Gietz et al., Methods Mol. Cell. Biol. 5, 1995: 255f) or electroporation (Delorme E., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., vol. 55, no. 9, 1989: 2242-2246).

[0440.0.21.21] If the transformed sequence(s) is/are to be integrated advantageously into the genome of the microorganism used in the inventive process for example into the yeast or fungi genome, standard techniques known to the skilled worker also exist for this purpose. Solinger et al. (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA., 2001 (15): 8447-8453) and Freedman et al. (Genetics, Vol. 162, 15-27, September 2002) teaches a homolog recombination system dependent on rad 50, rad51, rad54 and rad59 in yeasts. Vectors using this system for homologous recombination are vectors derived from the Ylp series. Plasmid vectors derived for example from the 2μ-Vector are known by the skilled worker and used for the expression in yeasts. Other preferred vectors are for example pART1, pCHY21 or pEVP11 as they have been described by McLeod et al. (EMBO J. 1987, 6:729-736) and Hoffman et al. (Genes Dev. 5, 1991: :561-571.) or Russell et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 258, 1983: 143-149.). Other beneficial yeast vectors are plasmids of the REP, REP-X, pYZ or RIP series.

[0441.0.0.21] to [0443.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0441.0.0.21] to [0443.0.0.21] see [0441.0.0.0] to [0443.0.0.0] above.

[0444.0.21.21] Example 6 Growth of Genetically Modified Organism: Media and Culture Conditions

[0445.0.21.21] Genetically modified Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are grown in synthetic or natural growth media known by the skilled worker. A number of different growth media for Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are well known and widely available. A method for culturing Mortierella is disclosed by Jang et al. [Bot. Bull. Acad. Sin. (2000) 41:41-48]. Mortierella can be grown at 20° C. in a culture medium containing: 10 g/l glucose, 5 g/l yeast extract at pH 6.5. Furthermore Jang et al. teaches a submerged basal medium containing 20 g/l soluble starch, 5 g/l Bacto yeast extract, 10 g/l KNO₃, 1 g/l KH₂PO₄, and 0.5 g/l MgSO₄.7H₂O, pH 6.5.

[0446.0.0.21] to [0450.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0446.0.0.21] to [0450.0.0.21] see [0446.0.0.0] to [0450.0.0.0] above.

[0451.0.5.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0451.0.5.5] above.

[0452.0.0.21] and [0453.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0452.0.0.21] and [0453.0.0.21] see [0452.0.0.0] and [0453.0.0.0] above.

[0454.0.21.21] Example 8 Analysis of the Effect of the Nucleic Acid Molecule on the Production of Glycerol and/or Glycerol-3-Phosphate

[0455.0.21.21] The effect of the genetic modification in plants, fungi, algae, ciliates or on the production of a desired compound (such as a glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate) can be determined by growing the modified microorganisms or the modified plant under suitable conditions (such as those described above) and analyzing the medium and/or the cellular components for the elevated production of desired product (i.e. of glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate). These analytical techniques are known to the skilled worker and comprise spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, various types of staining methods, enzymatic and microbiological methods and analytical chromatography such as high-performance liquid chromatography (see, for example, Ullman, Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. A2, p. 89-90 and p. 443-613, VCH: Weinheim (1985); Fallon, A., et al., (1987) “Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry” in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 17; Rehm et al. (1993) Biotechnology, Vol. 3, Chapter III: “Product recovery and purification”, p. 469-714, VCH: Weinheim; Belter, P. A., et al. (1988) Bioseparations: downstream processing for Biotechnology, John Wiley and Sons; Kennedy, J. F., and Cabral, J. M. S. (1992) Recovery processes for biological Materials, John Wiley and Sons; Shaeiwitz, J. A., and Henry, J. D. (1988) Biochemical Separations, in: Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. B3; Chapter 11, p. 1-27, VCH: Weinheim; and Dechow, F. J. (1989) Separation and purification techniques in biotechnology, Noyes Publications).

[0456.0.0.21]: for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0456.0.0.0] above.

[0457.0.21.21] Example 9 Purification of Glycerol and/or Glycerol-3-Phosphate

[0458.0.21.21] Abbreviations; GC-MS, gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; TLC, thin-layer chromatography.

The unambiguous detection for the presence of glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MSMS, GC-MS or TLC, as described. The total amount produced in the organism for example in yeasts used in the inventive process can be analysed for example according to the following procedure:

The material such as yeasts, E. coli or plants to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods.

Plant material is initially homogenized mechanically by comminuting in a pestle and mortar to make it more amenable to extraction.

A typical sample pretreatment consists of a total lipid extraction using such polar organic solvents as acetone or alcohols as methanol, or ethers, saponification, partition between phases, separation of non-polar epiphase from more polar hypophasic derivatives and chromatography.

For analysis, solvent delivery and aliquot removal can be accomplished with a robotic system comprising a single injector valve Gilson 232XL and a 402 2S1V diluter [Gilson, Inc. USA, 3000 W. Beltline Highway, Middleton, Wis.]. For saponification, 3 ml of 50% potassium hydroxide hydro-ethanolic solution (4 water—1 ethanol) can be added to each vial, followed by the addition of 3 ml of octanol. The saponification treatment can be conducted at room temperature with vials maintained on an IKA HS 501 horizontal shaker [Labworld-online, Inc., Wilmington, N.C.] for fifteen hours at 250 movements/minute, followed by a stationary phase of approximately one hour.

Following saponification, the supernatant can be diluted with 0-20 ml of methanol. The addition of methanol can be conducted under pressure to ensure sample homogeneity. Using a 0.25 ml syringe, a 0.1 ml aliquot can be removed and transferred to HPLC vials for analysis.

For HPLC analysis, a Hewlett Packard 1100 HPLC, complete with a quaternary pump, vacuum degassing system, six-way injection valve, temperature regulated autosampler, column oven and Photodiode Array detector can be used [Agilent Technologies available through Ultra Scientific Inc., 250 Smith Street, North Kingstown,

RI]. The column can be a Waters YMC30, 5-micron, 4.6×250 mm with a guard column of the same material [Waters, 34 Maple Street, Milford, Mass.]. The solvents for the mobile phase can be 81 methanol: 4 water: 15 tetrahydrofuran (THF) stabilized with 0.2% BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol). Injections were 20 μl. Separation can be isocratic at 30° C. with a flow rate of 1.7 ml/minute. The peak responses can be measured by absorbance at 447 nm.

[0459.0.21.21] If required and desired, further chromatography steps with a suitable resin may follow. Advantageously, the glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate can be further purified with a so-called RTHPLC. As eluent acetonitrile/water or chloroform/acetonitrile mixtures can be used. If necessary, these chromatography steps may be repeated, using identical or other chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the selection of suitable chromatography resin and the most effective use for a particular molecule to be purified.

[0460.0.0.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0460.0.0.0] above.

[0461.0.21.21] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 14364, 27329, 27377, 27857, 28009, 28145, 28179, 28197, 28201, 28207, 28211, 28341, 28363, 28369, 98288, 98533, 97771, 97966 or 98453 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0462.0.0.0] above.

[0463.0.21.21] SEQ ID NO: 14364, 27329, 27377, 27857, 28009, 28145, 28179, 28197, 28201, 28207, 28211, 28341, 28363, 28369, 98288, 98533, 97771, 97966 or 98453 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.21] to [0466.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0464.0.0.21] to [0466.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0464.0.0.0] to [0466.0.0.0] above.

[0466.1.0.21] In case the Herculase enzyme can be used for the amplification, the PCR amplification cycles were as follows: 1 cycle of 2-3 minutes at 94° C., followed by 25-30 cycles of in each case 30 seconds at 94° C., 30 seconds at 55-60° C. and 5-10 minutes at 72° C., followed by 1 cycle of 10 minutes at 72° C., then 4° C.

[0467.0.21.21] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 14364

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 14370) atggctcaaa attttggaaa gattcc ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 14371) ttaaaaaccg tatttcgcca aaacac

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO:27329:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 27375) atgaaaaatg ccaatcatcg attcttc ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 27376) ttagaagaac agtgacggat cgcc

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO:27377:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 27855) atgtctgagc agtttttgta tttctt ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 27856) ttatactttc tctacctccg ggcg

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 27857:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 28007) atgttgtcga gactatcttt attgag ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 28008) ttaaaataga ccttcaattt caccgt

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO:28009:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 28143) atggagacca atttttcctt cgact ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 28144) ctattgaaat accggcttca atattt

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO:28145:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 28177) atgtcagcag acgaaacgga tgc ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 28178) ttatgttttt ttgtctgctg cagct

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO:28179:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 28195) atgaatgatc ctcgtgaaat tttagc ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 28196) ttatattatc tcaagatcgc tggca

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO:28197:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 28199) atgtccaact ttaagaattt tactttaa ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 28200) tcatttgttt atcagtgtaa caagca

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO:28201:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 28205) atgaatcaga gcgatagcag cttg ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 28206) tcatcttcga agataagggg tattc

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO:28207:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 28209) atggcggttg cgatcaaaaa gga ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 28210) tcaattgata aatgtacttt caatgatg

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO:28211:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 28339) atgagttctg tcgcagaaaa tataat ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 28340) ttattcgaag acttctccag taattg

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 28341:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 28361) atgaactcta ttttagacag aaatgtt ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 28362) ttatttttgg tcttgtttca aagtgtc

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 28363:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 28367) atgttaaaaa gacgctctaa tgctc ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 28368) tcaccaaaac catctcctat accaa

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 28369:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 28563) atgactgaaa gtgctataga tgacc ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 28564) ctataaaatt tgtgtatgaa taaataaag

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 98288:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 98448) atgatccgca gtatgaccgc ct ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 98449) ttattcgatg ttctgaatct gctc

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 98533:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 98701) ttaaagcgta tgtgtttcat atgcc ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 98702) atgacagaat tttattctga cacaatc

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 97771:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 97961) atgtctattg tggtgaaaaa taacatt ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 97962) ttattttgcc tccgatgcca gttct

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 97966:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 98282) atgacgaatc cgttactgac tcc ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 98283) ttagccctta atgccgtaat gctcc

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 98453:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 98527) atgacgcaga cttccgcatt tca ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 98528) ttacgccacc gtcaactgtc cg

[0468.0.0.21] to [0470.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0468.0.0.21] to [0470.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0468.0.0.0] to [0470.0.0.0] above.

[0470.1.21.21] The PCR-products, produced by Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase, were phosphorylated using a T4 DNA polymerase using a standard protocol (e.g. MBI Fermentas) and cloned into the processed binary vector.

[0471.0.21.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0471.0.0.0] above.

[0471.1.21.21] The DNA termini of the PCR-products, produced by Herculase DNA polymerase, were blunted in a second synthesis reaction using Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The composition for the protocol of the blunting the DNA-termini was as follows: 0.2 mM blunting dTTP and 1.25 u Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The reaction was incubated at 72° C. for 30 minutes. Then the PCR-products were phosphorylated using a T4 DNA polymerase using a standard protocol (e.g. MBI Fermentas) and cloned into the processed vector as well.

[0472.0.0.21] to [0479.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0472.0.0.21] to [0479.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0472.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0] above.

[0480.0.21.21] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 14364, 27329, 27377, 27857, 28009, 28145, 28179, 28197, 28201, 28207, 28211, 28341, 28363, 28369, 98288, 98533, 97771, 97966 or 98453

[0481.0.0.21] to [0513.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0481.0.0.21] to [0513.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0482.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0] above.

[0514.0.21.21] As an alternative, glycerol-3-phosphate can be detected as described in Yaqoob Metal., J Biolumin Chemilumin. 1997 January-February; 12 (1): 1-5. Glycerol can be detected as described in Foglia, T. A. et al., 2004. Chromatographia. 60:305-311.

The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the table 1 which follows:

TABLE 1 ORF Metabolite Method Min Max YDR065 glycerol-3-phosphate GC 1.18 2.14 YBR084W glycerol, polar fraction GC 2.02 3.53 YDR513W glycerol, lipid fraction GC 1.17 1.48 YDR513W glycerol, polar fraction GC 1.40 3.00 YGL237C glycerol, lipid fraction GC 1.23 1.73 YIL150C glycerol, lipid fraction GC 1.94 3.19 YLR082C glycerol, polar fraction GC 1.41 2.73 YLR224W glycerol, lipid fraction GC 1.17 1.43 YLR255C glycerol, polar fraction GC 1.44 1.73 YMR015C glycerol, lipid fraction GC 1.18 1.23 YOR344C glycerol, lipid fraction GC 1.18 2.04 YPL099C glycerol, polar fraction GC 1.55 2.04 YPL268W glycerol, polar fraction GC 1.38 2.15 b2441 glycerol, polar fraction GC 1.41 1.81 b3457 glycerol, lipid fraction GC 1.18 1.44 YHR072W Glycerol, lipid fraction GC 1.19 2.09 b3644 Glycerol, lipid fraction GC 1.17 1.44 b3498 Glycerol-3-phosphate, GC 1.20 1.56 lipid fraction b2710 Glycerol-3-phosphate, GC 1.20 1.95 lipid fraction b4073 Glycerol-3-phosphate, GC 1.49 2.45 lipid fraction

[0515.0.21.21] Column 2 shows the metabolite glycerol or glycerol-3-phosphate analyzed. According to its solubility the free glycerol of the cells is present and measured in the polar fraction (glycerol, polar fraction). The non polar extract (=lipid fraction) is evaporated and the residue is treated with a mixture of methanol and hydrochloric acid in order to cleave ester functions of the analytes as described above in example 13. The glycerol, bonded with up to three ester functions, i.e. in lipids, is converted to free glycerol by this reaction, measured as the glycerol in the lipid fraction. Columns 4 and 5 shows the ratio of the analyzed metabolite between the transgenic plants and the wild type; Increase of the metabolite: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type)-Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type). Decrease of the metabolite: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (minimal decrease), Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (maximal decrease). Column 3 indicates the analytical method.

[0516.0.0.21] to [0530.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0516.0.0.21] to [0530.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0516.0.0.0] to [0530.0.0.0] above.

[0530.1.0.21] to [0530.6.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0530.1.0.21] to [0530.6.0.21] see paragraphs [0530.1.0.0] to [0530.6.0.0] above.

[0531.0.0.21] to [0552.0.0.21] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0531.0.0.21] to [0552.0.0.21] see paragraphs [0531.0.0.0] to [0552.0.0.0] above.

[0552.1.21.21]: Example 15 Metabolite Profiling Info from Zea mays

Zea mays plants were engineered, grown and analysed as described in Example 14c.

The results of the different Zea mays plants analysed can be seen from Table 2, which follows:

TABLE 2 ORF_NAME Metabolite Min Max YIL150C Glycerol, lipid fraction 2.12 2.66 b3644 Glycerol, lipid fraction 1.22 1.33 YBR084W Glycerol, polar fraction 1.36 1.44 YLR082C Glycerol, polar fraction 1.12 1.35

Table 2 exhibits the metabolic data from maize, shown in either TO or T1, describing the increase in glycerol in genetically modified corn plants expressing the Saccharomyces cerevisiae nucleic acid sequence YIL150C, YBR084W or YLR082C or E. coli nucleic acid sequence b3644 resp.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. a “chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical glycerol between 112% and 166% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YBR084W or its homologs, e.g. a protein with C1-tetrahydrofolate synthase activity or its homologs, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical glycerol between 36% and 44% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YLR082C or its homologs, e.g. a suppressor of Rad53 null lethality protein or its homologs, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical glycerol between 12% and 35% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b3644 or its homologs, e.g. “the activity of an uncharacterized stress-induced protein”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical glycerol between 22% and 33% is conferred.

[0552.2.0.21] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0552.2.0.0] above.

[0553.0.21.21]

-   1. A process for the production of glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol,     which comprises     -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173,262 to 274 and         628 to 632 or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human         organism or in one or more parts thereof; and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol,     comprising the increasing or generating in an organism or a part     thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule     comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group     consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide as indicated in         Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173,262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or         a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173,262 to 274         and 628 to 632;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of glycerol-3-phosphate or         glycerol in an organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of glycerol-3-phosphate         or glycerol in an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of glycerol-3-phosphate         or glycerol in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 173, 262         to 274 and 628 to 632 and conferring an increase in the amount         of glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of         glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 173, 262 to         274 and 628 to 632 and conferring an increase in the amount of         glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol in an organism or a part         thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol in an organism or a part         thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol produced by the selected         mutated organisms or parts thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide as indicated in         Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173,262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or         a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173,262 to 274         and 628 to 632;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of glycerol-3-phosphate or         glycerol in an organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of glycerol-3-phosphate         or glycerol in an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of glycerol-3-phosphate         or glycerol in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 173, 262         to 274 and 628 to 632 and conferring an increase in the amount         of glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of         glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 173, 262 to         274 and 628 to 632 and conferring an increase in the amount of         glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol in an organism or a part         thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol in an organism or a part         thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262         to 274 and 628 to 632 by one or more nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173,262 to 274 and 628 to 632 by one or     more amino acids. -   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of glycerol-3-phosphate     or glycerol in an organism or a part thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of         glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol in an organism or a part         thereof with a candidate compound or a sample comprising a         plurality of compounds under conditions which permit the         expression the polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol level or the         polypeptide expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or         microorganism or the media the cell, tissue, plant or         microorganisms is cultured or maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol level or polypeptide         expression level with a standard glycerol-3-phosphate or         glycerol or polypeptide expression level measured in the absence         of said candidate compound or a sample comprising said plurality         of compounds, whereby an increased level over the standard         indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said         plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased level over         the standard indicates that the compound or the sample         comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol production in a plant or     microorganism, comprising the steps:     -   a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol in an organism or a         part thereof and a readout system capable of interacting with         the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the         interaction of the polypeptide with said readout system in the         presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of         compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in         response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under         conditions which permit the expression of said readout system         and of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of         glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol production in a cell,     comprising the following steps:     -   a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol after expression         with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     -   b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under         relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6;     -   c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing glycerol-3-phosphate or         glycerol;     -   d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   e) assaying the glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol level in the         host cells; and     -   f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the glycerol-3-phosphate or         glycerol in the host cell in the host cell after expression         compared to the wild type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol production in a cell,     comprising the following steps:     -   a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the glycerol-3-phosphate or         glycerol amount or level in an organism or a part thereof after         expression, and which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic         acid molecule of claim 6;     -   b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing glycerol-3-phosphate or         glycerol;     -   c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   d) assaying the glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol level in the         host cells; and     -   e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the glycerol-3-phosphate or         glycerol level in the host cell after expression compared to the         wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol after expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol levels in an     organism. -   25. Agrochemical, pharmaceutical, food or feed composition     comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20. -   26. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid     construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or     agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15,     the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of     claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product     identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the     fine chemical is glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol. -   27. A host cell or plant according to any of the claims 10 to 12     which is resistant to a herbicide inhibiting the biosynthesis of     glycerol-3-phosphate or glycerol. -   28. A process for the increased production of total lipids,     comprising the increasing or generating in an organism or a part     thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule     comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group     consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide as indicated in         Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173,262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or         a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         total lipids in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 173,262 to 274         and 628 to 632;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of total lipids in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of total lipids in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of total lipids in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 173, 262         to 274 and 628 to 632 and conferring an increase in the amount         of total lipids in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of total lipids         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 173, 262 to         274 and 628 to 632 and conferring an increase in the amount of         total lipids in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of total         lipids in an organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   29. The use of the nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide as     indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628     to 632 or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the     amount of total lipids in an organism or a part thereof for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase in     the amount of total lipids after expression.

[0554.0.0.21] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.0]

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.0.22] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.22] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0001.0.0.0].

[0002.0.22.22] Lipids differ markedly from other groups of biomolecules and metabolites. By definition, lipids are water-insoluble biomolecules that are highly soluble in organic solvents such as chloroform. Lipids have a variety of biological roles: they serve as fuel molecules, highly concentrated energy stores, signal molecules, and components of membranes.

The major kinds of membrane lipids are phospholipids, glycolipids, and cholesterol. Glycolipids are sugar-containing lipids. The term glycolipid designates any compound containing one or more monosaccharide residues bound by a glycosidic linkage to a hydrophobic moiety such as an acylglycerol, a sphingoid, a ceramide (N-acylsphingoid) or a prenyl phosphate.

[0003.0.22.22] Galactose-containing lipids are the predominant nonproteinaceous components of photosynthetic membranes in plants, algae, and a variety of bacteria. In higher plants, the galactolipids contain a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, up to 95% of which can be linolenic acid (18:3(n-3)). In non-photosynthetic tissues, such as tubers or roots, the C₁₈ fatty acids are usually more saturated.

In plants, especially photosynthetic tissues, a substantial proportion of the lipids consists of 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerols joined by a glycosidic linkage at position sn-3 to a carbohydrate moiety. The two most common galactolipids are monogalactosyl diacylglycerol and digalactosyl diacylglycerol. Up to 80% of all lipids in plants are associated with photosynthetic membranes, and monogalactosyl diacylglycerol is widely considered to be the most abundant membrane lipid on earth.

Monogalactosyldiacylglycerols are not solely plant lipids as they have been found in small amounts in brain and nervous tissue in some animal species.

Related compounds of those main components of plant glycolipids, e.g. mono- and digalactosyldiacylglycerols, have been found with up to four galactose units, or in which one or more of these is replaced by glucose moieties. In addition, a 6-O-acyl-monogalactosyldiacylglycerol is occasionally a component of plant tissues.

[0004.0.22.4] The final step in monogalactosyl diacylglycerol biosynthesis occurs in the plastid envelope and is catalyzed by monogalactosyl diacylglycerol synthase (EC 2.4.1.46). This enzyme transfers D-galactose from UDP-galactose to sn-1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) (Joyard, J. & Douce, R. Stumpf, P. K., ed. (1987) in Biochemistry of Plants (Academic, New York)).

Digalactosyl diacylglycerol synthase catalyzes the transfer of galactose from one molecule of monogalactosyl diacylglycerol to another, producing digalactosyl diacylglycerol and DAG in equimolar amounts.

[0005.0.22.22] Even if some details are known, galactolipid biosynthesis in plants is highly complex. It involves multiple pathways giving rise to different molecular species.

Recent studies indicate that the amounts of the lipids sulfolipid sulfoquinovosyl-diacylglycerol (SQDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerol and DGDG increase strongly during phosphate deprivation (Hartel et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 97, 10649-10654, 2000). When phosphate is limiting, phospholipids in plant membranes are reduced and at least in part replaced by glycolipids (i.e., SQDG and DGDG).

In addition to serving as a surrogate lipid for phospholipids, galactolipids were found to be critical for the stabilization of photosynthetic complexes in the thylakoids (Dörmann and Benning, Trends Plant Sci. 7, 112-118, 2002).

[0006.0.22.22] In contrast to plants, which contain high amounts of glycolipids, which carry a sugar moiety in the head group, in animals and yeast phospholipids are very abundant. Nevertheless, one type of glycolipids to be found in mammalians are galactosylceramide (cerebroside), which is prevalent in brain and the central nervous system. The cerebrosides have been localized to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane, exposed on the cell surface. They seem to be responsible for the different blood types. Blood group antigens include cerebrosides with multiple sugars attached.

[0007.0.22.22.] It has long been recognized that many complex glycolipid antigens are involved in the binding of lectins and antibodies at the cell surface glycolipids, containing only a single sugar headgroup, may play a combination of immunological, regulatory and structural roles in the membrane (Varki et al., Essentials of Glycobiology. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, New York, 1999).

The glycosphingolipid, galactosylceramide, has been shown to be a key activator of triggered cell death (Zhao et al., Cancer Res. 59, 482-486,1999) and may play a role in the inhibition of virus replication (Kakimi et al., J. Exp. Med. 192, 921-930, 2000).

It has recently been demonstrated that galactolipids are also responsible for preventing cell damage and the high resistance to oxidation and heat in the membranes of some microorganisms (Nakata, J. Biochem. 127, 731-737, 2000).

[0008.0.22.22.] Other glycoglycerolipids, such as the 1,2-di-Oacyl-3-O-(D-galactopyranosyl)-sn-glycerols, are found widely in nature as structural components of the photosynthetic membranes of higher plants in the cell membranes of prokaryotic blue-green algae and several other microorganisms and in the seeds of cereals, such as wheat and oats.

[0009.0.22.22.] Galactolipids are one of the more abundant lipid classes in nature. Sources for the galactolipids are foodstuffs, such as certain grains (oat, wheat, barley, and maize), which have been a significant part of the human diet since the beginning of time.

In addition galactolipids contain important fatty acids like linoleic acid, linolenic acids and others which have numerous applications in the food and feed industry, in cosmetics and in the drug sector. For example for cyanobacterium and marine green algae fermentation it has been described that the gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) was restricted the the galactolipid fraction (Cohen et al., J. Appl. Phycol.; (1993) 5, 1, 109-15; FEMS-Microbiol. Lett.; (1993) 107, 2-3, 163-67), meaning that increasing the concentration of galactolipids can be another method for increasing the concentration of interesting fatty acids like linoleic acid, linolenic acid, stearic acid and palmitic acid in some production systems.

[0010.0.22.22] Most vegetables and fruits in human and animal diets contain galactolipids, and their breakdown products represent an important dietary source of galactose and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

[0011.0.22.22] On account of the positive properties and interesting physiological roles potential of galactose and galactose comprising lipids there is a need to produce those compounds in large amounts and well defined quality and composition.

[0012.0.22.22.] Thus, it would be desirable to produce galactolipids, in a defined proportion in microorganisms or plants. This should be in way, which is not dependent on the availability of phosphate, in particular on phosphate deprivation. One way to increase the productive capacity of biosynthesis is to apply recombinant DNA technology. That type of production permits control over quality, quantity and selection of the most suitable and efficient producer organisms. The latter is especially important for commercial production economics and therefore availability to consumers.

[0013.0.22.22] Methods of recombinant DNA technology have been used for some years to improve the production of fine chemicals in microorganisms and plants by amplifying individual biosynthesis genes and investigating the effect on production of fine chemicals.

There is a constant need for providing novel enzyme activities or direct or indirect regulators and thus alternative methods with advantageous properties for producing compounds containing galactose and fatty acids, preferably galactolipids or cerebrosid, in a defined proportion or its precursor in organisms, e.g. in transgenic organisms.

[0014.0.22.22] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is a lipid, preferably a glycolipide, a glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipid or cerebrosid.

Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside”.

Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside.

[0015.0.22.22] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside.

Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside in free form or bound to other compounds, such as sulfonated salts. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means galactolipid, in free form or its salts or bound to sulfate.

[0015.1.22.22] A measure for the content of the lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside of the invention can be the content of galactopyranoside, preferably methyl-galactopyranosid. This compound is the analyte which indicates the presence of the lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside of the invention if the samples are prepared and measured as described in the examples

[0016.0.22.22] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of of one or more YLR224W,     YLR255C, YER173W, b2699, b3129 and/or YHR072W protein(s), in a     non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus, lipid, preferably a     glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a     galactolipide and/or cerebroside in said organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more protein(s)     having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3,     lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 or having the sequence of     a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table     I, columns 5 or 7, and/or lines 633 and 634, in a non-human organism     in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus, lipid, preferably a     glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a     galactolipide and/or cerebroside.

[0017.0.0.22] and [0018.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0017.0.0.22] and [0018.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0017.0.0.0] and [0018.0.0.0] above.

[0019.0.22.22] Advantageously the process for the production of the respective fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the fine respective chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the respective fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

[0020.0.22.22] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein(s) YLR224W, YLR255C YER173W and/or YHR072W as indicated in Table II, columns 3 or 5, lines 186 to 188 and 634 respectively and/or the Escherichia coli K12 protein(s) b2699 and/or b3129 as indicated in Table I, columns 3 or 5, lines 189 and 633 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the content of lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein(s) or its homologs as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 are used for the production of lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside.

[0021.0.0.22] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0021.0.0.0] above.

[0022.0.22.22] The sequence of YLR224W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Johnston et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 87-90 (1997) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity has not been characterized yet. It seems to have a activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae hypothetical protein YLR224w superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae hypothetical protein YLR224w superfamily, preferably a protein with a YLR224w protein activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the YLR224w protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the galactose pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of glycolipide containing galactose, or encoding a galactose transporter protein or a compound, which functions as a sink for the respective lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae hypothetical protein YLR224w superfamily, preferably of a YLR224w protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YLR255C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been submitted by Johnson et al. to the EMBL Data Library, (February 1995), and its activity has not been characterized yet, but having preferably an activity of Saccharomyces hypothetical protein YLR255c superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a protein of the Saccharomyces hypothetical protein YLR255c superfamily, preferably of a gene product with an activity of a YLR255C protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the YLR255C protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the galactose pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of glycolipid or encoding a galactose transporter protein or a compound, which functions as a sink for the resprective lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a Saccharomyces hypothetical protein YLR255c superfamily protein, preferably YLR255C protein, is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YER173W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dietrich et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 78-81, 1997, and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as a checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning oflipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the YER173w protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the galactose pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a Checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2699 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with a DNA recombination and DNA repair activity, a pheromone response activity, a mating-type determination activity, a sex-specific protein activity, a nucleotide binding activity and/or a protease and nuclease activity, in particular a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity, in particular of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the b2699 protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the galactose pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a protease and nuclease activity, in particular a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity, in particular of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YHR072W (Accession number NP_(—)011939) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996) and Johnston et al. Science 265 (5181), 2077-2082 (1994), and its activity is being defined as a 2,3-oxidosqualene-lanosterol cyclase protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of an uncharacterized stress-induced protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a 2,3-oxidosqualene-lanosterol cyclase protein is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3129 (Accession number NP_(—)417598) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative protease; htrA suppressor protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a putative protease; htrA suppressor protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a putative protease; htrA suppressor protein is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

[0023.0.22.22] Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the respective fine chemical amount or content.

Further, in the present invention, the term “homologue” relates to the sequence of an organism having the highest sequence homology to the herein mentioned or listed sequences of all expressed sequences of said organism. However, the person skilled in the art knows, that, preferably, the homologue has said the—fine-chemical-increasing activity and, if known, the same biological function or activity in the organism as at least one of the protein(s) indicated in Table I, Column 3, lines 186 to 188 and 634, e.g. having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule comprising the sequence indicated in indicated in Table I, Column 5 or 7, lines 186 to 188 and 634. In one embodiment, the homolog of any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, lines 186 to 188 and 634 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms and being derived from eukaryot.

In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 189 and 633 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from bacteria.

In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 188 and 634 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in an organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Fungi.

In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 189 and 633 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof and being derived from Proteobacteria.

In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 188 and 634 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof and being derived from Ascomycota.

In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 189 and 633 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Gammaproteobacteria.

In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 188 and 634 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycotina.

In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 189 and 633 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Enterobacteriales.

In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 188 and 634 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 189 and 633 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or part thereof, and being derived from Enterobacteriaceae.

In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 188 and 634 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms, and being derived from Saccharomycetales.

In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 189 and 633 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Escherichia.

In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 188 and 634 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycetaceae.

In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 186 to 188 and 634 is a homolog having the same or a similar acivity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the fine chemical in the organisms or a part thereof, and being derived from Saccharomycetes.

[0023.1.22.22] Homologs of the polypeptides polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules polypeptide indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and/or 634 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 186 to 189. Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and/or 634 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules polypeptide indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and/or 634 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and/or 634.

[0024.0.0.22] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0024.0.0.0] above.

[0025.0.22.22] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein of the invention”, e.g. the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased level of lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism. In a preferred embodiment, the protein or polypeptide has the above-mentioned additional activities of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634. During the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, i.e. if it has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to an any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 188 and/or 634 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, line 189 and/or 633 of E. coli K12.

[0025.1.0.22] and [0025.2.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0025.1.0.22] and [0025.2.0.22] see [0025.1.0.0] and [0025.2.0.0] above.

[0026.0.0.22] to [0033.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0026.0.0.22] to [0033.0.0.22] see [0026.0.0.0] to [0033.0.0.0] above.

[0034.0.22.22] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention. E.g., it differs by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and/or 634 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and/or 634 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and/or 634, its biochemical or genetical causes and therefore shows the increased amount of the fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.22] and [0036.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0035.0.0.22] and [0036.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0035.0.0.0] to [0036.0.0.0] above.

[0037.0.22.22] A series of mechanisms exists via which a modification of the a protein, e.g. the polypeptide of the invention can directly or indirectly affect the yield, production and/or production efficiency of the lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside.

[0038.0.0.22] to [0044.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0038.0.0.22] to [0044.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0038.0.0.0] to [0044.0.0.0] above.

[0045.0.22.22] In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YLR224W or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 186, is increased, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical between 15% and 46% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YLR255C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 187, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical between 16% and 30% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YER173w or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 188, e.g. a checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints; is increased, preferably, the increase of the fine chemical between 20% and 70% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 189, is increased, e.g. the activity of a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA or its homolog is increased preferably, the increase of the fine chemical between 15% and 64% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3129 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 633, is increased, e.g. the activity of a putative protease; htrA suppressor protein or its homolog is increased preferably, the increase of the fine chemical between 16% and 32% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YHR072W or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 634, is increased, e.g. the activity of a 2,3-oxidosqualene-lanosterol cyclase protein or its homolog is increased, preferably, the increase of the fine chemical between 17% and 35% or more is conferred.

[0046.0.22.22] In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YLR224W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a YLR224W protein, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 186, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further lipids, preferably glycolipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YLR255C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a YLR255C protein, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 187, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further lipids, preferably glycolipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YER173W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a checkpoint protein, involved in the activation of the DNA damage and meiotic pachytene checkpoints, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 188, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further lipids, preferably glycolipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs, e.g. an activity of a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 189, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further lipids, preferably glycolipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3129 or its homologs, e.g. a protein having the activity of a putative protease; htrA suppressor protein, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 633, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further lipids, preferably glycolipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, compounds or their precursors.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YHR072W or its homologs, e.g. a 2,3-oxidosqualene-lanosterol cyclase protein, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 634, confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further lipids, preferably glycolipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, or their precursors.

[0047.0.0.22] and [0048.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0047.0.0.22] and [0048.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0047.0.0.0] and [0048.0.0.0] above.

[0049.0.22.22] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fine chemical preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of a polypeptides comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and/or 634 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and/or 634 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and/or 634 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.22.22] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside” also encompasses monogalactosyl diacylglycerol and/or digalactosyl diacylglycerol and/or galactolipids comprising 3, 4 or more galactosyl units.

[0051.0.22.22] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the fine chemical free or bound, e.g compositions comprising lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside. Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of various fatty acids can be produced.

[0052.0.0.22] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0052.0.0.0] above.

[0053.0.22.22] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186     to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 or its homologs activity, e.g. as     indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines     633 and 634, having herein-mentioned the respective fine     chemical-increasing activity; -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, e.g.     of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in     Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, or     its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or     7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, or of a mRNA encoding     the polypeptide of the present invention having herein-mentioned the     respective fine chemical increasing activity; -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 189 and/or     lines 633 and 634 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634,     or decreasing the inhibitory regulation of the polypeptide of the     invention; -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 189 and/or     lines 633 and 6349, or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634; -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated     in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, or     its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or     7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, by adding one or more     exogenous inducing factors to the organism or parts thereof; -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 189 and/or     lines 633 and 634, or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634; -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an an activity of     a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 189     and/or lines 633 and 634, or its homologs activity, e.g. as     indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines     633 and 634; -   h) Increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having an activity     of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 189     and/or lines 633 and 634, or its homologs activity, e.g. as     indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines     633 and 634 by adding positive expression or removing negative     expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination can be used to     either introduce positive regulatory elements like for plants the     35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor elements form     regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods can be used to     disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity of positive     elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced in plants by     T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be identified in which     the positive elements have be integrated near to a gene of the     invention, the expression of which is thereby enhanced; -   i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown under a higher temperature     regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock proteins,     e.g. the heat shock protein of the invention, which can lead an     enhanced the fine chemical production; and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.22.22] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein according to Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

[0055.0.0.22] to [0067.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0055.0.0.22] to [0067.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0055.0.0.0] to [0067.0.0.0] above.

[0068.0.22.22] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.22.22] Less influence on the regulation of a gene or its gene product is understood as meaning a reduced regulation of the enzymatic activity leading to an increased specific or cellular activity of the gene or its product. An increase of the enzymatic activity is understood as meaning an enzymatic activity, which is increased by at least 10%, advantageously at least 20, 30 or 40%, especially advantageously by at least 50, 60 or 70% in comparison with the starting organism. This leads to an increased productivity of the desired lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside containing compound(s).

[0070.0.22.22] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolites composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside containing composition comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritonal physiology limited) lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside.

[0071.0.0.22] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0071.0.0.0] above.

[0072.0.22.22] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside compounds like galacturonic acid, oligo- and/or polysaccharides containing galactose or galacturonic acid, galactosamines, UDP-galactose, psychosine, UDP-N-Acyl-galactosamines, UDP-galacturonates, further glycoproteins, gangliosides, mucins, blood group substances and/or ceramides.

[0073.0.22.22] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

-   a. providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a     non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue     or a plant; -   b. increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or a     homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 resp., or of a polypeptide     being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention     and described below, i.e. conferring an increase of the respective     fine chemical in the organism, preferably in a microorganism, a     non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue     or a plant, -   c. growing the organism, preferably the microorganism, the non-human     animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the     plant under conditions which permit the production of the fine     chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant     cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and if desired, recovering,     optionally isolating, the free and/or bound the fine chemical and,     optionally further free and/or bound lipid, preferably a glycolipid,     a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide     and/or cerebroside synthesized by the organism, the microorganism,     the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal     tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.22.22] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound the fine chemical or the free and bound the fine chemical but as option it is also possible to produce, recover and, if desired isolate, other free or/and bound lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside galactose containing compound.

[0075.0.0.22] to [0077.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0075.0.0.22] to [0077.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0075.0.0.0] to [0077.0.0.0] above.

[0078.0.22.22] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or food supplements or animal feeds or for other applications, for example pharmaceutical composition.

[0079.0.0.22] to [0084.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0079.0.0.22] to [0084.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0079.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0] above.

[0085.0.22.22] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) the nucleic acid sequence as shown in table I, columns 5 or 7,     lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 or a derivative thereof,     or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as shown table I,     columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 or a     derivative thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.22] and [0087.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0086.0.0.22] and [0087.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0086.0.0.0] and [0087.0.0.0] above.

[0088.0.22.22] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose whose lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebrosid content is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed.

This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for animals is dependent on the abovementioned lipids and the general amount of glycolipids containing galactose as energy source in feed. After the above mentioned protein activity has been increased or generated, or after the expression of nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide according to the invention has been generated or increased, the transgenic plant generated thus is grown on or in a nutrient medium or else in the soil and subsequently harvested.

[0088.1.0.22] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0088.1.0.0] above.

[0089.0.0.22] to [0094.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0089.0.0.22] to [0094.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0089.0.0.0] to [0094.0.0.0] above.

[0095.0.22.22] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of lipids, preferably glycolipids, glycolipids containing galactose, more preferably galactolipids and/or cerebrosids in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the pure respective fine chemical and/or to obtain increased resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses and to obtain higher yield.

[0096.0.22.22] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptide for example a fatty acid transporter protein or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired lipid or compound containing galactose in the organism is useful to increase the production of the fine chemical.

[0097.0.0.22] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0097.0.0.0] above.

[0098.0.22.22] In a preferred embodiment, the fine chemical (lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebrosid) is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further lipids, fatty acids and/or oligosaccharides and/or mixtures thereof or mixtures of other fatty acids by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.22.22] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the above mentioned lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebrosid may accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the fine chemical of the invention compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.22.22] Transgenic plants which comprise the lipid synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the oils, lipids or fatty acids synthesized to be isolated. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. However, the fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, in the form of their lipids, oligosaccharides and/or free galactolipid. Galactolipids produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, specifically the seeds, they are previously comminuted, steamed or roasted. The seeds or plants, which have been pretreated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents or hydrolysed under acidic or basic conditions or via enzymatic cleavage. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. In this manner, more than 96% of the compounds produced in the process can be isolated. Thereafter, the resulting products are processed further, i.e. refined. If desired the resulting product can be washed thoroughly with water to remove traces of acid or alkali remaining in the product and then dried. To remove the pigment remaining in the product, the products can be subjected to bleaching, for example using filler's earth or active charcoal. At the end, the product can be deodorized, for example using steam distillation under vacuum. These chemically pure lipids, preferably glycolipids, or glycolipids containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipids and/or cerebrosids compositions are advantageous for applications in the food industry sector, the cosmetic sector and especially the pharmacological industry sector.

[0101.0.22.22] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0101.0.0.0] above.

[0102.0.22.22] Lipids, preferably glycolipids, or glycolipids containing galactose, more preferably galactolipids and/or cerebrosides can for example be detected advantageously by the means of GC separation methods following a suitable sample preparation. The unambiguous detection for the presence of lipids, preferably glycolipids, or glycolipids containing galactose, more preferably galactolipids and/or cerebrosides can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: GC, GC-MS or TLC, as described on several occasions by Christie and the references therein (1997, in: Advances on Lipid Methodology, Fourth Edition: Christie, Oily Press, Dundee, 119-169; 1998, Gaschromatographie-Massenspektrometrie-Verfahren [Gas chromatography/mass spectrometric methods], Lipide 33:343-353). The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods. After disruption, the material must be centrifuged. The sediment is resuspended in distilled water, heated for 10 minutes at 100° C., cooled on ice and recentrifuged, followed by extraction for one hour at 90° C. in 0.5 M sulfuric acid in methanol with 2% dimethoxypropane, which leads to hydrolyzed oil and lipid compounds, which give transmethylated lipids (fatty acid methyl esters and the respective complements as glycerol, carbohydrates, phosphates). These fatty acid methyl esters are extracted in petroleum ether and finally subjected to a GC analysis using a capillary column (Chrompack, WCOT Fused Silica, CP-Wax-52 CB, 25 μm, 0.32 mm) at a temperature gradient of between 170° C. and 240° C. for 20 minutes and 5 minutes at 240° C. The identity of the resulting fatty acid methyl esters must be defined using standards, which are available from commercial sources (i.e. Sigma).

[0103.0.22.22] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines     186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 or a fragment thereof, which     confers an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7,     lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridization conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers shown in Table III, column 7,     lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 and conferring an increase     in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence shown in Table IV, column 7, lines 186 to 189     and/or lines 633 and 634 and conferring an increase in the amount of     the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines     186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 and conferring an increase in     the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[00103.1.22.22] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

[00103.2.22.22] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7 lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

[0104.0.22.22] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process distinguishes over the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably over the sequences as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 by one or more nucleotides or does not consist of the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of the sequences as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 1186 to 189, preferably to the sequences as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of the sequence shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189, preferably of the sequences as shown in Table IIA, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

[0105.0.0.22] to [0107.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0105.0.0.22] to [0107.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0105.0.0.0] to [0107.0.0.0] above.

[0108.0.22.22] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from the amino acid sequences shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in Table IV, column 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table I, column 3, 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, or e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.22] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0109.0.0.0] above.

[0110.0.0.22] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.22] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0111.0.0.0] above.

[0112.0.22.22] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table I, column 3, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 and 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, and conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0113.0.0.22] to [0120.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0113.0.0.22] to [0120.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0113.0.0.0] and [0120.0.0.0] above.

[0121.0.22.22] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a increase of the fine chemical after increasing its activity.

[0122.0.0.22] to [0127.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0122.0.0.22] to [0127.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0122.0.0.0] and [0127.0.0.0] above.

[0128.0.22.22] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table III, columns 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, or the sequences derived from sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

[0129.0.22.22] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequences indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, are derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.0.22] to [0138.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0130.0.0.22] to [0138.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0130.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0] above.

[0139.0.22.22] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical level, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to a sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside resp., increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.22] to [0146.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0140.0.0.22] to [0146.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0140.0.0.0] to [0146.0.0.0] above.

[0147.0.22.22] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences s such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.22.22] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular having a lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside-increasing activity after increasing its activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequence or its homologs.

[0149.0.22.22] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, e.g. of lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside and optionally the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

[00149.1.22.22] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

[0150.0.22.22] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., set forth in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primers shown in table III, column 7, lines 186 to 189., will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189. Preferably is Table IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

[0151.0.0.22] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0151.0.0.0] above.

[0152.0.22.22] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular an activity increasing the level of lipids, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebrosideas mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.22.22] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

[0154.0.22.22] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.22] and [0156.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0155.0.0.22] and [0156.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0155.0.0.0] and [0156.0.0.0] above.

[0157.0.22.22] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of a nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as polypeptides comprising the sequence as indicated in

Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 or their functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, a consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, or of the polypeptide as as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, resp. Preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I B, column 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

[0158.0.0.22] to [0160.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0158.0.0.22] to [0160.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0] above.

[0161.0.22.22] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.22] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0162.0.0.0] above.

[0163.0.22.22] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the respective fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.22] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0164.0.0.0] above.

[0165.0.22.22] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

[0166.0.0.22] and [0167.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0166.0.0.22] and [0167.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0166.0.0.0] and [0167.0.0.0] above.

[0168.0.22.22] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table II B, column 7 lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

[0169.0.0.22] to [0172.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0169.0.0.22] to [0172.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0169.0.0.0] to [0172.0.0.0] above.

[0173.0.22.22] For example a sequence, which has 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 14358 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 14358 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.22] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0174.0.0.0] above.

[0175.0.22.22] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 14355 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 14355 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.22.22] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

[0177.0.22.22] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table I B, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 resp. according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of a polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table II B, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 resp.

[0178.0.0.22] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0178.0.0.0] above.

[0179.0.22.22] A nucleic acid molecule encoding a homologous to a protein sequence of as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table II B, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 resp., can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table I B, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 resp., such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequence of a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table I B, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 resp., by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.22] to [0183.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0180.0.0.22] to [0183.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0] above.

[0184.0.22.22] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table I B, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 resp., or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table II B, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 resp., comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table I B, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 resp., or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.22.22] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table I B, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 resp. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotide sequences not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table I B, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table I B, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 resp.

[0186.0.22.22] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encode a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table II B, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table II B, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 resp.

[0187.0.22.22] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in

Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table II B, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 resp., comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table II B, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 resp.

[0188.0.22.22] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential biological or enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably compared to a sequence as indicated in Table II, column 3 and 5, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, and expressed under identical conditions. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention is a homolog consisting of or comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II B, columns 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

[0189.0.22.22] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.22] and [0191.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0190.0.0.22] and [0191.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0190.0.0.0] and [0191.0.0.0] above.

[0191.1.0.22]: for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0191.1.0.0] above.

[0192.0.0.22] to [0203.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0192.0.0.22] to [0203.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0192.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0] above.

[0204.0.22.22] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table II B,     lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 resp.; or a fragment     thereof conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical, i.e. lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing     galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside in an     organism or a part thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5     or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, preferably of Table     I B, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 resp., or a fragment     thereof conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines     186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, and conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical, i.e. lipid, preferably a     glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a     galactolipide and/or cerebrosidein an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 186 to     189, and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical i.e. lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing     galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside in an     organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domain of a polypeptide as indicated in Table     II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634,     preferably of Table II B, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634     resp., and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective     fine chemical i.e. lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid     containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or     cerebroside in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or     lines 633 and 634 resp., or a nucleic acid molecule encoding,     preferably at least the mature form of, the polypeptide as indicated     in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and     634, and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over a sequence depicted in as indicated in     Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633     and 634, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic     acid molecule of the invention does not consist of a sequence as     indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or     lines 633 and 634. In an other embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule     of the present invention is at least 30 identical and less than     100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence     indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or     lines 633 and 634.

In a further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention encodes in one embodiment a polypeptide which differs at least in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634. In another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, does not encode a protein of a sequence indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634. In a further embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at least 30 identical to a protein sequence indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, and less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 98%, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

[0205.0.0.22] and [0206.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0205.0.0.22] and [0206.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0205.0.0.0] and [0206.0.0.0] above.

[0207.0.22.22] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes are genes of the glycolipid, preferably galactolipid metabolism, galactose metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acid metabolism, of triacylglycerol or lipid, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids biosynthesis or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.22] to [0226.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0208.0.0.22] to [0226.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0208.0.0.0] to [0226.0.0.0] above.

[0227.0.22.22] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to the sequence mentioned in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the galyctolipid synthesis, of the galactose pathway or of the of triacylglycerol or lipid, preferably glycerolipids, sphingolipids, ceramid and/or cerebroside biosynthetic pathway is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine the sequences shown in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organism, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.22.22] In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore, organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of at least one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteins involved in the glycoliopid, preferably galactolipid synthesis or galactose pathway.

[0229.0.22.22] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0229.0.5.5] above.

[0230.0.0.22] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0230.0.0.0] above.

[0231.0.22.22] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.22] to [0276.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0232.0.0.22] to [0276.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0232.0.0.0] to [0276.0.0.0] above.

[0277.0.22.22] Glycolipids, preferably galactolipids or galactose containing compounds produced according to the process of the invention can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker is familiar, for example via extraction, salt precipitation and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously. The fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can be isolated as mentioned above from the organisms, advantageously plants, in the form of their glycolipids, preferably galactolipids and/or free fatty acids, oils, fats. Glycolipids, preferably galactolipids or galactose containing compounds produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds. Hexane is preferably used as solvent in the process, in which more than 96% of the compounds produced in the process can be isolated. The galactolipids are easily separated from phospholipids by adsorption chromatography, usually by making use of the fact that they, unlike phospholipids, are soluble in acetone. Useful are also other organic solvents such as hydrocarbons, chloroform, benzene, ethers and alcohols. Thereafter, the resulting products are processed further, i.e. degummed, refined, bleached and/or deodorized.

[0278.0.0.22] to [0282.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0278.0.0.22] to [0282.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0278.0.0.0] to [0282.0.0.0] above.

[0283.0.22.22] Moreover, a native polypeptide conferring the increase of the fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, in particular, an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, e.g. an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing polypeptides comprising or consisting of above mentioned sequences, e.g. the polypeptide of the present invention or fragment thereof. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies specifically binding to polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, more preferred specifically binding to polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

[0284.0.0.22] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0284.0.0.0] above.

[0285.0.22.22] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, or as coded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.22.22] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

[0287.0.0.22] to [0290.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0287.0.0.22] to [0290.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0287.0.0.0] to [0290.0.0.0] above.

[0291.0.22.22] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences. In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

[0292.0.0.22] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0292.0.0.0] above.

[0293.0.22.22] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

[0294.0.22.22] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.22] to [0297.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0295.0.0.22] to [0297.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0295.0.0.0] to [0297.0.0.0] above.

[00297.1.22.22] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

[0298.0.22.22] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence, which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to confer the activity of the present invention. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

[0299.0.22.22] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the amino acid sequences as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence of Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.22.22] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from the sequences shown in table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence shown in table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

[0301.0.0.22] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0301.0.0.0] above.

[0302.0.22.22] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., the amino acid sequence shown in table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.22] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0303.0.0.0] above.

[0304.0.22.22] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.22] to [0308.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0305.0.0.22] to [0308.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0305.0.0.0] to [0308.0.0.0] above.

[0306.1.0.22] %

[0309.0.22.22] In one embodiment, an reference to a “protein (=polypeptide)” of the invention or as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634 and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.22] to [0334.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0310.0.0.22] to [0334.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0310.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0] above.

[0335.0.22.22] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of the nucleic acid sequences of the table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of the nucleic acid sequences of the table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence of one of the table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.22] to [0342.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0336.0.0.22] to [0342.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0] above.

[0343.0.22.22] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence of one of the sequences shown in table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence of one of sequences shown in table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.22] to [0361.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0344.0.0.22] to [0361.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0344.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0] above.

[0362.0.22.22] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634. Due to the above mentioned activity the fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. In one embodiment, transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.22] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0363.0.0.0] above.

[0364.0.22.22] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of a promoter of a polypeptide of the invention as indicated in Table II, column 3 and/or 5, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, with the corresponding protein-encoding sequence as indicated in Table I, column 3 and/or 5, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634.

[0365.0.0.22] to [0373.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0365.0.0.22] to [0373.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0365.0.0.0] to [0373.0.0.0] above.

[0374.0.22.22] Transgenic plants comprising the lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. Lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography or other chromatographic methods of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.22] and [0376.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0375.0.0.22] and [0376.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0375.0.0.0] and [0376.0.0.0] above.

[0377.0.22.22] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process according to the present invention whereby the produced lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside or the produced fine chemical is isolated.

[0378.0.22.22] In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebrosideproduced in the process can be isolated. The resulting lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.22.22] In one embodiment, the fine chemical, in particular, lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside, is a mixture comprising of one or more the respective fine chemicals. In one embodiment, the respective fine chemical means here lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside. In one embodiment, lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside means here a mixture of the respective fine chemicals.

[0380.0.22.22] The lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside obtained in the process are suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. The fine chemicals of the invention can be used as liposomes and drug carrier in pharmaceutical preparations, called Galactosomes® (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,688,528; 5,716,639, 6,022,561 and 6,068,860).

Galactopyranosyl is used for production of oligosaccharides, which themselves have no antigenic action, but have antigenic properties if they are bonded to a suitable high-molecular carrier. For example as “haptens” which show a sialyl-galacto pyranosyl linkageas disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,296,594 and 5,854,218 or 4,686,193.

Galactose or galactose derivatives are supplements in animal feed composition for reducing colonization of animal intestines by Salmonella and other bacterial pathogens (U.S. Pat. No. 6,126,961). Oligosaccharides containing galactose for preventing the invasion and infection of mammal cells by pathogens and for fighting diseases caused by such pathogens are disclosed in US 20050004070.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a method for the production of a pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside composition produced or the fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

[0381.0.0.22] and [0382.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0381.0.0.22] and [0382.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0381.0.0.0] and [0382.0.0.0] above.

[0383.0.22.22] For preparing lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebrosidecompound-containing fine chemicals, in particular the fine chemical, it is possible to use as lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebrosidesource organic compounds such as, for example, and/or lipids comprising fatty acids such as fatty acids having a carbon back bone between C₁₀- to C₁₆-carbon atoms and/or small organic acids such acetic acid, propionic acid or butanoic acid as precursor compounds.

[0384.0.0.22] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0384.0.0.0] above.

[0385.0.22.22] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside in mixtures with other lipids, fats and/or oils, normally have a dry matter content of from 7.5 to 25% by weight. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it. The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

[0386.0.22.22] However, it is also possible to purify the lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside produced further. For this purpose, the product-containing composition is subjected for example to a thin layer chromatography on silica gel plates or to a chromatography such as a Florisil column (Bouhours J. F., J. Chromatrogr. 1979, 169, 462), in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use. Alternatively the lipid purfication can be performed as described by Dörmann et al., 1999, Science 284, 2181-2184.

[0387.0.0.22] to [0392.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0387.0.0.22] to [0392.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0387.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0] above.

[0393.0.22.22] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   a. contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   b. identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence shown in table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or     lines 633 and 634, preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines     186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, and, optionally, isolating the     full length cDNA clone or complete genomic clone; -   c. introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the fine chemical; -   d. expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   e. assaying the fine chemical level in the host cells; and -   f. identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the fine chemical level in the     host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.22] to [0399.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0394.0.0.22] to [0399.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0394.0.0.0] to [0399.0.0.0] above.

[00399.1.22.22] One can think to screen for increased production of the respective fine chemical by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the fine chemical and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotype of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 and/or lines 633 and 634, after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.22] to [0416.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0400.0.0.22] to [0416.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0400.0.0.0] to [0416.0.0.0] above.

[0417.0.22.22] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the fatty acid production biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect an organism such as a microorganism or a plant against inhibitors, which block the fine chemical synthesis in said organism. Examples of inhibitors or herbicides blocking the fine chemical synthesis in organism such as microorganism or plants might for example be phenylpyridazinones, such as Norflurazon

[0418.0.0.22] to [0423.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0418.0.0.22] to [0423.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0418.0.0.0] to [0423.0.0.0] above.

[0424.0.22.22] Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the fine chemical or of the fine chemical and one or more other lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside and mixtures thereof or mixtures of other glycolipides. Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0425.0.0.22] to [0435.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0425.0.0.22] to [0435.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0425.0.0.0] to [0435.0.0.0] above.

[0436.0.22.22] An in vivo mutagenesis of organisms such as Saccharomyces, Mortierella, Escherichia and others mentioned above, which are beneficial for the production of lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside can be carried out by passing a plasmid DNA (or another vector DNA) containing the desired nucleic acid sequence or nucleic acid sequences through E. coli and other microorganisms (for example Bacillus spp. or yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which are not capable of maintaining the integrity of its genetic information. Usual mutator strains have mutations in the genes for the DNA repair system [for example mutHLS, mutD, mutT and the like; for comparison, see Rupp, W. D. (1996) DNA repair mechanisms in Escherichia coli and Salmonella, pp. 2277-2294, ASM: Washington]. The skilled worker knows these strains. The use of these strains is illustrated for example in Greener, A. and Callahan, M. (1994) Strategies 7; 32-34.

[0436.1.22.22] In-vitro mutation methods such as increasing the spontaneous mutation rates by chemical or physical treatment are well known to the skilled person. Mutagens like 5-bromo-uracil, N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (=NTG), ethyl methanesulfonate (=EMS), hydroxylamine and/or nitrous acid are widly used as chemical agents for random in-vitro mutagensis. The most common physical method for mutagensis is the treatment with UV irradiation. Another random mutagenesis technique is the error-prone PCR for introducing amino acid changes into proteins. Mutations are deliberately introduced during PCR through the use of error-prone DNA polymerases and special reaction conditions known to a person skilled in the art. For this method randomized DNA sequences are cloned into expression vectors and the resulting mutant libraries screened for altered or improved protein activity as described below.

Site-directed mutagensis method such as the introduction of desired mutations with an M13 or phagemid vector and short oligonucleotides primers is a well-known approach for site-directed mutagensis. The clou of this method involves cloning of the nucleic acid sequence of the invention into an M13 or phagemid vector, which permits recovery of single-stranded recombinant nucleic acid sequence. A mutagenic oligonucleotide primer is then designed whose sequence is perfectly complementary to nucleic acid sequence in the region to be mutated, but with a single difference: at the intended mutation site it bears a base that is complementary to the desired mutant nucleotide rather than the original. The mutagenic oligonucleotide is then allowed to prime new DNA synthesis to create a complementary full-length sequence containing the desired mutation. Another site-directed mutagensis method is the PCR mismatch primer mutagensis method also known to the skilled person. Dpnl site-directed mutagensis is a further known method as described for example in the Stratagene Quickchange™ site-directed mutagenesis kit protocol. A huge number of other methods are also known and used in common practice.

Positive mutation events can be selected by screening the organisms for the production of the desired fine chemical.

[0437.0.0.22] to [0453.0.0.22] and [0451.1.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0437.0.0.22] to [0453.0.0.22] and [0451.1.0.22] see paragraphs [0437.0.0.0] to [0453.0.0.0] and [0451.1.0.0] above.

[0454.0.22.22] Example 8 Analysis of the Effect of the Nucleic Acid Molecule on the Production of the Lipid, Preferably a Glycolipid, Glycolipid Containing Galactose, More Preferably a Galactolipide and/or Cerebroside

[0455.0.0.22] and [0456.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0455.0.0.22] and [0456.0.0.22] see [0455.0.5.5] and [0456.0.0.0] above.

[0457.0.22.22] Example 9 Purification of Lipid, Preferably a Glycolipid, Glycolipid Containing Galactose, More Preferably a Galactolipide and/or Cerebroside can be Carried Out by Thin Layer Chromatographie as for Example Described by Dörmann et al., 1999, Science 284, 2181-2184

[0458.0.22.22] One example is the analysis of lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside (abbreviations: FAME, fatty acid methyl ester; GC-MS, gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; TAG, triacylglycerol; TLC, thin-layer chromatography).

The unambiguous detection for the presence of fatty acid products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: GC, GC-MS or TLC, as described on several occasions by Christie and the references therein (1997, in: Advances on Lipid Methodology, Fourth Edition: Christie, Oily Press, Dundee, 119-169; 1998, Gaschromatographie-Massenspektrometrie-Verfahren [Gas chromatography/mass spectrometric methods], Lipide 33:343-353). The total fatty acids produced in the organism for example in yeasts used in the inventive process can be analysed for example according to the following procedure: The material such as yeasts, E. coli or plants to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods. After disruption, the material must be centrifuged (1000×g, 10 min., 4° C.) and washed once with 100 mM NaHCO₃, pH 8.0 to remove residual medium and fatty acids. For preparation of the fatty acid methyl esters (FAMES) the sediment is resuspended in distilled water, heated for 10 minutes at 100° C., cooled on ice and recentrifuged, followed by extraction for one hour at 90° C. in 0.5 M sulfuric acid in methanol with 2% dimethoxypropane, which leads to hydrolyzed oil and lipid compounds, which give transmethylated lipids.

The FAMES are then extracted twice with 2 ml petrolether, washed once with 100 mM NaHCO₃, pH 8.0 and once with distilled water and dried with Na₂SO₄. The organic solvent can be evaporated under a stream of Argon and the FAMES were dissolved in 50 μl of petrolether. The samples can be separated on a ZEBRON ZB-Wax capillary column (30 m, 0.32 mm, 0.25 μm; Phenomenex) in a Hewlett Packard 6850 gas chromatograph with a flame ionisation detector. The oven temperature is programmed from 70° C. (1 min. hold) to 200° C. at a rate of 20° C./min., then to 250° C. (5 min. hold) at a rate of 5° C./min and finally to 260° C. at a rate of 5° C./min. Nitrogen is used as carrier gas (4.5 ml/min. at 70° C.). The identity of the resulting fatty acid methyl esters can be identified by comparison with retention times of FAME standards, which are available from commercial sources (i.e. Sigma).

Plant material is initially homogenized mechanically by comminuting in a pestle and mortar to make it more amenable to extraction.

This is followed by heating at 100° C. for 10 minutes and, after cooling on ice, by resedimentation. The cell sediment is hydrolyzed for one hour at 90° C. with 1 M methanolic sulfuric acid and 2% dimethoxypropane, and the lipids are transmethylated. The resulting fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) are extracted in petroleum ether. The extracted FAMEs are analyzed by gas liquid chromatography using a capillary column (Chrompack, WCOT Fused Silica, CP-Wax-52 CB, 25 m, 0.32 mm) and a temperature gradient of from 170° C. to 240° C. in 20 minutes and 5 minutes at 240° C. The identity of the fatty acid methyl esters is confirmed by comparison with corresponding FAME standards (Sigma). The identity and position of the double bond can be analyzed further by suitable chemical derivatization of the FAME mixtures, for example to give 4,4-dimethoxyoxazoline derivatives (Christie, 1998) by means of GC-MS.

The methodology is described for example in Napier and Michaelson, 2001, Lipids. 36(8):761-766; Sayanova et al., 2001, Journal of Experimental Botany. 52(360):1581-1585, Sperling et al., 2001, Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 388(2): 293-298 and Michaelson et al., 1998, FEBS Letters. 439(3): 215-218.

[0459.0.22.22] If required and desired, further chromatography steps with a suitable resin may follow. Advantageously the lipid, preferably a glycolipid, glycolipid containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or cerebroside can be further purified with a so-called RTHPLC. As eluent different an acetonitrile/water or chloroform/acetonitrile mixtures are advantageously is used. For the analysis of the fatty acids an ELSD detector (evaporative light-scattering detector) is used. MPLC, dry-flash chromatography or thin layer chromatography are other beneficial chromatography methods for the purification of glycolipids. If necessary, these chromatography steps may be repeated, using identical or other chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the selection of suitable chromatography resin and the most effective use for a particular molecule to be purified.

[0460.0.22.22] In addition depending on the produced fine chemical purification is also possible with cristalisation or destilation. Both methods are well known to a person skilled in the art.

[0461.0.22.22] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 14354 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.22] to [0466.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0462.0.0.22] to [0466.0.0.22] see [0462.0.0.0] to [0466.0.0.0] above.

[0467.0.22.22] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 14354:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 14356) atggcggttg cgatcaaaaa gga ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 14357) tcaattgata aatgtacttt caatgatg

[0468.0.0.22] to [0479.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0468.0.0.22] to [0479.0.0.22] see [0468.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0] above.

[0480.0.22.22] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 14354

[0481.0.0.22] to [0513.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0481.0.0.22] to [0513.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0482.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0] above.

[0514.0.22.22] In order to analyze glycolipids being present in the transgenic organism by the means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, material from the transgenic organisms have to be extracted and the extracts subsequently being hydrolyzed in the presence of methanol and an inorganic acid, yielding the corresponding fatty acid methyl esters and the respective monosaccharid moietye as its methylhexopyranoside.

Primary and secondary amino functions, hydroxy groups and free carboxylic functions eventually will be trimethylsilylated by reaction with N-Methyl-N-trimethylsilyltrifluoroacetamide, yielding the trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatives of the methylhexopyranosides formed in the previous hydrolysis step (eg methylgalactopyranoside 4TMS in the case of a galactolipid). These compounds are accessible to gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis.

Therefore, an increased content of the trimethylsilylated methylhexopyranosides directly correlates to an increased content of glycolipids in the transgenic organism.

The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the table, which follows:

TABLE 1 ORF Metabolites Analyte Method Min Max YER173W Galactolipids Methylgalacto- GC 1.20 1.70 pyranosid 4 TMS YLR224W Galactolipids Methylgalacto- GC 1.15 1.46 pyranosid 4 TMS YLR255C Galactolipids Methylgalacto- GC 1.16 1.30 pyranosid 4 TMS b2699 Galactolipids Methylgalacto- GC 1.15 1.64 pyranosid 4 TMS YHR072W Galactolipids Methylgalacto- GC 1.17 1.35 pyranosid 4 TMS b3129 Galactolipids Methylgalacto- GC 1.16 1.32 pyranosid 4 TMS

[0515.0.22.22] Column 2 shows the metabolite Galactolipids and column 3 the analyte analyzed. Columns 5 and 6 shows the ratio of the analyzed metabolite/alnalyte between the transgenic plants and the wild type; Increase of the metabolite: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type)-Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type).

Decrease of the metabolite: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (minimal decrease), Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (maximal decrease). Column 4 indicates the analytical method.

[0516.0.0.22] to [0530.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0516.0.0.22] to [0530.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0516.0.0.0] to [0530.0.0.0] above.

[0530.1.0.22] to [0530.6.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0530.1.0.22] to [0530.6.0.22] see paragraphs [0530.1.0.0] to [0530.6.0.0] above.

[0531.0.0.22] to [0552.0.0.22] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0531.0.0.22] to [0552.0.0.22] see paragraphs [0531.0.0.0] to [0552.0.0.0] above.

[0552.1.0.22]: %

[0552.2.0.22] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0552.2.0.0] above.

[0553.0.22.22]

-   1. A process for the production of a lipid, preferably a glycolipid,     a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide     and/or a cerebroside, which comprises     (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as indicated     in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 or 633 and 634, or a     functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism, or in one or     more parts thereof; and     (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of a lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide     containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or a     cerebrosidein said organism. -   2. A process for the production of a lipid, preferably a glycolipid,     a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide     and/or a cerebroside, comprising the increasing or generating in an     organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic     acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the     group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of the polypeptide shown in         table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 or 633 and 634, or a         fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         lipids, preferably of glycolipids, of glycolipides containing         galactose, more preferably of galactolipide and/or cerebrosides         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of the nucleic acid molecule         shown in table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 or 633 and         634;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of lipids, preferably of         glycolipids, of glycolipides containing galactose, more         preferably of galactolipides and/or cerebrosides in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of lipids, preferably         of glycolipids, of glycolipides containing galactose, more         preferably of galactolipides and/or cerebrosides in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to -   (c) under under stringent hybridisation conditions and conferring an     increase in the amount of lipids, preferably of glycolipids, ofa     glycolipides containing galactose, more preferably of galactolipides     and/or cerebrosides in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers as         shown in table III, column 7, lines 186 to 189 or 633 and 634,         and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of lipids,         preferably of glycolipids, of glycolipides containing galactose,         more preferably of galactolipides and/or cerebrosides in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising the         consensus sequence shown in table IV, column 7, lines 186 to 189         or 633 and 634, and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound lipid, preferably of a glycolipid, of a glycolipide containing     galactose, more preferably of a galactolipide and/or cerebroside. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         palmitic acid produced by the selected mutated organisms or         parts thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of the polypeptide shown in         table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 or 633 and 634, or a         fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         lipids, preferably of glycolipids, of glycolipides containing         galactose, more preferably of galactolipides and/or cerebrosides         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of the nucleic acid molecule         shown in table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 or 633 and         634;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of lipids, preferably of         glycolipids, of glycolipides containing galactose, more         preferably of galactolipides and/or cerebrosides in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of lipids, preferably         of glycolipids, of glycolipides containing galactose, more         preferably of galactolipides and/or cerebrosides in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to -   (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions and conferring an     increase in the amount of lipids, preferably of glycolipids, of     glycolipides containing galactose, more preferably of galactolipides     and/or cerebrosides in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers as         shown in table III, column 7, lines 186 to 189 or 633 and 634,         and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of lipids,         preferably of glycolipids, of glycolipides containing galactose,         more preferably of galactolipides and/or cerebrosides in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising the         consensus sequence shown in table IV, column 7, lines 186 to 189         or 633 and 634, and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as shown in table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189         or 633 and 634, by one or more nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over the sequence as shown in table     IIA, columns 5 or 7, lines 186 to 189 or 633 and 634, by one or more     amino acids 15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the     polypeptide as claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of lipids, preferably     of glycolipids, of glycolipides containing galactose, more     preferably of galactolipides and/or cerebrosides in an organism or a     part thereof comprising:     (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which     express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of lipids, preferably     of glycolipids, of glycolipides containing galactose, more     preferably of galactolipides and/or cerebrosides in an organism or a     part thereof with a candidate compound or a sample comprising a     plurality of compounds under conditions which permit the expression     the polypeptide;     (b) assaying the lipids, preferably of glycolipids, of glycolipides     containing galactose, more preferably of galactolipides and/or     cerebrosides level or the polypeptide expression level in the cell,     tissue, plant or microorganism or the media the cell, tissue, plant     or microorganisms is cultured or maintained in; and     (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the measured     lipid, preferably the glycolipid, the glycolipide containing     galactose, more preferably the galactolipide and/or cerebrosidelevel     or polypeptide expression level with a standard lipid, preferably a     glycolipid, a glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a     galactolipide and/or cerebroside or polypeptide expression level     measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample     comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased level     over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample     comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased     level over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample     comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide containing     galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or     cerebrosideproduction in a plant or microorganism, comprising the     steps:     a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining     a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of lipids,     preferably of glycolipids, of glycolipides containing galactose,     more preferably of galactolipides and/or cerebrosides in an organism     or a part thereof and a readout system capable of interacting with     the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the     interaction of the polypeptide with dais readout system in the     presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of     compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response     to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions     which permit the expression of said readout system and of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6     conferring an increase in the amount of lipids, preferably of     glycolipids, of glycolipides containing galactose, more preferably     of galactolipides and/or cerebrosides in an organism or a part     thereof;     b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting     the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said     readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in lipids, preferably in glycolipid, in glycolipide     containing galactose, more preferably in galactolipide and/or     cerebroside production in a cell, comprising the following steps:     (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can     contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an     increase in lipids, preferably in glycolipid, in glycolipide     containing galactose, more preferably in galactolipide and/or     cerebroside after expression with the nucleic acid molecule of claim     6;     (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of claim     6;     (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells     appropriate for producing lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a     glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide     and/or cerebroside;     (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells;     (e) assaying the lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide     containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or     cerebrosidelevel in the host cells; and     (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the lipid, preferably in     glycolipid, in glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably in     galactolipide and/or cerebroside level in the host cell in the host     cell after expression compared to the wild type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in lipid, preferably in glycolipid, in glycolipide     containing galactose, more preferably in galactolipide and/or     cerebroside production in a cell, comprising the following steps: -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an     organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product     conferring an increase in the lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a     glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide     and/or cerebroside amount or level in an organism or a part thereof     after expression, and which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic     acid molecule of claim 6; -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells     appropriate for producing lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a     glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide     and/or cerebroside; -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   (d) assaying the lipid, preferably a glycolipid, a glycolipide     containing galactose, more preferably a galactolipide and/or     cerebroside level in the host cells; and -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the lipid, preferably in the     glycolipid, in the glycolipide containing galactose, more preferably     in the galactolipide and/or cerebroside level in the host cell after     expression compared to the wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     lipid, preferably of glycolipid, of glycolipide containing     galactose, more preferably of galactolipide and/or cerebroside after     expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of lipid, preferably of glycolipid, of glycolipide     containing galactose, more preferably of galactolipide and/or     cerebroside levels in an organism. -   25. Food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the     plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim     16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified     according to the method of claim 19 or 20. -   26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according     to the method of claim 19 or 20 for the protection of a plant     against a glycolipid, of glycolipide containing galactose, more     preferably of galactolipide and/or cerebroside synthesis inhibiting     herbicide.

[0554.0.0.22] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.0]

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.0.23] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.23] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0001.0.0.0] above.

[0002.0.23.23] Salicylic acid is common throughout the plant kingdom and is also found in bacteria. It is an important regulator of induced plant resistance to pathogens.

Small amounts of salicylic acid are known to be present in plants. Originally salicylic acid was extracted from the willow bark to make the well-known pain relief medication Aspirin. Salicylic acid is thought to promote disease resistance, increase flower life, inhibit seed germination, and promote ethylene synthesis.

Salicylic acid can be synthesized from cinnamate. Previous isotope feeding experiments in tobacco and other higher plants, including rice, demonstrated that the direct precursor of salicylic acid is free benzoic acid. Benzoic acid is synthesized by cinnamate chain shortening reactions via the so-called beta-oxidation, analogous to fatty acid beta-oxidation. Benzoic acid is then converted to salicylic acid by benzoic acid 2-hydroxylase. Recent studies in tobacco indicated that conjugated benzoic acid, CoA thioesters or glucose esters, are more likely to be the precursors of salicylic acid. More recent genetic studies in Arabidopsis have shown that salicylic acid can also be synthesized from chorismate and that the bulk of salicylic acid is produced from chorismate.

Plants react to pathogen attack by activating elaborate defense mechanisms. The defense response is activated not only at the sites of infection, but also in neighboring and even distal uninfected parts of the plant, leading to systemic acquired resistance. Plant resistance is associated with activated expression of a large number of defense-related genes, whose products may play important roles in the restriction of pathogen growth and spread. During the past several years, evidence has accumulated which indicates that salicylic acid (SA) acts as an endogenous signal for plant defense responses.

In most plants, exposure to powdery mildew and other pathogens triggers the plant defense pathway, a series of biochemical events that occur in succession and help the plant resist infection. Salicylic acid governs this pathway.

Where resistance to a pathogen is associated with a localised necrotic lesion, the plant will subsequently be systemically “immunized” so that further infection will either exhibit increased resistance or reduced disease symptoms (reviewed by Ryals et al., 1996). This “systemic acquired resistance” (SAR) is associated with the systemic expression of a subset of defence genes, e.g. the acidic forms of pathogenesis-related PR1-5 proteins (Ward et al., 1992). Search for a signal that may be mobilised from the lesion to elicit systemic resistance has led to the identification of salicylic acid (SA) as the most likely candidate. SA is synthesised to high levels around the necrotic lesion, before being (possibly) mobilised through the phloem to accumulate, at much lower levels, systemically.

[0003.0.23.23] When faced with a fungus or bacteria, most plants turn up their production of salicylic acid, which then interacts with other molecules in the plant, eventually turning on the genes that produce the proteins involved in fighting infection. These infection-fighting proteins also turn off salicylic acid production, a phenomenon known as negative feedback. In this way, plants can turn the pathogen defense pathway on and off as needed.

The basic idea to enhance plant disease resistance by overproduction of salicylic acid has already been published years ago for example by Verberne et al., Pharm. World-Sci.; (1995) 17, 6. Later on in 2000 is was published that the expression of the Escherichia coli isochorismate-synthase and Pseudomonas fluorescence isochorismate-pyruvate-lyase in transgenic tobacco can lead to improved disease-resistance (Verberne, Metal., Nat. Biotechnol.; (2000) 18, 7, 779-83. The two enzymes converted chorismate into SA by a 2-step process. When the enzymes were targeted to the chloroplasts, the transgenic plants showed a 500- to 1,000-fold increased accumulation of SA and SA glucoside compared to control plants. These plants showed a resistance to viral (tobacco-mosaic virus) and fungal (Oidium lycopersicon) infection resembling SAR in nontransgenic plants. As the effect was the result of the plastidal expression of two heterologous genes, there is the obvious need for alternative and more simple methods for enhanced salicylic acid production in plants by the cytosolic expression of individual genes. For individual cases or specific plant species a more moderate salicylic acid increase may also be useful and desired.

Additionally salicylic acid binding proteins have been described as useful for the production of transgenic plants with increased resistance to disease (WO2003016551).

Most plants maintain very low levels of salicylic acid in their tissues unless they are fighting an infection. Metal hyperaccumulators, however, have significantly elevated salicylic acid in their tissues all the time—see: www.newswise.com/articles/view/510423/Recent results also suggest that in some plant species high level of endogenous salicylic acid protects the plants from oxidative stress caused for example by aging or biotic or abiotic stress (Yang et al., Plant J. 2004 December; 40 (6): 909-19).

[0004.0.23.23] Aspirin was introduced into clinical practice more than 100 years ago. This unique drug belongs to a family of compounds called the salicylates, the simplest of which is salicylic acid, the principal metabolite of aspirin. Salicylic acid is responsible for the anti-inflammatory action of aspirin, and may cause the reduced risk of colorectal cancer observed in those who take aspirin. Yet salicylic acid and other salicylates occur naturally in fruits and plants, while diets rich in these are believed to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Serum salicylic acid concentrations are greater in vegetarians than non-vegetarians, and there is overlap between concentrations in vegetarians and those taking low-dose aspirin. It is proposed that the cancer-preventive action of aspirin is due to its principal metabolite, salicylic acid, and that dietary salicylates can have the same effect. It is also possible that natural salicylates contribute to the other recognized benefits of a healthy diet.

[0005.0.23.23] The hydroxyl group of salicylic acid reacts with acetic acid to form the acetate ester, acetylsalicylic acid (see aspirin). Several useful esters are formed by reaction of the carboxyl group with alcohols. The methyl ester, methyl salicylate (also called oil of wintergreen since it produces the fragrance of wintergreen), is formed with methanol; it is used in food flavorings and in liniments. The phenyl ester, phenyl salicylate, or salol, is formed with phenol; it is used in medicine as an antiseptic and antipyretic. This ester hydrolyzes, not in the acidic stomach, but in the alkaline intestines, releasing free salicylic acid. The menthyl ester, menthyl salicylate, which is used in suntan lotions, is formed with menthol.

Salicylic acid possesses bacteriostatic, fungicidal, and keratolytic actions.

[0006.0.23.23] Salicylic acid is used as a food preservative and as an antiseptic in toothpaste. It is a peeling agent in ointments, creams, gels, and shampoos applied to reduce the scaling of the skin or scalp in psoriasis. It is the active ingredient in many skin products for the treatment of acne since it causes skin cells to slough off more readily, preventing them from clogging up the pores.

[0007.0.23.23] Salicylic acid belongs to the group of medicines known as keratolytics. Salicylic acid works by breaking down keratin, a protein, which forms part of the skin structure. This results in the shedding of skin cells from the affected area. In the treatment of warts, calluses and verrucae the effect of salicylic acid is to remove the affected skin over a period of time. If successful, the new skin, which grows underneath will be healthy.

[0008.0.23.23] One way to increase the productive capacity of biosynthesis is to apply recombinant DNA technology. Thus, it would be desirable to produce salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid esters in plants. That type of production permits control over quality, quantity and selection of the most suitable and efficient producer organisms. The latter is especially important for commercial production economics and therefore availability to consumers. In addition it is desirable to produce salicylic acidin plants in order to increase plant productivity and resistance against biotic and abiotic stress as discussed before.

Methods of recombinant DNA technology have been used for some years to improve the production of fine chemicals in microorganisms and plants by amplifying individual biosynthesis genes and investigating the effect on production of fine chemicals. It is for example reported, that the xanthophyll astaxanthin could be produced in the nectaries of transgenic tobacco plants. Those transgenic plants were prepared by Argobacterium tumifaciens-mediated transformation of tobacco plants using a vector that contained a ketolase-encoding gene from H. pluvialis denominated crtO along with the Pds gene from tomato as the promoter and to encode a leader sequence. Those results indicated that about 75 percent of the carotenoids found in the flower of the transformed plant contained a keto group.

[0009.0.23.23] Thus, it would be advantageous if algae, plant or other microorganism were available which produce large amounts of salicylic acid. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganisms.

It would also be advantageous if plants were available whose roots, leaves, stems, fruits or flowers produced large amounts of salicylic acid. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed plants.

Furthermore it would be advantageous if plants were available whose seed produced larger amounts of total lipids. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed plants.

[0010.0.23.23] Therefore improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the food-and-feed industry. This is necessary since, for example salicylic acid, as mentioned above, which occur in plants and some microorganisms are limited with regard to the supply of mammals. Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible a specific salicylic acid profile in the diet since an excess of salicylic acid above a specific concentration in the food has a positive effect. A further increase in quality is only possible via addition of further salicylic acid, which are limiting.

[0011.0.23.23] To ensure a high quality of foods and animal feeds, it is therefore necessary to add salicylic acidand/or salicylic acid esters in a balanced manner to suit the organism.

[0012.0.23.23] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes or other proteins which participate in the biosynthesis of salicylic acidand make it possible to produce them specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid esters; on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

Furthermore there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes or other proteins which participate in the biosynthesis of total lipids and make it possible to produce them specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of total lipids; on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.23] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0013.0.0.0] above.

[0014.0.23.23] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is salicylic acid or salicylic acid esters. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid esters.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means salicylic acid. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means salicylic acid, its salts, ester, thioester or in free form or bound to other compounds such as sugars.

[0015.0.23.23] In particular it is known to the skilled that anionic compounds such as acids are present in the aqueous solution in an equilibrium between the acid and its salts according to the pH present in the respective compartment of the cell or organism and the pK of the acid. Depending on the strength of the acid (pK) and the pH the salt or the free acid are predominant. Thus, the term “the fine chemical”, the term “the respective fine chemical”, the term “acid” or the use of a denomination referring to a neutralized anionic compound respectively, relates to the anionic form as well as the neutralised status of that compound in relation to the conditions of the aqueous solution.

[0016.0.23.23] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more b0161,     b2664, b2796, b3116 or YLR089C protein(s) in a non-human organism in     one or more parts thereof; and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus salicylic acid in said     organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3,     lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp. or having the sequence of     a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table     I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp. in a     non-human organism in one or more parts thereof; and     growing the organism under conditions which permit the production of     the fine chemical, thus, salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid     esters, in said organism.

[0016.1.23.23] Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means “salicylic acid” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or homologs thereof.

[0017.0.0.23] and [0018.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0017.0.0.23] and [0018.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0017.0.0.0] and [0018.0.0.0] above.

[0019.0.23.23] Advantageously the process for the production of the respective fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the respective fine chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the respective fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636.

[0020.0.23.23] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0161, b2796, b3116 or b2664 or Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLR089C in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in salicylic acid (“the fine chemical” or “the fine respective chemical”) in respect to said proteins and their homologs as wells as the encoding nucleic acid molecules, in particular as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 content of the transformed plants.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YLR089C as indicated in Table II, columns 3 or 5, line 277 and/or the Escherichia coli K12 protein(s) b0161, b2796, b3116 and/or b2664 as indicated in Table II, columns 3 or 5, lines 275, 276, 635 and/or 636 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the content of salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid esters in the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein(s) or its homologs as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 are used for the production of salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid esters.

[0021.0.0.23] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0021.0.0.0] above.

[0022.0.23.23] The sequence of b0161 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, F. R. et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having serine protease activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein b0161 from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of salicylic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b0161 is increased.

The sequence of b2664 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, F. R. et al, Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having transcriptional repressor (GntR familiy) activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein b2664 from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of salicylic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b2664 is increased.

The sequence of b2796 (Accession number NP_(—)417276) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative serine transport protein (HAAAP family). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of threonine-serine permease superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a putative serine transport protein (HAAAP family) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of salicylic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b2796 is increased.

The sequence of b3116 (Accession number NP_(—)417586) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of threonine-serine permease superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a L-threonine/L-serine permease, anaerobically inducible (HAAAP family) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of salicylic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein b3116 is increased.

The sequence of YLR089C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Johnston, M. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 87-90 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having alanine transaminase (glutamic pyruvic transaminase) activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YLR089C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of salicylic acid preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YLR089C is increased.

[0023.0.23.23] Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the respective fine chemical amount or content.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably salicylic acid.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 having a salicylic acid content and/or amount increasing activity.

[0023.1.23.23] Homologs of the polypeptides polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules polypeptide indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636.

[0024.0.0.23] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0024.0.0.0] above.

[0025.0.23.23] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of a protein of the invention”, e.g. the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased salicylic acid level, resp., in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism. In a preferred embodiment, the protein or polypeptide has the above-mentioned additional activities of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636. Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 275, 276, 635 and/or 636 of Escherichia coli K12 or line 277 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae respectively.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary close to the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 and is expressed in an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the origin organism. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums whereas origin and the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 are derived from the same families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0025.1.0.23] and [0025.2.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0025.1.0.23] and [0025.2.0.23] see [0025.1.0.0] and [0025.2.0.0] above.

[0026.0.0.23] to [0033.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0026.0.0.23] to [0033.0.0.23] see [0026.0.0.0] to [0033.0.0.0] above.

[0034.0.23.23] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs from the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention. E.g., it differs by or in the expression level or activity of a protein having the activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, its biochemical or genetic causes. It therefore shows the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.23] to [0044.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0035.0.0.23] to [0044.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0035.0.0.0] to [0044.0.0.0] above.

[0045.0.23.23] In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0161 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 275 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of salicylic acid between 67% and 475% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2664 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 276 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of salicylic acid between 56% and 425% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisae protein YLR089C or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 277 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of salicylic acid between 45% and 153% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2796 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 635 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of salicylic acid between 42% and 248% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3116 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, line 636 is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of salicylic acid between 41% and 130% or more is conferred.

[0046.0.0.23] %

[0047.0.0.23] and [0048.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0047.0.0.23] and [0048.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0047.0.0.0] and [0048.0.0.0] above.

[0049.0.23.23] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical salicylic acid preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 33804, 33805, 33806, 33807, 33808, 33809 or 33896, 33897, 33898 or 34219, 34220, 34221, 34222, 34223, 34224, 34225, 34226, 34227 or 99065, 99066, 99067, 99170, 99171, 99172, 99173, 99174, 99175, 99176, 99177 or as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the salicylic acid level.

[0050.0.23.23] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “the respective fine chemical” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of salicylic acid, resp., or their esters, e.g. but not limited to the methyl ester, the phenyl ester or the menthol ester.

[0051.0.23.23] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the respective fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free or bound salicylic acid, e.g compositions comprising salicylic acid. Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of salicylic acidand salicylic acid esters can be produced.

[0052.0.0.23] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0052.0.0.0] above.

[0053.0.23.23] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 275     to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table     II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, activity     having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical increasing     activity; -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, e.g.     of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in     Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or its     homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, or of a mRNA encoding the     polypeptide of the present invention having herein-mentioned the     respective fine chemical increasing activity; -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or     635 or 636 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, or decreasing     the inhibitory regulation of the polypeptide of the invention; -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or     635 or 636 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636; -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated     in Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or its     homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, by adding one or more exogenous     inducing factors to the organism or parts thereof; -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or     635 or 636 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or     635 or 636 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5     or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636. -   h) Increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having an activity     of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277     and/or 635 or 636 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, by     adding positive expression or removing negative expression elements,     e.g. homologous recombination can be used to either introduce     positive regulatory elements like for plants the 35S enhancer into     the promoter or to remove repressor elements form regulatory     regions. Further gene conversion methods can be used to disrupt     repressor elements or to enhance to activity of positive elements.     Positive elements can be randomly introduced in plants by T-DNA or     transposon mutagenesis and lines can be identified in which the     positive elements have be integrated near to a gene of the     invention, the expression of which is thereby enhanced; and/or -   i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead to an enhanced respective fine chemical     production. -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, e.g. the elite crops.

[0054.0.23.23] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 3 or 5, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp.

[0055.0.0.23] to [0067.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0055.0.0.23] to [0067.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0055.0.0.0] to [0067.0.0.0] above.

[0068.0.23.23] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of salicylic acid is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.23] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0069.0.0.0] above.

[0070.0.23.23] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding a protein of the invention into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolite composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous composition of salicylic acid or their biochemical derivatives, e.g. comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) salicylic acid or their derivatives including but not limited to salicylic acid esters.

[0071.0.0.23] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0071.0.0.0] above.

[0072.0.0.23] %

[0073.0.23.23] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

(g) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant; (h) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or a homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and described below, e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism, preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant, (i) growing an organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and

-   (j) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or     bound respective fine chemical synthesized by the organism, the     microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the     plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.23.23] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound respective fine chemical.

[0075.0.0.23] to [0077.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0075.0.0.23] to [0077.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0075.0.0.0] to [0077.0.0.0] above.

[0078.0.23.23] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, respective fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications. The fermentation broth, fermentation products, plants or plant products can be purified with methods known to the person skilled in the art. Products of these different work-up procedures are salicylic acidor salicylic acid esters or comprising compositions of salicylic acid and salicylic acid esters still comprising fermentation broth, plant particles and cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably below 50% by weight.

[0079.0.0.23] to [0084.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0079.0.0.23] to [0084.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0079.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0] above.

[0085.0.23.23] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, or a derivative thereof, or b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, or a derivative thereof, or c) (a) and (b) is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural, genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.23] and [0087.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0086.0.0.23] and [0087.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0086.0.0.0] and [0087.0.0.0] above

[0088.0.23.23] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose content of the respective fine chemical is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for poultry is dependent on the abovementioned fine chemicals or the plants are more resistant to biotic and abiotic stress and the yield is increased.

[0088.1.0.23] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0088.1.0.0] above.

[0089.0.0.23] to [0094.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0089.0.0.23] to [0094.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0089.0.0.0] to [0094.0.0.0] above.

[0095.0.23.23] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid esters in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the pure respective fine chemical and/or to obtain increased resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses and to obtain higher yield.

[0096.0.23.23] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptid or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired fine chemical, for example in the organism, is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0097.0.0.23] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0097.0.0.0] above.

[0098.0.23.23] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated.

[0099.0.23.23] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned desired fine chemical might accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, and spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the respective fine chemical comprising compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.23.23] Transgenic plants which comprise the fine chemicals such as salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid esters synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the fine chemicals synthesized to be isolated. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue.

However, the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, as extracts, e.g. ether, alcohol, or other organic solvents or water containing extract and/or free fine chemicals. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts. To increase the efficiency of extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, specifically the seeds, they can previously be comminuted, steamed or roasted. Seeds, which have been pretreated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents such as warm hexane. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. Thereafter, the resulting products can be processed further, i.e. degummed and/or refined. In this process, substances such as the plant mucilages and suspended matter can be first removed. What is known as desliming can be affected enzymatically or, for example, chemico-physically by addition of acid such as phosphoric acid.

Because salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid esters in microorganisms are localized intracellular or extracellular, their recovery essentially comes down to the isolation of the biomass or the supernatant. Well-established approaches for the harvesting of cells include filtration, centrifugation and coagulation/flocculation as described herein. Of the residual hydrocarbon, adsorbed on the cells, has to be removed. Solvent extraction or treatment withsurfactants have been suggested for this purpose.

[0101.0.23.23] The identity and purity of the compound(s) isolated can be determined by prior-art techniques. They encompass high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assays or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are compiled in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11 27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19:67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Bd. A27, VCH Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michal, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 17.

[0102.0.23.23] Salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid esters can for example be analyzed advantageously via HPLC, LC or GC separation and MS (masspectrometry) detection methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid containing products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MS, MS or TLC). The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding, cooking, or via other applicable methods.

[0103.0.23.23] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, or a fragment     thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the respective     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridization conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primer pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or     636, and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having sequences as indicated in Table IV, column     7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 and conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, and conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[00103.1.23.23] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636.

[00103.2.23.23] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636.

[0104.0.23.23] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the present invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preverably over the sequences as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preverably of the sequences as shown in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preverably the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636.

[0105.0.0.23] to [0107.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0105.0.0.23] to [0107.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0105.0.0.0] to [0107.0.0.0] above.

[0108.0.23.23] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from an amino acid sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 3, 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical, meaning salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid esters, resp., after increasing its expression or activity, are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.23.23] In one embodiment, said sequences are cloned into nucleic acid constructs, either individually or in combination. These nucleic acid constructs enable an optimal synthesis of the respective fine chemicals, in particular salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid esters, produced in the process according to the invention.

[0110.0.0.23] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as shown in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.23] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0111.0.0.0] above.

[0112.0.23.23] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 and 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 and conferring an increase in the salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid ester level.

[0113.0.0.23] to [0120.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0113.0.0.23] to [0120.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0113.0.0.0] and [0120.0.0.0] above.

[0120.1.0.23]: %

[0121.0.23.23] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a salicylic acid increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 and conferring a salicylic acid level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636.

[0122.0.0.23] to [0127.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0122.0.0.23] to [0127.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0122.0.0.0] and [0127.0.0.0] above.

[0128.0.23.23] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table III, columns 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp. or the sequences derived from a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp.

[0129.0.23.23] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 is derived from such alignments.

[0130.0.23.23] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid esters after increasing the expression or activity the protein comprising said fragment.

[0131.0.0.23] to [0138.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0131.0.0.23] to [0138.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0131.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0] above.

[0139.0.23.23] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical level increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridise to a sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preverably to a sequence as shown in Table IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the respective fine chemical, i.e. salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid ester, increasing-activity.

[0140.0.0.23] to [0146.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0140.0.0.23] to [0146.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0140.0.0.0] to [0146.0.0.0] above.

[0147.0.23.23] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preverably to a sequence as shown in Table IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridise to one of said nucleotide sequences, thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.23.23] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preverably to a sequence as shown in Table IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular having a salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.23.23] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid, resp., and optionally, the activity of protein indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636.

[00149.1.23.23] Optionally, in one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preverably to a sequence as shown in Table IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preverably one or more activities annotated or known for a protein as indicated in Table IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636.

[00149.1.22.22] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably of Table IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or lines 635 or 636, preferably of Table IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636.

[0150.0.23.23] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably indicated in Table IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid esters, resp., if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or its gene product. Preferably is Table IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636.

[0151.0.0.23]: for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0151.0.0.0] above.

[0152.0.23.23] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular a salicylic acid increasing activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.23.23] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636.

[0154.0.23.23] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.23] and [0156.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0155.0.0.23] and [0156.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0155.0.0.0] and [0156.0.0.0] above.

[0157.0.23.23] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as polypeptides comprising the sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or as polypeptides depicted in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or the functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, an amino acid sequence of a consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or the functional homologues. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., preferably as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp. Preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I B, column 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636.

[0158.0.0.23] to [0160.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0158.0.0.23] to [0160.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0] above.

[0161.0.23.23] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.23] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0162.0.0.0] above.

[0163.0.23.23] Preferably, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, e.g. a tissue, a cell, or a compartment of a cell, after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.23] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0164.0.0.0] above.

[0165.0.23.23] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp.

[0166.0.0.23] and [0167.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0166.0.0.23] and [0167.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0166.0.0.0] and [0167.0.0.0] above.

[0168.0.23.23] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636.

Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636.

[0169.0.0.23] to [0172.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0169.0.0.23] to [0172.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0169.0.0.0] to [0172.0.0.0] above.

[0173.0.23.23] For example a sequence, which has 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 33502 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 33502 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.23]: for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0174.0.0.0] above.

[0175.0.23.23] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 33503 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 33503 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.23.23] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp.

[0177.0.23.23] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably of Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp.

[0178.0.0.23] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0178.0.0.0] above.

[0179.0.23.23] A nucleic acid molecule encoding a homologue to a protein sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 resp., can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.23] to [0183.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0180.0.0.23] to [0183.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0] above.

[0184.0.23.23] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.23.23] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp.

[0186.0.23.23] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp.

[0187.0.23.23] In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp.

[0188.0.23.23] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity. Advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., and is expressed under identical conditions.

[0189.0.23.23] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., or of derived sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.23] and [0191.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0190.0.0.23] and [0191.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0190.0.0.0] and [0191.0.0.0] above.

[0191.1.0.23]: for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0191.1.0.0] above.

[0192.0.0.23] to [0203.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0192.0.0.23] to [0203.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0192.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0] above.

[0204.0.23.23] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably in Table II B,     columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp.; or a     fragment thereof conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, i.e. salicylic acid in an organism or a     part thereof, -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5     or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, preferably in Table I B,     columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 resp., or a     fragment thereof conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines     275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical, i.e. salicylic acid in an     organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, line 275 to     277 and/or 635 or 636 and conferring an increase in the amount of     the respective fine chemical, i.e. salicylic acid, in an organism or     a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp.,     and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical, i.e. salicylic acidin an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635     or 636, resp., or a nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at     least the mature form of, a polypeptide as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; or which encompasses a sequence     which is complementary thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB,     columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., by one or     more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of     the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table     IA or

IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at least 30% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp. In a further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention encodes in one embodiment a polypeptide which differs at least in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 does not encode a protein of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequence of a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636. In a further embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at least 30% identical to a protein sequence indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 and less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 98%, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636.

[0205.0.0.23] and [0206.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0205.0.0.23] and [0206.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0205.0.0.0] and [0206.0.0.0] above.

[0207.0.23.23] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes, are genes of the glutamic acid metabolism, the phosphoenolpyruvate metabolism, the amino acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acid metabolism or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.23] to [0226.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0208.0.0.23] to [0226.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0208.0.0.0] to [0226.0.0.0] above.

[0227.0.23.23] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or its derivatives, it is advantageous to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the cinnamate and/or chorismate biosynthetic pathway is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the fine chemicals desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine one or more of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., with genes which generally support or enhance to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.23.23] %

[0229.0.23.23] Further advantageous nucleic acid sequences which can be expressed in combination with the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes are the sequences encoding further genes relating to the cinnamate or chorismate biosynthetic anabolic or catabolic pathway.

[0230.0.0.23] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0230.0.0.0] above.

[0231.0.23.23] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a salicylic aciddegrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene. A person skilled in the art knows for example, that the inhibition or repression of a salicylic aciddegrading enzyme will result in an increased accumulation of salicylic acid in plants.

[0232.0.0.23] to [0276.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0232.0.0.23] to [0276.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0232.0.0.0] to [0276.0.0.0] above.

[0277.0.23.23] The respective fine chemical produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker are familiar, for example via extraction, salt precipitation, and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously.

[0278.0.0.23] to [0282.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0278.0.0.23] to [0282.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0278.0.0.0] to [0282.0.0.0] above.

[0283.0.23.23] Moreover, native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells, for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, e.g. an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., or an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof.

Preferred are monoclonal antibodies specifically binding to polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, more preferred specifically binding to polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636.

[0284.0.0.23] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0284.0.0.0] above.

[0285.0.23.23] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., or as coded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.23.23] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636.

[0287.0.0.23] to [0290.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0287.0.0.23] to [0290.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0287.0.0.0] to [0290.0.0.0] above.

[0291.0.23.23] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636.

[0292.0.0.23] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0292.0.0.0] above.

[0293.0.23.23] In one embodiment, the invention relates to a polypeptide conferring an increase in the fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp.

[0294.0.23.23] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.23] to [0297.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0295.0.0.23] to [0297.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0295.0.0.0] to [0297.0.0.0] above.

[00297.1.0.23] %

[0298.0.23.23] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp.

[0299.0.23.23] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.23.23] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp.

[0301.0.0.23] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0301.0.0.0] above.

[0302.0.23.23] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.23] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0303.0.0.0] above.

[0304.0.23.23] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.23] to [0308.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0305.0.0.23] to [0308.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0305.0.0.0] to [0308.0.0.0] above.

[0306.1.0.22] %

[0309.0.23.23] In one embodiment, a reference to a protein (=polypeptide) of the invention or as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas an “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, an “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.23] to [0334.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0310.0.0.23] to [0334.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0310.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0] above.

[0335.0.23.23] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived there from), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of a protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.23] to [0342.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0336.0.0.23] to [0342.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0] above.

[0343.0.23.23] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.23] to [0361.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0344.0.0.23] to [0361.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0344.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0] above.

[0362.0.23.23] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., e.g. encoding a polypeptide having protein activity, as indicated in Table II, columns 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp. Due to the above-mentioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in

Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.23] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0363.0.0.0] above.

[0364.0.23.23] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of a promoter of a gene encoding a polypeptide of the invention as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp. with the corresponding protein-encoding sequence as indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modified by non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example, mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

[0365.0.0.23] to [0373.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0365.0.0.23] to [0373.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0365.0.0.0] to [0373.0.0.0] above.

[0374.0.23.23] Transgenic plants comprising the respective fine chemical synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. Salicylic acid, in particular the respective fine chemical, produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free salicylic acid in particular the free respective fine chemical, or bound in or to compounds or moieties as for example but not limited to esters. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography or other chromatographic methods of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.23] and [0376.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0375.0.0.23] and [0376.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0375.0.0.0] and [0376.0.0.0] above.

[0377.0.23.23] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process whereby the produced salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid ester is isolated.

[0378.0.23.23] In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid ester produced in the process can be isolated. The resulting salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid ester can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.23.23] In one embodiment the product produced by the present invention is a mixture of the respective fine chemicals salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid esters.

[0380.0.23.23] The salicylic acid obtained in the process by carrying out the invention is suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a method for the production of pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the salicylic acid and salicylic acid ester composition produced or the respective fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid esters produced in the process or of the transgenic organism in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals or for the production of salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid esters e.g. after isolation of the respective fine chemical or without, e.g. in situ, e.g in the organism used for the process for the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0381.0.0.23] and [0382.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0381.0.0.23] and [0382.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0381.0.0.0] and [0382.0.0.0] above.

[0383.0.23.23] %

[0384.0.0.23] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0384.0.0.0] above.

[0385.0.23.23] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid esters in mixtures with other organic acids, amino acids, polypeptides or polysaccarides, normally have a dry matter content of from 1 to 70% by weight, preferably 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, e.g. at the end, for example over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 10 g/l, preferably to 0 to 3 g/l during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed or isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it.

The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

[0386.0.23.23] Accordingly, it is possible to purify the salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid esters produced according to the invention further. For this purpose, the product-containing composition is subjected for example to separation via e.g. an open column chromatography or HPLC in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use.

[0387.0.0.23] to [0392.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0387.0.0.23] to [0392.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0387.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0] above.

[0393.0.23.23] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   a. contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   b. identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277     and/or 635 or 636, preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines     275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, resp., and, optionally, isolating the     full length cDNA clone or complete genomic clone; -   c. introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the respective fine chemical; -   d. expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   e. assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host cells;     and -   f. identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the respective fine chemical level     in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.23] to [0399.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0394.0.0.23] to [0399.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0394.0.0.0] to [0399.0.0.0] above.

[00399.1.23.23] One can think to screen for increased production of the respective fine chemical by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the respective fine chemical and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotype of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636 after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.23] to [0416.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0400.0.0.23] to [0416.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0400.0.0.0] to [0416.0.0.0] above.

[0417.0.23.23] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the salicylic acidbiosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect an organism such as a microorganism or a plant against inhibitors, which block the salicylic acidsynthesis.

Furthermore the overexpression of nucleic acids sequences as characterized in Table I, columns 5 and 7, lines 275 to 277 and/or 635 or 636, by increasing the salicylic acid content in plant cells and may also be useful for increasing the nickel (Ni)/zinc (Zn) tolerance in plants.

[0418.0.0.23] to [0423.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0418.0.0.23] to [0423.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0418.0.0.0] to [0423.0.0.0] above.

[0424.0.23.23] Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the respective fine chemical or of the respective fine chemical and one or more other organic acids. Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the respective fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0425.0.0.23] to [0435.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0425.0.0.23] to [0435.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0425.0.0.0] to [0435.0.0.0] above.

[0436.0.23.23] An in vivo mutagenesis of organisms such as Saccharomyces, Mortierella, Escherichia and others mentioned above, which are beneficial for the production of salicylic acid can be carried out by passing a plasmid DNA (or another vector DNA) containing the desired nucleic acid sequence or nucleic acid sequences, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the vector of the invention, through E. coli and other microorganisms (for example Bacillus spp. or yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which are not capable of maintaining the integrity of its genetic information. Usual mutator strains have mutations in the genes for the DNA repair system [for example mutHLS, mutD, mutT and the like; for comparison, see Rupp, W. D. (1996) DNA repair mechanisms in Escherichia coli and Salmonella, pp. 2277-2294, ASM: Washington]. The skilled worker knows these strains. The use of these strains is illustrated for example in Greener, A. and Callahan, M. (1994) Strategies 7; 32-34.

In-vitro mutation methods such as increasing the spontaneous mutation rates by chemical or physical treatment are well known to the skilled person. Mutagens like 5-bromo-uracil, N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (=NTG), ethyl methanesulfonate (=EMS), hydroxylamine and/or nitrous acid are widly used as chemical agents for random in-vitro mutagensis. The most common physical method for mutagensis is the treatment with UV irradiation. Another random mutagenesis technique is the error-prone PCR for introducing amino acid changes into proteins. Mutations are deliberately introduced during PCR through the use of error-prone DNA polymerases and special reaction conditions known to a person skilled in the art. For this method randomized DNA sequences are cloned into expression vectors and the resulting mutant libraries screened for altered or improved protein activity as described below.

Site-directed mutagensis method such as the introduction of desired mutations with an

M13 or phagemid vector and short oligonucleotides primers is a well-known approach for site-directed mutagensis. The clou of this method involves cloning of the nucleic acid sequence of the invention into an M13 or phagemid vector, which permits recovery of single-stranded recombinant nucleic acid sequence. A mutagenic oligonucleotide primer is then designed whose sequence is perfectly complementary to nucleic acid sequence in the region to be mutated, but with a single difference: at the intended mutation site it bears a base that is complementary to the desired mutant nucleotide rather than the original. The mutagenic oligonucleotide is then allowed to prime new DNA synthesis to create a complementary full-length sequence containing the desired mutation. Another site-directed mutagensis method is the PCR mismatch primer mutagensis method also known to the skilled person. Dpnl site-directed mutagensis is a further known method as described for example in the Stratagene Quickchange™ site-directed mutagenesis kit protocol. A huge number of other methods are also known and used in common practice.

Positive mutation events can be selected by screening the organisms for the production of the desired respective fine chemical.

[0437.0.23.23] Example 4 DNA Transfer Between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Mortierella alpina

[0438.0.23.23] Shuttle vectors such as pYE22m, pPAC-ResQ, pClasper, pAUR224, pAMH10, pAML10, pAMT10, pAMU10, pGMH10, pGML10, pGMT10, pGMU10, pPGAL1, pPADH1, pTADH1, pTAex3, pNGA142, pHT3101 and derivatives thereof which allow the transfer of nucleic acid sequences between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or Mortierella alpina are available to the skilled worker. An easy method to isolate such shuttle vectors is disclosed by Soni R. and Murray J. A. H. [Nucleic Acid Research, vol. 20 no. 21, 1992: 5852]: If necessary such shuttle vectors can be constructed easily using standard vectors for E. coli (Sambrook, J. et al., (1989), “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons) and/or the aforementioned vectors, which have a replication origin for, and suitable marker from, Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Mortierella alpina added. Such replication origins are preferably taken from endogenous plasmids, which have been isolated from species used in the inventive process. Genes, which are used in particular as transformation markers for these species are genes for kanamycin resistance (such as those which originate from the Tn5 or Tn-903 transposon) or for chloramphenicol resistance (Winnacker, E. L. (1987) “From Genes to Clones—Introduction to Gene Technology”, VCH, Weinheim) or for other antibiotic resistance genes such as for G418, gentamycin, neomycin, hygromycin or tetracycline resistance.

[0439.0.23.23] Using standard methods, it is possible to clone a gene of interest into one of the above-described shuttle vectors and to introduce such hybrid vectors into the microorganism strains used in the inventive process. The transformation of Saccharomyces can be achieved for example by LiCI or sheroplast transformation (Bishop et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 6, 1986: 3401-3409; Sherman et al., Methods in Yeasts in Genetics, [Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y.] 1982, Agatep et al., Technical Tips Online 1998, 1:51: P01525 or Gietz et al., Methods Mol. Cell. Biol. 5, 1995: 255f) or electroporation (Delorme E., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., vol. 55, no. 9, 1989: 2242-2246).

[0440.0.23.23] If the transformed sequence(s) is/are to be integrated advantageously into the genome of the microorganism used in the inventive process for example into the yeast or fungi genome, standard techniques known to the skilled worker also exist for this purpose. Solinger et al. (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA., 2001 (15): 8447-8453) and Freedman et al. (Genetics, Vol. 162, 15-27, September 2002) teaches a homolog recombination system dependent on rad 50, rad51, rad54 and rad59 in yeasts. Vectors using this system for homologous recombination are vectors derived from the Ylp series. Plasmid vectors derived for example from the 2μ-Vector are known by the skilled worker and used for the expression in yeasts. Other preferred vectors are for example pART1, pCHY21 or pEVP11 as they have been described by McLeod et al. (EMBO J. 1987, 6:729-736) and Hoffman et al. (Genes Dev. 5, 1991: :561-571.) or Russell et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 258, 1983: 143-149.). Other beneficial yeast vectors are plasmids of the REP, REP-X, pYZ or RIP series.

[0441.0.0.23] to [0443.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0441.0.0.23] to [0443.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0441.0.0.0] to [0443.0.0.0] above.

[0444.0.23.23] Example 6 Growth of Genetically Modified Organism: Media and Culture Conditions

[0445.0.23.23] Genetically modified Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are grown in synthetic or natural growth media known by the skilled worker. A number of different growth media for Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are well known and widely available. A method for culturing Mortierella is disclosed by Jang et al. [Bot. Bull. Acad.

Sin. (2000) 41:41-48]. Mortierella can be grown at 20° C. in a culture medium containing: 10 g/l glucose, 5 g/l yeast extract at pH 6.5. Furthermore Jang et al. teaches a submerged basal medium containing 20 g/l soluble starch, 5 g/l Bacto yeast extract, 10 g/l KNO₃, 1 g/l KH₂PO₄, and 0.5 g/l MgSO₄.7H₂O, pH 6.5.

[0446.0.0.23] to [0453.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0446.0.0.23] to [0453.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0446.0.0.0] to [0453.0.0.0] above.

[0454.0.23.23] Example 8 Analysis of the Effect of the Nucleic Acid Molecule on the Production of Salicylic Acid

[0455.0.23.23] The effect of the genetic modification in plants, fungi, algae or ciliates on the production of a desired compound (such as a salicylic acidand/or salicylic acid esters) can be determined by growing the modified microorganisms or the modified plant under suitable conditions (such as those described above) and analyzing the medium and/or the cellular components for the elevated production of desired product (i.e. of salicylic acid and/or salicylic acid esters). These analytical techniques are known to the skilled worker and comprise spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, various types of staining methods, enzymatic and microbiological methods and analytical chromatography such as high-performance liquid chromatography (see, for example, Ullman, Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. A2, p. 89-90 and p. 443-613, VCH: Weinheim (1985); Fallon, A., et al., (1987) “Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry” in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 17; Rehm et al. (1993) Biotechnology, Vol. 3, Chapter III: “Product recovery and purification”, p. 469-714, VCH: Weinheim; Belter, P. A., et al. (1988) Bioseparations: downstream processing for Biotechnology, John Wiley and Sons; Kennedy, J. F., and Cabral, J. M. S. (1992) Recovery processes for biological Materials, John Wiley and Sons; Shaeiwitz, J. A., and Henry, J. D. (1988) Biochemical Separations, in: Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. B3; Chapter 11, p. 1-27, VCH: Weinheim; and Dechow, F. J. (1989) Separation and purification techniques in biotechnology, Noyes Publications).

[0456.0.0.23]: for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0456.0.0.0] above.

[0457.0.23.23] Example 9 Purification of Salicylic Acid

[0458.0.23.23] Abbreviations; GC-MS, gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; TLC, thin-layer chromatography.

The unambiguous detection for the presence of salicylic acidcan be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MSMS,

GC-MS or TLC, as described. The total amount produced in the organism for example in yeasts used in the inventive process can be analysed for example according to the following procedure:

The material such as yeasts, E. coli or plants to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods.

Plant material is initially homogenized mechanically by comminuting in a pestle and mortar to make it more amenable to extraction.

A typical sample pretreatment consists of a total lipid extraction using such polar organic solvents as acetone or alcohols as methanol, or ethers, saponification, partition between phases, separation of non-polar epiphase from more polar hypophasic derivatives and chromatography.

For analysis, solvent delivery and aliquot removal can be accomplished with a robotic system comprising a single injector valve Gilson 232XL and a 402 2S1V diluter [Gilson, Inc. USA, 3000 W. Beltline Highway, Middleton, Wis.]. For saponification, 3 ml of 50% potassium hydroxide hydro-ethanolic solution (4 water—1 ethanol) can be added to each vial, followed by the addition of 3 ml of octanol. The saponification treatment can be conducted at room temperature with vials maintained on an IKA HS 501 horizontal shaker [Labworld-online, Inc., Wilmington, N.C.] for fifteen hours at 250 movements/minute, followed by a stationary phase of approximately one hour.

Following saponification, the supernatant can be diluted with 0-20 ml of methanol. The addition of methanol can be conducted under pressure to ensure sample homogeneity. Using a 0.25 ml syringe, a 0.1 ml aliquot can be removed and transferred to HPLC vials for analysis.

For HPLC analysis, a Hewlett Packard 1100 HPLC, complete with a quaternary pump, vacuum degassing system, six-way injection valve, temperature regulated autosampler, column oven and Photodiode Array detector can be used [Agilent Technologies available through Ultra Scientific Inc., 250 Smith Street, North Kingstown, R.I.]. The column can be a Waters YMC30, 5-micron, 4.6×250 mm with a guard column of the same material [Waters, 34 Maple Street, Milford, Mass.]. The solvents for the mobile phase can be 81 methanol: 4 water: 15 tetrahydrofuran (THF) stabilized with 0.2% BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol). Injections were 20 μl. Separation can be isocratic at 30° C. with a flow rate of 1.7 ml/minute. The peak responses can be measured by absorbance at 447 nm.

[0459.0.23.23] If required and desired, further chromatography steps with a suitable resin may follow. Advantageously, the salicylic acidcan be further purified with a so-called RTHPLC. As eluent acetonitrile/water or chloroform/acetonitrile mixtures can be used. If necessary, these chromatography steps may be repeated, using identical or other chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the selection of suitable chromatography resin and the most effective use for a particular molecule to be purified.

[0460.0.0.23] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0460.0.0.0] above.

[0461.0.23.23] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 33502, 33810, 33899, 98917 or 99068 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.23] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0462.0.0.0] above.

[0463.0.23.23] SEQ ID NO: 33502, 33810, 33899, 98917 or 99068 are amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.23] to [0466.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0464.0.0.23] to [0466.0.0.23] see [0464.0.0.0] to [0466.0.0.0] above.

[0466.1.0.23] In case the Herculase enzyme can be used for the amplification, the PCR amplification cycles were as follows: 1 cycle of 2-3 minutes at 94° C., followed by 25-30 cycles of in each case 30 seconds at 94° C., 30 seconds at 55-60° C. and 5-10 minutes at 72° C., followed by 1 cycle of 10 minutes at 72° C., then 4° C.

[0467.0.23.23] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID: 33502

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 33802) atgaaaaaaa ccacattagc actg ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 33803) ttactgcatt aacaggtaga tggtg

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 33810:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 33894) atgatcagga gtcacaccat ga ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 33895) ttaattgcca gccatcgcct g

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 33899:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 34217) atgttatcac tgtctgccaa aaatc ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 34218) tcagtcacgg tattggtcaa aaaat

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 98917:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 99063) atggaaacga ctcaaaccag cac ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 99064) ttagctgaac agagagtaga agatt

The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 99068:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 99168) atgagtactt cagatagcat tgtatc ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 99169) ttaaaacagt ttgtatacga tgttcag

[0468.0.0.23] to [0470.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0468.0.0.23] to [0470.0.0.23] see [0468.0.0.0] to [0470.0.0.0] above.

[0470.1.23.23] The PCR-products, produced by Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase, were phosphorylated using a T4 DNA polymerase using a standard protocol (e.g. MBI Fermentas) and cloned into the processed binary vector.

[0471.0.23.23] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0471.0.0.0] above.

[0471.1.23.23] The DNA termini of the PCR-products, produced by Herculase DNA polymerase, were blunted in a second synthesis reaction using Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The composition for the protocol of the blunting the DNA-termini was as follows: 0.2 mM blunting dTTP and 1.25 u Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The reaction was incubated at 72° C. for 30 minutes. Then the PCR-products were phosphorylated using a T4 DNA polymerase using a standard protocol (e.g. MBI Fermentas) and cloned into the processed vector as well.

[0472.0.0.23] to [0479.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0472.0.0.23] to [0479.0.0.23] see [0472.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0] above.

[0480.0.23.23] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 33502, 33810, 33899, 98917 or 99068

[0481.0.0.23] to [0513.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0481.0.0.23] to [0513.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0482.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0] above.

[0514.0.23.23] As an alternative, salicylic acid can be detected as described in Kmetec, V., J. Pharm. Biomed. Anal. 1992 October-December; 10 (10-12):1073-6.

The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the table 1, which follows:

TABLE 1 ORF Metabolite Method Min Max b0161 Salicylic acid LC 1.67 5.75 b2664 Salicylic acid LC 1.56 5.25 YLR089C Salicylic acid LC 1.45 2.53 b2796 Salicylic acid LC 1.42 3.48 b3116 Salicylic acid LC 1.41 2.30

[0515.0.23.23] Column 2 shows the metabolite salicylic acid analyzed. Columns 4 and 5 shows the ratio of the analyzed metabolite between the transgenic plants and the wild type; Increase of the metabolite: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type)-Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type). Decrease of the metabolite: Max: maximal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (minimal decrease), Min: minimal x-fold (normalised to wild type) (maximal decrease). Column 3 indicates the analytical method.

[0516.0.0.23] to [0530.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0516.0.0.23] to [0530.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0516.0.0.0] to [0530.0.0.0] above.

[0530.1.0.23] to [0530.6.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0530.1.0.23] to [0530.6.0.23] see paragraphs [0530.1.0.0] to [0530.6.0.0] above.

[0531.0.0.23] to [0552.0.0.23] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0531.0.0.23] to [0552.0.0.23] see paragraphs [0531.0.0.0] to [0552.0.0.0] above.

[0552.1.0.23]: %

[0552.2.0.23] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0552.2.0.0] above.

[0553.0.23.23]

-   1. A process for the production of salicylic acid, which comprises     -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as         indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 or 635         and 636 or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human         organism or in one or more parts thereof; and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of salicylic acid in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of salicylic acid, comprising the     increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the     expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a     nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide as indicated in         Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 or 635 and 636 or a         fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         salicylic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 or 635         and 636;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of salicylic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of salicylic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of salicylic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 275 to         277 or 635 and 636 and conferring an increase in the amount of         salicylic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of salicylic         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 275 to 277         or 635 and 636 and conferring an increase in the amount of         salicylic acid in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         salicylic acid in an organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound salicylic acid. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         salicylic acid produced by the selected mutated organisms or         parts thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide as indicated in         Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 or 635 and 636 or a         fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         salicylic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 or 635         and 636;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of salicylic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of salicylic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of salicylic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 275 to         277 or 635 and 636 and conferring an increase in the amount of         salicylic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of salicylic         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 275 to 277         or 635 and 636 and conferring an increase in the amount of         salicylic acid in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         salicylic acid in an organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to         277 or 635 and 636 by one or more nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     IIA, columns 5 or 7, lines 275 to 277 or 635 and 636 by one or more     amino acids. -   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of salicylic acid in an     organism or a part thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of salicylic         acid in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound         or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions         which permit the expression the polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the salicylic acid level or the polypeptide         expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or         the media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured         or maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured salicylic acid level or polypeptide expression level         with a standard salicylic acid or polypeptide expression level         measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample         comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased         level over the standard indicates that the compound or the         sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and         a decreased level over the standard indicates that the compound         or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an         antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased salicylic acid production in a plant or microorganism,     comprising the steps:     -   a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of salicylic acid in an organism or a part thereof and a         readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under         suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the         polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a         compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and         capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the         binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which         permit the expression of said readout system and of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6         conferring an increase in the amount of salicylic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in salicylic acid production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in salicylic acid after expression with the nucleic         acid molecule of claim 6;     -   b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under         relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6;     -   c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing salicylic acid;     -   d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   e) assaying the salicylic acid level in the host cells; and     -   f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the salicylic acid in the host         cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild         type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in salicylic acid production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the salicylic acid amount or         level in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and         which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6;     -   b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing salicylic acid;     -   c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   d) assaying the salicylic acid level in the host cells; and     -   e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the salicylic acid level in         the host cell after expression compared to the wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     salicylic acid after expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of salicylic acid levels in an organism. -   25. Agrochemical, pharmaceutical, food or feed composition     comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20. -   26. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid     construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or     agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15,     the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of     claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product     identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the     fine chemical is salicylic acid. -   27. A host cell or plant according to any of the claims 10 to 12     which is resistant to a herbicide inhibiting the biosynthesis of     salicylic acid. -   28. A host cell or plant according to any of the claims 10 to 12     showing increased resistance to pathogens in comparison to control     plants. -   29. A host cell or plant according to any of the claims 10 to 12     showing increased resistance to biotic or abiotic stress. -   30. A host cell or plant according to any of the claims 10 to 12     showing reduced senescence.

31. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20 for the protection of a plant against a salicylic acid synthesis inhibiting herbicide.

[0554.0.0.23] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.0]

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.0.24] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.24] see [0001.0.0.0]

[0002.0.24.24] to [0009.0.24.24] see [0002.0.24.24] to [0009.0.10.10]

[0010.0.24.24] Therefore improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the food-and-feed industry. This is necessary since, for example, as mentioned above beta-carotene, which occur in plants and some microorganisms are limited with regard to the supply of mammals. Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible a carotenoids profile in the diet since a great excess of some carotenoids above a specific concentration in the food has only some positive effect. A further increase in quality is only possible via addition of further carotenoids, which are limiting.

[0011.0.24.24] see [0011.0.10.10]

[0012.0.24.24] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes which participate in the biosynthesis of carotenoids, e.g. beta-carotene or its/their precursor, e.g. isopentyl pyrophosphate (IPP), and make it possible to produce them specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming.

In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of carotenoids like beta-carotene; on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.24] see [0013.0.0.0]

[0014.0.24.24] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is a carotene or a precursor thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the fine chemical is beta-carotene or IPP, resp. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to a “carotene, in particular beta-carotene, or its precursor, in particular IPP, Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising carotene, in particular beta-carotene, or its precursor, in particular IPP.

[0015.0.24.24] In one embodiment, the term “carotene, in particular beta-carotene,” or “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means at least one chemical compound with a carotene-, in particular beta-carotene-like activity.

In a preferred embodiment, the term “carotene precursor, in particular IPP” means a chemical compound, which expression increases preferably the activity or amount of carotenes, preferably of beta-carotenes, in an organism, alone or in combination with other chemical compounds, e.g. other expression tools, like genes conferring reactions for the conversion of IPP or the production of IPP, e.g. genes being involved in the production or conversion of mevalonic acid, the first specific precursor of terpenoids, or acetyl-CoA via HMG-CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA), that is itself converted to isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP), or geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) molecules which produce colorless phytoene, which is the initial carotenoid, or of the existent alternative, mevalonate-independent pathway for IPP formation that was characterized initially in several species of eubacteria, i.e. in a green alga, and in the plastids of higher plants, and comprising the transketolase-type condensation reaction of pyruvate and D-glyceraldehylde-3-phosphate to yield 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate (DXP), or one of the desaturases, which confer the series of desaturation reactions to convert the conversion product of IPP phytoene to phytofluenell, -tcarotene, neurosporene and finally to lycopene, or the cyclization reaction to β-carotene that contains two β-ionene rings.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means a “carotene, in particular beta-carotene, and its precursor, in particular IPP”. In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means beta-carotene or IPP depending on the context in which the term is used. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” includes the free fine chemicals, its salts, ester, thioester or bound to other compounds such sugars or sugarpolymers, like glucoside, e.g. diglucoside. In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means beta-carotene or IPP, resp., in free form or their salts or their ester or bound to a glucoside, e.g a diglucoside, resp.

[0016.0.24.24] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more b1829,     b2699, YBR089C-A, YDR316W, YDR513W, and/or YLL013C, and/or b0730,     b1926, b2211, b3172, b4129, and/or YDR407C and/or b0481, b0970,     b1736, b1738 and/or b3160 protein(s) in a non-human organism in one     or more parts thereof; and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus, carotene, in particular     beta-carotene, or its precursor, in particular IPP, resp., in said     organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of a protein indicated in Table IIA or IIB,     column 3, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, or lines 278,     280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., or     having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid     molecule indicated in Table IA or IB, column 5 or 7, lines 278 to     289 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., in a non-human organism in one     or more parts thereof; and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus, a carotene, in particular     beta-carotene, or its precursor, in particular IPP, resp., or fine     chemicals comprising carotene, in particular beta-carotene, or its     precursor, in particular IPP, resp., in said organism.

[0016.1.24.24] Accordingly, in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “beta-carotene” in relation to all sequences listed in the Tables I to IV, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289 and/or lines 637 to 641 or homologs thereof and means “IPP” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, or homologs thereof. Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” can mean “beta-carotene” or “IPP”, owing to circumstances and the context. In order to illustrate that the meaning of the term “the respective fine chemical” means “beta-carotene”, and/or “IPP” owing to the sequences listed in the context the term “the respective fine chemical” is also used.

[0017.0.0.24] to [0018.0.0.24]: see [0017.0.0.0] to [0018.0.0.0]

[0019.0.24.24] Advantageously the process for the production of the respective fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the a carotene, in particular beta-carotene, a precursor thereof, e.g. IPP. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the respective fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein having the activity of a protein indicated in Table IA or IB, column 3, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641.

[0020.0.24.24] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 or Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteins b1829, b2699, YBR089C-A, YDR316W, YDR513W, and YLL013C in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the beta-carotene (“the fine chemical” or “the fine respective chemical” in respect to said proteins and their homologs as wells as the encoding nucleic acid molecules, in particular as indicated in Table I to IV, column 3, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289) content of the transformed plants.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 or Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteins b0730, b1926, b2211, b3172, b4129, or YDR407C and/or b0481, b0970, b1736, b1738 and/or b3160 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the IPP (“the fine chemical” or “the fine respective chemical” in respect to said proteins and their homologs as wells as the encoding nucleic acid molecules, in particular as indicated in Table I to IV, column 3, lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, or 287 or lines 637 to 641) content of the transformed plants.

[0021.0.0.24] see [0021.0.0.0]

[0022.0.24.24] The sequence of b0730 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon and a fatty acyl response regulator. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein of the superfamily of transcription regulator GntR, in particular involved in regulation of C-compound and carbohydrate utilization, transcriptional control, prokaryotic nucleoid, transcriptional repressor, DNA binding, preferably being a transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon and fatty acyl response regulator, or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of the IPP, or of carotenes, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon and a fatty acyl response regulator, in particular of a lipoprotein of the superfamily of transcription regulator GntR is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1829 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a heat shock protein with protease activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of protein of the superfamily of heat-shock protein htpX, in particular involved in stress response, UNCLASSIFIED PROTEINS, pheromone response, mating-type determination, sex-specific proteins, protein modification, proteolytic degradation, preferably a heat shock protein with protease activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of carotene, in particular beta-carotene, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g the activity of heat shock protein with protease activity is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1926 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as flagellar protein fliT. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein of a flagellar protein fliT from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of IPP, or of carotenes, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a flagellar protein fliT is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2699 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA, preferably with a DNA recombination and DNA repair activity, a pheromone response activity, a mating-type determination activity, a sex-specific protein activity, a nucleotide binding activity and/or a protease and nuclease activity, in particular a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of carotene, in particular of beta-carotene, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a protease and nuclease activity, in particular a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity, in particular of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b2211 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al.,

Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a ATP-binding transport proteins of the ABC superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein of the superfamily of unassigned ATP-binding cassette proteins, preferably with a nucleotide binding, ABC transporters, CELLULAR TRANSPORT AND TRANSPORT MECHANISMS activity, in particular a ATP-binding transport proteins of the ABC superfamily protein activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of IPP, or of carotenes, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a ATP-binding transport proteins of the ABC superfamily is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3172 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as argininosuccinate synthetase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein of the superfamily of argininosuccinate synthase proteins, preferably involved in amino acid biosynthesis, nitrogen and sulfur metabolism, biosynthesis of the glutamate group (proline, hydroxyprolin, arginine, glutamine, glutamate), degradation of amino acids of the glutamate group, nitrogen and sulfur utilization, urea cycle, biosynthesis of polyamines and creatine, biosynthesis of the aspartate family, assimilation of ammonia, biosynthesis of the glutamate group, preferably having a argininosuccinate synthetase activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of IPP, or of carotenes, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a argininosuccinate synthetase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b4129 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as inducible lysine tRNA synthetase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein of the superfamily of lysine-tRNA ligase proteins, preferably involved in aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetases, translation, preferably having a inducible lysine tRNA synthetase activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of IPP, or of carotenes, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a inducible lysine tRNA synthetase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YBR089C-A from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78, 1997, and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as nonhistone chromosomal protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein of the superfamily of nonhistone chromosomal protein HMG-2, HMG box homology, unassigned HMG box proteins, preferably being involved in transcriptional control, nucleic acid binding, TRANSCRIPTION, preferably a nonhistone chromosomal protein or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of carotene, in particular beta-carotene, in particular for increasing the amount in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a nonhistone chromosomal protein. is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YDR316W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78, 1997, and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as putative S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase of the seven beta-strand family. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein of the superfamily of bioC homology, preferably ofa putative S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase of the seven beta-strand family or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of carotene, in particular beta-carotene, in particular for increasing the amount in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a putative S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase of the seven beta-strand family is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YDR407C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78, 1997, and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as targeting complex (TRAPP) component involved in ER to Golgi membrane traffic. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein involved in the vesicular transport (Golgi network, etc.), preferably being involved in targeting complex (TRAPP) component involved in ER to Golgi membrane traffic, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of IPP, or of carotenes, in particular for increasing the amount in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a protein. of the vesicular transport (Golgi network, etc.) is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YDR513W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78, 1997, and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as glutathione reductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein of the superfamily of glutaredoxin, in particular being involved in deoxyribonucleotide metabolism, cytoplasm, stress response, detoxification, electron transport and membrane-associated energy conservation, preferably a glutathione reductase, or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of carotene, in particular beta-carotene, in particular for increasing the amount in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a glutathione reductase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YLL013C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78, 1997, and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as a member of the PUF protein family, which is named for the founding members, pumilio and Fbf. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein being involved in cell differentiation, development (Systemic), nucleic acid binding, transcriptional control, other transcription activities, preferably a a member of the PUF protein family, which is named for the founding members, pumilio and Fbf, or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of carotene, in particular beta-carotene, in particular for increasing the amount in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a a member of the PUF protein family, which is named for the founding members, pumilio and Fbf is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b0481 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its protein is being defined as a protein with a YbaK-like domain. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with a YbaK-like domain from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of IPP, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said protein with a YbaK-like domain is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. The sequence of b0970 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a glutamate receptor. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Escherichia coli ybhL protein superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a glutamate receptor protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine and/or isopentenylpyrophosphate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine and/or isopentenylpyrophosphate, preferably glutamine and/or isopentenylpyrophosphate in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1736 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its protein is being defined as a protein with

PEP-dependent phosphotransferase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with PEP-dependent phosphotransferase activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of IPP, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the PEP-dependent phosphotransferase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1738 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its protein is being defined as a protein with PEP-dependent phosphotransferase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with PEP-dependent phosphotransferase activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of IPP, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3160 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its protein is being defined as a monooxygenase protein with luciferase-like ATPase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a monooxygenase protein with luciferase-like ATPase activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of IPP, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a monooxygenase protein with luciferase-like ATPase activity is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof.

[0023.0.24.24] Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the respective fine chemical amount or content.

In one embodiment, the homolog of any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 5 or 7, line 287 is a homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 287 having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably IPP, and in a other preferred embodiment, also carotenes, in particular beta-carotene. In one embodiment, the homologue is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 287, resp. In one embodiment, the homologue of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 287 is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homologue is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homologue of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 287 is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homologue of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 287 is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homologue of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 287 is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 287 is a homologue being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homologue of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 287 is a homologue having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homologue of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 287 is a homologue having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 5 or 7, line 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 or lines 637 to 641 is a homolog of the polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 or lines 637 to 641, resp., having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably IPP, more preferably also carotenes, in particular beta-carotene. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 or lines 637 to 641, resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 or lines 637 to 641 is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 or lines 637 to 641 is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 or lines 637 to 641 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 or lines 637 to 641 is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 or lines 637 to 641 is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 or lines 637 to 641 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the IPP in the organisms or part thereof being derived from Escherichia.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 5 or 7, line 285, 286, 288 or 289 is a homolog of the polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 285, 286, 288, or 289, resp., having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably beta-carotene. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 285, 286, 288 or 289, resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 285, 286, 288 or 289 is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 285, 286, 288 or 289 is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 285, 286, 288 or 289 is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines line 285, 286, 288 or 289 is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 285, 286, 288 or 289 is a homolog being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 285, 286, 288 or 289 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 285, 286, 288 or 289 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 5 or 7, line 279 or 282 is a homolog of the polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 279 or 282, resp having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms, preferably beta-carotene. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 279 or 282, resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 279 or 282 is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 279 or 282 is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 279 or 282 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 279 or 282 is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 279 or 282 is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 279 or 282 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, in particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the zeaxanthin in the organisms or part thereof being derived from Escherichia.

[0023.1.24.24] Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289, having a beta-carotene-content and/or -amount-increasing activity. Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 having a beta-carotene-content and/or -amount-increasing activity.

Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, respectively or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 7, lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, having a IPP-content and/or -amount-increasing activity. Homologs of the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 7, lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 having a IPP content- and/or amount-increasing activity.

[0024.0.0.24] see [0024.0.0.0]

[0025.0.24.24] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein of the invention”, e.g. the activity of a protein indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased beta-carotene level in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism. In a preferred embodiment, the protein or polypeptide has the above-mentioned additional activities of a protein indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289. Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of any one of the proteins indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to any one of the proteins indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 285, 286, 288 or 289 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or any one of the proteins indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 279 or 282 of E. coli K12.

In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein of the invention”, e.g. the activity of a protein indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased IPP level in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism. In a preferred embodiment, the protein or polypeptide has the above-mentioned additional activities of a protein indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641. Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of any one of the proteins indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to any one of the proteins indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, line 287 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or any one of the proteins indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines lines 278, 280, 281, 283 and/or 284 and/or lines 637 to 641 of E. coli K12.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary close to the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 and is expressed in an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the origin organism. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums whereas origin and the organism indicated in Table I, column 4 are derived from the same families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0025.1.0.24] see [0025.1.0.0]

[0026.0.0.24] to [0033.0.0.24]: see [0026.0.0.0] to [0033.0.0.0]

[0034.0.24.24] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention. E.g., it differs by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table IA or IB, column 5, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, column 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, its biochemical or genetic causes. It therefore shows the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.24] to [0038.0.0.24]: see [0035.0.0.0] to [0038.0.0.0]

[0039.0.0.24] see [0039.0.0.0]

[0040.0.0.24] to [0044.0.0.24]: see [0040.0.0.0] to [0044.0.0.0]

[0045.0.24.24] In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0730 or its homologs e.g. a transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon and fatty acyl response regulator, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, 278, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of IPP between 41% and 115% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1829 or its homologs e.g. a heat shock protein with protease activity, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 279, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-carotene, between 33% and 74% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1926 or its homologs e.g. flagellar protein fliT, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 280, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of IPP, between 37% and 55% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2211 or its homologs e.g. ATP-binding transport proteins of the ABC superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 281, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of IPP, between 46% and 48% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs e.g. a DNA recombination and DNA repair activity, a pheromone response activity, a mating-type determination activity, a sex-specific protein activity, a nucleotide binding activity and/or a protease and nuclease activity, in particular a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity, in particular of the superfamily of the recombination protein recA, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 282, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-carotene, between 43% and 76% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3172 or its homologs e.g. argininosuccinate synthetase, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 283, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of IPP, between 35% and 74% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4129 or its homologs e.g. an inducible lysine tRNA synthetase, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 284, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of IPP, between 34% and 63% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBR089C-A or its homologs, e.g. a nonhistone chromosomal protein, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 285, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-carotene between 52% and 108% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR316W or its homologs, e.g. a putative S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase of the seven beta-strand family, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 286, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-carotene between 28% and 52% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR407C or its homologs, e.g. a targeting complex (TRAPP) component involved in ER to Golgi membrane traffi or its homolog, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 287, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of IPP between 54% and 214% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR513W or its homologs, e.g. a glutathione reductase, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 288, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-carotene between 39% and 43% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLL013C or its homologs, e.g. a member of the PUF protein family, which is named for the founding members, pumilio and Fbf, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 289, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of beta-carotene between 43% and 50% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0481 or its homologs e.g. a protein with a YbaK-like domain, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 637, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of IPP, between 35% and 39% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0970 or its homologs e.g. a glutamate receptor, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 638, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of IPP, between 36% and 117% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1736 or its homologs e.g. a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 639, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of IPP, between 51% and 137% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1738 or its homologs e.g a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 640, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of IPP, between 63% and 160% or more is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3160 or its homologs e.g. a monooxygenase with luciferase-like ATPase activity, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 641, is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of IPP, between 35% and 47% or more is conferred.

[0046.0.24.24] In one embodiment, if the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0730 or its homologs e.g. transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon and fatty acyl response regulator, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 278, or of b1829 or its homologs, e.g. heat shock protein with protease activity, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 279, or of b1926 or its homologs, e.g. flagellar protein fliT, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 280, or of b2211 or its homologs, e.g. ATP-binding transport proteins of the ABC superfamily, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 281, or of b2699 or its homologs, e.g. DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 282, or of b3172 or its homologs, e.g. argininosuccinate synthetase, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 283, or of b4129 or its homologs, e.g. an inducible lysine tRNA synthetase, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 284, is increased; preferably an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further carotenoids, preferably carotenes, is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBR089C-A or its homologs, e.g. a nonhistone chromosomal protein, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 285 or YDR316W or its homologs, e.g. a Putative S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase of the seven beta-strand family, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 286 or YDR407C or its homologs, e.g. a targeting complex (TRAPP) component involved in ER to Golgi membrane traffic, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 287 or YDR513W or its homologs, e.g. a glutathione reductase, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 288 or YLL013C or its homologs, e.g. a member of the PUF protein family, which is named for the founding members, pumilio and Fbf, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 289, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 637 or b0481 or its homologs, e.g. a protein with a YbaK-like domain, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 638 or b0970 or its homologs, e.g. a glutamate receptor, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 639 or b1736 or its homologs, e.g. a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 640 or b1738 or its homologs, e.g. a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, line 641 or b3160 or its homologs, e.g. a monooxygenase with luciferase-like ATPase activity is increased, preferably an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further carotenoids, preferably carotenes, is conferred.

[0047.0.0.24] to [0048.0.0.24]: see [0047.0.0.0] to [0048.0.0.0]

[0049.0.24.24] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the beta-carotene level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the respective fine chemical preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or 637 to 641, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7 lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or 637 to 641 or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or 637 to 641 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the IPP level.

[0050.0.24.24] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “the respective fine chemical” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of beta-carotene or IPP, resp., or their ester, or glucoside thereof, e.g the diglucoside thereof.

[0051.0.24.24] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the respective fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free chemical free or bound, e.g compositions comprising IPP or beta-carotene. Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of various IPP or beta-carotenecan be produced.

[0052.0.0.24] see [0052.0.0.0]

[0053.0.24.24] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3,     lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280,     281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or 637 to 641, or its homologs, e.g.     as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282,     285, 286, 288, and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284,     and/or 287 and/or 637 to 641, activity having herein-mentioned the     respective fine chemical increasing activity; -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, e.g.     of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in     Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or     289 and/or 637 to 641, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or     287, or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or     IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289     and/or 637 to 641, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287,     or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide of the present invention     having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical increasing     activity; -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 279, 282,     285, 286, 288, and/or 289 and/or 637 to 641, and/or lines 278, 280,     281, 283, 284, and/or 287, or its homologs activity, e.g. as     indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285,     286, 288, and/or 289 and/or 637 to 641, and/or lines 278, 280, 281,     283, 284, and/or 287, or decreasing the inhibitory regulation of the     polypeptide of the invention; -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 279, 282,     285, 286, 288, and/or 289 and/or 637 to 641, and/or lines 278, 280,     281, 283, 284, and/or 287, or its homologs activity, e.g. as     indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285,     286, 288, and/or 289 and/or 637 to 641, and/or lines 278, 280, 281,     283, 284, and/or 287; -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated     in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or     289 and/or 637 to 641, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or     287 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB,     columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289 and/or 637     to 641, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287, by adding     one or more exogenous inducing factors to the organism or parts     thereof; -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 279, 282,     285, 286, 288, and/or 289 and/or 637 to 641, and/or lines 278, 280,     281, 283, 284, and/or 287 or its homologs activity, e.g. as     indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285,     286, 288, and/or 289 and/or 637 to 641, and/or lines 278, 280, 281,     283, 284, and/or 287, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a     protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 279, 282,     285, 286, 288, and/or 289 and/or 637 to 641, and/or lines 278, 280,     281, 283, 284, and/or 287 or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in     Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288,     and/or 289 and/or 637 to 641, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284,     and/or 287, activity. -   h) Increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having an activity     of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 279,     282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289 and/or 637 to 641, and/or lines 278,     280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 or its homologs activity, e.g. as     indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285,     286, 288, and/or 289 and/or 637 to 641 and/or lines 278, 280, 281,     283, 284, and/or 287, by adding positive expression or removing     negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination can be     used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like for     plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor     elements form regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods     can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity     of positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced     in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be     identified in which the positive elements have be integrated near to     a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby     enhanced;     -   and/or -   i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced respective fine chemical     production. -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, e.g. the elite crops.

[0054.0.24.24] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 resp.

[0055.0.0.24] to [0064.0.0.24]: see [0055.0.0.0] to [0064.0.0.0]

[0065.0.0.24]: see [0065.0.0.0]

[0066.0.0.24] to [0067.0.0.24]: see [0066.0.0.0] to [0067.0.0.0]

[0068.0.24.24] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular beta-carotene or IPP is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.24] see [0069.0.0.0]

[0070.0.24.24] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding a protein of the invention into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolites composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous composition of carotenoids, in particular carotenes, in particular beta-carotene, e.g. comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) carotenoids, in particular carotene, in particular beta-carotene or precursors thereof, e.g. IPP.

[0071.0.0.24] see [0071.0.0.0]

[0072.0.24.24] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are further carotenoids, e.g. carotenes or carotene, e.g. ketocarentoids, or hydrocarotenoids, e.g. lutein, lycopene, alpha-carotene, or beta-carentene, or other compounds for which IPP is a precursor well known for the skilled.

[0073.0.24.24] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

(c) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant; (d) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or a homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and described below, e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism, preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant, (e) growing an organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and (f) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or bound the respective fine chemical and, optionally further free and/or bound carotenoids, in particular carotene, in particular beta-carotene or its precursor IPP, synthesized by the organism, the microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.24.24] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound the respective fine chemical or the free and bound the respective fine chemical but as option it is also possible to produce, recover and, if desired isolate, other free or/and bound carotenoids, in particular carotene, in particular beta-carotene or the carotene precursor IPP.

[0075.0.0.24] to [0077.0.0.24]: see [0075.0.0.0] to [0077.0.0.0]

[0078.0.24.24] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, the respective fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications, for example according to the disclosures made in U.S. Pat. No. 6,399,115: Method and composition for the treatment of benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) and prevention of prostate cancer

U.S. Pat. No. 6,399,114: Nutritional system for nervous system disorders U.S. Pat. No. 6,399,060: Composition having nematicidal activity U.S. Pat. No. 6,399,046: Use of a content of catechins or a content of green tea extract in cosmetic preparations for tanning the skin U.S. Pat. No. 6,395,782: Method of increasing longevity and preventing body weight wasting in autoimmune disease by using conjugated linoleic acid U.S. Pat. No. 6,395,508: Peptide mixture and products thereof U.S. Pat. No. 6,395,315: Fermentation composition, process for preparing the same, and use thereof U.S. Pat. No. 6,395,311: Multicomponent biological vehicle U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,230: Sterol esters as food additives U.S. Pat. No. 6,391,640: Methods and compositions for cellular and metabolic engineering U.S. Pat. No. 6,391,332: Therapeutic micronutrient composition for severe trauma, burns and critical illness U.S. Pat. No. 6,391,321: Emulsifier-free finely disperse systems of the oil-in-water and water-in-oil type U.S. Pat. No. 6,391,319: Cosmetic and dermatological emulsions comprising alkyl glucosides and increased electrolyte concentrations U.S. Pat. No. 6,391,289: Use of sunscreen combinations comprising, as essential constituent, 4,4′-diarylbutadienes as photostable UV filters in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,961: Alkyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxyglucopyranoside and methods of emulsifying U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,927: Epothilone derivatives and their use as antitumor agents U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,883: Method for the prevention and treatment of cachexia and anorexia U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,878: Methods of treating intestinal ischemia using heparin-binding epidermal growth factor U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,862: Bleach compositions U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,418: Pomegranate extracts and methods of using thereof U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,370: Compositions containing extracts of Morinda citrifolia, red wine, prune, blueberry, pomegranate, apple and enzyme mixture U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,355: Use of sunscreen combinations comprising, as essential constituent, amino-substituted hydroxybenzophenones as photostable UV filters in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations U.S. Pat. No. 6,384,090: Preparation of active ingredient dispersions and apparatus therefor U.S. Pat. No. 6,384,085: Material separated from Ecklonia cava, method for extracting and purifying the same, and use thereof as antioxidants U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,751: Assessing lipid metabolism U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,543: Process for the extraction of an organic salt from plants, the salt, and other similar salts U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,524: Compositions and methods for enhancing therapeutic effects U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,523: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for managing skin conditions U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,503: PREPARATIONS OF THE W/O EMULSION TYPE WITH AN INCREASED WATER CONTENT, ADDITIONALLY COMPRISING ONE OR MORE ALKYLMETHICONE COPOLYOLS AND/OR ALKYLDIMETHICONE COPOLYOLS, AND, IF DESIRED, CATIONIC POLYMERS U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,474: Carotenoid preparation U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,473: Solid composition for reducing tooth erosion U.S. Pat. No. 6,380,442: Process for the isolation of mixed carotenoids from plants U.S. Pat. No. 6,380,232: Benzimidazole urea derivatives, and pharmaceutical compositions and unit dosages thereof U.S. Pat. No. 6,380,227: Fermentative preparation process for and crystal forms of cytostatics U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,697: Stabilization of photosensitive materials U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,683: Nanocapsules based on dendritic polymers U.S. Pat. No. 6,376,722: Lutein to zeaxanthin isomerization process and product U.S. Pat. No. 6,376,717: Preparation of astaxanthin U.S. Pat. No. 6,376,544: Nutritional product for a person having renal failure U.S. Pat. No. 6,376,498: Pharmaceutical, cosmetic and/or food composition with antioxidant properties U.S. Pat. No. 6,376,455: Quaternary ammonium compounds, compositions containing them, and uses thereof U.S. Pat. No. 6,376,005: Antimicrobial composition for food and beverage products U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,993: Pomegranate extracts and methods of using thereof U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,992: Methods of hydrating mammalian skin comprising oral administration of a defined composition U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,963: Bioadhesive hot-melt extruded film for topical and mucosal adhesion applications and drug delivery and process for preparation thereof U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,956: Strip pack U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,873: Process and apparatus for producing stably fine-particle powders U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,964: For higher basidiomycetes mushrooms grown as biomass in submerged culture U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,946: Preparation of 4,4′-diketo-.beta.-carotene derivatives

The cited literature describe some preferred embodiments. Said applications describe some advantageous embodiments without meant to be limiting. The fermentation broth, fermentation products, plants or plant products can be purified as described in above mentioned applications and other methods known to the person skilled in the art, e.g. as described in Methods in Enzymology: Carotenoids, Part A:

Chemistry, Separation, Quantitation and Antioxidation, by John N Abelson or Part B, Metabolism, Genetics, and Biochemistry, or described herein below. Products of these different work-up procedures are IPP and/or beta-carotenes and optional other carotenoids, comprising compositions which still comprise fermentation broth, plant particles and cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably between below 50% by weight.

[0079.0.0.24] to [0084.0.0.24]: see [0079.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0]

[0084.2.24.24] The invention also contemplates embodiments in which the [3-carotene, or other carotenoid precursor compounds in the production of the respective fine chemical like IPP, is present in the flowers of the flowering plant chosen as the host (for example, marigolds). The invention also contemplates embodiments in which a host plant's flowers lack β-carotene or other carotenoid precursors, such as IPP. In a plant of the latter type, the inserted DNA includes genes that code for carotenoid precursors (compounds that can be converted biologically into β-carotene) and a ketolase, as well as a hydroxylase, if otherwise absent.

In one embodiment, preferred flowering plants include, but are not limited to: Amaryllidaceae (Allium, Narcissus); Apocynaceae (Catharanthus); Asteraceae, alternatively Compositae (Aster, Calendula, Callistephus, Cichorium, Coreopsis, Dahlia, Dendranthema, Gazania, Gerbera, Helianthus, Helichrysum, Lactuca, Rudbeckia, Tagetes, Zinnia); Balsaminaceae (Impatiens); Begoniaceae (Begonia); Caryophyllaceae (Dianthus); Chenopodiaceae (Beta, Spinacia); Cucurbitaceae (Citrullus, Curcurbita, Cucumis); Cruciferae (Alyssum, Brassica, Erysimum, Matthiola, Raphanus); Gentinaceae (Eustoma); Geraniaceae (Pelargonium); Graminae, alternatively Poaceae, (Avena, Horedum, Oryza, Panicum, Pennisetum, Poa, Saccharum, Secale, Sorghum, Triticum, Zea); Euphorbiaceae (Poinsettia); Labiatae (Salvia); Leguminosae (Glycine, Lathyrus, Medicago, Phaseolus, Pisum); Liliaceae (Cilium); Lobeliaceae (Lobelia); Malvaceae (Abelmoschus, Gossypium, MaIva); Plumbaginaceae (Limonium); Polemoniaceae (Phlox); Primulaceae (Cyclamen); Ranunculaceae (Aconitum, Anemone, Aquilegia, Caltha, Delphinium, Ranunculus); Rosaceae (Rosa); Rubiaceae (Pentas); Scrophulariaceae (Angelonia, Antirrhinum, Torenia); Solanaceae (Capsicum, Lycopersicon, Nicotiana, Petunia, Solanum); Umbelliferae (Apium, Daucus, Pastinaca); Verbenaceae (Verbena, Lantana); Violaceae (Viola).

[0085.0.24.24] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5     or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, and/or lines 278,     280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, or a     derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288,     and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or     lines 637 to 641, or a derivative thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.24] to [0087.0.0.24]: see [0086.0.0.0] to [0087.0.0.0]

[0088.0.24.24] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose content of the respective fine chemical is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for poultry is dependent on the abovementioned carotene, in particular beta-carotene and the general amount of xanthohylls as energy source in feed. Further, this is also important for the production of cosmetic compostions since, for example, the antioxidant level of plant extracts is dependent on the amount of th abovementioned carotene, in particular beta-carotene and/or the amount of carotenoids as antioxidants.

[0088.1.0.24] see [0088.1.0.0]

[0089.0.0.24] to [0090.0.0.24]: see [0089.0.0.0] to [0090.0.0.0]

[0091.0.24.24] Thus, the content of plant components and preferably also further impurities is as low as possible, and the abovementioned carotene, in particular beta-carotene, in particular the fine chemical, is/are obtained in as pure form as possible. In these applications, the content of plant components advantageously amounts to less than 10%, preferably 1%, more preferably 0.1%, very especially preferably 0.01% or less.

[0092.0.0.24] to [0094.0.0.24]: see [0092.0.0.0] to [0094.0.0.0]

[0095.0.24.24] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of said carotenoids, in particular carotene, in particular beta-carotene in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the pure respective fine chemical.

[0096.0.24.24] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptide or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired fine chemical, for example zeaxanthin or cryptoxanthin in the organism, is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical. It has been reported, that the inhibition of Lyopene production increases the amount of other carotene, in particular beta-carotene in the cell. Further it may be, that the inhibition of enzymes using zeaxanthin or cryptoxanthin as substrate increases the amount of said chemicals in a cell. For example, in one embodiment, it can be advantageous to inhibit the production of astaxanthin, if a high amount of cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin is desired.

[0097.0.24.24] Glucosides, in particular, dicglucosides of the zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin as well as other modification of zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin are known to a person skilled in the art. In may also be advantageous to increase the content of the bound respective fine chemical, e.g. of modification of zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin, in particular its glucosides, e.g. diglucosides.

[0098.0.24.24] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further carotenoids, e.g. carotenes or carotene, in particular beta-carotene, in particular ketocarentoids or hydrocarotenoids, e.g. lutein, lycopene, alpha-carotene, or beta-carentene, or compounds for which the respective fine chemical is a biosynthesis precursor compounds, e.g. astaxanthin, or mixtures thereof or mixtures of other carotenoids, in particular of carotene, in particular beta-carotene, by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.24.24] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned desired fine chemical may accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, and spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the respective fine chemical comprising compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.24.24] Transgenic plants which comprise the carotenoids such as said carotene, in particular beta-carotene, e.g. cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin (or astaxanthin as it is synthesized from cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin) synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the carotenoids synthesized to be isolated. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue.

However, the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, (in the form of their oils, fats, lipids, as extracts, e.g. ether, alcohol, or other organic solvents or water containing extract and/or free carotene, in particular beta-carotene. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts. To increase the efficiency of extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material. E.g., oils, fats, and/or lipids comprising carotene, in particular beta-carotene can be obtained by what is known as cold beating or cold pressing without applying heat. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, specifically the seeds, they can previously be comminuted, steamed or roasted. Seeds, which have been pretreated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents such as warm hexane. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. Thereafter, the resulting products can be processed further, i.e. degummed and/or refined. In this process, substances such as the plant mucilages and suspended matter can be first removed. What is known as desliming can be affected enzymatically or, for example, chemico-physically by addition of acid such as phosphoric acid.

Because carotenoids in microorganisms are localized intracellular, their recovery essentials comes down to the isolation of the biomass. Well-established approaches for the harvesting of cells include filtration, centrifugation and coagulation/flocculation as described herein. Of the residual hydrocarbon, adsorbed on the cells, has to be removed. Solvent extraction or treatment with surfactants have been suggested for this purpose. However, it can be advantageous to avoid this treatment as it can result in cells devoid of most carotenoids.

[0101.0.24.24] The identity and purity of the compound(s) isolated can be determined by prior-art techniques. They encompass high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assays or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are compiled in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11 27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19:67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Bd. A27, VCH Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michel, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 17.

[0102.0.24.24] Carotene, in particular beta-carotene, in particular beta-cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin can for example be detected advantageously via HPLC, LC or GC separation methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of carotene, in particular beta-carotene, in particular beta-cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin containing products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MS, MS or TLC). The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding, cooking, or via other applicable methods.

[0103.0.24.24] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table IIA     or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289,     and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to     641 or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount     of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288,     and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or     lines 637 to 641, -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridization     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table III, columns 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288,     and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or     lines 637 to 641, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table IV,     columns 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, and/or lines     278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5     or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, and/or lines 278,     280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0104.0.24.24] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641.

[0105.0.0.24] to [0107.0.0.24]: see [0105.0.0.0] to [0107.0.0.0]

[0108.0.24.24] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from an amino acid sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical, meaning carotenoids, in particular carotene, in particular beta-carotene or the carotene precursor IPP, resp., after increasing its expression or activity, are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.24.24] In one embodiment, said sequences are cloned into nucleic acid constructs, either individually or in combination. These nucleic acid constructs enable an optimal synthesis of the respective fine chemicals, in particular IPP or beta-carotene, produced in the process according to the invention.

[0110.0.0.24] see. [0110.0.0.0]

[0111.0.0.24] see [0111.0.0.0]

[0112.0.24.24] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 28 and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 and 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 and conferring an increase in the IPP and/or beta-carotene level, respectively.

[0113.0.0.24] to [0114.0.0.24]: see [0113.0.0.0] to [0114.0.0.0]

[0115.0.0.24] see [0115.0.0.0]

[0116.0.0.24] to [0120.0.0.24] see [0116.0.0.0] to [0120.0.0.0]

[0120.1.0.24] Production strains which are also advantageously selected in the process according to the invention are microorganisms selected from the group green algae, like Spongioccoccum exentricum, Chlorella sorokiniana (pyrenoidosa, 7-11-05), or form the group of fungi like fungi belonging to the Daccrymycetaceae family, or non-photosynthetic bacteria, like methylotrophs, flavobacteria, actinomycetes, like streptomyces chrestomyceticus, Mycobacteria like Mycobacterim phlei, or Rhodobacter capsulatus.

[0121.0.24.24] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity I.e. they confer a beta-carotene increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289 or conferring a IPP level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641.

[0122.0.0.24] to [0127.0.0.24]: see [0122.0.0.0] to [0127.0.0.0]

[0128.0.24.24] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table III, columns 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, respective lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 or the sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, respective lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp.

[0129.0.24.24] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence indicated in Table IV, columns 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 is derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.24.24] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing the expression or activity the protein comprising said fragment.

[0131.0.0.24] to [0138.0.0.24]: see [0131.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0]

[0139.0.24.24] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical level increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridise to a sequence indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 for beta-carotene or indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 for IPP under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the respective fine chemical, i.e. beta-carotene or IPP, resp., —increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.24] to [0146.0.0.24]: see [0140.0.0.0] to [0146.0.0.0]

[0147.0.24.24] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridise to one of said nucleotide sequences, thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.24.24] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular having a IPP or beta-carotene-increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.24.24] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring a IPP or beta-carotene increase, resp., and optionally, the activity of protein indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 5, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641.

[00149.1.24.24] Optionally, in one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641.

[0150.0.24.24] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of beta-carotene or IPP, resp., if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 or its gene product.

[0151.0.0.24]: see [0151.0.0.0]

[0152.0.24.24] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular a beta-carotene (lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289) or IPP (lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641) increasing activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.24.24] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641.

[0154.0.24.24] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table

IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.24] to [0156.0.0.24]: see [0155.0.0.0] to [0156.0.0.0]

[0157.0.24.24] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as polypeptides comprising the sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 or as polypeptides depicted in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 or the functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, an amino acid sequence of a consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 or the functional homologues. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp.

[0158.0.0.24] to [0160.0.0.24]: see [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0]

[0161.0.24.24] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.24] see [0162.0.0.0]

[0163.0.24.24] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the amount of the respective fine chemical in a organism or a part thereof, e.g. a tissue, a cell, or a compartment of a cell, after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.24] see [0164.0.0.0]

[0165.0.24.24] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 resp.

[0166.0.0.24] to [0167.0.0.24]: see [0166.0.0.0] to [0167.0.0.0]

[0168.0.24.24] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 resp., and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g.

its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 resp., more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641.

[0169.0.0.24] to [0172.0.0.24]: see [0169.0.0.0] to [0172.0.0.0]

[0173.0.24.24] For example a sequence, which has 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 34228 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 34228 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.24]: see [0174.0.0.0]

[0175.0.24.24] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 34229 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 34229 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.24.24] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp.

[0177.0.24.24] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp.

[0178.0.0.24] see [0178.0.0.0]

[0179.0.24.24] A nucleic acid molecule encoding an homologous to a protein sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences of a sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.24] to [0183.0.0.24]: see [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0]

[0184.0.24.24] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.24.24] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp.

[0186.0.24.24] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp.,

[0187.0.24.24] In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp.

[0188.0.24.24] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., and is expressed under identical conditions.

[0189.0.24.24] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.24]: see [0190.0.0.0]

[0191.0.0.24] The organisms or part thereof produce according to the herein mentioned process of the invention an increased level of free and/or bound the respective fine chemical compared to said control or selected organisms or parts thereof.

[0192.0.0.24] to [0203.0.0.24]: see [0192.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0]

[0204.0.24.24] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5     or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278,     280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp.; or a     fragment thereof conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, i.e. beta-carotene (lines lines 279, 282,     285, 286, 288, and/or 289) or IPP (lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284     and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641), resp., in an organism or a part     thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table IA or IB,     columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or     lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641,     resp., or a fragment thereof conferring an increase in the amount of     the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table III, columns 5 or 7,     lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281,     283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, i.e.     beta-carotene (lines lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289) or     IPP (lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to     641), resp., in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines     279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283,     284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 and conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical, i.e. beta-carotene     (lines lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289) or IPP (lines 278,     280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641), resp., in an     organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domain of a polypeptide as indicated in Table     IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289     and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287, resp., and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical, i.e. beta-carotene (lines lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288     and/or 289) or IPP (lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or     lines 637 to 641), resp., in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285,     286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287     and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., or a nucleic acid molecule encoding,     preferably at least the mature form of, a polypeptide as indicated     in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288     and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or     lines 637 to 641, resp., and conferring an increase in the amount of     the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; or     which encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB,     columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289, and/or     lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641,     resp., by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic     acid molecule of the invention does not consist of the sequence as     indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285,     286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287     and/or lines 637 to 641, resp. In an other embodiment, the nucleic     acid molecule of the present invention is at least 30% identical and     less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a     sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279,     282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284     and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp. In a further embodiment     the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide sequence as     indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285,     286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287     and/or lines 637 to 641, resp. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the     nucleic acid molecule of the present invention encodes in one     embodiment a polypeptide which differs at least in one or more amino     acids from a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or     7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280,     281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 does not encode a     protein of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or     7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280,     281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641. Accordingly, in     one embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid     according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated     in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288     and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or     lines 637 to 641. In a further embodiment, the protein of the     present invention is at least 30% identical to a protein sequence     indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285,     286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287     and/or lines 637 to 641 and less than 100%, preferably less than     99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 98%, 97%,     96% or 95% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB,     columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or     lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641.

[0205.0.0.24] to [0206.0.0.24]: see [0205.0.0.0] to [0206.0.0.0]

[0207.0.24.24] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes, are genes of the carotenoid metabolism, the carotene, in particular beta-carotene metabolism, the astaxanthin metabolism, the amino acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acid metabolism or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.24] to [0226.0.0.24]: see [0208.0.0.0] to [0226.0.0.0]

[0227.0.24.24] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 or its derivatives, it is advantageous to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the carotenoid, in particular carotene biosynthetic pathway, e.g. one of the above mentioned genes of this pathway, or e.g. for the synthesis of astaxanthin or for another provitamin A or for another carotenoids or carotene, is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine one or more of the sequences indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.24.24] In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore, organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of at least one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteins involved in the carotenoid, in particular carotenes metabolism, in particular in synthesis of beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin or lutein.

[0229.0.24.24] Further advantageous nucleic acid sequences which can be expressed in combination with the sequences used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes are the sequences encoding further genes of the carotenoids biosynthetic pathway, such as phytoene synthase (Psy), which is an important control point for the regulation of the flux (Fraser et al., 2002), phytoene desaturase (Pds), z-carotene desaturase, above mentioned enzymes (s. introduction of the application), e.g. hydroxylases such as beta-carotene hydroxylase (U.S. Pat. No. 6,214,575), ketolases, or cyclases such as the beta-cyclase (U.S. Pat. No. 6,232,530) or oxygenases such as the beta-C4-oxygenase described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,218,599 or homologs thereof, astaxanthin synthase (U.S. Pat. No. 6,365,386), or other genes as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,150,130. These genes can lead to an increased synthesis of the essential carotenoids, in particular carotene, in particular beta-carotenes.

[0230.0.0.24] see [230.0.0.0].

[0231.0.24.24] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a beta-carotene or IPP degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.24] to [0276.0.0.24]: see [0232.0.0.0] to [0276.0.0.0]

[0277.0.24.24] The respective fine chemical produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker are familiar, for example via extraction, salt precipitation, and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously. The fine respective chemical, i.e. e.g. beta-carotene or IPP, and other carotenoids, in particular carotenes produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts

[0278.0.0.24] to [0282.0.0.24]: see [0278.0.0.0] to [0282.0.0.0]

[0283.0.24.24] Moreover, native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, e.g. an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., or an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof, i.e., the polypeptide of this invention. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies.

[0284.0.0.24] see [0284.0.0.0]

[0285.0.24.24] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., or as coded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.24.24] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 287 to 289 and/or 637 to 641, resp.

[0287.0.0.24] to [0289.0.0.24]: see [0287.0.0.0] to [0289.0.0.0]

[00290.0.24.24] The alignment was performed with the Software AlignX (Sep. 25, 2002) a component of Vector NTI Suite 8.0, InforMax™, Invitrogen™ life science software, U.S. Main Office, 7305 Executive Way, Frederick, Md. 21704, USA with the following settings: For pairwise alignments: gap opening penalty: 10.0; gap extension penalty 0.1. For multiple alignments: Gap opening penalty: 10.0; Gap extension penalty: 0.1; Gap separation penalty range: 8; Residue substitution matrix: blosum62; Hydrophilic residues: G P S N D Q E K R; Transition weighting: 0.5; Consensus calculation options: Residue fraction for consensus: 0.9. Presettings were selected to allow also for the alignment of conserved amino acids

[0291.0.24.24] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641.

[0292.0.0.24] see [0292.0.0.0]

[0293.0.24.24] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp.

[0294.0.24.24] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 resp., which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.24] to [0296.0.0.24]: see [0295.0.0.0] to [0296.0.0.0]

[0297.0.0.24] see [0297.0.0.0]

[00297.1.24.24] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 3, 5 or 7, lines 278 to 289 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp.

[0298.0.24.24] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284, and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 resp.

[0299.0.24.24] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.24.24] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp.

[0301.0.0.24] see [0301.0.0.0]

[0302.0.24.24] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 resp., or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.24] see [0303.0.0.0]

[0304.0.24.24] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.24] to [0308.0.0.24]: see [0305.0.0.0] to [0308.0.0.0]

[0309.0.0.24] In one embodiment, a reference to a protein (=polypeptide) of the invention or as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.24] to [0334.0.0.24]: see [0310.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0]

[0335.0.24.24] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived there from), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence sequences as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.24] to [0342.0.0.24]: see [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0]

[0343.0.24.24] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288, and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.24] to [0350.0.0.24]: see [0344.0.0.0] to [0350.0.0.0]

[0351.0.0.24] to [0361.0.0.24]: see [0351.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0]

[0362.0.24.24] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., e.g. encoding a polypeptide having protein activity, as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 3, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp. Due to the above mentioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.24] see [0363.0.0.0]

[0364.0.24.24] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of a promoter of a gene encoding a polypeptide of the invention as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, column 3, 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., with the corresponding protein-encoding sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, column 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., —becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modified by non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example, mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

[0365.0.0.24] to [0373.0.0.24]: see [0365.0.0.0] to [0373.0.0.0]

[0374.0.24.24] Transgenic plants comprising the respective fine chemical synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. The respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free beta-carotene or free IPP or bound in or to compounds or moieties, like glucosides, e.g. diglucosides. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography or other chromatographic methods of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.24] to [0376.0.0.24]: see [0375.0.0.0] to [0376.0.0.0]

[0377.0.24.24] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process according to the present invention whereby the produced carotenoids, e.g the fine chemical(s) comprising composition is isolated. In one embodiment, the produced respective fine chemical is isolated.

[0378.0.24.24] In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the respective fine chemical produced in the process can be isolated. The resulting respective fine chemical can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.24.24] In one embodiment, the product of the process is a mixture of the fine chemicals. In one embodiment, the product is a mixture of the respective fine chemicals with other carotenoids.

[0380.0.24.24] The respective fine chemicals obtained in the process are suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a method for the production of pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the respective fine chemical containing composition produced by the process of the invention or the respective fine chemical produced by the process of the invention—if desired—and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical or cosmetic acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the the respective fine chemical produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals or for the production of other carotenoids, e.g. in after isolation of the respective fine chemical or without, e.g. in situ, e.g within the organism used for the process for the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0381.0.0.24] to [0382.0.0.24]: see [0381.0.0.0] to [0382.0.0.0]

[0383.0.24.24] ./.

[0384.0.0.24] see [0384.0.0.0]

[0385.0.24.24] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular IPP or beta-carotene in mixtures with other carotenoids, in particular with other carotenoids, in particular carotenes, or containing microorganisms or parts of microorganisms, like plastids, containing the respective fine chemical or the carotenoids produced in mixtures with other carotenoids, in particular with other carotene, normally have a dry matter content of from 1 to 70% by weight, preferably 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, e.g. at the end, for example over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 10 g/l, preferably to 0 to 3 g/l during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed or isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it.

The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

As carotenoids are often localized in membranes or plastids, in one embodiment it is advantageous to avoid a leaching of the cells when the biomass is isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth. The dry biomass can directly be added to animal feed, provided the carotenoids concentration is sufficiently high and no toxic compounds are present. In view of the instability of carentoids, conditions for drying, e.g. spray or flash-drying, can be mild and can be avoiding oxidation and cis/trans isomerization. For example antioxidants, e.g. BHT, ethoxyquin or other, can be added. In case the carotenoids concentration in the biomass is to dilute, solvent extraction can be used for their isolation, e.g. with alcohols, ether or other organic solvents, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, aceton, alcoholic potassium hydroxide, glycerol-phenol, liquefied phenol or for example with acids or bases, like trichloroacetatic acid or potassium hydroxide. A wide range of advantageous Methods and techniques for the isolation of carotenoids, in particular of the respective fine chemical, in particular of IPP or beta-carotine can be found in the state of the art. In case phenol is used it can for example be removed with ether and water extraction and the dry eluate comprises a mixture of the carotenoids of the biomass.

[0386.0.24.24] Accordingly, it is possible to further purify the respective fine chemicals or other carotenoids, in particular the carotenes produced according to the invention. For this purpose, the product-containing composition, e.g. a total or partial lipid extraction fraction using organic solvents, e.g. as described above, is subjected for example (without meaning to be limited) to a saponification to remove triglycerides, partition between e.g. hexane/methanol (separation of non-polar epiphase from more polar hypophasic derivates) and separation via e.g. an open column chromatography or HPLC in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use.

[0387.0.0.24] to [0392.0.0.24]: see [0387.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0]

[0393.0.24.24] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   (f) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   (g) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279,     282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284     and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641, resp., and, optionally,     isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete genomic clone; -   (h) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the respective fine chemical; -   (i) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   (j) assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host cells;     and -   (k) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the respective fine chemical level     in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.24] to [0398.0.0.24]: see [0394.0.0.0] to [0398.0.0.0]

[0399.0.24.24] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to process for the identification of a compound conferring increased the respective fine chemical production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps:

(d) culturing a cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide according to the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding said polypeptide and a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of said readout system and the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the invention; and (e) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said readout system.

The screen for a gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production can be performed by growth of an organism for example a microorganism in the presence of growth reducing amounts of an inhibitor of the synthesis of the respective fine chemical. Better growth, e.g. higher dividing rate or high dry mass in comparison to the control under such conditions would identify a gene or gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in respective fine chemical production.

[00399.1.24.24] One can think to screen for increased production of the respective fine chemical by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the respective fine chemical and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotype of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.24] to [0415.0.0.24]: see [0400.0.0.0] to [0415.0.0.0]

[0416.0.0.24] see [0416.0.0.0]

[0417.0.24.24] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the carotenoids, in particular carotene production biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention or the polypeptide described for the process of the invention may protect an organism such as a microorganism or a plant against inhibitors, which block the carotenoid or carotene synthesis, in particular the respective fine chemical synthesis in said organism. Examples of inhibitors or herbicides blocking the synthesis of carotenoids in organism such as microorganism or plants are for example classified in two groups. The first group consists of inhibitors that cause the accumulation of early intermediates in the pathway, particularly the colorless phytene, e.g. diphenylamine. Other inhibitors preferentially block late reactions in the pathway, notably the cyclization of lycopene. Inhibitors are e.g. nicotine, 2-(4-chlorophenylthio)-triethylamine and other substituted amines as well as nitrogenous heterocyclic bases, e.g. imidazole.

As carotene may protect organisms against damages of oxidative stress, especially singlet oxygens, a increased level of the respective respective fine chemical can protect plants against herbicides which cause the toxic build-up of oxidative compounds, e.g. singlet oxygen. For example, inhibition of the protoporphorineogen oxidase (Protox), an enzyme important in the synthesis of chlorophyll and heme biosynthesis results in the loss of chlorophyll and carotenoids and in leaky membranes; the membrane destruction is due to creation of free oxygen radicals (which is also reported for other classic photosynthetic inhibitor herbicides).

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the increase of the level of the respective fine chemical is used to protect plants against herbicides destroying membranes due to the creation of free oxygen radicals.

Examples of inhibitors or herbicides building up oxidative stress are aryl triazion, e.g. sulfentrazone, carfentrazone, or diphenylethers, e.g. acifluorfen, lactofen, or oxyfluorfen, or N-Phenylphthalimide, e.g. flumiclorac or flumioxazin, substituted ureas, e.g. fluometuron, tebuthiuron, or diuron, linuron, or triazines, e.g. atrazine, prometryn, ametryn, metributzin, prometon, simazine, or hexazinone, or uracils, e.g. bromacil or terbacil.

Carotenoid inhibitors are e.g. Pyridines and Pyridazinones, e.g. norflurazon, fluridone or dithiopyr. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of an increase of the respective fine chemical according to the present invention for the protection of plants against carotenoids inhibitors as pyridines and pyridazinones.

[0418.0.0.24] to [0423.0.0.24]: see [0418.0.0.0] to [0423.0.0.0]

[0424.0.24.24] Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the respective fine chemical or of the respective fine chemical and one or more other carotenoids, in particular other carotene, e.g. astaxanthin, alpha or gamma-carotene etc.

Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the respective fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0424.1.0.24] In a further embodiment the present invention relates to the use of the antagonist of the present invention, the plant of the present invention or a part thereof, the microorganism or the host cell of the present invention or a part thereof for the production a cosmetic composition or a pharmaceutical composition. Such a composition has antioxidative activity, photoprotective activity, tanning activity, can be used for the treating of high levels of cholesterol and/or lipids, can be used to protect, treat or heal the above mentioned diseases, e.g. retinal disorders, hyperholsterolemia, hyperlipidemia, and ahterosclerosis, or can be used for the cleaning, conditioning, and/or treating of the skin, e.g. if combined with a pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable carrier.

The respective fine chemical, in particular beta-carotene can be also used as stabilizer of other colours or oxygen sensitive compounds.

[0425.0.0.24] to [0434.0.0.24]: see [0425.0.0.0] to [0434.0.0.0]

[0435.0.24.24] Example 3 In-Vivo and In-Vitro Mutagenesis

[0436.0.24.24] An in vivo mutagenesis of organisms such as green algae (e.g. Spongiococcum sp, e.g. Spongiococcum exentricum, Chlorella sp.), Saccharomyces, Mortierella, Escherichia and others mentioned above, which are beneficial for the production of carotenoid, e.g. carotene, in particular beta-carotene, or its precursour IPP, can be carried out by passing a plasmid DNA (or another vector DNA) containing the desired nucleic acid sequence or nucleic acid sequences, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the vector of the invention, through E. coli and other microorganisms (for example Bacillus spp. or yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which are not capable of maintaining the integrity of its genetic information.

Usual mutator strains have mutations in the genes for the DNA repair system [for example mutHLS, mutD, mutT and the like; for comparison, see Rupp, W. D. (1996) DNA repair mechanisms in Escherichia coli and Salmonella, pp. 2277-2294, ASM: Washington]. The skilled worker knows these strains. The use of these strains is illustrated for example in Greener, A. and Callahan, M. (1994) Strategies 7; 32-34.

In-vitro mutation methods such as increasing the spontaneous mutation rates by chemical or physical treatment are well known to the skilled person. Mutagens like 5-bromo-uracil, N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (=NTG), ethyl methanesulfonate (=EMS), hydroxylamine and/or nitrous acid are widly used as chemical agents for random in-vitro mutagensis. The most common physical method for mutagensis is the treatment with UV irradiation. Another random mutagenesis technique is the error-prone PCR for introducing amino acid changes into proteins. Mutations are deliberately introduced during PCR through the use of error-prone DNA polymerases and special reaction conditions known to a person skilled in the art. For this method randomized DNA sequences are cloned into expression vectors and the resulting mutant libraries screened for altered or improved protein activity as described below.

Site-directed mutagensis method such as the introduction of desired mutations with an M13 or phagemid vector and short oligonucleotides primers is a well-known approach for site-directed mutagensis. The clou of this method involves cloning of the nucleic acid sequence of the invention into an M13 or phagemid vector, which permits recovery of single-stranded recombinant nucleic acid sequence. A mutagenic oligonucleotide primer is then designed whose sequence is perfectly complementary to nucleic acid sequence in the region to be mutated, but with a single difference: at the intended mutation site it bears a base that is complementary to the desired mutant nucleotide rather than the original. The mutagenic oligonucleotide is then allowed to prime new DNA synthesis to create a complementary full-length sequence containing the desired mutation. Another site-directed mutagensis method is the PCR mismatch primer mutagensis method also known to the skilled person. Dpnl site-directed mutagensis is a further known method as described for example in the Stratagene Quickchange™ site-directed mutagenesis kit protocol. A huge number of other methods are also known and used in common practice.

Positive mutation events can be selected by screening the organisms for the production of the desired respective fine chemical.

[0437.0.24.24] Example 4 DNA Transfer Between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Mortierella alpine

[0438.0.24.24] Shuttle vectors such as pYE22m, pPAC-ResQ, pClasper, pAUR224, pAMH10, pAML10, pAMT10, pAMU10, pGMH10, pGML10, pGMT10, pGMU10, pPGAL1, pPADH1, pTADH1, pTAex3, pNGA142, pHT3101 and derivatives thereof which allow the transfer of nucleic acid sequences between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or Mortierella alpina are available to the skilled worker. An easy method to isolate such shuttle vectors is disclosed by Soni R. and Murray J. A. H. [Nucleic Acid Research, vol. 20 no. 21, 1992: 5852]: If necessary such shuttle vectors can be constructed easily using standard vectors for E. coli (Sambrook, J. et al., (1989), “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons) and/or the aforementioned vectors, which have a replication origin for, and suitable marker from, Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Mortierella alpina added. Such replication origins are preferably taken from endogenous plasmids, which have been isolated from species used in the inventive process. Genes, which are used in particular as transformation markers for these species are genes for kanamycin resistance (such as those which originate from the Tn5 or Tn-903 transposon) or for chloramphenicol resistance (Winnacker, E. L. (1987) “From Genes to Clones—Introduction to Gene Technology, VCH, Weinheim) or for other antibiotic resistance genes such as for G418, gentamycin, neomycin, hygromycin or tetracycline resistance.

[0439.0.24.24] Using standard methods, it is possible to clone a gene of interest into one of the above-described shuttle vectors and to introduce such hybrid vectors into the microorganism strains used in the inventive process. The transformation of Saccharomyces can be achieved for example by LiCI or sheroplast transformation (Bishop et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 6, 1986: 3401-3409; Sherman et al., Methods in Yeasts in Genetics, [Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y.] 1982, Agatep et al., Technical Tips Online 1998, 1:51: P01525 or Gietz et al., Methods Mol. Cell. Biol. 5, 1995: 255f) or electroporation (Delorme E., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., vol. 55, no. 9, 1989: 2242-2246).

[0440.0.24.24] If the transformed sequence(s) is/are to be integrated advantageously into the genome of the microorganism used in the inventive process for example into the yeast or fungi genome, standard techniques known to the skilled worker also exist for this purpose. Solinger et al. (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA., 2001 (15): 8447-8453) and Freedman et al. (Genetics, Vol. 162, 15-27, September 2002) teaches a homolog recombination system dependent on rad 50, rad51, rad54 and rad59 in yeasts. Vectors using this system for homologous recombination are vectors derived from the Ylp series. Plasmid vectors derived for example from the 2μ-Vector are known by the skilled worker and used for the expression in yeasts. Other preferred vectors are for example pART1, pCHY21 or pEVP11 as they have been described by McLeod et al. (EMBO J. 1987, 6:729-736) and Hoffman et al. (Genes Dev. 5, 1991: 561-571.) or Russell et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 258, 1983: 143-149.). Other beneficial yeast vectors are plasmids of the REP, REP-X, pYZ or RIP series.

[0441.0.0.24] see [0441.0.0.0]

[0442.0.0.24] see [0442.0.0.0]

[0443.0.0.24] see [0443.0.0.0]

[0444.0.24.24] Example 6 Growth of Genetically Modified Organism: Media and Culture Conditions

[0445.0.24.24] Genetically modified Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are grown in synthetic or natural growth media known by the skilled worker. A number of different growth media for Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are well known and widely available. A method for culturing Mortierella is disclosed by Jang et al. [Bot. Bull. Acad. Sin. (2000) 41:41-48]. Mortierella can be grown at 20° C. in a culture medium containing: 10 g/l glucose, 5 g/l yeast extract at pH 6.5. Furthermore Jang et al. teaches a submerged basal medium containing 20 g/l soluble starch, 5 g/l Bacto yeast extract, 10 g/l KNO₃, 1 g/l KH₂PO₄, and 0.5 g/l MgSO₄.7H₂O, pH 6.5.

[0446.0.0.24] to [0450.0.0.24]: see [0446.0.0.0] to [0450.0.0.0]

[0451.0.0.24] see [0451.0.5.5]

[0452.0.0.24] to [0454.0.0.24]: see [0452.0.0.0] to [0454.0.0.0]

[0455.0.24.24] The effect of the genetic modification in plants, fungi, algae, ciliates or on the production of a desired compound (such as a fatty acid) can be determined by growing the modified microorganisms or the modified plant under suitable conditions (such as those described above) and analyzing the medium and/or the cellular components for the elevated production of desired product (i.e. of the lipids or a fatty acid). These analytical techniques are known to the skilled worker and comprise spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, various types of staining methods, enzymatic and microbiological methods and analytical chromatography such as high-performance liquid chromatography (see, for example, Ullman, Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. A2, p. 89-90 and p. 443-613, VCH: Weinheim (1985); Fallon, A., et al., (1987) “Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry” in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and

Molecular Biology, Vol. 17; Rehm et al. (1993) Biotechnology, Vol. 3, Chapter III: “Product recovery and purification”, p. 469-714, VCH: Weinheim; Better, P. A., et al. (1988) Bioseparations: downstream processing for Biotechnology, John Wiley and Sons; Kennedy, J. F., and Cabral, J. M. S. (1992) Recovery processes for biological Materials, John Wiley and Sons; Shaeiwitz, J. A., and Henry, J. D. (1988) Biochemical Separations, in: Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. B3; Chapter 11, p. 1-27, VCH: Weinheim; and Dechow, F. J. (1989) Separation and purification techniques in biotechnology, Noyes Publications).

In addition to the abovementioned processes, plant lipids are extracted from plant material as described by Cahoon et al. (1999) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 96 (22): 12935-12940 and Browse et al. (1986) Analytic Biochemistry 152:141-145. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of lipids is described by Christie, William W., Advances in Lipid Methodology, Ayr/Scotland: Oily Press (Oily Press Lipid Library; 2); Christie, William W., Gas Chromatography and Lipids. A Practical Guide—Ayr, Scotland: Oily Press, 1989, Repr. 1992, IX, 307 pp. (Oily Press Lipid Library; 1); “Progress in Lipid Research, Oxford: Pergamon Press, 1 (1952)—16 (1977) under the title: Progress in the Chemistry of Fats and Other Lipids CODEN.

[0456.0.0.24]: see [0456.0.0.0]

[0457.0.24.24] Example 9 Purification of the Carotene and Determination of the Content

[0458.0.24.24] Abbreviations: GC-MS, gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; TLC, thin-layer chromatography.

The unambiguous detection for the presence of beta-carotene or IPP can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MSMS or TLC, as described The total carotene produced in the organism for example in yeasts used in the inventive process can be analysed for example according to the following procedure:

The material such as yeasts, E. coli or plants to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods.

Plant material is initially homogenized mechanically by comminuting in a pestle and mortar to make it more amenable to extraction.

A typical sample pretreatment consists of a total lipid extraction using such polar organic solvents as acetone or alcohols as methanol, or ethers, saponification, partition between phases, separation of non-polar epiphase from more polar hypophasic derivatives and chromatography. E.g.:

For analysis, solvent delivery and aliquot removal can be accomplished with a robotic system comprising a single injector valve Gilson 232XL and a 402 2S1V diluter [Gilson, Inc. USA, 3000 W. Beltline Highway, Middleton, Wis.]. For saponification, 3 ml of 50% potassium hydroxide hydro-ethanolic solution (4 water:1 ethanol) can be added to each vial, followed by the addition of 3 ml of octanol. The saponification treatment can be conducted at room temperature with vials maintained on an IKA HS 501 horizontal shaker [Labworld-online, Inc., Wilmington, N.C.] for fifteen hours at 250 movements/minute, followed by a stationary phase of approximately one hour.

Following saponification, the supernatant can be diluted with 0.24 ml of methanol. The addition of methanol cqan be conducted under pressure to ensure sample homogeneity. Using a 0.25 ml syringe, a 0.1 ml aliquot can be removed and transferred to HPLC vials for analysis.

For HPLC analysis, a Hewlett Packard 1100 HPLC, complete with a quaternary pump, vacuum degassing system, six-way injection valve, temperature regulated autosampler, column oven and Photodiode Array detector can be used [Agilent Technologies available through Ultra Scientific Inc., 250 Smith Street, North Kingstown,

RI]. The column can be a Waters YMC30, 5-micron, 4.6×250 mm with a guard column of the same material [Waters, 34 Maple Street, Milford, Mass.]. The solvents for the mobile phase can be 81 methanol: 4 water: 15 tetrahydrofuran (THF) stabilized with 0.2% BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol). Injections were 20 l. Separation can be isocratic at 30° C. with a flow rate of 1.7 ml/minute. The peak responses can be measured by absorbance at 447 nm.

Carotenoid compositions can be determined for wild-type and mutant samples selected from those identified in a screening procedure. Petal samples can be stored in a −80° C. freezer until mutants were identified. Samples can be lyophilized, and the dried tissue can be stored under argon at −80° C. until ready for analysis.

Extraction procedures can be performed under red light. Dried petals can be ground to pass through a No. 40 sieve mesh size. A ground sample can be accurately weighed and transferred into a 100 ml red volumetric flask. To the sample, 500 microliters I) of

H₂O can be added, and the mixture can be swirled for 1 minute. Thirty ml of extractant solvent (10 ml hexane+7 ml acetone+6 ml absolute alcohol+7 ml toluene) can be added, and the flask can be shaken at 160 rpm for 10 minutes.

For saponification, 2 ml of 40% methanolic KOH can be added into the flask, which can be then swirled for one minute. The flask can be placed in a 56° C. H₂O bath for 20 minutes. An air condenser can be attached to prevent loss of solvent. The sample can be cooled in the dark for one hour with the condenser attached. After cooling, 30 ml of hexane can be added, and the flask can be shaken at 160 rpm for 10 minutes.

The shaken sample can be diluted to volume (100 ml) with 10% sodium sulfate solution and shaken vigorously for one minute. The sample can be remained in the dark for at least 30 minutes. A 35 ml aliquot can be removed from the approximately 50 ml upper phase, and transferred to a sample cup. An additional 30 ml of hexane can be added into the flask that can be then shaken at 160 rpm for 10 minutes. After approximately one hour, the upper phases can be combined. For HPLC analysis, 10 ml aliquots can be dried under nitrogen and stored under argon at −80° C.

HPLC equipment comprised an Alliance 2690 equipped with a refrigerated autosampler, column heater and a Waters Photodiode Array 996 detector (Waters Corp., 34 Maple Street Milford, Mass. 01757). Separation can be obtained with a YMC30 column, 3 m, 2.0×150 mm with a guard column of the same material. Standards can be obtained from ICC Indorespective fine chemicals Somerville, N.J. 088876 and from DHI-Water & Environment, DK-2970 Horsholm, Denmark.

The dried mutant samples can be resuspended in tetrahydrofuran and methanol to a total volume of 200 l and filtered, whereas the control can be not additionally concentrated. Carotenoids can be separated using a gradient method. Initial gradient conditions can be 90% methanol: 5% water: 5% methyl tert-butyl ether at a flow rate of 0.4 milliliters per minute (ml/min). From zero to 15 minutes, the mobile phase can be changed from the initial conditions to 80 methanol: 5 water: 15 methyl tert-butyl ether, and from 15 to 60 minutes to 20 methanol: 5 water: 75 methyl tert-butyl ether. For the following 10 minutes, the mobile phase can be returned to the initial conditions and the column equilibrated for an additional 10 minutes. The column temperature can be maintained at 27° C. and the flow rate was 0.4 ml/minute. Injections were 10 l. The majority of peak responses can be measured at 450 nm and additional areas added from 286, 348, 400 and 472 nm extracted channels.

[0459.0.24.24] If required and desired, further chromatography steps with a suitable resin may follow. Advantageously, the carotene can be further purified with a so-called RPHPLC. As eluent acetonitrile/water or chloroform/acetonitrile mixtures can be used. If necessary, these chromatography steps may be repeated, using identical or other chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the selection of suitable chromatography resin and the most effective use for a particular molecule to be purified.

[0460.0.0.24] see [0460.0.0.0]

[0461.0.24.24] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 34228 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.24] see [0462.0.0.0]

[0463.0.24.24] SEQ ID NO: 34228 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.24] to [0466.0.0.24]: see [0464.0.0.0] to [0466.0.0.0]

[0466.1.0.24] In case the Herculase enzyme can be used for the amplification, the PCR amplification cycles were as follows: 1 cycle of 2-3 minutes at 94° C., followed by 25-30 cycles of in each case 30 seconds at 94° C., 30 seconds at 55-60° C. and 5-10 minutes at 72° C., followed by 1 cycle of 10 minutes at 72° C., then 4° C.

[0467.0.24.24] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 34228:

-   -   i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 34320)     -   ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 34321)         or were selected for the genes described in Table III, column 5,         lines 278 to 289 or lines 637 to 641 as described in Table III,         column 7, lines 278 to 289 or lines 637 to 641.

[0468.0.0.24] to [0479.0.0.24]: see [0468.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0]

[0480.0.24.24] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 34228

[0481.0.0.24] to [0513.0.0.24]: see [0481.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0]

[0514.0.24.24] As an alternative, carotenes can be detected as described in Deli, J. & Molnar, P. Paprika carotenoids: Analysis, isolation, structure eucidation. Curr. Org. Chem. 6, 1197-1219 (2004) or Fraser, P. D., Pinto, M. E., Holloway, D. E. & Bramley, P. M. Technical advance: application of high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection to the metabolic profiling of plant isoprenoids. Plant J. 24, 551-558 (2000).

The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the table 1 which follows:

TABLE 1 ORF Metabolite Method Min Max b0730 Isopentenyl Pyrophosphate LC 1.41 2.15 b1829 beta-Carotene LC 1.33 1.74 b1926 Isopentenyl Pyrophosphate LC 1.37 1.55 b2211 Isopentenyl Pyrophosphate LC 1.46 1.48 b2699 beta-Carotene LC 1.43 1.76 b3172 Isopentenyl Pyrophosphate LC 1.35 1.74 b4129 Isopentenyl Pyrophosphate LC 1.34 1.63 YBR089C-A beta-Carotene LC 1.52 2.08 YDR316W beta-Carotene LC 1.28 1.52 YDR407C Isopentenyl Pyrophosphate LC 1.54 3.14 YDR513W beta-Carotene LC 1.39 1.43 YLL013C beta-Carotene LC 1.43 1.50 b0970 Isopentenyl Pyrophosphate LC 1.36 2.17 b0481 Isopentenyl Pyrophosphate LC 1.35 1.39 b1736 Isopentenyl Pyrophosphate LC 1.51 2.37 b1738 Isopentenyl Pyrophosphate LC 1.63 2.60 b3160 Isopentenyl Pyrophosphate LC 1.35 1.47

[0515.0.24.24] to [0552.0.0.24]: see [0515.0.0.0] to [0552.0.0.0]

[0552.1.24.24]: Example 15 Metabolite Profiling Info from Zea mays

Zea mays plants were engineered, grown and analyzed as described in Example 14c.

The results of the different Zea mays plants analysed can be seen from Table 2 which follows:

TABLE 2 ORF Metabolite Min Max b1829 beta-Carotene 1.40 1.76

Table 2 exhibits the metabolic data from maize, shown in either TO or T1, describing the increase in beta-Carotene in genetically modified corn plants expressing the Escherichia coli nucleic acid sequence b1829 resp.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli protein b1829 or a heat shock protein with protease activity or its homolog, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical beta-Carotene between 40% and 76% is conferred.

[00552.2.0.24]: see [00552.2.0.0]

[0553.0.24.24]

-   1. A process for the production of carotene and/or IPP, which     comprises     (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as indicated     in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288     and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or     lines 637 to 641 or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human     organism, or in one or more parts thereof; and     (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of carotene and/or IPP in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of carotene and/or IPP, comprising     the increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the     expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a     nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286,         288, and/or 289, and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287         and/or lines 637 to 641 or a fragment thereof, which confers an         increase in the amount of carotene and/or IPP in an organism or         a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282,         285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284         and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of carotene and/or IPP in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of carotene and/or IPP         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to -   (c) under under stringent hybridisation conditions and conferring an     increase in the amount of carotene and/or IPP in an organism or a     part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, columns 5 or 7, lines         lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280,         281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 and conferring         an increase in the amount of carotene and/or IPP in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of carotene         and/or IPP in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 279,         282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283,         284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 and conferring an         increase in the amount of carotene and/or IPP in an organism or         a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         carotene and/or IPP in an organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound caroteneand/or IPP. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         carotene and/or IPP produced by the selected mutated organisms         or parts thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines lines 279, 282, 285,         286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or         287 and/or lines 637 to 641 or a fragment thereof, which confers         an increase in the amount of carotene in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282,         285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284         and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of carotene and/or IPP in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of carotene and/or IPP         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of carotene and/or IPP         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table III, columns 5 or 7, lines         279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281,         283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 and conferring an         increase in the amount of carotene and/or IPP in an organism or         a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of carotene         and/or IPP in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table IV, columns 5 or 7, lines 279,         282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283,         284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 and conferring an         increase in the amount of carotene and/or IPP in an organism or         a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         carotene and/or IPP in an organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table IA or IB, columns 5 or 7, lines         279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289 and/or lines 278, 280, 281,         283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to 641 by one or more         nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     IIA or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 279, 282, 285, 286, 288 and/or 289     and/or lines 278, 280, 281, 283, 284 and/or 287 and/or lines 637 to     641 by one or more amino acids 15. An antibody, which binds     specifically to the polypeptide as claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of carotene and/or IPP     in an organism or a part thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of carotene         and/or IPP in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate         compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds under         conditions which permit the expression the polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the linoleic acid level or the polypeptide         expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or         the media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured         or maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured carotene and/or IPP level or polypeptide expression         level with a standard linoleic acid or polypeptide expression         level measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a         sample comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an         increased level over the standard indicates that the compound or         the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist         and a decreased level over the standard indicates that the         compound or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is         an antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased carotene and/or IPP production in a plant or     microorganism, comprising the steps:     -   (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of carotene and/or IPP in an organism or a part thereof         and a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide         under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the         polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a         compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and         capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the         binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which         permit the expression of said readout system and of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6         conferring an increase in the amount of carotene and/or IPP in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in carotene and/or IPP production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in carotene and/or IPP after expression with the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing carotene and/or IPP;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the carotene and/or IPP level in the host cells;         and     -   (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the carotene and/or IPP level         in the host cell in the host cell after expression compared to         the wild type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in carotene and/or IPP production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an organism;     which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product     conferring an increase in the carotene and/or IPP amount or level in     an organism or a part thereof after expression, and which are at     least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells     appropriate for producing carotene and/or IPP;     c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells;     d) assaying the carotene and/or IPP level in the host cells; and     e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the carotene and/or IPP level in     the host cell after expression compared to the wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     carotene and/or IPP after expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of carotene and/or IPP levels in an organism.

25. Cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20.

-   26. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid     construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or     agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15,     the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of     claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product     identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the     carotene is beta-carotene -   27. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20 for the protection of a plant against a oxidative stress. -   28. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20 for the protection of a plant against a oxidative stress causing     or a carotenoid synthesis inhibiting herbicide. -   29. Use of the agonist identified according to claim 17, the plant     or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, or     the host cell of claim 10 to 12 for the production of a cosmetic     composition.

[0554.0.0.24] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.0]

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.0.25] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.25] see [0001.0.0.0]

[0002.0.25.25] Carbohydrates are aldehyde or ketone compounds with multiple hydroxyl groups. Many carbohydrates have the empirical formula (CH2O)n; some also contain nitrogen, phosphorus, or sulfur.

Carbohydrates are classsfied in monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides.

Monosaccharides, or simple sugars, consist of a single polyhydroxy aldehyde or ketone unit. Monosaccharides of more than four carbons tend to have cyclic structures.

Oligosaccharides consist of short chains of monosaccharide units, or residues, usually 2 to 19 units, joined by glycosidic bonds.

The polysaccharides are sugar polymers containing more than 20 or so monosaccharide units, and some have hundreds or thousands of units. Some polysaccharides are linear chains; others are branched.

Carbohydrates are called saccharides or, if they are relatively small, sugars.

In the present invention, saccharides means all of the aforementioned carbohydrate, e.g. monosaccharides, preferably fructose, glucose, inositol, galactose, arabinose xylose or other pentoses or hexoses; oligosaccharides, preferably disaccharides like sucrose, lactose or trisaccharides like raffinose; or polysaccharides like starch or cellulose.

[0003.0.25.25] Carbohydrates are the most abundant class of organic compounds found in living organisms.

They are a major source of metabolic energy, both for plants and for animals. Aside from the sugars and starches that meet this vital nutritional role, carbohydrates function in energy storage (for example starch or glycogen), in signaling (by glycoproteins and glycolipids, e.g. blood group determinants), fuel the nervous system, muscle and virtually all cells, are parts of nucleic acids (in genes, mRNA, tRNA, ribosomes), and as cell surface markers as recognition sites on cell surfaces and signaling in glycolipids and glycoproteins and also serve as a structural material for example as cell wall components (cellulose).

[0004.0.25.25] Glucose, also called dextrose, is the most widely distributed sugar in the plant and animal kingdoms and it is the sugar present in blood as “blood sugar. It occupies a central position in the metabolism of plants, animals, and many microorganisms. Glucose is rich in potential energy, and thus a good fuel; in the body is catabolised to produce ATP. It is stored as a high molecular weight polymer such as starch or glycogen or is converted to fatty acids. It is also a remarkably versatile precursor, capable of supplying a huge array of metabolic intermediates for biosynthetic reactions.

Based on its manifold features, glucose is used in nutrition and medicine.

Fructose, also called levulose or “fruit sugar, is the most important ketose sugar.

Fructose is a hexose and is a reducing sugar. Fructose is used a a sweetener by diabetics because it does not rise the blood sugar level, even in large amounts.

Fructose and glucose are the main carbohydrate constituents of honey. Those hexoses are further the main components of many oligo- and polysaccharides, like sucrose, raffinose, stachyose, trehalose, starch, cellulose or dextran.

The most frequent disaccharide is sucrose (saccharose, b-D-fructofuranosyl-a-D-glucopyranosid, cane sugar, beet sugar, sugar in a narrow sense of a name for commercially available sucrose meaning sucrose is the sugar that is commonly called “sugar) which consists of the six-carbon sugars D-glucose and D-fructose. It is formed by plants but not by animals. Sucrose is a major intermediate product of photosynthesis; in many plants it is the principal form in which sugar is transported from the leaves to other parts of the plant body. In mammalians sucrose is an obligatory component of blood and its content in blood is kept at the stable level. It is strongly necessary for brain cells as well as for normal functioning of the central nervous system. Sugar is widely-known as a source of glycogen—a substance, feeding liver, heart and muscles. It is one of the most widely-used food products and is the major disaccharide in most diets. It is present in honey, maple sugar, fruits, berries, and vegetables. It may be added to food products as liquid or crystalline sucrose or as invert sugar. It is commercially prepared from sugar cane or sugar beets. Sucrose can provide a number of desirable functional qualities to food products including sweetness, mouth-feel, and the ability to transform between amorphous and crystalline states. High-concentrated sucrose is a natural preserving agent, it determines gel-formation processes, gives necessary viscosity to the products. Sucrose is a raw material for caramel, colour etc.

Sucrose is further an excellent fermentation feedstock, which is of specific interest for fermentation industry (including a number of non-food industries—pharmaceutical industries). The presence of eight hydroxyl groups in the sucrose molecule provides a theoretical possibility of a very large number of sucrose derivatives. Sucrose derivatives are used by industries in production of detergents, emulsifiers (sucrose+fatty acids) and adhesives (sucrose octa acetate).

Sucrose is a precursor to a group of carbohydrates in plants known as the raffinose family of oligosaccharides found in many plant seeds especially legumes. This family contains the trisaccharide raffinose, the tetrasaccharide stachyose and the pentasaccharide verbascose. Oligosaccharides of the raffinose-series are major components in many food legumes (Shallenberger et al., J. Agric. Food Chem., 9,1372; 1961). Raffinose (beta-D-fructofuranosyl-6-O-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosid, melitriose, gossypose, melitose), which consists of sucrose with α-galactose attached through its C-4 atom to the 1 position on the fructose residue and is thought to be second only to sucrose among the nonstructural carbohydrates with respect to abundance in the plant kingdom. It may be ubiquitous, at least among higher plants. Raffinose accumulate in significant quantities in the edible portion of many economically significant crop species. Examples include soybean, sugar beet, cotton, canola and all of the major edible leguminous crops including beans, peas, lentil and lupine.

An important key intermediates in the formation of raffinose and stachyose is myo-inositol (cyclohexan-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexaole), the most common cyclitol. Myo-inositol is fundamental to many different aspects of plant growth and development. In addition to its role as the precursor for phytic acid biosynthesis, myo-inositol is also used for uronide and pentose biosynthesis, it is also present in phosphoinositides of plant cell membranes, as well as other complex plant lipids including glycophosphoceramides.

Furthermore, it is also a precursor of other naturally occurring inositol isomers, and many of these as well as myo-inositol are distributed as methyl ethers in a species specific pattern throughout the plant kingdom. Myo-inositol is an important growth factor.

The most carbohydrates found in nature occur as polysaccharides which are polymers of medium to high molecular weight. Polysaccharides, also called glycans, differ from each other in the identity of their recurring monosaccharide units, in the length of their chains, in the types of bonds linking the units, and in the degree of branching.

Starch is the most valuable polysaccharide. Normal native starches consist of a mixture of 15-30% amylose and 70-85% amylopectin. Amylose structurally is a linear polymer of anhydroglucose units, of molecular weight approximately between 40 000 and 340 000, the chains containing 250 to 2000 anhydroglucose units. Amylopectin is considered to be composed of anhydroglucose chains with many branch points; the molecular weight may reach as high as 80 000 000.

Starch is the most important, abundant, digestible food polysaccharide. It occurs as the reserve polysaccharide in the leaf, stem, root, seed, fruit and pollen of many higher plants. It occurs as discrete, partially-crystalline granules whose size, shape, and gelatinization temperature depend on the botanical source of the starch. Common food starches are derived from seed (wheat, maize, rice, barley) and root (potato, cassava/tapioca) sources. Starches have been modified to improve desired functional characteristics and are added in relatively small amounts to foods as food additives. Another important polysaccharide is cellulose. Cellulose is the most commonly seen polysaccharide and scientist estimate that over one trillion tons of cellulose are synthesized by plants each year. Cellulose forms the cell wall of plants. It is yet a third polymer of the monosaccharide glucose. Cellulose differs from starch and glycogen because the glucose units form a two-dimensional structure, with hydrogen bonds holding together nearby polymers, thus giving the molecule added stability. A single “cellulose fiber” can consist of up to 10000 individual anhydroglucose units. In cellulose, the individual fiber molecules are arranged in bundles and thus form so called micro fibrils which ultimately result in a “densely woven” net like structure of cellulose molecules. The strong cohesion between the individual cellulose fibers is due to the huge number of strong hydrogen bonds.

Cellulose is the major polysaccharide of grass, leaves and trees and is said to include around 50% of all biological carbon found on our planet. It is the basic material of natural substances such as wood, flax or cotton and consists of long, unbranched fiber molecules. Cellulose, as plant fiber, cannot be digested by human beings therefore cellulose passes through the digestive tract without being absorbed into the body. Some animals, such as cows and termites, contain bacteria in their digestive tract that help them to digest cellulose. Nevertheless, cellulose is of importance in human nutrition in that fiber is an essential part of the diet, giving bulk to food and promoting intestinal motility.

[0005.0.25.25] The polysaccharides starch and cellulose are the most important raw material in the industrial and commercial production of glucose. In the common procedure starch or cellulose are acidly or enzymatically hydrolysed to glucose.

Fructose is usually also produced from starch by enzymatically transforming it into glucose syrup and subsequently treating with isomerase, leading to a conversion of glucose to fructose.

Succrose is obtained commercially from the expressed juice of sugar cane or of sugar beet.

Myo-inositol exists in nature either in its free form (found, for example, in sugarcane, beet molasses, and almond hulls) or as a hexaphosphate called phytin (found, for example, in corn steep liquor). Industrial purification of phytin from corn steep liquor involves precipitation with calcium, followed by hydrolysis with a strong acid.

Separation of free form inositols from plant extracts involves treatment with acid and separation of myo-inositol by column (U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,631) or the use of ion-exchange (U.S. Pat. No. 4,482,761).

Cellulose is a very important industrial product. As disclosed above, it serves as row material for monosaccharides. It is further used in the manufacture of paper, textiles, plastics, explosives, packaging material (Cellophane®), feed, food and fermentation products. Cellulose is obtained primarily by acid or alkaline hydrolize.

Starch occurs intracellularly as large clusters or granules. These granular starch consists of microscopic granules, which differ in size and shape, depending on the plant source. The granules are insoluble in water at room temperature. There is a quite number of methods known for the extraction of starch. For example a slurry of grinded starch containing plant material is heated, whereby the granules swell and eventually burst, dispersing the starch molecules into the solution. During the liquefaction step, the long-chained starch is further degraded into smaller branched and linear units (maltodextrins) by an alpha-amylase. A large number of processes have been described for converting starch to starch hydrolysates, such as maltose, glucose or specialty syrups, either for use as sweeteners or as precursors for other saccharides such as fructose. A process for enzymatic hydrolysis of granular starch into a soluble starch hydrolysate is disclosed in US 20050042737.

[0006.0.25.25] Carbohydrates play a major role in human and animal diets, comprising some 40-75% of energy intake. Their most important nutritional property is digestibility. Some of them are hydrolyzed by enzymes of the human gastrointestinal system to monosaccharides that are absorbed in the small intestine and enter the pathways of carbohydrate metabolism. Others can be digested by certain animals. Carbohydrates, fat and protein are the energy yielding nutrients in animal feed. In the average diet for farm animals, carbohydrates are included at levels of 70-80%. For example pig diets are mainly based on cereals which contain the main part of the energy providing nutrients that are essential for pigs.

With view to the increasing global demand for food because of the growing world population and at the same time the shrinking availability of arable land, it is important to increase the food and feed quality, particulary the availability of certain essential nutrients, preferably carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides like starch or cellulose and/or monosaccharides like fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides like raffinose and/or disaccharides like sucrose. Nutritional improvements in foods and feeds could help to meet these demands for improved quality. Modern agricultural biotechnology, which involves the application of cellular and molecular techniques to transfer DNA that encodes a desired trait to food and feed crops, is a powerful complement to traditional methods to meet global food and feed requirements.

[0007.0.25.25] Furthermore the physicochemical properties such as viscosity and the capacity to bind water and ions, vary between different cereals. Consequently, different cereal properties affect digestion and fermentation as well as microbial populations in the gastro-intestinal tract in various ways. Gastro-intestinal disturbances comprise a major problem for health of humans and animals.

There is a need for suitable dietary composition and food or feed ingredients, preferably cereals, legumes or fruits which promotes a beneficial gut environment and thereby preventing gastro-intestinal disorders.

Therefore improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the food-and-feed industry. This is necessary since, for example, carbohydrates, which occur in plants and some microorganisms are limited with regard to the supply of mammals. Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible a carbohydrate profile in the diet since a great excess of some sugars above a specific concentration in the food has only some or little or no positive effect.

[0008.0.25.25] Genetically modified plants having improved nutritional profiles are known in the state of art. US 20030070192 discloses a DNA expression cassette which alters the sugar alcohol of tranformed plants. U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,975 concerns methods for synthesis and accumulation of fructose polymers in transgenic plants by selective expression of bacterial fructosyltransferase genes using tissue specific promoters and a vacuole targeting sequence.

WO89/12386 describes a method for the production of glucose and fructose polymers in transgenic tomato plants.

A stress tolerance sequences including proteins like galactinol synthase (GOLS) and raffinose synthase (RAFS), which are up regulated in response to stress and lead to the production of raffinose is disclosed in US 20050055748.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,887,708 provides nucleotide sequences encoding polypeptides having the function of GIGANTEA gene of Arabidopsis thaliana which allows the manipulation of the starch accumulation process in plants.

Grain having an embryo with a genotype heterozygous for two or more wild type genes (for example, Aa/Bb) and an endosperm having a genotype heterozygous for such genes and leading to plants with altered the normal starch synthesis pathway is disclosed in US 20050091716.

[0009.0.25.25] Nevertheles, there is a constant need for providing novel enzyme activities or direct or indirect regulators and thus alternative methods with advantageous properties for producing carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides like starch or cellulose and/or monosaccharides like fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides like raffinose and/or disaccharides like sucrose or its precursor in organisms, e.g. in transgenic organisms.

[0010.0.25.25] Another problem is the seasonal change in carbohydrate composition of plants and optimum harvest periods for are complicated by issues of timing.

[0011.0.25.25] To ensure constantly a high quality of foods and animal feeds, it is necessary to add one or a plurality of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides like starch or cellulose and/or monosaccharides like fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides like raffinose and/or disaccharides like sucrose in a balanced manner to suit the organism.

[0012.0.25.25] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes which participate in the biosynthesis of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides like starch or cellulose and/or monosaccharides like fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides like raffinose and/or disaccharides like sucrose and make it possible to produce them specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for or regulators of biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides like starch or cellulose and/or monosaccharides like fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides like raffinose and/or disaccharides like sucrose; on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

The added carbohydrates further beneficially affects the microflora by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of beneficial bacteria.

Another aspect is the significant reduction of cost of production and manufacturing not only to the nutrition, in particular sweetener industry, but also agriculture and cosmetic and health industry.

[0013.0.0.25] see [0013.0.0.0]

[0014.0.25.25] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to (a) “carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose”. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to compositions of fine chemicals comprising carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose.

[0015.0.25.25] In one embodiment, the term “carbohydrate” or “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means at least one chemical compound with carbohydrate activity selected from the group of preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose. In an preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or the term “carbohydrate” or the term “the respective fine chemical” means at least one chemical compound with carbohydrate activity selected from the group “carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose”.

An increased carbohydrate content normally means an increased total carbohydrate content. However, an increased carbohydrate content also means, in particular, a modified content of the above-described compounds with carbohydrate activity, without the need for an inevitable increase in the total carbohydrate content. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose in free form or its salts or its ester or its ether or bound to acylglycerol.

[0015.1.22.22] A measure for the content of the polysaccharides, preferably starch and cellulose, of the invention can be the content of anhydroglucose. This compound is the analyte which indicates the presence of the polysaccharides, preferably starch and cellulose, of the invention if the samples are prepared and measured as described in the examples.

[0016.0.25.25] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more -   b0252, b1430, b1693, b3231, YER174C, b0050-b1539, b3919 and/or     b4232-protein(s) or of a protein having the sequence of a     polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table     II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; -   in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, meaning of starch and/or cellulose     or fine chemicals comprising starch and/or cellulose in said     organism; -   or -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more b0161,     b0695, b1708, b1926, b2597, b2664, b4239, b4327, b0124, b0149,     b1318, b1463, b2491, b3260, b3578, b3619 and/or b4122-protein(s) or     of a protein having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a     nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines     295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; -   in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, meaning of fructose or fine     chemicals comprising fructose in said organism; -   or -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more b0161,     b1708, b1926, b2599, b4239, YJL072C, b1463, b1736, b2491, b3578     and/or b3619-protein(s) or of a protein having the sequence of a     polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table     II, columns 5 or 7, lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; -   in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, meaning of glucose or fine     chemicals comprising glucose in said organism; -   or -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more b0138,     b0290, b2023, b2699, b3172, b3430, b4129, YBR204C, YDR112W, YGR261C,     YIL150C, YJL099W, YOR044W, YOR350C, b1463, b1961, b4074 and/or     YHR072W-A-protein(s) or of a protein having the sequence of a     polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table     II, columns 5 or 7, lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; -   in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, meaning of myo-inositol or fine     chemicals comprising myo-inositol in said organism; -   or -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more b0161,     b0730, b1701, b1886, b2664, b2699, b3601, YBR184W, YGR261C and/or     b3578-protein(s) or of a protein having the sequence of a     polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table     II, columns 5 or 7, lines 323 to 331 and/or 626;

in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and

-   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, meaning of raffinose or fine     chemicals comprising raffinose in said organism; -   or -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more b0019     and/or b4239-protein(s) or of a protein having the sequence of a     polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table     II, columns 5 or 7, lines 332 to 333; -   in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, meaning of sucrose or fine     chemicals comprising sucrose in said organism.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of carbohydrates comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins     having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3,     lines 290 to 333 and/or lines 604 to 626 or having the sequence of a     polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I,     column 5 or 7, lines 290 to 333 and/or lines 604 to 626, in a     non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus, carbohydrates, preferably     polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or     monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or     myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or     disaccharides, more preferably sucrose resp.

[0016.1.25.25] Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means in one embodiment “polysaccharides, preferably starch and/or cellulose” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 290 to 294 and/or and/or 604 to 607 or homologs thereof and

means in one embodiment “monosaccharides, preferably fructose” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 or homologs thereof, and means in one embodiment “monosaccharides, preferably glucose” in relation to all sequences listed in Tables I to IV, lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621 or homologs thereof and means in one embodiment “monosaccharides, preferably myo-inositol” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625, and means in one embodiment “trisaccharides, preferably raffinose” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 323 to 331 and/or 626, and means in one embodiment “disaccharides, preferably sucrose” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 332 to 333.

Accordingly, in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “fructose”, “glucose” and “raffinose” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 295, 303 and 323 and/or lines 614 and 620 and 626;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “fructose”, “glucose” and “myo-inositol” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 611, 617 and 622 and/or lines 611 and 617 and 622;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “fructose” and “glucose” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 297 and 304 and/or lines 612 and 619 and/or lines 614 and 620 and/or lines 615 and 621 and or lines 611 and 617;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “fructose” and “glucose” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 298 and 305,

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “fructose” and “raffinose” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 300 and 327;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “fructose”, “glucose” and “sucrose” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 301,307 and 333;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “myo-inositol” and “raffinose” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 312 and 328;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “myo-inositol” and “raffinose” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 318 and 331;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “myo-inositol” and “fructose” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 611 and 622;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “myo-inositol” and “glucose” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 617 and 622;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “fructose” and “raffinose” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 614 and 626;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “glucose” and “raffinose” in relation to all sequences listed in Table I to IV, lines 620 and 626;

Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” can mean “starch and/or cellulose”, “fructose”, “glucose”, “myo-inositol”, “raffinose” and/or “sucrose”, owing to circumstances and the context. In order to illustrate that the meaning of the term “the fine chemical” means “starch and/or cellulose”, “fructose”, “glucose”, “myo-inositol”, “raffinose” and/or “sucrosel” the term “the respective fine chemical” is also used.

[0017.0.25.25] to [0018.0.25.25]: see [0017.0.0.0] to [0018.0.0.0]

[0019.0.25.25] Advantageously the process for the production of the respective fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the respective fine chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% higher production of the respective fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 333 and/or lines 604 to 626 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 333 and/or lines 604 to 626.

[0020.0.25.25] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of at least one of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein(s) indicated in Table II, Column 3, line 294 for starch and/or cellulose;

line 308 for glucose;

lines 316 to 322 and/or 625 for myo-inositol; lines 330 to 331 for raffinose; in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the respective fine chemical content of the transformed plants and/or at least one of the Escherichia coli K12 proteins indicated in Table II, Column 3, lines 290 to 293 and/or 604 to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose; lines 303 to 307 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose; lines 309 to 315 and/or 622 to 624 for myo-inositol; lines 323 to 329 and/or 626 for raffinose; lines 332 to 333 for sucrose; in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in the respective fine chemical content of the transformed plants.

Accordingly, it was surprisingly found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 295, 303 and 323 and/or lines 614 and 620 and 626 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in fructose, glucose or raffinose (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of fructose; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glucose; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of raffinose; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: fructose, glucose and raffinose.

Accordingly, it was surprisingly found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 611, 617 and 622 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in fructose, glucose or myo-inositol (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of fructose; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glucose; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of myo-inositol; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: fructose, glucose and myo-inositol.

Accordingly, it was surprisingly found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 297 and 304 and/of lines 298 and 305 and/or and/or lines 612 and 619 and/or lines 614 and 620 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in fructose or glucose (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of fructose; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glucose; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: fructose and glucose.

Accordingly, it was surprisingly found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in table II, line 300 and 327 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in fructose or raffinose (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of frutose; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of raffinose; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of fructose and raffinose.

Accordingly, it was surprisingly found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in table II, lines 301, 307 and 333 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in fructose, glucose or sucrose (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of fructose; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glucose; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of sucrose; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of fructose and glucose; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of fructose and sucrose; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glucose and sucrose; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of fructose, glucose and sucrose.

Accordingly, it was surprisingly found, that the transgenic expression of the Escherichia coli K12 protein as indicated in table II, line 312 and 328, or the Saccaromyces cerevisiae proteins as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 318 and 331 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in myo-inositol or raffinose (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, one of said proteins or its homologs are used for the production of myo-inositol; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of raffinose; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of myo-inositol and raffinose.

[0021.0.25.25] see [0021.0.0.0]

[0022.0.25.25] The sequence of b0019 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a Na+/H+ antiporter. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Na+/H+-exchanging protein nhaA superfamily, preferably a protein with a Na+/H+ antiporter protein activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably sucrose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0138 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative fimbrial-like adhesin protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia coli K12 fimbrial-like adhesin protein or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably myo-inositol in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0161 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a periplasmic serine protease (heat shock protein). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the helicobacter serine proteinase superfamily, preferably a protein with a periplasmic serine protease (heat shock protein) activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably fructose, glucose and/or raffinose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0252 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is not yet defined but it is a conserved protein of unknown function, similarity with helicase and ligase proteins. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the helicase or ligase protein, preferably a protein with activity of b0252 protein from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably starch and/or cellulose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0290 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a receptor protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia coli yagW protein superfamily, preferably a protein with a receptor protein activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably myo-inositol in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0695 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a sensory histidine kinase in two-component regulatory system. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the sensor histidine kinase superfamily, preferably a protein with a sensory histidine kinase in two-component regulatory system activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably fructose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0730 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon and fatty acyl response regulator. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the transcription regulator GntR superfamily, preferably a protein with a transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon and fatty acyl response regulator activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably raffinose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1430 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474,1997, and its activity is being defined as a S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent methyltransferase conferring tellurite resistance. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the hemagglutinin hag1 superfamily, preferably a protein with a S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent methyltransferase activity conferring tellurite resistance or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably starch and/or cellulose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1693 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474,1997, and its activity is being defined as a 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase superfamily, preferably a protein with a 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably starch and/or cellulose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1701 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474,1997, and its activity is being defined as a CoenzymeA-dependent ligase with firefly luciferase-like ATPase Domain. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the 4-coumarate-CoA ligase or acetate-CoA ligase superfamily, preferably a protein with a CoenzymeA-dependent ligase activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably raffinose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1708 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474,1997, and its activity is being defined as a lipoprotein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the protein H11314 superfamily, preferably a protein with a lipoprotein activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably fructose and/or glucose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1886 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474,1997, and its activity is being defined as a methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein II or aspartate sensor receptor. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein superfamily, preferably a protein with a methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein II or aspartate sensor receptor activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably raffinose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1926 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474,1997, and its activity is being defined as a flagellar protein fliT. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a flagellar protein fliT or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably fructose and/or glucose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2023 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474,1997, and its activity is being defined as a glutamine amidotransferase subunit of imidazole glycerol phosphate synthase heterodimer. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the amidotransferase hisH superfamily with trpG homology, preferably a protein with a glutamine amidotransferase subunit of imidazole glycerol phosphate synthase heterodimer activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably myo-inositol in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2597 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474,1997, and its activity is being defined as a ribosome associated factor. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Pseudomonas putida protein rpoX superfamily, preferably a protein with a ribosome associated factor activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli

K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably fructose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2599 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474,1997, and its activity is being defined as a bifunctional enzyme: chorismate mutase P (N-terminal) and prephenate dehydratase (C-terminal). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the pheA bifunctional enzyme superfamily with prephenate dehydratase homology, preferably a protein with a bifunctional enzyme: chorismate mutase P (N-terminal) and prephenate dehydratase (C-terminal) activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably glucose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2664 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474,1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (GntR familiy). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the transcription regulator gabP superfamily, preferably a protein with a putative transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (GntR familiy) activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably fructose and/or raffinose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2699 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474,1997, and its activity is being defined as a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the recombination protein recA superfamily, preferably a protein with a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably myo-inositol and/or raffinose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3172 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474,1997, and its activity is being defined as a argininosuccinate synthetase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the argininosuccinate synthetase superfamily, preferably a protein with a argininosuccinate synthetase activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably myo-inositol in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3231 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia coli ribosomal protein L13 superfamily, preferably a protein with a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13 activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably starch and/or cellulose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3430 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase superfamily, preferably a protein with a glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably myo-inositol in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3601 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al.,

Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcriptional repressor for mannitol utilization. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with a transcriptional repressor activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably raffinose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b4129 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a (inducible) lysine tRNA synthetase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the lysine-tRNA ligase superfamily, preferably a protein with a lysine tRNA synthetase activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably myo-inositol in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b4239 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a trehalose-6-P hydrolase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the alpha-glucosidase superfamily with alpha-amylase core homology, preferably a protein with a trehalose-6-P hydrolase activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably fructose, glucose and/or sucrose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b4327 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a HTH-type transcriptional regulator with periplasmic binding protein domain (LysR family). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the protein b2409 superfamily with alpha-amylase core homology, preferably a protein with a HTH-type transcriptional regulator with periplasmic binding protein domain (LysR family) activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably fructose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b4327 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a HTH-type transcriptional regulator with periplasmic binding protein domain (LysR family). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the protein b2409 superfamily with alpha-amylase core homology, preferably a protein with a HTH-type transcriptional regulator with periplasmic binding protein domain (LysR family) activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably fructose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YBR184w from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and in Feldmann, EMBO J., 13, 5795-5809, 1994, and its activity is is not yet characterized. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the protein YBR184w superfamily, preferably a protein with a protein YBR184w activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably raffinose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YBR204C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and in Feldmann, EMBO J., 13, 5795-5809, 1994, and its activity is being defined as a peroxisomal lipase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with a peroxisomal lipase activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably myo-inositol in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YDR112w from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (accession number S69752), and its activity is not yet defined. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with a YDR112w activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably myo-inositol in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YER174C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dietrich, Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 78-81, 1997, and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as a hydroperoxide and superoxide-radical responsive glutathione-dependent oxidoreductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the thioredoxin superfamily, preferably a protein with a hydroperoxide and superoxide-radical responsive glutathione-dependent oxidoreductase activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably starch and/or cellulose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YGR261C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Tettelin, Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 81-84, 1997, and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as a clathrin assembly complex beta adaptin component. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the beta-adaptin superfamily, preferably a protein with a clathrin assembly complex beta adaptin component activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably myo-inositol and/or raffinose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YIL150C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau st al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and Churcher et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 84-87, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably myo-inositol in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YJL072C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, A., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and Galibert, F., EMBO J. 15 (9), 2031-2049, 1996, and its activity is being defined as a subunit of the GINS complex required for chromosomal DNA replication. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae membrane protein YJL072c superfamily, preferably a protein with a subunit of the GINS complex required for chromosomal DNA replication activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably glucose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YJL099W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, A., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and Galibert, F., EMBO J. 15 (9), 2031-2049, 1996, and its activity is being defined as a protein involved in chitin biosynthesis and/or its regulation. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a protein involved in chitin biosynthesis and/or its regulation or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from

Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably myo-inositol in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YOR044W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon, Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 98-102, 1997, and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is not yet characterized. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae membrane protein YOR044w superfamily, preferably a protein with a YOR044W activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably myo-inositol in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YOR350C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon, Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 98-102, 1997, and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is not yet characterized. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MNE1 protein superfamily, preferably a protein with a YOR350C activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably myo-inositol in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0050 (Accession number NP_(—)414592) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a conserved protein potentially involved in protein protein interaction. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of apaG protein superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a conserved protein potentially involved in protein-protein interaction from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of starch and/or cellulose, particular for increasing the amount of starch and/or cellulose, preferably starch and/or cellulose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. The sequence of b0124 (Accession number NP_(—)414666) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a glucose dehydrogenase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of glucose dehydrogenase (pyrroloquinoline-quinone) superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a glucose dehydrogenase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of fructose, particular for increasing the amount of fructose, preferably fructose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0149 (Accession number NP_(—)414691) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a bifunctional penicillin-binding protein 1b: glycosyl transferase (N-terminal); transpeptidase (C-terminal). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of penicillin-binding protein 1B superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a bifunctional penicillin-binding protein 1b: glycosyl transferase (N-terminal); transpeptidase (C-terminal) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of fructose, in particular for increasing the amount of fructose, preferably fructose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1318 from Escherichia coli K12 (Accession number NP_(—)415834) has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is beeing defined as a sugar transport protein (of the ABC superfamily). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with the activity of the inner membrane protein malK (with ATP-binding cassette homology) superfamily, preferably a protein with a sugar transport protein (of the ABC superfamily) activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of fructose, in particular for increasing the amount of fructose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1463 from Escherichia coli K12 (Accession number NP_(—)415980) has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is beeing defined as a N-hydroxyarylamine 0-acetyltransferase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with the activity of the arylamine acetyltransferase superfamily, preferably a protein with a N-hydroxyarylamine 0-acetyltransferase activity from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of fructose and/of glucose and/or myo-inositol, in particular for increasing the amount of fructose, in particular for increasing the amount of glucose, in particular for increasing the amount of myo-inositol, in particular for increasing the amount of fructose and glucose, in particular for increasing the amount of fructose and myo-inositol, in particular for increasing the amount of glucose and myo-inositol, in particular for increasing the amount of fructose and glucose and myo-inositol, preferably of fructose and/or glucose and/or myo-inositol in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1539 (Accession number NP_(—)416057) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a NADP-dependent L-serine/L-allo-threonine dehydrogenase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of ribitol dehydrogenase, short-chain alcohol dehydrogenase homology superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a NADP-dependent L-serine/L-allo-threonine dehydrogenase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of starch and/or cellulose, particular for increasing the amount of starch and/or cellulose, preferably starch and/or cellulose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1736 (Accession number NP_(—)416250) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase enzyme, cellobiose/arbutin/salicin sugar-specific protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of phosphotransferase system lactose-specific enzyme II, factor III superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a PEP-dependent phosphotransferase enzyme, cellobiose/arbutin/salicin sugar-specific protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glucose, in particular for increasing the amount of glucose, preferably glucose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1961 (Accession number NP_(—)416470) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a DNA cytosine methylase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of site-specific methyltransferase (cytosine-specific) EcoRII superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a DNA cytosine methylase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of myo-inositol, in particular for increasing the amount of myo-inositol, preferably myo-inositol in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2491 (Accession number NP_(—)416986) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcriptional activator for expression of hydrogenase 4 genes, interacts with sigma 54 (EBP family). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of RNA polymerase sigma factor interaction domain homology, transcription activator fhlA, nif-specific regulatory protein, response regulator homology superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a transcriptional activator for expression of hydrogenase 4 genes, interacts with sigma 54 (EBP family) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of fructose and/or glucose, in particular for increasing the amount of fructose, in particular for increasing the amount of glucose, in particular for increasing the amount of fructose and glucose, preferably fructose and/or glucose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3260 (Accession number NP_(—)417726) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a tRNA-dihydrouridine synthase B. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of transcription regulator yacF superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a tRNA-dihydrouridine synthase B from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of fructose, in particular for increasing the amount of fructose, preferably fructose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3578 (Accession number YP 026232) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as putative component of transport system. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a putative component of transport system from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of fructose and/or glucose and/or raffinose, in particular for increasing the amount of fructose, in particular for increasing the amount of glucose, in particular for increasing the amount of raffinose, in particular for increasing the amount of fructose and glucose, in particular for increasing the amount of fructose and raffinose, in particular for increasing the amount of glucose and raffinose, in particular for increasing the amount of fructose, glucose and raffinose, preferably fructose and/or glucose and/of raffinose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3619 (Accession number NP_(—)418076) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a ADP-L-glycero-D-mannoheptose-6-epimerase, NAD(P)-binding. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of ADPglyceromanno-heptose 6-epimerase, UDPglucose 4-epimerase homology superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a ADP-L-glycero-D-mannoheptose-6-epimerase, NAD(P)-binding from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of fructose and/or glucose, in particular for increasing the amount of fructose, in particular for increasing the amount of glucose, in particular for increasing the amount of fructose and glucose, preferably fructose and/or glucose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3919 (Accession number NP_(—)418354) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a triosephosphate isomerase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of triose-phosphate isomerase superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a triosephosphate isomerase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of starch and/or cellulose, in particular for increasing the amount of starch and/or cellulose, preferably starch and/or cellulose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b4074 (Accession number NP_(—)418498) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a cytochrome c-type biogenesis protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of nrfE protein superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a Cytochrome c-type biogenesis protein from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of myo-inositol, in particular for increasing the amount of myo-inositol, preferably myo-inositol in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b4122 (Accession number NP_(—)418546) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a fumarase B (fumarate hydratase Class I). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of iron-dependent fumarate hydratase and/or iron-dependent tartrate dehydratase alpha chain homology superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a fumarase B (fumarate hydratase Class I) from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of fructose, in particular for increasing the amount of fructose, preferably fructose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b4232 from Escherichia coli K12 (ACCESSION No. NP_(—)416986) has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is beeing defined as a fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase” from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of methionin, in particular for increasing the amount of methionine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein of the superfamily “fructose-bisphosphatase”, preferably having an activity in C-compound and carbohydrate metabolism, C-compound and carbohydrate utilization, energy, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, plastid, photosynthesis, more preferred having an “fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase”-activity, is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. Accordingly, in one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a “fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase” or its homolog is increased for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of starch and/or cellulose, in particular for increasing the amount of starch and/or cellulose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YHR072W-A from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ACCESSION NP_(—)058135) has been published in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its activity is beeing defined as that of a constituent of small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein particles containing H/ACA-type snoRNAs, which are required for pseudouridylation and processing of pre-18S rRNA. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a constituent of small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein particles containing H/ACA-type snoRNAs, which are required for pseudouridylation and processing of pre-18S rRNA from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of myo-inositol, in particular for increasing the amount of myo-inositol, preferably myo-inositol in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

[0023.0.25.25] Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the respective fine chemical amount or content.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 294 for starch and/or cellulose; line 308 for glucose; lines 316 to 322 and/or 625 for myo-inositol; lines 330 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity, resp. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, line 294 for starch and/or cellulose; line 308 for glucose; lines 316 to 322 and/or 625 for myo-inositol; lines 330 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, line 294 for starch and/or cellulose; line 308 for glucose; lines 316 to 322 and/or 625 for myo-inositol; lines 330 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose resp., is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from Fungi. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 294, is derived from Ascomyceta. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 294, is derived from Saccharomycotina. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 294 for starch and/or cellulose; line 308 for glucose; lines 316 to 322 and/or 625 for myo-inositol; lines 330 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose resp., is derived from Saccharomycetes. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 294 for starch and/or cellulose; line 308 for glucose; lines 316 to 322 and/or 625 for myo-inositol; lines 330 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose resp., is a homolog being derived from Saccharomycetales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 294 for starch and/or cellulose; line 308 for glucose; lines 316 to 322 and/or 625 for myo-inositol; lines 330 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, line 294 for starch and/or cellulose; line 308 for glucose; lines 316 to 322 and/or 625 for myo-inositol; lines 330 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose resp., is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Saccharomycetes.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 293 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably of carbohydrate, preferably starch and/or cellulose. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 290 to 293, resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3,290 to 293 is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 293 is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 293 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 293 is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 293 is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 293 is a homolog having the same or a similar activity and being derived from Escherichia.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 293 and/or 604 to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose; lines 303 to 307 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose; lines 309 to 315 and/or 622 to 624 for myo-inositol; lines 323 to 329 for raffinose; lines 332 to 333 for sucrose, resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms preferably of carbohydrate, preferably fructose. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table I or II, column 7, lines 290 to 293 and/or 604 to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose; lines 303 to 307 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose; lines 309 to 315 and/or 622 to 624 for myo-inositol; lines 323 to 329 for raffinose; lines 332 to 333 for sucrose, resp. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 293 and/or 604 to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose; lines 303 to 307 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose; lines 309 to 315 and/or 622 to 624 for myo-inositol; lines 323 to 329 for raffinose; lines 332 to 333 for sucrose, resp. is derived from an bacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 293 and/or 604 to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose; lines 303 to 307 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose; lines 309 to 315 and/or 622 to 624 for myo-inositol; lines 323 to 329 for raffinose; lines 332 to 333 for sucrose, resp. is derived from Proteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 293 and/or 604 to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose; lines 303 to 307 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose; lines 309 to 315 and/or 622 to 624 for myo-inositol; lines 323 to 329 for raffinose; lines 332 to 333 for sucrose, resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity being derived from Gammaproteobacteria. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 293 and/or 604 to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose; lines 303 to 307 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose; lines 309 to 315 and/or 622 to 624 for myo-inositol; lines 323 to 329 for raffinose; lines 332 to 333 for sucrose, resp. is derived from Enterobacteriales. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 293 and/or 604 to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose; lines 303 to 307 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose; lines 309 to 315 and/or 622 to 624 for myo-inositol; lines 323 to 329 for raffinose; lines 332 to 333 for sucrose, resp. is a homolog being derived from Enterobacteriaceae. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 293 and/or 604 to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose; lines 303 to 307 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose; lines 309 to 315 and/or 622 to 624 for myo-inositol; lines 323 to 329 for raffinose; lines 332 to 333 for sucrose, resp. is a homolog having the same or a similar activity and being derived from Escherichia.

[0023.1.25.25] Homologs of the polypeptide indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 333 and/or lines 604 to 626 may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 290 to 333 and/or lines 604 to 626, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 290 to 333 and/or lines 604 to 626, resp.

[0024.0.0.9] see [0024.0.0.0]

[0025.0.25.25] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein of the invention”, e.g. the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607 for starch and/or cellulose;

lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625 for myo-inositol; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose; lines 332 to 333 for sucrose; , resp., if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to increased carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose, resp., in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism. In a preferred embodiment, the protein or polypeptide has the above-mentioned additional activities of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625 for myo-inositol; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose; lines 332 to 333 for sucrose, resp. Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625 for myo-inositol; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose; lines 332 to 333 for sucrose, resp., or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, line 294 for starch and/or cellulose; line 308 for glucose; lines 316 to 322 and/or 625 for myo-inositol; lines 330 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose resp. of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or any one of the proteins indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 293 and/or 604 to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose; lines 303 to 307 for glucose; lines 309 to 315 and/or 622 to 624 for myo-inositol; lines 323 to 329 for raffinose; lines 332 to 333 for sucrose, resp. of E. coli K12.

[0025.1.0.25]: see [0025.1.0.0]

[0026.0.0.25] to [0033.0.0.25]: see [0026.0.0.0] to [0033.0.0.0]

[0034.0.25.25] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention. E.g., it differs by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.;, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.;, or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table I, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607;

lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.; its biochemical or genetical causes and therefore shows the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.25] to [0044.0.0.25]: see [0035.0.0.0] to [0044.0.0.0]

[0045.0.25.25] In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0019 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the Na+/H+-exchanging protein nhaA superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a Na+/H+ antiporter activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 332, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of sucrose, between 22% and 55% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0138 or its homologs, e.g. having a fimbrial-like adhesin protein activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 309, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol, between 32% and 46% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0161 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the Helicobacter serine proteinase superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a periplasmic serine protease (heat shock protein) activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 295,303 and 323, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fructose (82% to 1155%), glucose (86% to 338%) and/or raffinose (128% to 197%) resp., between 82% and 1155% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0252 or its homologs, e.g. having a b0252 protein activity and similarity with helicase and ligase proteins, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 290 is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of starch and/or cellulose, between 37% and 53% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0290 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the Escherichia coli yagW protein superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a receptor protein activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 310, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol, between 23% and 50% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0695 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein having homology with the sensor histidine kinase superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a activity of sensory histidine kinase in two-component regulatory system, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 296, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fructose, between 69% and 1046% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0730 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the transcription regulator GntR superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a activity of a transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon and fatty acyl response regulator, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 324, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of raffinose, between 93% and 616% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1430 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the hemagglutinin hag1 superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a activity of putative S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent methyltransferase conferring tellurite resistance, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 291, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of starch and/or cellulose, between 31% and 58% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1693 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 292, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of starch and/or cellulose, between 34% and 116% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1701 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein with homology to the 4-coumarate-CoA ligase and/or acetate-CoA ligase superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a activity of a CoenzymeA-dependent ligase with firefly luciferase-like ATPase Domain, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 325, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of raffinose, between 57% and 958% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1708 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the protein H11314 superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a lipoprotein activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 297 and 304, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fructose (77% to 2664%) and/or glucose (62% to 942%), between 62% and 2664% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1886 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein II and/or aspartate sensor receptor activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 326, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of raffinose, between 64% and 391% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1926 or its homologs, e.g. having a flagellar protein fliT activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 298 and 305, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fructose (86% to 193%) and/or glucose (63% to 88%), between 63% and 193% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2023 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the amidotransferase hisH superfamily with trpG homology is increased, preferably, of a protein having a activity of a glutamine amidotransferase subunit of imidazole glycerol phosphate synthase heterodimer, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 311, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol, between 31% and 110% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2597 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the Pseudomonas putida hypothetical protein rpoX superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a activity of a ribosome associated factor, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 299, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fructose, between 90% and 105% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2599 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the pheA bifunctional enzyme superfamily with prephenate dehydratase homology is increased, preferably, of a proteinhaving a activity of a bifunctional enzyme: chorismate mutase P (N-terminal) and prephenate dehydratase (C-terminal), e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 306, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glucose, between 65% and 171% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2664 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the transcription regulator gabP superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding Winged helix domain (GntR familiy) activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 300 and 327, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fructose (77% to 4086%) and/or raffinose (72% to 1267%), between 72% and 4086% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the recombination protein recA superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a activity of a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 312 and 328, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol (86% to 690%) and/or raffinose (61% to 2408%), between 61% and 2408% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3172 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the argininosuccinate synthase superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a argininosuccinate synthetase activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 313, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol, between 26% and 144% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3231 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the Escherichia coli ribosomal protein L13 superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13 activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 293, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of starch and/or cellulose, between 31% and 74% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3430 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 314, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol, between 34% and 116% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3601 or its homologs, e.g. having a transcriptional repressor for mannitol utilization activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 329, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of raffinose, between 84% and 135% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4129 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the lysine-tRNA ligase superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a (inducible) lysine tRNA synthetase activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 315, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol, between 29% and 48% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4239 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the alpha-glucosidase superfamily with alpha-amylase core homology is increased, preferably, of a protein having a trehalose-6-P hydrolase activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 301, 307 and 333, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fructose (321% to 768%), glucose (100% to 385%) and/or sucrose (64% to 169%) resp., between 64% and 768% or more.

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4327 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the protein b2409 superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a HTH-type transcriptional regulator with periplasmic binding protein domain (LysR family) activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 302, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fructose, between 97% and 275% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBR184W or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a YBR184W protein superfamily-protein is increased, preferably, an activity of YBR184W protein, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 330 is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of raffinose between 87% and 478% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBR204C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of peroxisomal lipase protein, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 316, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol between 27% and 192% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR112W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of YDR112W protein, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 317, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol between 41% and 90% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER174C or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the thioredoxin homology superfamily is increased, preferably, an activity of hydroperoxide and superoxide-radical responsive glutathione-dependent oxidoreductase protein, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 294 is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of starch and/or cellulose between 34% and 84% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGR261C or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the beta-adaptin superfamily is increased, preferably, an activity of clathrin assembly complex beta adaptin component protein, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 318 and 331, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol (124% to 698%) and/or raffinose (95% to 2956%) resp., between 95% and 2956% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 319 is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol between 400% and 480% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YJL072C or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae membrane protein YJL072c superfamily is increased, preferably, an activity of subunit of the GINS complex required for chromosomal DNA replication protein, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 308 is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glucose between 58% and 293% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YJL099W or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein involved in chitin biosynthesis and/or its regulation e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 320 is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol between 26% and 472% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR044W or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae membrane protein YOR044w superfamily is increased, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 321 is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol between 44% and 160% or more.

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR350C or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MNE1 protein superfamily is increased, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 322 is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol between 52% and 182% or more.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0050 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 604, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of starch and/or cellulose between 38% and 89% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0124 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 608, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of fructose between 100% and 2926% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0149 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 609, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of fructose between 68% and 95% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1318 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 610, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of fructose between 103% and 199% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1463 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 611 and 617 and 622, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of fructose between 92% and 453%, preferably of glucose between 57% and 618%, preferably of myo-inositol between 36% and 96%, preferably of fructose and glucose between 57% and 618%, preferably of fructose and myo-inositol between 36% and 453%, preferably of glucose and myo-inositol between 36% and 618%, preferably of fructose and glucose and myo-inositol between 36% and 618%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1539 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 605, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of starch and/or cellulose between 39% and 92% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1736 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 618, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glucose between 61% and 110% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1961 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 623, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol between 25% and 58% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2491 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 612 and 619, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of fructose between 123% and 278%, preferably of glucose between 81% and 289%, in particular for increasing the amount of fructose and glucose between 81% and 289%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3260 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 613, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of fructose between 87% and 472% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3578 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 614 and 620 and 626, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of fructose between 89% and 106%, preferably of glucose between 65% and 110%, preferably of raffinose between 55% and 84%, preferably of fructose and glucose between 65% and 110%, preferably of glucose and raffinose between 55% and 110%, preferably of fructose and raffinose between, 55% and 106%, preferably of fructose and glucose and raffinose between 55% and 110%, or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3619 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 615 and 621, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of fructose between 61% and 111%, preferably of glucose between 60% and 119%, preferably of fructose and glucose between 60% and 119% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3919 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 606, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of starch and/or cellulose between 33% and 52% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4074 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 624, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol between 25% and 50% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4122 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 616, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of fructose between 53% and 502% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4232 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 607, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of starch and/or cellulose between 35% and 61% or more is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YHR072W-A or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 625, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol between 27% and 53% or more is conferred.

[0046.0.25.25] In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0019 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the Na+/H+-exchanging protein nhaA superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a Na+/H+ antiporter activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 332, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of sucrose and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0138 or its homologs, e.g. having a fimbrial-like adhesin protein activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 309, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0161 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the Helicobacter serine proteinase superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a periplasmic serine protease (heat shock protein) activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 295, 303 and 323, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fructose, glucose and/or raffinose resp. and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0252 or its homologs, e.g. having a b0252 protein activity and similarity with helicase and ligase proteins, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 290 is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of starch and/or cellulose and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0290 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the Escherichia coli yagW protein superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a receptor protein activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 310, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0695 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein having homology with the sensor histidine kinase superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a activity of sensory histidine kinase in two-component regulatory system, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 296, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fructose and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0730 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the transcription regulator GntR superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a activity of a transcriptional regulator of succinylCoA synthetase operon and fatty acyl response regulator, e.g. as indicated in

Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 324, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of raffinose and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1430 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the hemagglutinin hag1 superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a activity of putative S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent methyltransferase conferring tellurite resistance, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 291, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of starch and/or cellulose and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1693 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a 3-dehydroquinate dehydratase activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 292, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of starch and/or cellulose and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1701 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein with homology to the 4-coumarate-CoA ligase and/or acetate-CoA ligase superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a activity of a CoenzymeA-dependent ligase with firefly luciferase-like ATPase Domain, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 325, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of raffinose and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1708 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the protein H11314 superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a lipoprotein activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 297 and 304, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fructose and/or glucose and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1886 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein II and/or aspartate sensor receptor activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 326, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of raffinose and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1926 or its homologs, e.g. having a flagellar protein fliT activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 298 and 305, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fructose and/or glucose and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2023 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the amidotransferase hisH superfamily with trpG homology is increased, preferably, of a protein having a activity of a glutamine amidotransferase subunit of imidazole glycerol phosphate synthase heterodimer, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 311, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2597 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the Pseudomonas putida hypothetical protein rpoX superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a activity of a ribosome associated factor, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 299, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fructose and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2599 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the pheA bifunctional enzyme superfamily with prephenate dehydratase homology is increased, preferably, of a proteinhaving a activity of a bifunctional enzyme: chorismate mutase P (N-terminal) and prephenate dehydratase (C-terminal), e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 306, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glucose and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2664 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the transcription regulator gabP superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a transcriptional repressor with DNA-binding

Winged helix domain (GntR familiy) activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 300 and 327, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fructose and/or raffinose and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the recombination protein recA superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a activity of a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 312 and 328, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol and/or raffinose and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3172 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the argininosuccinate synthase superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a argininosuccinate synthetase activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 313, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3231 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the Escherichia coli ribosomal protein L13 superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L13 activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 293, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of starch and/or cellulose and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3430 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 314, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3601 or its homologs, e.g. having a transcriptional repressor for mannitol utilization activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 329, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of raffinose and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4129 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the lysine-tRNA ligase superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a (inducible) lysine tRNA synthetase activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 315, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4239 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the alpha-glucosidase superfamily with alpha-amylase core homology is increased, preferably, of a protein having a trehalose-6-P hydrolase activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 301, 307 and 333, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fructose, glucose and/or sucrose resp., and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4327 or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the protein b2409 superfamily is increased, preferably, of a protein having a HTH-type transcriptional regulator with periplasmic binding protein domain (LysR family) activity, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 302, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of fructose and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBR184W or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a YBR184W protein superfamily-protein is increased, preferably, an activity of YBR184W protein, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 330 is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of raffinose and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBR204C or its homologs, e.g. an activity of peroxisomal lipase protein, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 316, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR112W or its homologs, e.g. an activity of YDR112W protein, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 317, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER174C or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the thioredoxin homology superfamily is increased, preferably, an activity of hydroperoxide and superoxide-radical responsive glutathione-dependent oxidoreductase protein, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 294 is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of starch and/or cellulose and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGR261C or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the beta-adaptin superfamily is increased, preferably, an activity of clathrin assembly complex beta adaptin component protein, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 318 and 331, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol and/or raffinose resp., and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 319 is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YJL072C or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae membrane protein YJL072c superfamily is increased, preferably, an activity of subunit of the

GINS complex required for chromosomal DNA replication protein, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 308 is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of glucose and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YJL099W or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein involved in chitin biosynthesis and/or its regulation e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 320 is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR044W or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae membrane protein YOR044w superfamily is increased, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 321 is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol and of further carbohydrate(s).

In one embodiment, the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR350C or its homologs, e.g. the activity of a protein of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MNE1 protein superfamily is increased, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 322 is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol and of further carbohydrate(s).

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0050 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 604, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of starch and/or cellulose and of one or more other carbohydrate(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0124 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 608, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of fructose and of one or more other carbohydrate(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0149 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 609, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of fructose and of one or more other carbohydrate(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1318 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 610, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of fructose and of one or more other carbohydrate(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1463 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 611 and 617 and 622, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of fructose and/or glucose and/or myo-inositol and of one or more other carbohydrate(s) conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1539 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 605, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of starch and/or cellulose and of one or more other carbohydrate(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1736 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 618, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of glucose and of one or more other carbohydrate(s) conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1961 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 623, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol and of one or more other carbohydrate(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2491 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 612 and 619, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of fructose and/orglucose and of one or more other carbohydrate(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3260 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 613, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of fructose and of one or more other carbohydrate(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3578 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 614 and 620 and 626, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of fructose and/or of glucose and/or raffinose and of one or more other carbohydrate(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3619 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 615 and 621, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of fructose and/or of glucose and of one or more other carbohydrate(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3919 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 606, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of starch and/or cellulose and of one or more other carbohydrate(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4074 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 624, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol and of one or more other carbohydrate(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4122 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 616, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of fructose and of one or more other carbohydrate(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4232 or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 607, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of starch and/or cellulose and of one or more other carbohydrate(s) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YHR072W-A or its homologs, as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, line 625, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0022.0.25.25], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the increase of the fine chemical, preferably of myo-inositol and of one or more other carbohydrate(s) is conferred.

[0047.0.0.25] to [0048.0.0.25]: see [0047.0.0.0] to [0048.0.0.0]

[0049.0.25.25] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the starch and/or cellulose preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence a as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607 and/or the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607, or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the starch and/or cellulose level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fructose preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence a as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 and/or the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616, or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the fructose level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the glucose preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence a as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621 and/or the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621, or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the glucose level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the myo-inositol preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence a as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625 and/or the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625, or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the myo-inositol level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the raffinose preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence a as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 323 to 331 and/or 626 and/or the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 323 to 331 and/or 626, or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 323 to 331 and/or 626 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the raffinose level.

A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the sucrose preferably has the structure of the polypeptide described herein. In a particular embodiment, the polypeptides used in the process of the present invention or the polypeptide of the present invention comprises the sequence of a consensus sequence a as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 332 to 333 and/or the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 332 to 333, or of a functional homologue thereof as described herein, or of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 332 to 333 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity conferring an increase in the sucrose level.

[0050.0.25.25] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “the respective fine chemical” also encompass the corresponding salts, ester and ethers, preferably etherificated with other mono-, di-oligo- or polysaccharides, with alkyl, alkenyl or alkinyl alcohols.

[0051.0.25.25] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the respective fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free chemical free or bound, e.g compositions comprising carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose resp., Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of various respective fine chemicals can be produced.

[0052.0.0.25] see [0052.0.0.0]

[0053.0.25.25] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290     to 294 and/or 604 to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to     302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to     621 for glucose; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625 for     myo-inositol; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose; lines 332     to 333 for sucrose; resp., or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607 for     starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for     fructose; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose; lines 309     to 322 and/or 622 to 625 for myo-inositol; lines 323 to 331 and/or     626 for raffinose; lines 332 to 333 for sucrose, resp., activity     having herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical-increasing     activity; -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, e.g.     of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in     Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607 for starch     and/or cellulose; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose;     lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose; lines 309 to 322     and/or 622 to 625 for myo-inositol; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626 for     raffinose; lines 332 to 333 for sucrose, resp., or its homologs     activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290     to 294 and/or 604 to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to     302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to     621 for glucose; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625 for     myo-inositol; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose; lines 332     to 333 for sucrose; resp., or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide of     the present invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine     chemical-increasing activity; -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine     chemical-increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290     to 294 and/or 604 to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to     302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to     621 for glucose; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625 for     myo-inositol; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose; lines 332     to 333 for sucrose; resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as     indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604     to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to     616 for fructose; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose;     lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625 for myo-inositol; lines 323 to     331 and/or 626 for raffinose; lines 332 to 333 for sucrose; resp.,     or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation of the polypeptide of the     invention; -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine     chemical-increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290     to 294 and/or 604 to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to     302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to     621 for glucose; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625 for     myo-inositol; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose; lines 332     to 333 for sucrose; resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as     indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604     to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to     616 for fructose; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose;     lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625 for myo-inositol; lines 323 to     331 and/or 626 for raffinose; lines 332 to 333 for sucrose, resp.; -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned the respective fine chemical-increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated     in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607 for starch     and/or cellulose; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose;     lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose; lines 309 to 322     and/or 622 to 625 for myo-inositol; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626 for     raffinose; lines 332 to 333 for sucrose, resp., or its homologs     activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290     to 294 and/or 604 to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to     302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to     621 for glucose; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625 for     myo-inositol; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose; lines 332     to 333 for sucrose, resp., by adding one or more exogenous inducing     factors to the organisms or parts thereof; -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned the respective fine     chemical-increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290     to 294 and/or 604 to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to     302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to     621 for glucose; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625 for     myo-inositol; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose; lines 332     to 333 for sucrose, resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as     indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604     to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to     616 for fructose; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose;     lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625 for myo-inositol; lines 323 to     331 and/or 626 for raffinose; lines 332 to 333 for sucrose, resp.,     and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned the respective fine     chemical-increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an     activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290     to 294 and/or 604 to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to     302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to     621 for glucose; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625 for     myo-inositol; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose; lines 332     to 333 for sucrose, resp., or its homologs, e.g. as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607 for     starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for     fructose; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose; lines 309     to 322 and/or 622 to 625 for myo-inositol; lines 323 to 331 and/or     626 for raffinose; lines 332 to 333 for sucrose; resp., activity. -   h) Increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having an activity     of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 294     and/or 604 to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to 302     and/or 608 to 616 for fructose; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621     for glucose; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625 for myo-inositol;     lines 323 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose; lines 332 to 333 for     sucrose, resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table     II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607 for starch     and/or cellulose; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose;     lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose; lines 309 to 322     and/or 622 to 625 for myo-inositol; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626 for     raffinose; lines 332 to 333 for sucrose; resp., by adding positive     expression or removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous     recombination can be used to either introduce positive regulatory     elements like for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to     remove repressor elements form regulatory regions. Further gene     conversion methods can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to     enhance to activity of positive elements. Positive elements can be     randomly introduced in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and     lines can be identified in which the positive elements have be     integrated near to a gene of the invention, the expression of which     is thereby enhanced; -   i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical production and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.25.25] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7 lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.

[0055.0.0.25] to [0064.0.0.25]: see [0055.0.0.0] to [0064.0.0.0]

[0065.0.0.25]: see [0065.0.0.0]

[0066.0.0.25] to [0067.0.0.25]: see [0066.0.0.0] to [0067.0.0.0]

[0068.0.25.25] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of the carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucroseis not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.25] see [0069.0.0.0]

[0070.0.25.25] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding a protein of the invention into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolites composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous composition carbohydrates comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose.

[0071.0.25.25] Preferably the composition further comprises higher amounts of metabolites positively affecting or lower amounts of metabolites negatively affecting the nutrition or health of animals or humans provided with said compositions or organisms of the invention or parts thereof. Likewise, the number or activity of further genes which are required for the import or export of nutrients or metabolites, including carbohydrates or its precursors, required for the cell's biosynthesis of carbohydratesmay be increased so that the concentration of necessary or relevant precursors, cofactors or intermediates within the cell(s) or within the corresponding storage compartments is increased. Owing to the increased or novel generated activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or owing to the increased number of nucleic acid sequences of the invention and/or to the modulation of further genes which are involved in the biosynthesis of the carbohydrates, e.g. by increasing the activity of enzymes synthesizing precursors or by destroying the activity of one or more genes which are involved in the breakdown of the carbohydrates, it is possible to increase the yield, production and/or production efficiency of carbohydratesin the host organism, such as the plants or the microorganims.

[0072.0.25.25] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose, further carbohydrates, preferably saccharides.

[0073.0.25.25] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant; b) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or a homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and described below, e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism, preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant, c) growing an organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and d) if desired, revovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or bound the respective fine chemical and, optionally further free and/or bound carbohydrate(s) synthetized by the organism, the microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.25.25] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound the respective fine chemical or the free and bound the respective fine chemical but as option it is also possible to produce, recover and, if desired isolate, other free or/and bound carbohydrate(s).

[0075.0.0.25] to [0077.0.0.25]: see [0075.0.0.0] to [0077.0.0.0]

[0078.0.25.25] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, respective fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications in nutrition or medicine or cosmetics, for example according to the disclosures made in U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,962: Starch microcapsules for delivery of active agents; US 20050042737: Starch process; US 20050054071: Enzymes for starch processing; US 20050091716: Novel plants and processes for obtaining them; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,096,594 and 5,482,631 discloses a method of purifying cyclitols; U.S. Pat. No. 4,997,489 discloses soaking almond hulls in water to obtain a syrup containing fructose, glucose, inositol, and sorbitol; U.S. Pat. No. 5,296,364 discloses a microbial method for producing inositol; U.S. Pat. No. 4,734,402; U.S. Pat. No. 4,788,065; U.S. Pat. No. 6,465,037 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,355,295: relates to soy food ingredient based on carbohydrates, U.S. Pat. No. 6,653,451; US 20040128713: pertains to soybean plants having in their seeds significantly lower contents of raffinose, stachyose and phytic acid and significantly higher contents of sucrose and inorganic phosphate; US 20050008713 discloses compositions of plant carbohydrates for dietary supplements and nutritional support; which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. The fermentation broth, fermentation products, plants or plant products can be treated and processed as described in above mentioned applications or by other methods known to the person skilled in the art and described herein below.

In the method for producing carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose according to the invention, the cultivation step of the genetically modified organisms, also referred to as transgenic organisms hereinbelow, is preferably followed by harvesting said organisms and isolating the respective carbohydrate(s) from said organisms.

The organisms are harvested in a manner known per se and appropriate for the particular organism. Microorganisms such as bacteria, mosses, yeasts and fungi or plant cells which are cultured in liquid media by fermentation may be removed, for example, by centrifugation, decanting or filtration. Plants are grown on solid media in a manner known per se and harvested accordingly.

Carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose are isolated from the harvested biomass in a manner known per se, for example by extraction and, where appropriate, further chemical or physical purification processes such as, for example, chemical and/or enzymatical degradation, precipitation methods, crystallography, thermal separation methods such as rectification methods or physical separation methods such as, for example, chromatography.

Products of these different work-up procedures are carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose comprising compositions, e.g. compostions comprising carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose which still comprise fermentation broth, plant particles and/or cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably between 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 20%, 10%, 5%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 05%, 0.1%, 0.01% and 0% by weight resp.

In one embodiment, preferred plants include, but are not limited to: sugar beet, sugar cane, soybeans and/or potato (Solanum tuberosum).

[0079.0.0.25] to [0084.0.0.25]: see [0079.0.0.0] to [0084.0.0.0]

[0085.0.25.25] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7,     lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to     616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622     to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or a     derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines     295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621;     lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626;     lines 332 to 333, resp., or a derivative thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.25] to [0087.0.0.25]: see [0086.0.0.0] to [0087.0.0.0]

[0088.0.25.25] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose content the respective fine chemical is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for humans and animals since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for nutrition is dependent on the abovementioned carbohydrates and the general amount of saccharides as energy source in feed.

[0088.1.0.25] to [0095.0.0.25]: see [0088.1.0.0] to [0095.0.0.0]

[0096.0.25.25] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptide or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired fine chemical, for example carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose in the organism, is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0097.0.0.25] see [0097.0.0.0]

[0098.0.25.25] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical (carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose) is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of carbohydrates, or mixtures thereof or mixtures with other compounds by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.25.25] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose may accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, and spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the respective fine chemical or the carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.25.25] Transgenic plants which comprise the carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the oils, lipids or fatty acids synthesized to be isolated. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, fruits, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue.

However, the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, in the form of their extracts, e.g. water containing extract, or as fibre in case of starch and/or cellulose, as degradation products (chemical ar enzymatical degradation) or crystallisation product or as their ethers and/or esters and/or free carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts, e.g. in the plant stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, fruits. To increase the efficiency of extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material especially the stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, fruits. extracts and/carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose can be obtained by what is known as cold beating or cold pressing without applying heat. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, specifically the stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, fruits, they can previously be comminuted, steamed or roasted. Plant parts, which have been pretreated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents or water. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. Thereafter, the resulting products can be processed further, i.e. degradiated, crystallized and/or refined.

[0101.0.25.25] see [0101.0.0.0]

[0102.0.25.25] Carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose can for example be analyzed advantageously via HPLC or GC separation methods and detected by MS oder MSMS methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrosecontaining products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: GC, GC-MS, LC,

LC-MSMS or TLC, as described on several occasions. The carbohydrates can be analized further in plant extracts by anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (Cataldi et al., Anal Chem.; 72(16):3902-7, 2000), by enzymatic “BioAnalysis” usind test kits from R-Biopharm and Roche or from Megazyme, Ireland.

[0103.0.25.25] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302     and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to     322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to     333, resp., or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines     295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621;     lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626;     lines 332 to 333, resp., -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to     607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617     to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or     626; lines 332 to 333, resp., and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table IV,     column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302     and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to     322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to     333, resp., and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to     616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622     to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[00103.1.0.4.] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.

[00103.2.0.4.] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.: In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.

[0104.0.25.25] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7 lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.

[0105.0.0.25] to [0107.0.0.25]: see [0105.0.0.0] to [0107.0.0.0]

[0108.0.25.25] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., nucleic acid molecules which are derived from an amino acid sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, meaning carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.25] see [0109.0.0.0]

[0110.0.25.25] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.25] see [0111.0.0.0]

[0112.0.25.25] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 and 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., and conferring an increase in the level of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose.

[0113.0.0.25] to [0120.0.0.25]: see [0113.0.0.0] to [0120.0.0.0]

[0121.0.25.25] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring an increase in the level of the fine chemical of the invention after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625 for myo-inositol; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose; lines 332 to 333 for sucrose resp.

[0122.0.0.25] to [0127.0.0.259]: see [0122.0.0.0] to [0127.0.0.0]

[0128.0.9.9] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table III, columns 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or the sequences derived from a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.

[0129.0.25.25] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequences indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., are derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.25.25] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose after increasing the expression or activity of the protein comprising said fragment.

[0131.0.0.25] to [0138.0.0.25]: see [0131.0.0.0] to [0138.0.0.0]

[0139.0.25.25] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical level, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to a sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, preferably table I B, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607 for starch and/or cellulose; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625 for myo-inositol; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose; lines 332 to 333 for sucrose resp., under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the respective fine chemical, in particular, of starch and/or cellulose and/fructose and/or glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or raffinose and/or sucrose, resp., increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.25] to [0146.0.0.25]: see [0140.0.0.0] to [0146.0.0.0]

[0147.0.25.25]: Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences, thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.25.25] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table I, preferably table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular having a carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.25.25] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, preferably table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring increase of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose resp., and optionally, the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 5, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.

[00149.1.25.25] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., preferably of Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3 lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.

[0150.0.25.25] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table I, preferably Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose resp., if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A

PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or its gene product.

[0151.0.0.25]: see [0151.0.0.0]

[0152.0.25.25] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular an activity increasing the level of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose resp., as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.25.25] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., has for example an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.

[0154.0.25.25] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.25] to [0156.0.0.25]: see [0155.0.0.0] to [0156.0.0.0]

[0157.0.25] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptides comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. or their functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, a consensus sequences as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., preferably as indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7 lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. Preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.

[0158.0.0.25] to [0160.0.0.25]: see [0158.0.0.0] to [0160.0.0.0]

[0161.0.25.25]: Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.25]: see [0162.0.0.0]

[0163.0.25.25]: Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the respective fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.25]: see [0164.0.0.0]

[0165.0.25.25] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7 lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.

[0166.0.0.25] to [0167.0.0.25]: see [0166.0.0.0] to [0167.0.0.0]

[0168.0.25.25]: Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., preferably of Table II B, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.

[0169.0.0.25] to [0172.0.0.25]: see [0169.0.0.0] to [0172.0.0.0]

[0173.0.25.25]: For example a sequence, which has 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 28606 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 28606 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.25]: see [0174.0.0.0]

[0175.0.25.25]: For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 28607 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 28607 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.25.25]: Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.

[0177.0.25.25]: Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7 lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, preferably in Table I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.

[0178.0.0.25]: see [0178.0.0.0]

[0179.0.25.25]: A nucleic acid molecule encoding an homologous to a protein sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., preferably in Table I B, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences of a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.25] to [0183.0.0.25]: see [0180.0.0.0] to [0183.0.0.0]

[0184.0.25.25] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, preferably in Table I B, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, preferably in Table II B, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.25.25] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., preferably in Table I B, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., preferably in Table I B, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., preferably in Table I B, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.

[0186.0.25.25] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., preferably in Table II B, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., preferably in Table II B, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.

[0187.0.25.25] In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., preferably in Table II B, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., and comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., preferably in Table II B, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. [0188.0.25.25] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential biological or enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., preferably compared to a sequence as indicated in Table II, column 3 and 5, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., and expressed under identical conditions.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention is a homolog consisting of or comprising the sequence as indicated in Table II B, columns 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.

[0189.0.25.25] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or of a sequence derived from a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.25] see [0190.0.0.0]

[0191.0.0.25] see [0191.0.0.0]:

[0192.0.0.25] to [0203.0.0.25] see [0192.0.0.0] to [0203.0.0.0]

[0204.0.25.25] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to     616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622     to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.,     preferably in Table II B, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to     607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617     to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or     626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or a fragment thereof conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, i.e.     carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch     and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose,     glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably     raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose resp., in an     organism or a part thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5     or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or     608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322     and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333,     resp., preferably in Table I B, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or     604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308     and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to     331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or a fragment thereof     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table III, column or 7,     lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to     616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622     to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical, i.e. carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more     preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more     preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or     trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more     preferably sucrose resp. in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 290 to     294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303     to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines     323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, i.e.     carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch     and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose,     glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably     raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose resp., in an     organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines     295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621;     lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626;     lines 332 to 333, resp., preferably in Table II B, column 7, lines     290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616;     lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to     625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical, i.e. carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more     preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more     preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or     trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more     preferably sucrose resp., in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604     to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or     617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331     and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., preferably in Table I B, column     7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608     to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or     622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or     a nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form of, a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7,     lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to     616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622     to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.,     preferably in Table II B, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to     607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617     to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or     626; lines 332 to 333, resp., and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; or which encompasses a sequence which is complementary     thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table IA or,     columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302     and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to     322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to     333, resp., by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the     nucleic acid molecule does not consist of the sequence shown and     indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7 lines 290 to 294     and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to     308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323     to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.: In one embodiment, the     nucleic acid molecule is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or     99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5     or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or     608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322     and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333,     resp. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not     encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table II A or II B,     columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302     and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to     322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to     333, resp. In an other embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical and     less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a     sequence indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to     294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303     to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines     323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. In a further     embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide     sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines     290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616;     lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to     625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.     Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the     differs at least in one or more residues from a nucleic acid     molecule indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to     294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303     to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines     323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. Accordingly, in one     embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention     encodes a polypeptide, which differs at least in one or more amino     acids from a polypeptide indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5     or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or     608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322     and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333,     resp. In another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule indicated in     Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to     607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617     to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or     626; lines 332 to 333, resp. does not encode a protein of a sequence     indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294     and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to     308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323     to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. Accordingly, in one     embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid     according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated     in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604     to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or     617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331     and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. In a further embodiment, the     protein of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60%     identical to a protein sequence indicated in Table II A or II B,     columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302     and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to     322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to     333, resp. and less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99%     or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95%     identical to a sequence as indicated in Table I A or II B, columns 5     or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or     608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322     and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333,     resp.

[0205.0.0.25] to [0206.0.0.25] see [0205.0.0.0] to [0206.0.0.0]

[0207.0.25.25] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes, are genes of the carbohydrate or starch metabolism, the glucose metabolism, the saccharide metabolism, the metabolism of glycolysis, or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.25] to [0226.0.0.25]: see [0208.0.0.0] to [0226.0.0.0]

[0227.0.25.25]: The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the carbohydrate biosynthetic pathway is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the carbohydrate desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine one or more of the sequences indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.25.25: In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore, organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of at least one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteins involved in the carbohydrate metabolism, in particular in synthesis of polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose.

[0229.0.25.25]: Further advantageous nucleic acid sequences which can be expressed in combination with the sequences used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes are the sequences encoding further genes of the carbohydrate biosynthetic pathway. These genes can lead to an increased synthesis of the carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose resp.

[0230.0.0.25] see [0230.0.0.0]

[0231.0.25.25] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a carbohydrate degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.25] to [0276.0.0.25]: see [0232.0.0.0] to [0276.0.0.0]

[0277.0.25.25] The respective fine chemical produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. For example, via extraction, chemical or enzymatical deg radiation, crystallization, salt precipitation, and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously. The respective fine chemcical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts

[0278.0.0.25] to [0282.0.0.25]: see [0278.0.0.0] to [0282.0.0.0]

[0283.0.25.25]: Moreover, a native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, e.g. an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof, i.e., the polypeptide of this invention. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies.

[0284.0.0.25]: see [0284.0.0.0]

[0285.0.25.25]: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or as encoded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.25.25]: In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid and/or be absent.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.

[0287.0.0.25] to [0290.0.0.25]: see [0287.0.0.0] to [0290.0.0.0]

[0291.0.25.25]: In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form a sequence as indicated in Table II A or IIB, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. by more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.

[0292.0.0.25]: see [0292.0.0.0]

[0293.0.25.25]: In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table I A or I B, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.

[0294.0.25.25] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.25] to [0297.0.0.25]: see [0295.0.0.0] to [0297.0.0.0]

[0297.1.25.25] Non polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 3, 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.

[0298.0.25.25]: A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7 lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.

[0299.0.25.25]: Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7 lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.25.25]: Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of a sequence as indicated in Table II A or II B, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp.

[0301.0.0.25] see [0301.0.0.0]

[0302.0.25.25] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626;

lines 332 to 333, resp., or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.25]: see [0303.0.0.0]

[0304.0.25.25]: Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.25] to [0308.0.0.25]: see [0305.0.0.0] to [0308.0.0.0]

[0309.0.25.25]: In one embodiment, a reference to a protein (=polypeptide) of the invention or as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part therof.

[0310.0.0.25] to [0334.0.0.25]: see [0310.0.0.0] to [0334.0.0.0]

[0335.0.25.25]: The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence sequences as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.25] to [0342.0.0.25]: see [0336.0.0.0] to [0342.0.0.0]

[0343.0.25.25]: As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.25] to [0361.0.0.25]: see [0344.0.0.0] to [0361.0.0.0]

[0362.0.25.25]: Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table II, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., e.g. encoding a polypeptide having protein activity, as indicated in Table II, columns 3, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. Due to the above mentioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, column 3, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention

[0363.0.0.25]: see [0363.0.0.0]

[0364.0.0.25]: see [0364.0.0.0]

[0365.0.0.25] to [0373.0.0.25]: see [0365.0.0.0] to [0373.0.0.0]

[0374.0.25.25]: Transgenic plants comprising the respective fine chemical synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. Carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose resp., produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free form or bound in or to compounds or moieties. Carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose resp., produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography or other chromatographic methods of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.25] to [0376.0.0.25]: see [0375.0.0.0] to [0376.0.0.0]

[0377.0.25.25]: Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process according to the present invention whereby the produced carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose comprising composition or the produced the respective fine chemical is isolated.

[0378.0.25.25]: In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose resp., produced in the process can be isolated. The resulting carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose resp., can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.25.25]: In one embodiment, the carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose resp., is a mixture comprising of one or more the respective fine chemicals. In one embodiment, the respective fine chemical means here carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose. In one embodiment, carbohydrate means here a mixture of the respective fine chemicals.

[0380.0.25.25]: The carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose resp., obtained in the process are suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates a method for the production of pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose comprising composition produced or the respective fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose resp., produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

[0381.0.0.25] to [0382.0.0.25]: see [0381.0.0.0] to [0382.0.0.0]

[0383.0.9.25]: ./.

[0384.0.0.25]: see [0384.0.0.0]

[0385.0.25.25]: The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose, resp., in mixtures with other compounds, in particular with other carbohydrates, or fatty acids building lipids or containing microorganisms or parts of microorganisms, like plastids, containing carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose resp., in mixtures with other compounds, e.g. carbohydrates, normally have a dry matter content of from 7.5 to 25% by weight.

The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

[0386.0.0.25] -/-

[0387.0.0.25] to [0392.0.0.25]: see [0387.0.0.0] to [0392.0.0.0]

[0393.0.25.25]: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   (a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294     and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to     308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323     to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., preferably in Table I B,     lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to     616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622     to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp. and,     optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete genomic     clone; -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the respective fine chemical; -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   (e) assaying the the respective fine chemical level in the host     cells; and -   (f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the respective the respective fine     chemical level in the host cell after expression compared to the     wild type.

[0394.0.0.25] to [0399.0.0.25]: see [0394.0.0.0] to [0399.0.0.0]

[00399.1.9.9]: One can think to screen for increased production of the respective fine chemical by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the respective fine chemical and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotyp of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.25] to [0416.0.0.25]: see [0400.0.0.0] to [0416.0.0.0]

[0417.0.9.9]: The nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose, resp., production biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect an organism such as a microorganism or a plant against inhibitors, which block the carbohydrate, in particular the respective fine chemical synthesis in said organism. Examples of inhibitors or herbicides blocking the synthesis in organism such as microorganism or plants are for example the cellulose synthesis inhibitors 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile (DCB), N2-(1-ethyl-3-phenylpropyl)-6-(1-fluoro-1-methylethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine, called AE F150944 or isoxaben.

[0418.0.0.25] to [0423.0.0.25]: see [0418.0.0.0] to [0423.0.0.0]

[0424.0.25.25]: Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the respective fine chemical or of the respective fine chemical and one or more other carbohydrate.

Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the respective fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0425.0.0.25] to [0454.0.0.25]: see [0425.0.0.0] to [0453.0.0.0]

[0454.0.25.25] Example 8 Analysis of the Effect of the Nucleic Acid Molecule on the Production of the Fine Chemical Resp

[0455.0.25.25] The effect of the genetic modification in C. glutamicum or other microbial especially bacterial strains for carbohydrate production on the production of an carbohydrate can be determined by growing the modified microorganisms under suitable conditions (such as those described above) and analyzing the medium and/or the cellular components for the increased production of the amino acid. Such analytical techniques are well known to the skilled worker and encompass spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, various types of staining methods, enzymatic and microbiological methods and analytical chromatography such as high-performance liquid chromatography (see, for example, Ullman, Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. A2, pp. 89-90 and pp. 443-613, VCH: Weinheim (1985); Fallon, A., et al., (1987) “Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry” in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 17; Rehm et al. (1993) Biotechnology, Vol. 3, Chapter III: “Product recovery and purification”, pp. 469-714, VCH: Weinheim; Better, P. A. et al. (1988) Bioseparations: downstream processing for Biotechnology, John Wiley and Sons; Kennedy, J. F. and Cabral, J. M. S. (1992) Recovery processes for biological Materials, John Wiley and Sons; Shaeiwitz, J. A. and Henry, J. D. (1988) Biochemical Separations, in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. B3; chapter 11, pp. 1-27, VCH: Weinheim; and Dechow, F. J. (1989) Separation and purification techniques in biotechnology, Noyes Publications).

[0456.0.0.25]: see [0456.0.0.0]

[0457.0.25.25]: Example 9 Purification of the Carbohydrates, Preferably Polysaccharides, More Preferably Starch and/or Cellulose and/or Monosaccharides, More Preferably Fructose, Glucose and/or Myo-Inositol and/or Trisaccharides, More Preferably Raffinose and/or Disaccharides, More Preferably Sucrose

[0458.0.25.25]: Abbreviations: GC-MS, gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; TLC, thin-layer chromatography.

The unambiguous detection for the presence of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrosecan be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: GC, GC-MS or TLC, as described (1997, in: Advances on Lipid Methodology, Fourth Edition: Christie, Oily Press, Dundee, 119-169; 1998, Gaschromatographie-Massenspektrometrie-Verfahren [Gas chromatography/mass spectrometric methods], Lipide 33:343-353). The total carbohydrate produced in the organism for example in yeasts used in the inventive process can be analysed for example according to the following procedure: The material such as yeasts, E. coli or plants to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods.

Plant material is initially homogenized mechanically by comminuting in a pestle and mortar to make it more amenable to extraction.

-[0459.0.25.25]: -/-

[0460.0.0.25] see [0460.0.0.0]

[0461.0.25.25] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 28606 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.25]: see [0462.0.0.0]

[0463.025.25] SEQ ID NO: 28606 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.25] to [0466.0.0.25]: see [0464.0.0.0] to [0466.0.0.0]

[0467.025.25] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 28606:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 28696) atgaaacatc tgcatcgatt ctttag, ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 28697) ttaaactgat ggacgcaaac gaacg

[0468.0.0.25] to [0479.0.0.25]: see [0468.0.0.0] to [0479.0.0.0]

[0480.025.25]: Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 28606

[0481.0.0.25] to [0513.0.0.25]: see [0481.0.0.0] to [0513.0.0.0]

[0514.0.9.9]: As an alternative, the carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose can be detected advantageously as for example described by Sonnebald et al., (Nat Biotechnol. 1997 August; 15(8):794-7), or Panikulangara et al., Plant Physiol. 2004 October; 136(2):3148-58.

The results of the different plant analyses can be seen from the table 1, which follows:

TABLE 1 ORF Metabolite analyte Method Min Max b0019 Sucrose Sucrose GC 1.22 1.55 b0138 myo-Inositol myo-Inositol GC 1.32 1.46 b0161 Fructose Fructose GC 1.82 12.55 b0161 Glucose Glucose GC 1.86 4.38 b0161 Raffinose Raffinose LC 2.28 2.97 b0252 starch/cellulose Anhydroglucose GC 1.37 1.53 b0290 myo-Inositol myo-Inositol GC 1.23 1.50 b0695 Fructose Fructose GC 1.69 11.46 b0730 Raffinose Raffinose LC 1.93 7.16 b1430 starch/cellulose Anhydroglucose GC 1.31 1.58 b1693 starch/cellulose Anhydroglucose GC 1.34 2.16 b1701 Raffinose Raffinose LC 1.57 10.58 b1708 Fructose Fructose GC 1.77 27.64 b1708 Glucose Glucose GC 1.62 10.42 b1886 Raffinose Raffinose LC 1.64 4.91 b1926 Fructose Fructose GC 1.86 2.93 b1926 Glucose Glucose GC 1.63 1.88 b2023 myo-Inositol myo-Inositol GC 1.31 2.10 b2597 Fructose Fructose GC 1.90 2.05 b2599 Glucose Glucose GC 1.65 2.71 b2664 Fructose Fructose GC 1.77 41.86 b2664 Raffinose Raffinose LC 1.72 13.67 b2699 myo-Inositol myo-Inositol GC 1.86 7.90 b2699 Raffinose Raffinose LC 1.61 25.08 b3172 myo-Inositol myo-Inositol GC 1.26 2.44 b3231 starch/cellulose Anhydroglucose GC 1.31 1.74 b3430 myo-Inositol myo-Inositol GC 1.34 2.16 b3601 Raffinose Raffinose LC 1.84 2.35 b4129 myo-Inositol myo-Inositol GC 1.29 1.48 b4239 Fructose Fructose GC 4.21 8.68 b4239 Glucose Glucose GC 2.00 4.85 b4239 Sucrose Sucrose GC 1.64 2.69 b4327 Fructose Fructose GC 1.97 3.75 YBR184W Raffinose Raffinose LC 1.87 5.78 YBR204C myo-Inositol myo-Inositol GC 1.27 2.92 YDR112W myo-Inositol myo-Inositol GC 1.41 1.90 YER174C starch/cellulose Anhydroglucose GC 1.34 1.84 YGR261C myo-Inositol myo-Inositol GC 2.24 7.98 YGR261C Raffinose Raffinose LC 1.95 30.56 YIL150C myo-Inositol myo-Inositol GC 4.80 4.80 YJL072C Glucose Glucose GC 1.58 3.93 YJL099W myo-Inositol myo-Inositol GC 1.26 5.72 YOR044W myo-Inositol myo-Inositol GC 1.44 2.60 YOR350C myo-Inositol myo-Inositol GC 1.52 2.82 b0050 starch and/or Anhydroglucose GC 1.38 1.89 cellulose b0124 Fructose Fructose GC 2.00 30.26 b0149 Fructose Fructose GC 1.68 1.95 b1318 Fructose Fructose GC 2.03 2.99 b1463 Fructose Fructose GC 1.92 5.53 b1463 Glucose Glucose GC 1.57 7.18 b1463 myo-Inositol myo-Inositol GC 1.36 1.96 b1539 starch and/or Anhydroglucose GC 1.39 1.92 cellulose b1736 Glucose Glucose GC 1.61 2.10 b1961 myo-Inositol myo-Inositol GC 1.25 1.58 b2491 Fructose Fructose GC 2.23 3.78 b2491 Glucose Glucose GC 1.81 3.89 b3260 Fructose Fructose GC 1.87 5.72 b3578 Fructose Fructose GC 1.89 2.06 b3578 Glucose Glucose GC 1.65 2.10 b3578 Raffinose Raffinose LC 1.55 1.84 b3619 Fructose Fructose GC 1.61 2.11 b3619 Glucose Glucose GC 1.60 2.19 b3919 starch and/or Anhydroglucose GC 1.33 1.52 cellulose b4074 myo-Inositol myo-Inositol GC 1.25 1.50 b4122 Fructose Fructose GC 1.53 6.02 b4232 starch and/or Anhydroglucose GC 1.35 1.61 cellulose YHR072W-A myo-Inositol myo-Inositol GC 1.27 1.53

[0515.0.0.25] to [0552.0.0.25]: see [0515.0.0.0] to [0552.0.0.0]

[0552.1.25.25]: Example 15 Metabolite Profiling Info from Zea mays

Zea mays plants were engineered as described in Example 14c.

The results of the different Zea mays plants analysed can be seen from Table 2 which follows:

TABLE 2 ORF_NAME Metabolite Min Max b2699 Raffinose 2.06 5.58 YIL150C myo-Inositol 2.03 2.91 b4239 Fructose 1.83 1.95 b4239 Glucose 2.18 2.29

Table 2 exhibits the metabolic data from maize, shown in either TO or T1, describing the increase in raffinose and/or myo-Inositol and/or fructose and/or glucose in genetically modified corn plants expressing the Saccharomyces cerevisiae nucleic acid sequence YIL150C and/or E. coli nucleic acid sequence b2699 or b4239 resp.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the Saccaromyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, e.g. “a chromatin binding protein, required for S-phase (DNA synthesis) initiation or completion”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical myo-inositol between 103% and 191% is conferred.

In case the activity of the E. coli protein b2699 or a DNA strand exchange and recombination protein with protease and nuclease activity, preferably a gene product with an activity of recombination protein recA superfamily or its homolog, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical raffinose between 106% and 458% is conferred.

In one embodiment, in case the activity of the E. coli protein b4239 or its homologs, e.g. “the activity of a protein of the alpha-glucosidase superfamily with alpha-amylase core homology is increased, preferably, of a protein having a trehalose-6-P hydrolase activity”, is increased in corn plants, preferably, an increase of the fine chemical fructose between 83% and 95% is conferred. and/or an increase of the fine chemical glucose between 118% and 129% is conferred.

[0552.2.0.25]: see [0552.2.0.0]

[0553.0.25.25]

-   1. A process for the production of carbohydrates, preferably     polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or     monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or     myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or     disaccharides, more preferably sucrose, which comprises -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as indicated     in Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607 for     starch and/or cellulose;     -   lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose;     -   lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose;     -   lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625 for myo-inositol;     -   lines 323 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose;     -   lines 332 to 333 for sucrose;     -   resp., or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human         organism, or in one or more parts thereof; and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more     preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more     preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or     trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more     preferably sucrose resp. in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of carbohydrates, preferably     polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or     monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or     myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or     disaccharides, more preferably sucrose, comprising the increasing or     generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at     least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule     selected from the group consisting of: -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607 for     starch and/or cellulose;     -   lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose;     -   lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose;     -   lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625 for myo-inositol;     -   lines 323 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose;     -   lines 332 to 333 for sucrose;     -   resp., or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the         amount of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more         preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more         preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or         trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides,         more preferably sucrosein an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule as     indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to     607 for starch and/or cellulose;     -   lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose;     -   lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose;     -   lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625 for myo-inositol;     -   lines 323 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose;     -   lines 332 to 333 for sucrose resp.; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of carbohydrates, preferably     polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or     monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or     myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or     disaccharides, more preferably sucrose in an organism or a part     thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has at     least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides,     more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more     preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or     trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more     preferably sucrose in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of     carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch     and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose,     glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably     raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose in an     organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid molecule     which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA     library or a genomic library using the primers or primer pairs as     indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607     for starch and/or cellulose;     -   lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose;     -   lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose;     -   lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625 for myo-inositol;     -   lines 323 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose;     -   lines 332 to 333 for sucrose resp., and conferring an increase         in the amount of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more         preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more         preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or         trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides,         more preferably sucrosein an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated     with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded     by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (f) and conferring an     increase in the amount of yin an organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a     consensus as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 290 to 294     and/or 604 to 607 for starch and/or cellulose;     -   lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616 for fructose;     -   lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621 for glucose;     -   lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625 for myo-inositol;     -   lines 323 to 331 and/or 626 for raffinose;     -   lines 332 to 333 for sucroseresp., and conferring an increase in         the amount of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more         preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more         preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or         trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides,         more preferably sucrose in an organism or a part thereof; and -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof having at least 15 nt,     preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the     nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof. -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, wherein the carbohydrates,     preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose     and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or     myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or     disaccharides, more preferably sucrose is isolated. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps: -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a polypeptide     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized in claim 2; -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof; -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said     polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with the     activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the selected     organisms or the part thereof; -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which comprise     an increased activity or expression level of said polypeptide     compared to the selected organism or the part thereof; -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the parts     thereof; and -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound     carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch     and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose,     glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably     raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose produced by     the selected mutated organisms or parts thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of: -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table II, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines     295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621;     lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626;     lines 332 to 333, resp., or a fragment thereof, which confers an     increase in the amount of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides,     more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more     preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or     trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more     preferably sucrosein an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule as     indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to     607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617     to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or     626; lines 332 to 333, resp.; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of carbohydrates, preferably     polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or     monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or     myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or     disaccharides, more preferably sucrose in an organism or a part     thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has at     least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides,     more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more     preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or     trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more     preferably sucrose in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of carbohydrates, preferably     polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or     monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or     myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or     disaccharides, more preferably sucrose in an organism or a part     thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid molecule     which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA     library or a genomic library using the primers or primer pairs as     indicated in Table III, column 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to     607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617     to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or     626; lines 332 to 333, resp., and conferring an increase in the     amount of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably     starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably     fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more     preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated     with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded     by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (f) and conferring an     increase in the amount of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides,     more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more     preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or     trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more     preferably sucrose in an organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a     consensus as indicated in Table IV, column 7, lines 290 to 294     and/or 604 to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to     308 and/or 617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323     to 331 and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., and conferring an     increase in the amount of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides,     more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more     preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or     trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more     preferably sucrose in an organism or a part thereof; and -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof having at least 15 nt,     preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the     nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k) and conferring an     increase in the amount of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides,     more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more     preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or     trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more     preferably sucrosein an organism or a part thereof.     whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the sequence as     indicated in Table I A, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604     to 607; lines 295 to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or     617 to 621; lines 309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331     and/or 626; lines 332 to 333, resp., by one or more nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     II A, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; lines 295     to 302 and/or 608 to 616; lines 303 to 308 and/or 617 to 621; lines     309 to 322 and/or 622 to 625; lines 323 to 331 and/or 626; lines 332     to 333, resp., by one or more amino acids -   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of carbohydrates,     preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose     and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or     myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or     disaccharides, more preferably sucrose in an organism or a part     thereof comprising: -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which     express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of carbohydrates,     preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose     and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or     myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or     disaccharides, more preferably sucrose in an organism or a part     thereof with a candidate compound or a sample comprising a plurality     of compounds under conditions which permit the expression the     polypeptide; -   (b) assaying the carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more     preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more     preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or     trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more     preferably sucroselevel or the polypeptide expression level in the     cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or the media the cell, tissue,     plant or microorganisms is cultured or maintained in; and -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the measured     carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch     and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose,     glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably     raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose level or     polypeptide expression level with a standard carbohydrates,     preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose     and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or     myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or     disaccharides, more preferably sucroseor polypeptide expression     level measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample     comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased level     over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample     comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased     level over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample     comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably     starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably     fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more     preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose     production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps: -   (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining     a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of     carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch     and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose,     glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably     raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose in an     organism or a part thereof and a readout system capable of     interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which     permit the interaction of the polypeptide with said readout system     in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of     compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response     to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions     which permit the expression of said readout system and of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6     conferring an increase in the amount of carbohydrates, preferably     polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or     monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or     myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or     disaccharides, more preferably sucrose in an organism or a part     thereof; -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting     the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said     readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more     preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more     preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or     trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more     preferably sucroseproduction in a cell, comprising the following     steps: -   (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can     contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an     increase in carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more     preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more     preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or     trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more     preferably sucrose after expression with the nucleic acid molecule     of claim 6; -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of claim     6; -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells     appropriate for producing carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides,     more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more     preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or     trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more     preferably sucrose; -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   (e) assaying the carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more     preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more     preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or     trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more     preferably sucroselevel in the host cells; and -   (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the carbohydrates, preferably     polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or     monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or     myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or     disaccharides, more preferably sucroselevel in the host cell in the     host cell after expression compared to the wild type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more     preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more     preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or     trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more     preferably sucrose production in a cell, comprising the following     steps: -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an     organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product     conferring an increase in the carbohydrates, preferably     polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or     monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or     myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or     disaccharides, more preferably sucrose amount or level in an     organism or a part thereof after expression, and which are at least     20% homologous to the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells     appropriate for producing carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides,     more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more     preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or     trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more     preferably sucrose; -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   (d) assaying the carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more     preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more     preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or     trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more     preferably sucrose level in the host cells; and -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the carbohydrates, preferably     polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or     monosaccharides, more preferably fructose, glucose and/or     myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or     disaccharides, more preferably sucroselevel in the host cell after     expression compared to the wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch     and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably fructose,     glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more preferably     raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose after     expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more     preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more     preferably fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or     trisaccharides, more preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more     preferably sucrose levels in an organism. -   25. Cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food or feed composition comprising     the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14,     the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9,     the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the     antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20. -   26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according     to the method of claim 19 or 20 for the protection of a plant     against a carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably     starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably     fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol and/or trisaccharides, more     preferably raffinose and/or disaccharides, more preferably sucrose     synthesis inhibiting herbicide.

[0554.0.0.25] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.0]

PROCESS FOR THE CONTROL OF THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.0.26] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.26] The present invention relates further to a process for the control of the production of fine chemical in a microorganism, a plant cell, a plant, a plant tissue or in one or more parts thereof. The invention furthermore relates to nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, nucleic acid constructs, vectors, antisense molecules, antibodies, host cells, plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material, plants, microorganisms as well as agricultural compositions and to their use.

[0002.0.0.26] Certain products and by-products of naturally-occurring metabolic processes in cells have utility in a wide array of industries, including, but not limited to, the food, feed, cosmetics, health care, and pharmaceutical industries and agriculture. These molecules, collectively termed ‘fine chemicals’ include molecules such as vitamins for example vitamin A, D, E, K, B₁, B₂, B₆, B₁₂, C, pantothenic acid, biotin or folic acid; substances with vitamin-like character for example vitamin F, lipoic acid, ubiquinones, choline, myoinsositiol, vitamin U (S-methylmethionine), flavours for example vanillin, coumarin, isoeugenol, eugenol, (R)-carvone, (S)-carvone, menthol, jasmone or farnesol; nutraceuticals for example phytosterols, flavonoids, anthocyanidins, isoflavons or isoprenoids; detergents; fatty acids such as saturated fatty acids, mono unsaturated fatty acids (singular MUFA, plural MUFAS), poly unsaturated fatty acids (singular PUFA, plural PUFAS), waxes or lipids containing said fatty acids; carbohydrates for example cellulose, starch, dextrin, pectin, xanthangum, carrageenan or alginate; sugars for example monosaccharides such as glucose, fructose, manose, sorbose, ribose, ribulose, xylose, xylulose or galactose, disaccharides such as lactose, sucrose, saccharose, maltose, isomaltose or cellobiose, trisaccharides such as raffinose or maltotriose; carboxylic acids for example citric acid, α-ketoglutaric acid, ferulic acid, sinapic acid or lactic acid; carotinoids for example α-carotene, β-carotene, zeaxanthine, lutein, astaxanthine, lycopene, phyotoene or phytofluene, amino acids for example lysine, threonine, methionine, tryptophane, phenylalanine, argenine, valine or tyrosine, cofactors for example heme or quinines, enzymes for example lipases, esterases, proteases, amylases, glucosidases etc. and other compounds [as described e.g. in Kuninaka, A. (1996) Nucleotides and related compounds, p. 561-612, in Biotechnology vol. 6, Rehm et al., eds. VCH: Weinheim, in Industial Microbiology and Biotechnology, Demain et al., second edition, ASM Press Washington, D.C. 1999, in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, vol. A27, Vitamins, p. 443-613 (1996) VCH: Weinheim and Ong, A. S., Niki, E. & Packer, L. (1995) Nutrition, Lipids, Health, and Disease Proceedings of the UNESCO/Confederation of Scientific and Technological Associations in Malaysia, and the Society for Free Radical Research, Asia, held Sep. 1-3, 1994 at Penang, Malaysia, AOCS Press, (1995)), enzymes, and all other chemicals described in Gutcho (1983) Chemicals by Fermentation, Noyes Data Corporation, ISBN: 0818805086 and references contained therein].

[0003.0.0.26] Compounds with health promoting properties that can be considered for inclusion into a nutraceutical or a functional food or which are used in food, feed, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries and agriculture are, for example, amino acids, carotenoids, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, carbohydrates, oligosaccharides, fibres, vitamins and precursors, minerals and others. Some of these compounds for example can block or delay the development of cancer and arteriosclerosis.

Carotenoids can scavenge toxic oxygen radicals and function as provitamins. Multiple unsaturated fatty acids may prevent heart and vascular diseases. Oligosaccharides and fibres can bind toxic compounds and may serve as food for, and this way improve the quantity and quality of, the intestinal flora. Oligosaccharides and fibres are poorly digestible and are therefore helpful in keeping the dietary energy low.

[0004.0.0.26] Further advantageous properties of the fine chemical of the invention are described above, preferably in the respective paragraphs [0002.0.m.n] to [0011.0.m.n] whereby m and n can be one or more numbers between zero to twenty-five, as disclosed afore.

[0005.0.0.26] During the last decade, many millions of hectares have been planted worldwide with transgenic crops. Over 90% of these crops provide transgenically the agronomic properties of herbicide and pest tolerance.

Today genetic engineering of plants and microorganisms intends to make new or improved products. This development enables industry and farmers to produce higher-value products, for food and feed, for medical and for industrial objectives. Further, it is intended and expected to have a high economic impact.

Fine chemicals for nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals can be produced chemically or biotechnologically by micro-organisms, animal cell cultures, and plants. Plants are one of the new hosts that can serve for the production of recombinant pharmaceuticals.

[0006.0.0.26] Microorganisms, plant cells, plants, plant tissues or one or more parts thereof may serve as new hosts for the production of fine chemicals, recombinant nutraceuticals and/or pharmaceuticals. Nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals can be distinguished at best on the basis of their features, their physiological activity, their effect on the metabolism animals and human beings and their aim.

[0007.0.0.26] Nutraceuticals on the one hand aim to maintain or to meliorate the health situation of principally healthy humans or animals. They are compounds that are naturally present in food or are added to foods for daily consumption. Such foods are called ‘functional foods’ and in the case of animal application: ‘functional feed’. They can be supplied with a health claim.

Synonymous to nutraceuticals and belonging to the same field of terminology of are ‘functional foods’, ‘designer foods’, ‘positive nutrition’, ‘foods with dietary supplements’, ‘foods with functional ingredients’, ‘health food’, ‘dietary food’, ‘fuctional food ingredient’, etc. Nutraceuticals are understood as a product that can be a single well-defined food-compound with health promoting characteristics, but also as complex foods with such beneficial characteristics. Nutraceuticals may be briefly and meaningless defined as nutritionally or medicinally enhanced foods that provide physiological, medical and/or health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of disease beyond basic nutritional functions. The definition for a functional food formulated by the EU is “foods that have been satisfactorily demonstrated to affect beneficially one or more target functions of the body, beyond adequate nutritional effects, in a way which is relevant to either an improved state of health and well-being, or reduction of the risk to diseases”. The terms “functional feed” and “functional crop” are used with similar meanings.

[0008.0.0.26] Pharmaceuticals on the other hand aim to cure (human, animal) patients, to mitigate, or to serve in diagnostics. They usually are purified, well defined medicinal and/or therapeutic preparations that have passed the clinical tests and that are supplied with a medicinal claim.

[0009.0.0.26] According to the Concerted Action on Functional Food Sciences in Europe (FUFOSE), funded by the EU, a food can be made a functional food by using different approaches:

to eliminate a component known to cause deleterious effects to the consumer (e.g. an allergenic protein), or to increase the concentration of a natural component in food, or to add a component which is not normally present in most foods, but for which beneficial effects have been demonstrated, or to replace a component, usually a macronutrient, the intake of which is usually excessive by a component which has beneficial effects or to improve the bioavailability of, or to modify, food components for which beneficial effects have been demonstrated.

[0010.0.0.26] It would be advantageous to have cells, microorganisms or plants which put a combination of metabolites at disposal, whereby the combination of the metabolites may be used for inclusion into a nutraceutical or a functional food or feed.

[0011.0.0.26] One object of the present invention is to put cells, microorganisms or plants at disposal, which deliver fine chemicals, in proportions to be used as compounds with health promoting properties that can be considered for inclusion into a nutraceutical or a functional food or feed, preferably without disproportional costs and efforts.

It is further object to present process for the control of the production of the fine chemical in a microorganism, a plant cell, a plant, a plant tissue which modifies the content of two or more metabolites simultaneously.

[0012.0.0.26] It is generally accepted that a diet consisting of an adequate number of calories and having sufficient levels of vitamins and minerals allows for proper function of the various systems, and is required to maintain a state of good health. In addition, it is well-established that many diseases and undesirable conditions can be prevented, slowed, or even reversed by modifying the subjects dietary intake.

Improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the food-and-feed industry.

This is necessary since certain fine chemicals, for example like some mentioned above amino acids, fatty acids, glycerides, lipids, vitamins, carotenoids, phytosterols, organic compounds, preferably organic acids as disclosed in [0002.0.16.16], [0002.0.17.17], [0002.0.19.19], [0002.0.20.20] and/or [0002.0.23.23], glycerol and derivates, coenzymes, galactolipids and/or carbohydrates, saccharides and/or sugars, which occur in plants are limited with regard to the supply of mammals. Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible a metabolic profile since a great excess of one fine chemical above a specific concentration in the food or feed has no further positive effect on the utilization of the nutrition since other fine chemicals suddenly become limiting. A further increase in quality is only possible via addition of further fine chemicals, which are limiting under these conditions.

[0013.0.0.26] Currently, the production of recombinant fine chemicals in plants or microorganismes is usually based on the triggered production or increased production of one selected fine chemical.

[0014.0.0.26] On the other hand it is known that one and the same gene may have different characteristics and effects, sometimes additional “side effects”, the so called pleiotropic effects.

The pleiotropic effect means that one gene may be responsible for the development of several features and characteristics, often unforeseen change of several characteristics in transgene organisms. Therefore, pleiotropic effects may cause various phenomena and processes in organisms, which could lead to phenotypic changes in the organism.

[0015.0.0.26] An other object of the present invention is a process for the production of fine chemicals which avoids undesirable side effect as described above and/or which uses these side effects for the production of combinations of fine chemicals in defined ratios.

[0016.0.0.26] To ensure a high quality of foods and animal feeds, it is often necessary to add a plurality of fine chemicals in a balanced manner to suit the organism.

[0017.0.0.26] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for suitable genes which encode enzymes or proteins which directly or indirectly participate in the biosynthesis of the fine chemicals and make it possible to produce certain said fine chemicals specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming.

There is also a demand to reduce the concentration or availability of some undesired metabolites or compounds in plants. McElroy (U.S. Pat. No. 6,750,379) for example discloses plants with minor nutritional quality of the host plant to insect pests. The insecticidal activity is confered by genes that code for enzymes that facilitate the production of compounds that reduce the nutritional quality, for instance gene encoding for lipoxygenases, which have been shown to exhibit anti-nutritional effects on insects and to reduce the nutritional quality of their diet.

[0018.0.0.26] In order to reduce byproducts or undesired metabolites methods of recombinant DNA technology are known, which induce a decresase in gene expression, like knock-out, antisenseRNA or post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) used to describe RNAi (RNA interference), co-suppression and quelling, technologies. These techniques are based on the downregulation or inactivation of an endogenous gene. The inactivation takes place through knockout methods by homologous recombination, for instance by the insertion of sequences within a endogenous gene to disrupt it, rendering its protein non-functional, or removing the gene entirely and for the other methods by introducing a homologous transgene in the cells.

Little is known to date on controlling the production of single and/or certain fine chemicals by other methods of recombinant DNA technology, like the overexpression of exogenous genes.

Schomburg et al. (Plant Cell. 2003 January; 15 (1): 151-163) describes the decrease of endogenous Gibberellin levels in tobacco caused by the the increased expression of the AtGA2ox7 or AtGA2ox8 gens from Arabidopsis thaliana encoding for Gibberellin 2-oxidases.

[0019.0.0.26] From a practical standpoint it would be of great advantage to control the production of fine chemicals and preferably certain combination of fine chemicals in an organism such as a microorganism or a plant in order to produce the fine chemicals and preferably certain combination of fine chemicals in an amount which provides optimal growth and health benefit to animals or humans.

[0020.0.0.26] It is an object of the present invention to develop an inexpensive process for the synthesis of fine chemicals or specific combination of fine chemicals.

[0021.0.0.26] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a process for the control of the production of fine chemicals in a microorganism, a plant cell, a plant, a plant tissue or in one or more parts thereof without the above mentioned disadvantages.

[0022.0.0.26] It was now found that this object is achieved by providing the process according to the invention and the embodiments described herein and characterized in the claims.

[0023.0.0.26] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical can be one or more fine chemical selected from the group

of the fine chemicals as described above, preferably in the respective paragraphs [0014.0.m.n] to [0015.0.m.n] whereby m and n can be one or more numbers between zero to twenty-five, as disclosed afore; preferably selected from the group consisting of Methionine, Threonine, Tryptophane, Isoleucine, Leucine, Valine, Arginine, Glutamate, Glutamine, Proline, 5-Oxoproline, Alanine, Aspartic acid, Citrulline, Glycine, Homoserine, Phenylalanine, Serine, Tyrosine, gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), Putrescine, Shikimic Acid, Palmitic acid (C16:0), Linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2), Linolenic acid (C18:cis[9,12,15]3), Stearic acid (C18:0), C20:1 fatty acid (Gadoleic acid), 2-Hydroxy-palmitic acid, Heptadecanoic acid (C17:0), Hexadecadienoic acid (C16:2), Hexadecatrienoic acid (C16:3), C24:1 fatty acid (2-Hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid (2-OH—C24:1)), Behenic acid (C22:0), Cerotic Acid (C26:0), Lignoceric acid (C24:0), Melissic Acid (C30:0), Glycerol, lipid fraction, Glycerol, polar fraction, Glycerol-3-phosphate, 2,3-Dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, alpha-Tocopherol, beta/gamma-Tocopherol, Cryptoxanthin, Zeaxanthin, Lutein, beta-Sitosterol, Campesterol, Anhydroglucose (Starch/Celllulose), Fructose, Glucose, iso-Maltose, myo-Inositol, Raffinose, Sucrose, UDPGlucose, Ferulic acid, Sinapic Acid, Coenzyme Q10, Coenzyme Q9, beta-apo-8 Carotenal, beta-Carotene, Isopentenyl Pyrophosphate, Citramalate, Fumarate, Glyceric acid, Malate, Malate, Lacton of Trihydroxybutyric Acid, Pyruvate, Succinate, Trihydroxybutanoic acid, Salicylic acid, Phosphate (inorganic and from organic phosphates), Methylgalactopyranoside, preferably as shown in table X.

[0024.0.0.26] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process as described above, preferably in the respective paragraph [0016.0.m.n] whereby m and n can be one or more numbers between zero to twenty-five, as disclosed afore, and conferring a defined metabolic profile.

[0025.0.0.26] In one embodiment the present invention relates to a process comprising

(a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more b0019, b0050, b0057, b0112, b0124, b0138, b0149, b0161, b0175, b0196, b0251, b0252, b0255, b0376, b0462, b0464, b0486, b0577, b0651, b0695, b0730, b0828, b0847, b0849, b0880, b0970, b0986, b1097, b1284, b1318, b1343, b1360, b1463, b1693, b1708, b1736, b1738, b1829, b1886, b1896, b1926, b1961, b2023, b2078, b2095, b2211, b2239, b2307, b2414, b2426, b2478, b2489, b2491, b2507, b2553, b2576, b2597, b2599, b2664, b2699, b2703, b2710, b2753, b2796, b2822, b3064, b3074, b3116, b3129, b3160, b3166, b3169, b3172, b3231, b3256, b3260, b3430, b3457, b3462, b3578, b3619, b3644, b3684, b3767, b3791, b3919, b3926, b3936, b3938, b3966, b3983, b4004, b4054, b4063, b4074, b4122, b4129, b4139, b4232, b4239, b4327, b4346, b4401, YAL049C, YBL015W, YBR084W, YBR089C-A, YBR184W, YBR204C, YCL038C, YCR012W, YCR059C, YDL127W, YDR271C, YDR316W, YDR447C, YDR513W, YEL045C, YEL046C, YER152C, YER156C, YER173W, YER174C, YFL019C, YFL050C, YFL053W, YFR007W, YFR042W, YGL205W, YGL237C, YGR101W, YGR104C, YGR261C, YHR072W, YHR072W-A, YHR130C, YHR189W, YHR201C, YIL150C, YJL055W, YJL072C, YJL099W, YKL132C, YKR057W, YLL013C, YLR082C, YLR089C, YLR224W, YLR255C, YLR375W, YOR024W, YOR044W, YOR084W, YOR245C, YOR317W, YOR344C, YOR350C, YPL099C, YPL268W, YPRO24W, YPR138C and/or YPR172W protein(s) or of a protein having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a corresponding nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7 or indicated in table V columns 5 or 7, in a non-human organism or in one or more parts thereof and (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the production of the fine chemical in said organism and/or conferring a defined metabolic profile.

[0026.0.0.26] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of fine chemicals comprising

(a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II or Table VI, column 3, preferably as indicated in table X or having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a corresponding nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I or table V, column 5 or 7, in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the production of the fine chemicals and/or conferring a defined metabolic profile.

[0027.0.0.26] The corresponding nucleic acid molecule of a polypeptide as indicated in table X can be find by searching Table I, column 3, whereby the corresponding nucleic acid molecule is indicated in table I, column 5 and the homologues in column 7.

[0028.0.0.26] For the purposes of the invention, as a rule the term “fine chemical” is intended to encompass the term “metabolite” and vice versa.

[0029.0.0.26] The “combination” of fine chemicals according to the invention is defined as a metabolic profile. Metabolic profile means a combination of different fine chemicals in certain ratio, e.g. as disclosed in Table X.

[0030.0.0.26] The metabolic profile of a cell of the invention is characterized by “increase of a metabolite content” or “decrease of a metabolite content”, which relates to the relative increase or decrease of that metabolite content in cell, a microorganism, a plant cell, a plant, a plant tissue or in one or more parts thereof compared to the wild type cell, microorganism, plant cell, plant, plant tissue or one or more parts thereof.

[0031.0.0.26] According to the invention, the metabolic profile is expressed by the changes in the metabolite content, e.g. the matabolic profile as indicated in table X and/or by the ratio of the fine chemicals as indicated in table X.

In other words, the metabolic profile of a cell a microorganism, a plant cell, a plant, a plant tissue or in one or more parts thereof, e.g. transgenic, which has an increased or generated activity of one protein selected from the group consisting of b0019, b0050, b0057, b0112, b0124, b0138, b0149, b0161, b0175, b0196, b0251, b0252, b0255, b0376, b0462, b0464, b0486, b0577, b0651, b0695, b0730, b0828, b0847, b0849, b0880, b0970, b0986, b1097, b1284, b1318, b1343, b1360, b1463, b1693, b1708, b1736, b1738, b1829, b1886, b1896, b1926, b1961, b2023, b2078, b2095, b2211, b2239, b2307, b2414, b2426, b2478, b2489, b2491, b2507, b2553, b2576, b2597, b2599, b2664, b2699, b2703, b2710, b2753, b2796, b2822, b3064, b3074, b3116, b3129, b3160, b3166, b3169, b3172, b3231, b3256, b3260, b3430, b3457, b3462, b3578, b3619, b3644, b3684, b3767, b3791, b3919, b3926, b3936, b3938, b3966, b3983, b4004, b4054, b4063, b4074, b4122, b4129, b4139, b4232, b4239, b4327, b4346, b4401, YAL049C, YBL015W, YBR084W, YBR089C-A, YBR184W, YBR204C, YCL038C, YCR012W, YCR059C, YDL127W, YDR271C, YDR316W, YDR447C, YDR513W, YEL045C, YEL046C, YER152C, YER156C, YER173W, YER174C, YFL019C, YFL050C, YFL053W, YFR007W, YFR042W, YGL205W, YGL237C, YGR101W, YGR104C, YGR261C, YHR072W, YHR072W-A, YHR130C, YHR189W, YHR201C, YIL150C, YJL055W, YJL072C, YJL099W, YKL132C, YKR057W, YLL013C, YLR082C, YLR089C, YLR224W, YLR255C, YLR375W, YOR024W, YOR044W, YOR084W, YOR245C, YOR317W, YOR344C, YOR350C, YPL099C, YPL268W, YPRO24W, YPR138C and/or YPR172W, is defined by the content of the fine chemicals and/or the ratio of the fine chemicals as disclosed in the column beneath the respective protein.

[0032.0.0.26] The metabolic profile is characterized by the metabolic content of the fine chemicals of the invention, preferably a combination of

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85 or 86 of the metabolites as shown in table X, preferably selected from the group consisting of Methionine, Threonine, Tryptophane, Isoleucine, Leucine, Valine, Arginine, Glutamate, Glutamine, Proline, 5-Oxoproline, Alanine, Aspartic acid, Citrulline, Glycine, Homoserine, Phenylalanine, Serine, Tyrosine, gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), Putrescine, Shikimic Acid, Palmitic acid (C16:0), Linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2), Linolenic acid (C18:cis[9,12,15]3), Stearic acid (C18:0), C20:1 fatty acid (Gadoleic acid), 2-Hydroxy-palmitic acid, Heptadecanoic acid (C17:0), Hexadecadienoic acid (C16:2), Hexadecatrienoic acid (C16:3), C24:1 fatty acid (2-Hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid (2-OH—C24:1)), Behenic acid (C22:0), Cerotic Acid (C26:0), Lignoceric acid (C24:0), Melissic Acid (C30:0), Glycerol, lipid fraction, Glycerol, polar fraction, Glycerol-3-phosphate, 2,3-Dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, alpha-Tocopherol, beta/gamma-Tocopherol, Cryptoxanthin, Zeaxanthin, Lutein, beta-Sitosterol, Campesterol, Anhydroglucose (Starch/Celllulose), Fructose, Glucose, iso-Maltose, myo-lnositol, Raffinose, Sucrose, UDPGlucose, Ferulic acid, Sinapic Acid, Coenzyme Q10, Coenzyme Q9, beta-apo-8 Carotenal, beta-Carotene, Isopentenyl Pyrophosphate, Citramalate, Fumarate, Glyceric acid, Malate, Malate, Lacton of Trihydroxybutyric Acid, Pyruvate, Succinate, Trihydroxybutanoic acid, Salicylic acid, Phosphate (inorganic and from organic phosphates) and Methylgalactopyranoside.

A metabolic profile according to the present invention is defined preferably by the ratio of concentrations of the fine chemicals of the invention.

[0033.0.0.26] According to table X the increase of a metabolite content, meaning of the concentration of a fine chemical, is expressed by a numerical value greater than “1”. A numerical value of “2” means a duplication of the content of the respective fine chemical compared to the relative metabolic profile of the wild type cell, microorganism, plant cell, plant, plant tissue or one or more parts thereof.

According to table X the decrease of a metabolite content, meaning of the concentration of a fine chemical, is expressed by a numerical value less than “1”. A numerical value of “0.5” means a halving of the content of the respective fine chemical compared to the relative metabolic profile of the wild type cell, microorganism, plant cell, plant, plant tissue or one or more parts thereof.

No number in table X generally means a numerical value of “1” concerning the metabolite profile, which is esentially identical to the relative metabolic profile of the wild type cell, microorganism, plant cell, plant, plant tissue or one or more parts thereof.

Different from this general rule, for those metabolites which were listed for two different methods (methods LC and GC in column D) only the numerical value for one of the two methods were listed.

Relative metabolic profile means the ratio of the metabolites, preferably directed to the increase and/or decrease, and not to the numerical value, of the metabolite content as defined above.

In a preferred embodiment the relative metabolic profile is 50%, more preferred, 60%, even more preferred 70%, even more preferred 80% or even more preferred 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% similar to a profile as depicted in any one of the columns of table X and expressing the protein displayed in the respective column of table X or a homolog thereof.

Preferably the relative metabolic profile is identical to the corresponding metabolic profile a indicated in the column of table X.

In other words, the numerical value indicated in table X expresses the factor, by which the respective metabolite content is changed comparing with the content of the wild type.

[0034.0.0.26] Preferably the metabolite content and/or the ratio of the metabolites implies ranges of concentration of every single fine chemical.

This means an increase of a metabolite content expressed by a numerical value greater than one implies an increase of a metabolite content by factor 1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; 1.5; 1.6; 1.7; 1.8; 1.9; 2; 2.1; 2.2; 2.3; 2.4; 2.5; 2.6; 2.7; 2.8; 2.9; 3; 3.1; 3.2; 3.3; 3.4; 3.5; 3.6; 3.7; 3.8; 3.9; 4; 4.1; 4.2; 4.3; 4.4; 4.5; 4.6; 4.7; 4.8; 4.9; 5; 5.1; 5.2; 5.3; 5.4; 5.5; 5.6; 5.7; 5.8; 5.9; 6; 6.1; 6.2; 6.3; 6.4; 6.5; 6.6; 6.7; 6.8; 6.9; 7; 7.1; 7.2; 7.3; 7.4; 7.5; 7.6; 7.7; 7.8; 7.9; 8; 8.1; 8.2; 8.3; 8.4; 8.5; 8.6; 8.7; 8.8; 8.9; 9; 9.1; 9.2; 9.3; 9.4; 9,5; 9,6; 9,7; 9,8; 9,9; 10; 10.1; 10.2; 10.3; 10.4; 10.5; 10.6; 10.7; 10.8; 10.9; 11; 11.1; 11.2; 11.3; 11.4; 11.5; 11.6; 11.7; 11.8; 11.9; 12; 12.1; 12.2; 12.3; 12.4; 12.5; 12.6; 12.7; 12.8; 12.9; 13; 13.1; 13.2; 13.3; 13.4; 13.5; 13.6; 13.7; 13.8; 13.9; 14; 14.1; 14.2; 14.3; 14.4; 14.5; 14.6; 14.7; 14.8; 14.9; 15; 15.1; 15.2; 15.3; 15.4; 15.5; 15.6; 15.7; 15.8; 15.9; 16; 16.1; 16.2; 16.3; 16.4; 16.5; 16.6; 16.7; 16.8; 16.9; 17; 17.1; 17.2; 17.3;

17.4; 17.5; 17.6; 17.7; 17.8; 17.9; 18; 18.1; 18.2; 18.3; 18.4; 18.5; 18.6; 18.7; 18.8; 18.9; 19; 19.1; 19.2; 19.3; 19.4; 19.5; 19.6; 19.7; 19.8; 19.9; 20; 20.1; 20.2; 20.3; 20.4; 20.5; 20.6; 20.7; 20.8; 20.9; 21; 21.1; 21.2; 21.3; 21.4; 21.5; 21.6; 21.7; 21.8; 21.9; 22; 22.1; 22.2; 22.3; 22.4; 22.5; 22.6; 22.7; 22.8; 22.9; 23; 23.1; 23.2; 23.3; 23.4; 23.5; 23.6; 23.7; 23.8; 23.9; 24; 24.1; 24.2; 24.3; 24.4; 24.5; 24.6; 24.7; 24.8; 24.9; 25; 25.1;

25.2; 25.3; 25.4; 25.5; 25.6; 25.7; 25.8; 25.9; 26; 26.1; 26.2; 26.3; 26.4; 26.5; 26.6; 26.7; 26.8; 26.9; 27; 27.1; 27.2; 27.3; 27.4; 27.5; 27.6; 27.7; 27.8; 27.9; 28; 28.1; 28.2; 28.3; 28.4; 28.5; 28.6; 28.7; 28.8; 28.9; 29; 29.1; 29.2; 29.3; 29.4; 29.5; 29.6; 29.7; 29.8; 29.9; 30; 31; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37; 38; 39; 40; 41; 42; 43; 44; 45; 46; 47; 48; 49; 50; 55; 60; 65; 70; 75; 80; 85; 90; 95; 100 or more

preferably by the respective factor as indicated in table X or more.

This means a decrease of a metabolite content, meaning of the concentration of a fine chemical, expressed by a numerical value less than one implies a decrease of a metabolite content by factor 0,99; 0,98; 0,97; 0,96; 0,95; 0,94; 0,93; 0,92; 0,91; 0,9; 0,89; 0,88; 0,87; 0,86; 0,85; 0,84; 0,83; 0,82; 0,81; 0,8; 0,79; 0,78; 0,77; 0,76; 0,75; 0,74; 0,73; 0,72; 0,71; 0,7; 0,69; 0,68; 0,67; 0,66; 0,65; 0,64; 0,63; 0,62; 0,61; 0,6; 0,59; 0,58; 0,57; 0,56; 0,55; 0,54; 0,53; 0,52; 0,51; 0,5; 0,49; 0,48; 0,47; 0,46; 0,45; 0,44; 0,43; 0,42; 0,41; 0,4; 0,39; 0,38; 0,37; 0,36; 0,35; 0,34; 0,33; 0,32; 0,31; 0,3; 0,29; 0,28; 0,27; 0,26; 0,25; 0,24; 0,23; 0,22; 0,21; 0,2; 0,19; 0,18; 0,17; 0,16; 0,15; 0,14; 0,13; 0,12; 0,11; 0,1; 0,09; 0,08; 0,07; 0,06; 0,05; 0,04; 0,03; 0,02; 0,01 or less;

preferably by the respective factor as indicated in table X or less.

[0035.0.0.26] In a further embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the control of the production of fine chemicals, whereby the fine chemical is one or more selected from the group

of fine chemicals as described above, preferably in the respective paragraphs [0014.0.m.n] to [0015.0.m.n] whereby m and n can be one or more numbers between zero to twenty-five, as disclosed afore; preferably selected from the group consisting of Methionine, Threonine, Tryptophane, Isoleucine, Leucine, Valine, Arginine, Glutamate, Glutamine, Proline, 5-Oxoproline, Alanine, Aspartic acid, Citrulline, Glycine, Homoserine, Phenylalanine, Serine, Tyrosine, gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), Putrescine, Shikimic Acid, Palmitic acid (C16:0), Linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2), Linolenic acid (C18:cis[9,12,15]3), Stearic acid

(C18:0), C20:1 fatty acid (Gadoleic acid), 2-Hydroxy-palmitic acid, Heptadecanoic acid (C17:0), Hexadecadienoic acid (C16:2), Hexadecatrienoic acid (C16:3), C24:1 fatty acid (2-Hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid (2-OH—C24:1)), Behenic acid (C22:0), Cerotic Acid (C26:0), Lignoceric acid (C24:0), Melissic Acid (C30:0), Glycerol, lipid fraction, Glycerol, polar fraction, Glycerol-3-phosphate, 2,3-Dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, alpha-Tocopherol, beta/gamma-Tocopherol, Cryptoxanthin, Zeaxanthin, Lutein, beta-Sitosterol, Campesterol, Anhydroglucose (Starch/Celllulose), Fructose, Glucose, iso-Maltose, myo-Inositol, Raffinose, Sucrose, UDPGlucose, Ferulic acid, Sinapic Acid, Coenzyme Q10, Coenzyme Q9, beta-apo-8 Carotenal, beta-Carotene, Isopentenyl Pyrophosphate, Citramalate, Fumarate, Glyceric acid, Malate, Malate, Lacton of Trihydroxybutyric Acid, Pyruvate, Succinate, Trihydroxybutanoic acid, Salicylic acid, Phosphate (inorganic and from organic phosphates), Methylgalactopyranoside, preferably as shown in table X.

[0036.0.0.26] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the control of the production of fine chemicals as described above, preferably in the respective paragraph [0016.0.m.n] whereby m and n can be one or more numbers between zero to twenty-five, as disclosed afore, and conferring a defined metabolic profile.

[0037.0.0.26] Preferably the present invention relates to a process comprising

(a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more b0019, b0050, b0057, b0112, b0124, b0138, b0149, b0161, b0175, b0196, b0251, b0252, b0255, b0376, b0462, b0464, b0486, b0577, b0651, b0695, b0730, b0828, b0847, b0849, b0880, b0970, b0986, b1097, b1284, b1318, b1343, b1360, b1463, b1693, b1708, b1736, b1738, b1829, b1886, b1896, b1926, b1961, b2023, b2078, b2095, b2211, b2239, b2307, b2414, b2426, b2478, b2489, b2491, b2507, b2553, b2576, b2597, b2599, b2664, b2699, b2703, b2710, b2753, b2796, b2822, b3064, b3074, b3116, b3129, b3160, b3166, b3169, b3172, b3231, b3256, b3260, b3430, b3457, b3462, b3578, b3619, b3644, b3684, b3767, b3791, b3919, b3926, b3936, b3938, b3966, b3983, b4004, b4054, b4063, b4074, b4122, b4129, b4139, b4232, b4239, b4327, b4346, b4401, YAL049C, YBL015W, YBR084W, YBR089C-A, YBR184W, YBR204C, YCL038C, YCR012W, YCR059C, YDL127W, YDR271C, YDR316W, YDR447C, YDR513W, YEL045C, YEL046C, YER152C, YER156C, YER173W, YER174C, YFL019C, YFL050C, YFL053W, YFR007W, YFR042W, YGL205W, YGL237C, YGR101W, YGR104C, YGR261C, YHR072W, YHR072W-A, YHR130C, YHR189W, YHR201C, YIL150C, YJL055W, YJL072C, YJL099W, YKL132C, YKR057W, YLL013C, YLR082C, YLR089C, YLR224W, YLR255C, YLR375W, YOR024W, YOR044W, YOR084W, YOR245C, YOR317W, YOR344C, YOR350C, YPL099C, YPL268W, YPRO24W, YPR138C and/or YPR172W and/or b0021, b0043, b0134, b0186, b0186, b0328, b0677, b0734, b0763, b0895, b0895, b1054, b1183, b1217, b1249, b1292, b1874, b2110, b2696, b2901, b3025, b3091, b3335, b3709, b3825, b3924, b4101, b4113, b4242, b4359, YGL005C and/or YML005W protein(s) or of a protein having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a corresponding nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, and/or V columns 5 or 7, in a non-human organism or in one or more parts thereof and (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the production fine chemicals in defined ratios in said organism resulting in a defined metabolic profile.

[0038.0.0.26] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the control of the production of fine chemicals comprising

(a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more proteins having the activity of a protein indicated in Table II, column 3, preferably as indicated in table X and/or IX or having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a corresponding nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, column 5 or 7, in a non-human organism in one or more parts thereof and (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the control of the production of fine chemicals in defined ratios in said organism resulting in a defined metabolic profile.

[0038.1.0.26] The present invention relates further to a process for the the production of a biological composition of fine chemicals in a defined ratio, preferably in a relative metabolic profile as indicated in table X and/or IX. In a biological composition according to the present invention, the fine chemicals are biologically synthesized, meaning they were synthesized in a cell, a microorganism, a plant cell, a plant, a plant tissue or in one or more parts thereof.

[0038.2.0.26] The present invention relates further to a biological composition of fine chemicals in a defined ratio, preferably in a relative metabolic profile as indicated in table X and/or IX, produced by the process of the invention.

This biological composition according to the invention can be one or more cells of the invention, e.g of crude microorganism, plant cell, plant, plant tissue or one or more parts thereof of the invention, preferably a raw extract or a purified extract of the cells of the invention, e.g microorganism, plant cell, plant, plant tissue or one or more parts thereof of the invention, which all comprise ne or more fine chemicals in a relative metabolic profile as indicated in table X and/or IX.

[0038.3.0.26] According to the invention an extract of fine chemicals is disclosed in paragraphs [0078.0.m.n], [0089.0.m.n], [0102.0.m.n], [0277.0.m.n], [0458.0.m.n], [0489.0. m.n] to [0507.0. m.n], [0514.0. m.n] or [0530.6. m.n], whereby m and n can be one or more numbers between zero to twenty-five, as disclosed afore. An extraction is further desdcribed in Jander et al., Plant Journal (2004), 39, 465-475 or Summer et al., BMC Plant Biology 2005, 5:8.

[0038.4.0.26] According to the invention, the biological composition at least one, or two or three or more, relative metabolic profile as depicted in table X due to the overexpression of at least one of the nucleic acid molecules or its homologues coding for a protein as depicted in table X and/or IX.

[0039.0.0.26]

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0019 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of threonine, cerotic acid (C26:0), lignoceric acid (C24:0), beta-sitosterol, and/or sucrose, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0050 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glutamate, linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2), linolenic acid (C18:cis[9,12,15]3), cryptoxanthin, beta-sitosterol, starch, and/or cellulose, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0057 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glutamate, citrulline, glycine, serine, C24:1 fatty acid (2-Hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid (2-OH—C24:1)) and/or glyceric acid, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0112 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of alpha-tocopherol and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of shikimic acid, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0124 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of isoleucine, leucine, valine and/or fructose and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of homoserine, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0138 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of proline and/or myo-inositol, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0149 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of leucine, proline and/or fructose and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glutamate, citrulline and/or stearic acid (C18:0), or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0161 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of tryptophane, isoleucine, leucine, valine, arginine, glutamate, glutamine, 5-oxoproline, aspartic acid, phenylalanine, stearic acid (C18:0), 2-hydroxy-palmitic acid, alpha-tocopherol, beta-sitosterol, campesterol, fructose, glucose, raffinose, fumarate, malate and/or salicylic acid, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0175 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of beta-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol and/or coenzyme Q9, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0196 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of ferulic acid and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glycerol (lipid fraction), or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0251 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2) and/or linolenic acid (C18:cis[9,12,15]3), or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X. In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0252 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of starch and/or cellulose and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of beta-apo-8 carotenal and/or methylgalactopyranoside, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0255 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2) and/or lignoceric acid (C24:0), or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0376 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 5-oxoproline and/or linolenic acid (C18:cis[9,12,15]3), or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0462 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of citrulline and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of shikimic acid and/or glycerol-3-phosphate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0464 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of methionine, threonine and/or campesterol and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of sucrose and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0486 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of tryptophane, valine, glutamine, alanine and/or serine, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0577 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid, glycine, linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2) and/or linolenic acid (C18:cis[9,12,15]3), or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0651 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of trihydroxybutanoic acid, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0695 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of arginine, phenylalanine, fructose and/or pyruvate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0730 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glutamate, proline, aspartic acid, linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2), raffinose, ferulic acid, coenzyme Q9, isopentenyl pyrophosphate, fumarate, malate and/or succinate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0828 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of isoleucine and/or valine, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0847 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of gamma-aminobutyric acid

(GABA) and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glycine and/or homoserine, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0849 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glutamine, palmitic acid (C16:0), linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2) and/or linolenic acid (C18:cis[9,12,15]3), or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0880 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of cerotic acid (C26:0) and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of raffinose, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0970 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glutamine, 5-oxoproline, tyrosine, alpha-tocopherol, isopentenyl pyrophosphate and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0986 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of beta-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol and/or cryptoxanthin and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of tryptophane, glycerol-3-phosphate, ferulic acid, fumarate and/or succinate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1097 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2) and/or C24:1 fatty acid (2-Hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid (2-OH—C24:1)), or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1284 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of arginine and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of fumarate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli

K12 protein b1318 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of tryptophane and/or fructose and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glycerol-3-phosphate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1343 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of methionine, valine, glutamate, glutamine, 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1360 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of threonine, proline and/or citrulline, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1463 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of isoleucine, leucine, fructose, glucose and/or myo-inositol, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1693 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glutamate, shikimic acid, linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2), starch, cellulose, citramalate and/or glyceric acid and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of sucrose, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1708 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of isoleucine, leucine, valine, phenylalanine, fructose and/or glucose, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1736 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glutamate, glucose and/or isopentenyl pyrophosphate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1738 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of threonine, glutamate, isopentenyl pyrophosphate, fumarate and/or succinate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1829 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of threonine, isoleucine, leucine, arginine, glutamine, serine, tyrosine, heptadecanoic acid (C17:0), 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, alpha-tocopherol, beta-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, coenzyme Q10 and/or beta-carotene, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1886 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glutamine, phenylalanine, serine, cerotic acid (C26:0) and/or raffinose, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1896 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of threonine, glutamate, 5-oxoproline, aspartic acid, stearic acid (C18:0), cerotic acid (C26:0), campesterol, sinapic acid, citramalate, fumarate, malate, lacton of trihydroxybutyric acid, succinate and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of fructose and/or sucrose, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1926 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glutamine, fructose, glucose and/or isopentenyl pyrophosphate and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glycine, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1961 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of myo-inositol, fumarate and/or succinate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2023 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid and/or myo-inositol, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2078 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of phenylalanine and/or C24:1 fatty acid (2-Hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid (2-OH—C24:1)) and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of beta-apo-8 carotenal, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2095 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of arginine, alanine and/or stearic acid (C18:0), or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2211 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of cryptoxanthin and/or isopentenyl pyrophosphate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2239 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of citrulline and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glycerol-3-phosphate and/or isopentenyl pyrophosphate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2307 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of arginine and/or glutamate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2414 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of methionine, threonine, valine, glutamine, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or ferulic acid, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2426 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glutamine, citrulline and/or coenzyme Q9, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2478 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of campesterol and/or malate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2489 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glutamine, alanine, citrulline, glycine and/or serine, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2491 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of tyrosine, fructose and/or glucose and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of hexadecatrienoic acid (C16:3), or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2507 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of sucrose, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2553 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glutamine, proline and/or glycine, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2576 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of alanine, aspartic acid, glycine and/or phenylalanine, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2597 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of fructose and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of citramalate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2599 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glucose and/or succinate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2664 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of threonine, isoleucine, leucine, proline, serine, fructose, raffinose and/or salicylic acid, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2699 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of proline, linolenic acid (C18:cis[9,12,15]3), stearic acid (C18:0), alpha-tocopherol, zeaxanthin, lutein, beta-sitosterol, campesterol, myo-inositol, raffinose, coenzyme Q10, coenzyme Q9, beta-carotene, fumarate, lacton of trihydroxybutyric acid, trihydroxybutanoic acid and/or methylgalactopyranoside and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of arginine, citrulline and/or glycine, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2703 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of coenzyme Q9 and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of alanine, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2710 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glutamate, linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2) and/or glycerol-3-phosphate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2753 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of beta-apo-8 carotenal or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2796 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of phenylalanine and/or salicylic acid, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2822 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of linoleic acid

(C18:cis[9,12]2), linolenic acid (C18:cis[9,12,15]3) and/or campesterol, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3064 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glutamine, serine and/or linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2), or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3074 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of threonine, tryptophane, glutamate and/or ferulic acid, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3116 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glutamate, aspartic acid, serine, fumarate, malate, succinate and/or salicylic acid, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3129 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of linolenic acid (C18:cis[9,12,15]3), glyceric acid and/or methylgalactopyranoside, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3160 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of threonine, glutamine, citrulline, serine, alpha-tocopherol, isopentenyl pyrophosphate and/or succinate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3166 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glutamine and/or linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2), or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3169 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glutamate, glutamine, aspartic acid, malate and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3172 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 5-oxoproline, aspartic acid, myo-inositol, sinapic acid, isopentenyl pyrophosphate, fumarate and/or malate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3231 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of threonine, glutamine, alanine, serine, C24:1 fatty acid (2-Hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid (2-OH—C24:1)), starch, cellulose, glyceric acid, and/or pyruvate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3256 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of valine, phenylalanine, palmitic acid (C16:0), linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2), stearic acid (C18:0) and/or campesterol, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3260 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of fructose and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of proline, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3430 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of hexadecatrienoic acid

(C16:3) and/or myo-inositol, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3457 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of palmitic acid (C16:0), linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2), linolenic acid (C18:cis[9,12,15]3), stearic acid (C18:0) and/or glycerol (lipid fraction), or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3462 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of threonine, phenylalanine, serine and/or linolenic acid (C18:cis[9,12,15]3), or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3578 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of palmitic acid (C16:0), fructose, glucose and/or raffinose, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3619 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glutamate, fructose and/or glucose, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3644 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of proline, palmitic acid (C16:0), linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2), linolenic acid (C18:cis[9,12,15]3), glycerol (lipid fraction) and/or coenzyme Q9 and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of cerotic acid (C26:0), lignoceric acid (C24:0) and/or fumarate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3684 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of cryptoxanthin and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of malate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3767 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of alanine and/or homoserine, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3791 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of threonine, glutamate and/or glutamine, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3919 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of proline, phenylalanine, starch and/or cellulose, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3926 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of citrulline and/or cryptoxanthin and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glycerol-3-phosphate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3936 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of arginine and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of raffinose, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3938 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of valine, phenylalanine, lignoceric acid (C24:0), beta-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol and/or glyceric acid, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3966 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of threonine, isoleucine and/or leucine, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3983 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of tryptophane, valine, phenylalanine and/or tyrosine, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4004 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of threonine and/or glutamine and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of coenzyme Q10, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4054 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of leucine, beta-tocopherol and/or gamma-tocopherol and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of tyrosine, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4063 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of alpha-tocopherol, fumarate and/or malate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4074 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glutamine and/or myo-inositol, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4122 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of fructose and/or fumarate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4129 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of aspartic acid, palmitic acid (C16:0), linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2), beta-sitosterol, myo-inositol, isopentenyl pyrophosphate and/or succinate and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glycerol (polar fraction) or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4139 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of fumarate and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glyceric acid and/or malate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4232 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of methionine, starch and/or cellulose and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of lignoceric acid (C24:0) or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4239 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of fructose, glucose and/or sucrose and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of homoserine and/or succinate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4327 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of isoleucine and/or fructose and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glycerol (polar fraction), or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4346 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glutamate and/or aspartic acid and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4401 or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of cryptoxanthin and/or lutein, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YAL049C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of phenylalanine and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of threonine or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBL015W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of methionine, alanine, fumarate and/or malate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBR084W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glycerol (polar fraction) and/or malate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBR089C-A or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of palmitic acid (C16:0), linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2), stearic acid (C18:0) and/or beta-carotene and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of methionine and/or gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBR184W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of raffinose, ferulic acid, coenzyme Q10 and/or malate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YBR204C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glutamate and/or myo-inositol, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YCL038C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of malate and/or succinate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YCR012W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of fumarate and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glycerol (lipid fraction) or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YCR059C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of fumarate and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of fructose and/or succinate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDL127W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of isoleucine and/or 5-oxoproline, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR271C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of isoleucine and/or proline, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR316W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of arginine and/or beta-carotene and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glycine or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR447C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of palmitic acid (C16:0) and/or linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2), or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YDR513W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), C20:1 fatty acid (Gadoleic acid), heptadecanoic acid (C17:0), melissic acid (C30:0), glycerol (lipid fraction), glycerol (polar fraction), sinapic acid, coenzyme Q9, and/or beta-carotene and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of putrescine, glycerol-3-phosphate, UDPglucose and/or succinate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YEL045C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of proline and/or serine, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YEL046C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of methionine and/or homoserine and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of threonine, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER152C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of serine and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of shikimic acid, C24:1 fatty acid (2-Hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid (2-OH—C24:1)), cerotic acid (C26:0) and/or myo-inositol, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER156C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), heptadecanoic acid (C17:0), melissic acid (C30:0), beta-sitosterol, campesterol and/or coenzyme Q9, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER173W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of methionine, tryptophane, leucine, valine, glutamine, proline, alanine, aspartic acid, phenylalanine, linolenic acid (C18:cis[9,12,15]3), 2-hydroxy-palmitic acid, campesterol and/or methylgalactopyranoside, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YER174C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of starch, cellulose, and/or coenzyme Q9 and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of phosphate (inorganic and from organic phosphates) or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL019C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of valine, glutamate and/or 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL050C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of threonine, proline, alanine, glycine and/or tyrosine, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFL053W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of beta-tocopherol and/or gamma-tocopherol and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of shikimic acid, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFR007W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of lutein and/or fumarate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YFR042W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of leucine, glutamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), stearic acid (C18:0) and/or C24:1 fatty acid (2-Hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid (2-OH—C24:1)) and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of putrescine and/or iso-maltose, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGL205W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of linolenic acid (C18:cis[9,12,15]3), hexadecatrienoic acid (C16:3) and/or behenic acid (C22:0), or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGL237C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glycerol (lipid fraction) and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of putrescine, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGR101W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of valine and/or phenylalanine, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGR104C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of tryptophane, isoleucine, glutamate and/or aspartic acid, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGR261C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of myo-inositol and/or raffinose, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YHR072W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glycerol (lipid fraction) and/or methylgalactopyranoside and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of campesterol, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YHR072W-A or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of myo-inositol and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of lignoceric acid (C24:0), or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YHR130C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of arginine, phenylalanine and/or tyrosine, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YHR189W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of tryptophane and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of threonine, arginine, glutamine, citrulline, tyrosine, shikimic acid, C24:1 fatty acid (2-Hydroxy-tetracosenoic acid (2-OH—C24:1)), UDPglucose and/or isopentenyl pyrophosphate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YHR201C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of cerotic acid (C26:0) and/or lignoceric acid (C24:0) and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of threonine, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YIL150C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of threonine, isoleucine, valine, proline, alanine, aspartic acid, serine, tyrosine, linolenic acid (C18:cis[9,12,15]3), stearic acid (C18:0), hexadecatrienoic acid (C16:3), glycerol (lipid fraction) and/or myo-inositol and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of zeaxanthin, lutein, coenzyme Q10, beta-carotene, fumarate and/or malate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YJL055W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of methionine, threonine and/or fumarate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YJL072C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of isoleucine, phenylalanine, glucose and/or malate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YJL099W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of myo-inositol, fumarate and/or malate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YKL132C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of hexadecatrienoic acid (C16:3) and/or malate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YKR057W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of threonine, valine, arginine, glutamine, serine, beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLL013C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of citrulline and/or beta-carotene and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glycerol-3-phosphate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLR082C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of serine and/or glycerol (polar fraction), or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLR089C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of salicylic acid and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of myo-inositol and/or coenzyme Q10, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLR224W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glycerol (lipid fraction) and/or methylgalactopyranoside, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLR255C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of heptadecanoic acid (C17:0), melissic acid (C30:0), glycerol (polar fraction) and/or methylgalactopyranoside and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of tryptophane and/or proline, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YLR375W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of methionine and/or shikimic acid and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of threonine, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR024W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2) and/or stearic acid (C18:0), or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR044W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of campesterol, myo-inositol and/or succinate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR084W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of methionine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and/or beta-sitosterol, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR245C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of threonine and/or citrulline and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of raffinose, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR317W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of hexadecadienoic acid (C16:2) and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of tryptophane, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR344C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of hexadecatrienoic acid (C16:3) and/or glycerol (lipid fraction), or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YOR350C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine and/or myo-inositol, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YPL099C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of palmitic acid (C16:0) and/or glycerol (polar fraction), or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YPL268W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glycerol (polar fraction) and/or 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YPRO24W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of glutamate and/or fumarate and/or conferring a decrease of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of threonine, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YPR138C or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of proline, phenylalanine, lignoceric acid (C24:0), coenzyme Q10, fumarate and/or malate, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

In one embodiment in the process of the invention the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YPR172W or its homologs, preferably as indicated in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [23.1.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), e.g. the activity as defined in the respective aforementioned paragraphs [22.0.m.n] (where m and n can be one or more numbers between 0 to 25), is increased, conferring an increase of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of campesterol and/or coenzyme Q9, or mixtures thereof containing at least two, three, four or five compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, preferably 6, 7, 8 or 9 compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, more preferably 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or more compounds selected from the aforementioned groups, most preferably conferring a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X.

[0040.0.0.26] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps:

a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptid of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in table X and/or the same protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, having herein-mentioned the fine chemical-increasing and/or the fine chemical-decreasing activity; b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in table X and/or the same protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide of the present invention having herein-mentioned fine chemical-increasing and/or the fine chemical-decreasing activity; c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present invention or the nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide used in the method of the invention, having herein-mentioned fine chemical-increasing and/or the fine chemical-decreasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in table X and/or the same protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, or decreasing the inhibitory regulation of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention; d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention having herein-mentioned fine chemical-increasing and/or the fine chemical-decreasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in table X and/or the same protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7; e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having herein-mentioned fine chemical-increasing and/or the fine chemical-decreasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in table X and/or the same protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors to the organism or parts thereof; f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention, having herein-mentioned fine chemical-increasing and/or the fine chemical-decreasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in table X and/or the same protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7; g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention having herein-mentioned fine chemical-increasing and/or the fine chemical-decreasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in table X and/or the same protein as indicated in Table II, column 3, or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7; h) Increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in table X and/or the same protein as 15 l indicated in Table II, column 3 or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, by adding positive expression or removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination can be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor elements form regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity of positive elements.

Positive elements can be randomly introduced in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be identified in which the positive elements have be integrated near to a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby enhanced;

i) Modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner, that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example microorganisms or plants can be grown under a higher temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock proteins, e.g. the heat shock protein of the invention, which can lead an enhanced the fine chemical production; and/or j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources and breeding them into the target organisms, e.g. the elite crops.

[0041.0.0.26] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process which comprises:

a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant; b) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or a homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in table X and/or the same protein as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and described below, i.e. conferring an increase or decrease of the respective fine chemical according to table X in the organism, preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant, c) growing the organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant, under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine chemical or of a defined metabolic profile in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and d) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, one or more free and/or bound fine chemicals synthesized by the organism, the microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0042.0.0.26] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the for the control of the production of fine chemicals comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature form, of a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, and selected from the group consisting of b0019, b0050, b0057, b0112, b0124, b0138, b0149, b0161, b0175, b0196, b0251, b0252, b0255, b0376, b0462, b0464, b0486, b0577, b0651, b0695, b0730, b0828, b0847, b0849, b0880, b0970, b0986, b1097, b1284, b1318, b1343, b1360, b1463, b1693, b1708, b1736, b1738, b1829, b1886, b1896, b1926, b1961, b2023, b2078, b2095, b2211, b2239, b2307, b2414, b2426, b2478, b2489, b2491, b2507, b2553, b2576, b2597, b2599, b2664, b2699, b2703, b2710, b2753, b2796, b2822, b3064, b3074, b3116, b3129, b3160, b3166, b3169, b3172, b3231, b3256, b3260, b3430, b3457, b3462, b3578, b3619, b3644, b3684, b3767, b3791, b3919, b3926, b3936, b3938, b3966, b3983, b4004, b4054, b4063, b4074, b4122, b4129, b4139, b4232, b4239, b4327, b4346, b4401, YAL049C, YBL015W, YBR084W, YBR089C-A, YBR184W, YBR204C, YCL038C, YCR012W, YCR059C, YDL127W, YDR271C, YDR316W, YDR447C, YDR513W, YEL045C, YEL046C, YER152C, YER156C, YER173W, YER174C, YFL019C, YFL050C, YFL053W, YFR007W, YFR042W, YGL205W, YGL237C, YGR101W, YGR104C, YGR261C, YHR072W, YHR072W-A, YHR130C, YHR189W, YHR201C, YIL150C, YJL055W, YJL072C, YJL099W, YKL132C, YKR057W, YLL013C, YLR082C, YLR089C, YLR224W, YLR255C, YLR375W, YOR024W, YOR044W, YOR084W, YOR245C, YOR317W, YOR344C, YOR350C, YPL099C, YPL268W, YPR024W, YPR138C and YPR172W, or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase or a decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical as shown in table X in an organism or a part thereof; b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, and corresponding to the polypeptide as defined in a) and named in table X; c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a) or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and conferring an increase or a decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical as shown in table X in an organism or a part thereof; d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an increase or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical as shown in table X in an organism or a part thereof; e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions and conferring an increase or a decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical as shown in table X in an organism or a part thereof; f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical as shown in table X in an organism or a part thereof; g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical as shown in table X in an organism or a part thereof; h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as indicated in Table III, columns 7, and corresponding to a polypeptide as defined in a) and named in table X, and conferring an increase or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical as shown in table X in an organism or a part thereof; i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated, e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and conferring an increase or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical as shown in table X in an organism or a part thereof; j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, and corresponding to a polypeptide as defined in a) and named in table X, and conferring an increase or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical as shown in table X in an organism or a part thereof; k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding a domain of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, and as defined in a) and named in table X, and conferring an increase or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical as shown in table X in an organism or a part thereof; and l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and conferring an increase or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical as shown in table X in an organism or a part thereof; or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0043.0.0.26] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention comprises the following steps:

(a) introducing of a nucleic acid construct comprising the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention or encoding the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the invention; or (b) introducing of a nucleic acid molecule, including regulatory sequences or factors, which expression increases the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention or encoding the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the invention; in a cell, or an organism or a part thereof, preferably in a plant, plant cell or a microorganism, and (c) expressing of the gene product encoded by the nucleic acid construct or the nucleic acid molecule mentioned under (a) or (b) in the cell or the organism.

[0043.1.0.26] In a further embodiment the present invention relates to a method for

the generation of a host or host cell, e.g. transgenic, showing a metabolic profile as depicted in any one of the columns of table X.

In a further embodiment the present invention relates to a method for the generation of a transgenic host or host cell showing a metabolic profile as depicted in any one of the columns of table X and expressing an nucleic acid or a polypeptide of the invention or use in the method of the invention.

In a further embodiment the present invention relates to a method for the generation of a transgenic host or host cell showing a metabolic profile 30% similar to a profile as depicted in any one of the columns of table X and expressing the protein displayed in the respective column of table X or a homolog thereof.

In a further embodiment the present invention relates to a method for the generation of a transgenic host or host cell showing a metabolic profile 50%, more preferred, 60%, even more preferred 70%, even more preferred 80% or even more preferred 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% similar to a profile as depicted in any one of the columns of table X and expressing the protein displayed in the respective column of table X or a homolog thereof. % similarity is the above described context of metabolic profiles is to be understood, that this percentage of metabolic changes occur also in the transgenic host or host cell in the same direction. For example a 80% similar metabolic profile displays 8 of 10 metabolic changes in the same direction as depicted in any column of table X.

[0043.2.0.26] In a further embodiment the present invention relates to the modification of the metabolic profile in plant seed, resulting in grains with increased digestibility/nutrient availability, with improved amino acid, fatty acids, glycerides, lipids, vitamins, carotenoids, phytosterols, organic compounds, preferably organic acids as disclosed in [0002.0.16.16], [0002.0.17.17], [0002.0.19.19], [0002.0.20.20] and/or [0002.0.23.23], glycerol and derivates, coenzymes, galactolipids and/or carbohydrates, saccharides and/or sugars composition and increased nutrient value, increased response to feed processing, improved silage quality, increased efficiency of wet or dry milling, and decreased allergenicity and/or toxicity.

[0044.0.0.26] Further embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the paragraphs [0014.l.m.n] to [0553.l.m.n], whereby l, m and n is one or more numbers between zero to twenty-five, as disclosed afore.

[0045.0.0.26] The process of the present invention may be used for improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds, which is an important task of the food-and-feed industry. Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible an metabolic profile since a great excess of one fine chemical above a specific concentration in the food has no further positive effect on the utilization of the food since another fine chemical suddenly become limiting.

The manufacturing of high quality foodstuffs and animal feeds is possible by the process of the present invention, which controls the production of each fine chemical as depicted in table X.

[0046.0.0.26] The process of the present invention stand for an inexpensive process for the synthesis of a combination of fine chemicals such as amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, organic acids, carotenoids, preferably as mentioned in table X, at the same time in an sufficient amount to provide optimal growth and health benefit to animals or humans.

[0047.0.0.26] The products manufactered by the process of the present invention can be used or can be incorporated without great and expensive efforts as high quality food, nutraceuticals, feed or additives there for. The fine chemical or the combination of fine chemicals obtained in the process is suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with other ingredients or alone for the production of nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics.

Accordingly, the present invention relates a method for the production of a nutraceutical, pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the fine chemical or fine chemical composition produced and if desired formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the fine chemical produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

[0048.0.0.26] In one embodiment the process of the invention is used for the production of feed or functional feed by overexpressing in a host cell the nucleic acid sequence coding for the b0124, b0161, b0464, b0486, b1343, b1708, b1829, b2414, b2664, b3074, b3966, b3983, YER173W, YGR104C, YIL150C and/or YKR057W (and/or YPR172W-protein), or homologues thereof and isolating the fine chemical or the combination of fine chemicals, preferably the combination of amino acid or using the host cell as feed without isolation of certain fine chemicals.

In a further embodiment the process of the invention is used for the production of feed or functional feed by overexpressing in a host cell the nucleic acid sequence coding for the b0124, b0161, b0464, b0486, b1343, b1708, b1829, b2414, b2664, b3074, b3966, b3983, YER173W, YGR104C, YIL150C and/or YKR057W or homolgous thereof and using the host cell as feed containing an enhanced amino acid profile. Enhanced amino acid profile means that one or more amino acid, which in plants are limited with regard to the supply of mammals, are increased in there amount. More preferably, the nucleic acid sequence coding for the b0161 and/or YER173W-protein, or homologues thereof are used, hence they confer an increase in the important amino acids and in fatty acids, organic acids, vitamins, phytosterols and saccharides.

[0049.0.0.26] In one embodiment the process of the invention is used for the production of feed or functional feed by overexpressing in a host cell the nucleic acid sequence coding for the b0050, b0251, b0577, b0849, b2699, b2822, b3256, b3457, b3644, b4129, YBR089C-A, YDR447C, YDR513W, YIL150C and/or YOR024W protein, or homologues thereof and isolating the fine chemical or the combination of fine chemicals, preferably the combination of essential fatty acids or using the host cell as feed without isolation of certain fine chemicals.

In a further embodiment the process of the invention is used for the production of increased amounts of oil or and fat by overexpressing in a host cell the nucleic acid sequence coding for the b0050, b0251, b0577, b0849, b2699, b2822, b3256, b3457, b3644, b4129, YBR089C-A, YDR447C, YDR513W, YIL150C and/or YOR024W protein, or homologues thereof and optionally isolating the produced oil or fat.

In a further embodiment the process of the invention is used for the production of specific fatty acid compositions in oil or fat by overexpressing in a host cell the nucleic acid sequence coding for the b0050, b0251, b0577, b0849, b2699, b2822, b3256, b3457, b3644, b4129, YBR089C-A, YDR447C, YDR513W, YIL150C and/or YOR024W protein, or homologues thereof and optionally isolating the produced oil or fat.

In a further embodiment the process of the invention is used for the production of increased amounts LC-PUFAs (e.g. arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid) by overexpressing in a host cell the nucleic acid sequence coding for the b0050, b0251, b0577, b0849, b2699, b2822, b3256, b3457, b3644, b4129, YBR089C-A, YDR447C, YDR513W, YIL150C and/or YOR024W protein, or homologues thereof and additionally genes for LC-PUFA biosynthesis als for example disclosed in WO 2005/083093 or WO 2005/08305 and optionally isolating the produced LC-PUFAs.

More preferably, the nucleic acid sequence coding for the b0050, YDR513W and/or b2699-protein, or homologues thereof are used, hence they confer an increase in the important amino acids and in fatty acids, organic acids, vitamins, phytosterols and saccharides.

[0050.0.0.26] In one embodiment the process of the invention is used for the production of preparations comprising phospholipids and/or polar lipids enriched with fatty acids, preferably PUFAs, which may be bounded to the lipid backbone. These preparations are particularly useful as nutraceuticals, food additives and/or pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of various conditions, in particular related to cognitive functions.

Preferably, the nucleic acid sequence coding for the b3457, b6344, YDR513W and/or YIL150C-protein, or homologues thereof are used, hence they confer an increase in fatty acids and glycerol, as backbone of lipids.

[0051.0.0.26] In one embodiment the process of the invention is used for the production of preparations comprising a decreased level of raffinose and increased level of other, beneficial fine chemicals. Raffinose saccharides are an obstacle to the efficient utilization of some economically important crop species. Raffinose saccharides are not digested directly by animals, primarily because alpha-galactosidase is not present in the intestinal mucosa.

Preferably, the nucleic acid sequence coding for the b0880, b3936 and/or YOR245C-protein, or homologues thereof are used, hence they confer an decrease in raffinose and an increase in fatty acids and amino acids respectively.

[0052.0.0.26] In one embodiment the process of the invention is used for the production of preparations comprising a increased level of anti-oxidants, like 2,3-Dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, Ferulic acid, and/or Coenzyme Q10 in combination with increased level of fatty acids and preferably other, beneficial fine chemicals. Its stability of the oils containing the fatty acids is increased due to resistance to oxidation, which helps to prevent rancidity of fats.

Preferably, the nucleic acid sequence coding for the b1829, b0730, b1829, b2699 and/or YPR138C-protein, or homologues thereof are used, hence they confer an increase in anti-oxidants and an increase in fatty acids and amino acids respectively.

[0053.0.0.26] In one embodiment the process of the invention is used for the production of preparations comprising an decreased level of vitamin A or precursors there of, like 2,3-Dimethyl-5-phytylquinol and/or alpha, beta and/or gamma Tocopherol and in combination with increased level of fatty acids and preferably other, beneficial fine chemicals.

Fortification of foods with relatively high levels of a small number of fine chemicals may cause an imbalance in dietary intakes and the addition of one nutrient may lead to disturbances in the utilisation of others.

For example, high levels of vitamin A during pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects. Excessive intakes of vitamin A from overuse of supplements are toxic and can cause damage to the liver and cell membranes.

Preferably, the nucleic acid sequence coding for YIL150C-protein, or homologues thereof are used, hence they confer a decrease in vitamin A or precursors and an increase in fatty acids and amino acids respectively.

[0054.0.0.26] Generally, the preparations produced according to the present invention can contribute as additives or compounds in the treatment of health disorders like high blood cholesterol levels, high triglycerides levels, high blood fibrinogen levels, HDL/LDL ratio, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, menopausal or post-menopausal conditions, hormone related disorders, vision disorders, inflammatory disorders, immune disorders, liver diseases, chronic hepatitis, steatosis, phospholipid deficiency, lipid peroxidation, dysrhythmia of cell regeneration, destabilization of cell membranes, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, cancer, hypertension, aging, kidney disease, skin diseases, edema, gastrointestinal diseases, peripheral vascular system diseases, allergies, neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases.

[0055.0.0.26] The nutraceuticals can be formulated for administration by inhalation or insufflation (either through the mouth or the nose) or oral, buccal, parenteral or rectal administration. For oral administration, the nutraceuticals can be added directly to foods so that the nutraceuticals are ingested during normal meals. Any methods known to those skilled in the art may be used to add or incorporate nutraceuticals to natural or processed foods. Generally, the preparations produced according to the present invention may be introduced in dairy products like biscuits, soy products, bakery, pastry and bread, sauces, soups, prepared foods, frozen foods, condiments, confectionary, oils and fats, margarines, spreads, fillings, salad dressings, cereals, instant products, teas, drinks and shakes, infant formulas, infant foods (biscuits, mashed vegetables and fruits, cereals), bars, extruded and/or puffed snack foods, candies, ice-creams, chocolate products, and/or products containing corn sweeteners, cereals, chips, puddings, candies, and breads.

[0056.0.0.26] Generally, the preparations produced according to the present invention may be introduced in cosmeticals.

The process of the present invention is further used for the production of cosmeceuticals, a term which refers to personal care products that contain substances that exert beneficial effects such as anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, skin conditioning, analgesia, sun protection, stimulation of hair growth. Furthermore, they may also impart a desirable physiological effect such as stimulation of microcirculation. Anti-ageing is a key target area, this includes antioxidants and sun protection, which also help to prevent diseases such as skin cancer.

[0057.0.0.26] According to the present invention, the term “metabolic profile” encompasses and implies also a decrease of one or more fine chemicals as disclosed in each line of table IX.

[0058.0.0.26]

The sequence of b0021 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as an insertion element IS1 protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia coli insB protein superfamily, preferably a protein with an insertion element IS1 protein activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or citramalate in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0043 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a probable quinone reductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia coli fixC protein superfamily, preferably a protein with a probable quinone reductase activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of tryptophane and/or raffinose in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0134 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a 3-methyl-2-oxobutanoate hydroxymethyltransferase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia coli 3-methyl-2-oxobutanoate hydroxymethyltransferase superfamily, preferably a protein with a 3-methyl-2-oxobutanoate hydroxymethyltransferase activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of sinapic acid in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0186 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a lysine decarboxylase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia coli probable ornithine/lysine/arginine decarboxylase superfamily, preferably a protein with a lysine decarboxylase activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of tryptophane, fumarate and/or glyceric acid in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0328 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative cytochrome subunit of dehydrogenase; putative transport protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia coli hypothetical protein b1798 superfamily, preferably a protein with a putative cytochrome subunit of dehydrogenase; putative transport protein activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, beta-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, glucose and/or coenzyme Q10 in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0677 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has been defined as a N-acetylgl ucosamine-6-phosphate deacetylase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate deacetylase from E. coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of citrulline and/or glycine in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0734 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a cytochrome D terminal oxidase, polypeptide subunit II. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia coli cytochrome d ubiquinol oxidase superfamily, preferably a protein with a cytochrome D terminal oxidase, polypeptide subunit II activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of β-carotene in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0763 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a molybdate transport protein (ABC superfamily, peri_bind). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia coli molybdate-binding periplasmic protein superfamily, preferably a protein with a molybdate transport protein (ABC superfamily, peri_bind) activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of zeaxanthin in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b0895 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as an anaerobic dimethyl sulfoxide (dMS0) reductase, subunit B. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia coli nrfC protein superfamily, preferably a protein with an anaerobic dimethyl sulfoxide (dMS0) reductase, subunit B activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of shikimic acid and/or threonic acid (2,3,4-trihydroxybutyric acid) in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1054 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has been defined as a lauroyl transferase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a lauroyl transferase from E. coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of threonic acid (2,3,4-trihydroxybutyric acid) in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1183 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a mutagenesis and repair protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia coli lexA repressor superfamily, preferably a protein with a mutagenesis and repair protein activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of glucose in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1217 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has been defined as a cation transport regulator. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a cation transport regulator from E. coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of hexadecatrienoic acid (C16:cis[7,10,13]3) in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1249 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a cardiolipin synthase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia coli probable cardiolipin synthetase superfamily, preferably a protein with a cardiolipin synthase activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of isopentenyl pyrophosphate in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1292 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al.,

Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a peptide transport system permease protein sapC. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia coli oligopeptide permease protein oppB superfamily, preferably a protein with a peptide transport system permease protein sapC activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, beta-tocopherol and/or gamma-tocopherol in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1874 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has been defined as a copper homeostasis protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the copper homeostasis protein from E. coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, shikimic acid, palmitic acid (C16:0), linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2), myo-inositol, sinapic acid, fumarate and/or succinate in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2110 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative periplasmic pilin chaperone similar to Papd. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia coli chaperone protein papD superfamily, preferably a protein with a putative periplasmic pilin chaperone similar to Papd activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of shikimic acid, raffinose, sucrose, isopentenyl pyrophosphate, fumarate and/or glyceric acid in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2696 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a carbon storage regulator, post-translational activator of flhdC expression, regulates biofilm formation, RNA-binding. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia coli glycogen biosynthesis inhibitor superfamily, preferably a protein with a carbon storage regulator, post-translational activator of flhdC expression, regulates biofilm formation, RNA-binding activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of sucrose in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2901 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a 6-phospho-beta-glucosidase A. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia coli beta-glucosidase superfamily, preferably a protein with a 6-phospho-beta-glucosidase

A activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of proline in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3025 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a response regulator in two-component regulatory system with QseC, regulates flagella and motility by quorum sensing (OmpR family). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia coli ompR protein superfamily, preferably a protein with a response regulator in two-component regulatory system with QseC, regulates flagella and motility by quorum sensing (OmpR family) activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of proline in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3091 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a altronate hydrolase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia coli Escherichia altronate dehydratase superfamily, preferably a protein with a altronate hydrolase activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of tryptophane, glycerol-3-phosphate (polar fraction) and/or succinate in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3335 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a bifunctional prepilin peptidase: leader peptidase; methyl transferase (General Secretory Pathway). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia coli type IV prepilin peptidase superfamily, preferably a protein with a bifunctional prepilin peptidase: leader peptidase; methyl transferase (General Secretory Pathway) activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of hexadecatrienoic acid (C16:cis[7,10,13]3) putative and/or methylgalactopyranosid in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3709 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a low-affinity tryptophan permease (HAAAP family). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia coli tyrosine-specific transport protein superfamily, preferably a protein with a low-affinity tryptophan permease (HAAAP family) activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of tryptophane, tyrosine, citramalate and/or threonic acid (2,3,4-trihydroxybutyric acid) in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3825 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has been defined as a lysophospholipase L(2). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a lysophospholipase L(2) from E. coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of threonic acid (2,3,4-trihydroxybutyric acid) in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3924 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has been defined as a ferredoxin-NADP reductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a ferredoxin-NADP reductasefrom E. coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of alpha-tocopherol in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b4101 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative C—P (carbon-phosphorous) lyase component. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia coli phnG protein superfamily, preferably a protein with a putative C—P (carbon-phosphorous) lyase component activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of tyrosine and/or malate in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b4113 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a response regulator in two-component regulatory system with BasS (OmpR family). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia coli ompR protein superfamily, preferably a protein with a response regulator in two-component regulatory system with BasS (OmpR family) activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of hexadecatrienoic acid (C16:cis[7,10,13]3) putative and/or methylgalactopyranosid in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b4242 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a P-type ATPase, Mg2+ATPase transport protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the Escherichia coli Na+/K+-transporting ATPase alpha chain, ATPase nucleotide-binding domain homology superfamily, preferably a protein with a P-type ATPase, Mg2+ATPase transport protein activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, shikimic acid, palmitic acid (C16:0), linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2), linolenic acid (C18:cis[9,12,15]3), hexadecadienoic acid (C16:cis[7,10]2), hexadecatrienoic acid (C16:cis[7,10,13]3), glycerol (polar fraction), raffinose and/or methylgalactopyranosid in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b4359 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has been defined as a phosphoglycerol transferase I. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a phosphoglycerol transferase I from E. coli K12 or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of threonic acid (2,3,4-trihydroxybutyric acid) in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YGL005C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity has been defined as a Component of the conserved oligomeric Golgi complex. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a Component of the conserved oligomeric Golgi complex from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of zeaxanthin in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YML005W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity has been defined as a putative S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase of the seven beta-strand family. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a putative S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase of the seven beta-strand family from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for a decrease of the fine chemical, meaning of 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, beta-tocopherol and/or gamma-tocopherol in a range as indicated in Table IX, in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. [0059.0.0.26]

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0021 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 2, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of leucine and/or citramalate is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0043 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, lines 3 to 4, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of tryptophane and/or raffinose is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0134 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, line 5, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of sinapic acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0186 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, lines 6 to 8, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of tryptophane, fumarate and/or glyceric acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0328 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, lines 9 to 13, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, beta-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol, glucose and/or coenzyme Q10 is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0677 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, lines 14 to 15, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of citrulline and/or glycine is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0734 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, line 16, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of β-carotene is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0763 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, line 17, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of zeaxanthin is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b0895 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, lines 18 to 19, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of shikimic acid and/or threonic acid (2,3,4-trihydroxybutyric acid) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1054 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, line 20, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of threonic acid (2,3,4-trihydroxybutyric acid) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1183 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, line 21, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of glucose is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein 1217 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, line 22, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of hexadecatrienoic acid (C16:cis[7,10,13]3) putative is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1249 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, line 23, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of isopentenyl pyrophosphate is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1292 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, lines 24 to 26, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, beta-tocopherol and/or gamma-tocopherol is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b1874 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, lines 27 to 34, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of threonine, shikimic acid, palmitic acid (C16:0), linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2), myo-inositol, sinapic acid, fumarate and/or succinate is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2110 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, lines 35 to 40, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of shikimic acid, raffinose, sucrose, isopentenyl pyrophosphate, fumarate and/or glyceric acid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2696 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, line 41, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of sucrose is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b2901 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, line 42, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of proline is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3025 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, line 43, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of proline is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3091 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, lines 44 to 46, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of tryptophane, glycerol-3-phosphate (polar fraction) and/or succinate is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3335 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, lines 47 to 48, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of hexadecatrienoic acid (C16:cis[7,10,13]3) and/or methylgalactopyranosid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3709 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, lines 49 to 52, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of tryptophane, tyrosine, citramalate and/or threonic acid (2,3,4-trihydroxybutyric acid) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein 3825 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, line 53, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of threonic acid (2,3,4-trihydroxybutyric acid) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b3924 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, line 54, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of alpha-tocopherol is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4101 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, lines 55 to 56, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of tyrosine and/or malate is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4113 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, lines 57 to 58, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of hexadecatrienoic acid (C16:cis[7,10,13]3) and/or methylgalactopyranosid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4242 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, lines 59 to 68, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of threonine, shikimic acid, palmitic acid (C16:0), linoleic acid (C18:cis[9,12]2), linolenic acid (C18:cis[9,12,15]3), hexadecadienoic acid (C16:cis[7,10]2) putative, hexadecatrienoic acid (C16:cis[7,10,13]3, glycerol (polar fraction), raffinose and/or methylgalactopyranosid is conferred.

In case the activity of the Escherichia coli K12 protein b4359 or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, line 69, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of threonic acid (2,3,4-trihydroxybutyric acid) is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YGL005C or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, line 70, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of zeaxanthin is conferred.

In case the activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein YML005W or its homologs, as indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7, lines 71 to 73, e.g. protein with an activity as defined in [0058.0.0.26], is increased, preferably, in one embodiment the decrease of the fine chemical, preferably of 2,3-dimethyl-5-phytylquinol, beta-tocopherol and/or gamma-tocopherol is conferred.

[0060.0.0.26] In one embodiment the process of the invention is used for the production of stable oil, for example for deep fat frying, with a decreased content of linoleic acid and alpha-linolic acid, by overexpressing in a host cell the nucleic acid sequence coding for the b0424 protein, or homologues thereof.

[0061.0.0.26] In one embodiment the present invention is directed to a method of diagnosis of the level of expression of a nucleic acid molecule of claim 3 a) or claim 6 in a by measuring in a first step the metabolic content, preferably the concentration of one or more fine chemicals as depicted in table IX and/or X, in a microorganism, a plant cell, a plant, a plant tissue or in one or more parts thereof by known methods, preferably by GC/MS, more preferably as disclosed in paragraph [0497.0.m.n] and/or

[0530.3.m.n].

In a second step these results are compared with the metabolic content with the relative metabolic profile as depicted in table X and/or IX.

If the measured relative metabolic profile is identical with the relative metabolic profile as depicted in table X and/or IX in at least two, preferably 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 or more fine chemicals, the expression level of the nucleic acid molecule or its homologues coding for a protein as depicted in table X and/or IX is alterd, preferably the expression level of said nucleic acid molecul is increased.

[0062.0.0.26] This method allows a direct conclusion of the expression level of genes from analysis of the metabolic profile. The diagnosis of the expression level is important for example for breeders. With regard to the aforementioned side effect induced by genetical manipulation in the genom of cells, it is important to assign each alteration in the content of a metabolite to the expression of a certain gene, in ordeer to avoid the expression of genes which are coupled with production of undesired compound, e.g fine chemicals with toxic properties.

The diagnosis of the expression level of genes allows the selection of plant with desired features in order to hybidize them with others.

[0063.0.0.26] By increasing or generating the activity of one or more of the proteins of the invention as named in table I, V and/or X, any possible combination of metabolic profiles, preferably any combination of the relative metabolic profiles as shown in table X and/or IX can be achieved.

An ther way to alter the metabolic profile in a defined manner is as described above the hybridisation of plants with defined expression levels of genes diagnosted by the method of the present invention.

[0064.0.0.26] claims

-   1. Process for the control of the production of fine chemicals     comprising -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more     -   b0019, b0050, b0057, b0112, b0124, b0138, b0149, b0161, b0175,         b0196, b0251, b0252, b0255, b0376, b0462, b0464, b0486, b0577,         b0651, b0695, b0730, b0828, b0847, b0849, b0880, b0970, b0986,         b1097, b1284, b1318, b1343, b1360, b1463, b1693, b1708, b1736,         b1738, b1829, b1886, b1896, b1926, b1961, b2023, b2078, b2095,         b2211, b2239, b2307, b2414, b2426, b2478, b2489, b2491, b2507,         b2553, b2576, b2597, b2599, b2664, b2699, b2703, b2710, b2753,         b2796, b2822, b3064, b3074, b3116, b3129, b3160, b3166, b3169,         b3172, b3231, b3256, b3260, b3430, b3457, b3462, b3578, b3619,         b3644, b3684, b3767, b3791, b3919, b3926, b3936, b3938, b3966,         b3983, b4004, b4054, b4063, b4074, b4122, b4129, b4139, b4232,         b4239, b4327, b4346, b4401, YAL049C, YBL015W, YBR084W,         YBR089C-A,

YBR184W, YBR204C, YCL038C, YCR012W, YCR059C, YDL127W, YDR271C, YDR316W, YDR447C, YDR513W, YEL045C, YEL046C, YER152C, YER156C, YER173W, YER174C, YFL019C, YFL050C, YFL053W, YFR007W, YFR042W, YGL205W, YGL237C, YGR101W, YGR104C, YGR261C, YHR072W, YHR072W-A, YHR130C, YHR189W, YHR201C, YIL150C, YJL055W, YJL072C, YJL099W, YKL132C, YKR057W, YLL013C, YLR082C, YLR089C, YLR224W, YLR255C, YLR375W, YOR024W, YOR044W, YOR084W, YOR245C, YOR317W, YOR344C, YOR350C, YPL099C, YPL268W, YPRO24W, YPR138C and/or YPR172W and/or b0021, b0043, b0134, b0186, b0186, b0328, b0677, b0734, b0763, b0895, b0895, b1054, b1183, b1217, b1249, b1292, b1874, b2110, b2696, b2901, b3025, b3091, b3335, b3709, b3825, b3924, b4101, b4113, b4242, b4359, YGL005C and/or YML005W protein(s) or homologes thereof, preferably having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a corresponding nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7 or indicated in table V columns 5 or 7, in a non-human organism or in one or more parts thereof and

-   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical in said organism in a metabolic     profile as indicated in Table X and/or IX, wherein a numerical value     greater than “1” stands for an increase of a metabolite content, a     numerical value less than “1” stands for a decrease of a metabolite     content, compared to the wild type cell, microorganism, plant cell,     plant, plant tissue or one or more parts thereof and no number in     table X means a numerical value of “1” concerning the metabolite     profile, which is esentially identical to the metabolite profile of     the wild type. -   2. Process for the control of the production of fine chemicals     comprising -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more     -   b0019, b0050, b0057, b0112, b0124, b0138, b0149, b0161, b0175,         b0196, b0251, b0252, b0255, b0376, b0462, b0464, b0486, b0577,         b0651, b0695, b0730, b0828, b0847, b0849, b0880, b0970, b0986,         b1097, b1284, b1318, b1343, b1360, b1463, b1693, b1708, b1736,         b1738, b1829, b1886, b1896, b1926, b1961, b2023, b2078, b2095,         b2211, b2239, b2307, b2414, b2426, b2478, b2489, b2491, b2507,         b2553, b2576, b2597, b2599, b2664, b2699, b2703, b2710, b2753,         b2796, b2822, b3064, b3074, b3116, b3129, b3160, b3166, b3169,         b3172, b3231, b3256, b3260, b3430, b3457, b3462, b3578, b3619,         b3644, b3684, b3767, b3791, b3919, b3926, b3936, b3938, b3966,         b3983, b4004, b4054, b4063, b4074, b4122, b4129, b4139, b4232,         b4239, b4327, b4346, b4401, YAL049C, YBL015W, YBR084W,         YBR089C-A, YBR184W, YBR204C, YCL038C, YCR012W, YCR059C, YDL127W,         YDR271C, YDR316W, YDR447C, YDR513W, YEL045C, YEL046C, YER152C,         YER156C, YER173W, YER174C, YFL019C, YFL050C, YFL053W, YFR007W,         YFR042W, YGL205W, YGL237C, YGR101W, YGR104C, YGR261C, YHR072W,         YHR072W-A, YHR130C, YHR189W, YHR201C, YIL150C, YJL055W, YJL072C,         YJL099W, YKL132C, YKR057W, YLL013C, YLR082C, YLR089C, YLR224W,         YLR255C, YLR375W, YOR024W, YOR044W, YOR084W, YOR245C, YOR317W,         YOR344C, YOR350C, YPL099C, YPL268W, YPRO24W, YPR138C and/or         YPR172W and/or b0021, b0043, b0134, b0186, b0186, b0328, b0677,         b0734, b0763, b0895, b0895, b1054, b1183, b1217, b1249, b1292,         b1874, b2110, b2696, b2901, b3025, b3091, b3335, b3709, b3825,         b3924, b4101, b4113, b4242, b4359, YGL005C and/or YML005W         protein(s) or homologes thereof, preferably having the sequence         of a polypeptide encoded by a corresponding nucleic acid         molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, or indicated in         table V columns 5 or 7, in a non-human organism or in one or         more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production fine chemicals in defined ratios in said organism     resulting in a defined metabolic profile. -   3. Process for the control of the production of fine chemicals     comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the     expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a     nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of: -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, or indicated in table VI, or selected from the group     consisting of b0019, b0050, b0057, b0112, b0124, b0138, b0149,     b0161, b0175, b0196, b0251, b0252, b0255, b0376, b0462, b0464,     b0486, b0577, b0651, b0695, b0730, b0828, b0847, b0849, b0880,     b0970, b0986, b1097, b1284, b1318, b1343, b1360, b1463, b1693,     b1708, b1736, b1738, b1829, b1886, b1896, b1926, b1961, b2023,     b2078, b2095, b2211, b2239, b2307, b2414, b2426, b2478, b2489,     b2491, b2507, b2553, b2576, b2597, b2599, b2664, b2699, b2703,     b2710, b2753, b2796, b2822, b3064, b3074, b3116, b3129, b3160,     b3166, b3169, b3172, b3231, b3256, b3260, b3430, b3457, b3462,     b3578, b3619, b3644, b3684, b3767, b3791, b3919, b3926, b3936,     b3938, b3966, b3983, b4004, b4054, b4063, b4074, b4122, b4129,     b4139, b4232, b4239, b4327, b4346, b4401, YAL049C, YBL015W, YBR084W,     YBR089C-A, YBR184W, YBR204C, YCL038C, YCR012W, YCR059C, YDL127W,     YDR271C, YDR316W, YDR447C, YDR513W, YEL045C, YEL046C, YER152C,     YER156C, YER173W, YER174C, YFL019C, YFL050C, YFL053W, YFR007W,     YFR042W, YGL205W, YGL237C, YGR101W, YGR104C, YGR261C, YHR072W,     YHR072W-A, YHR130C, YHR189W, YHR201C, YIL150C, YJL055W, YJL072C,     YJL099W, YKL132C, YKR057W, YLL013C, YLR082C, YLR089C, YLR224W,     YLR255C, YLR375W, YOR024W, YOR044W, YOR084W, YOR245C, YOR317W,     YOR344C, YOR350C, YPL099C, YPL268W, YPRO24W, YPR138C and YPR172W     and/or b0021, b0043, b0134, b0186, b0186, b0328, b0677, b0734,     b0763, b0895, b0895, b1054, b1183, b1217, b1249, b1292, b1874,     b2110, b2696, b2901, b3025, b3091, b3335, b3709, b3825, b3924,     b4101, b4113, b4242, b4359, YGL005C and/or YML005W, or a fragment     thereof, which confers an increase or a decrease in the amount of     the respective fine chemical as shown in table X and/or indicated in     table IX in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, and encoding a polypeptide as defined in a)     and named in table Xao IX and/or a sequence as indicated in table V     columns 5 or 7, -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase or decrease in the amount of the respective     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table III, columns 7, and corresponding to a     polypeptide as defined in a) and named in table X and/or IX, and/or     primers pairs as indicated in table VII, and conferring an increase     or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and conferring an     increase or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table IV,     columns 7, and corresponding to a polypeptide as defined in a) and     named in table X and/or IX, and/or the consensus sequence having a     sequences as indicated in Table VIII, columns 7 and conferring an     increase or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecules encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide     comprising a domain of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns     5 or 7, and as defined in a) and named in table X, and/o as     indicated in Table VI columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase or     decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase or decrease in the amount of the respective     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one or more fine     chemicals are isolated. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule coding for a polypeptide     conferring a metabolic profile as shown in table X and/or table IX     and comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group     consisting of: -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II,     columns 5 or 7, and selected from the group consisting of b0019,     b0050, b0057, b0112, b0124, b0138, b0149, b0161, b0175, b0196,     b0251, b0252, b0255, b0376, b0462, b0464, b0486, b0577, b0651,     b0695, b0730, b0828, b0847, b0849, b0880, b0970, b0986, b1097,     b1284, b1318, b1343, b1360, b1463, b1693, b1708, b1736, b1738,     b1829, b1886, b1896, b1926, b1961, b2023, b2078, b2095, b2211,     b2239, b2307, b2414, b2426, b2478, b2489, b2491, b2507, b2553,     b2576, b2597, b2599, b2664, b2699, b2703, b2710, b2753, b2796,     b2822, b3064, b3074, b3116, b3129, b3160, b3166, b3169, b3172,     b3231, b3256, b3260, b3430, b3457, b3462, b3578, b3619, b3644,     b3684, b3767, b3791, b3919, b3926, b3936, b3938, b3966, b3983,     b4004, b4054, b4063, b4074, b4122, b4129, b4139, b4232, b4239,     b4327, b4346, b4401, YAL049C, YBL015W, YBR084W, YBR089C-A, YBR184W,     YBR204C, YCL038C, YCR012W, YCR059C, YDL127W, YDR271C, YDR316W,     YDR447C, YDR513W, YEL045C, YEL046C, YER152C, YER156C, YER173W,     YER174C, YFL019C, YFL050C, YFL053W, YFR007W, YFR042W, YGL205W,     YGL237C, YGR101W, YGR104C, YGR261C, YHR072W, YHR072W-A, YHR130C,     YHR189W, YHR201C, YIL150C, YJL055W, YJL072C, YJL099W, YKL132C,     YKR057W, YLL013C, YLR082C, YLR089C, YLR224W, YLR255C, YLR375W,     YOR024W, YOR044W, YOR084W, YOR245C, YOR317W, YOR344C, YOR350C,     YPL099C, YPL268W, YPRO24W, YPR138C and YPR172W and/or b0021, b0043,     b0134, b0186, b0186, b0328, b0677, b0734, b0763, b0895, b0895,     b1054, b1183, b1217, b1249, b1292, b1874, b2110, b2696, b2901,     b3025, b3091, b3335, b3709, b3825, b3924, b4101, b4113, b4242,     b4359, YGL005C and/or YML005W, or as indicated in Table VI columns 5     or 7, or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase or a decrease     in the amount of the respective fine chemical as shown in table X     and/or or table IX respectively in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table I, columns 5 or 7, and corresponding to the polypeptide as     defined in a) and named in table X and/or a nucleic acid molecule     having a sequence as indicated in Table V columns 5 or 7; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase or decrease in the amount of the respective     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table III, columns 7, and corresponding to a     polypeptide as defined in a) and named in table X, and/or primers     pairs having a sequence as indicated in Table VII, column 7 and     conferring an increase or decrease in the amount of the respective     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and conferring an     increase or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table IV,     column 7, and corresponding to a polypeptide as defined in a) and     named in table X, and/or the consensus sequence having a sequences     as indicated in Table VIII, column 7 and conferring an increase or     decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide     comprising a domain of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns     5 or 7, and as defined in a) and named in table X, and/or encoding a     domain of a polypeptide indicated in Table VI, columns 5 or 7, and     conferring an increase or decrease in the amount of the respective     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase or decrease in the amount of the respective     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the sequence as     indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, or over the sequence as     indicated in Table V, columns 5 or 7 and defined in claim 6 a)., by     one or more nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell which exhibits a metabolic profile according to any     of the column as depicted in table X and/or to any line as depicted     in table IX. -   11. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 1 to 5. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a transgenic host     cell. -   13 The host cell of in any one of claims 10 to 12, which is a plant     cell, an animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus     cell, a prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   14. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     13. -   15. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 10 or 11 which is     plant cell or an Agrobacterium. -   16. A process for the identification of a compound conferring a     metabolic profile as shown in table X or in table IX in a cell,     plant or microorganism, comprising the steps: -   (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining     a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 3 a) or claim 6 conferring an increase or decrease     in the amount of the respective fine chemicals in an organism or a     part thereof and a readout system capable of interacting with the     polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction     of the polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a     compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable     of providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a     compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the     expression of said readout system and of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of claim 3 a) conferring an increase or     decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemicals in an     organism or a part thereof; -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting     the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said     readout system. -   17. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase or decrease in fine chemical production in a cell according     to the metabolic profile disclosed in table X and/or in table IX,     comprising the following steps: -   (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can     contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an     increase or decrease in one or more fine chemicals according to     table X and/or table IX after expression with the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 3 a) or claim 6; -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of claim     3 a) or claim 6; -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells     appropriate for producing one or more fine chemicals according to     table X; -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   (e) assaying the level of one or more fine chemicals according to     table X and/or table IX in the host cells; and -   (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase or decrease in the level of one or     more fine chemicals according to table X and/or table IX in the host     cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type. -   18. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase or decrease in fine chemical production in a cell according     to the metabolic profile disclosed in table X and/or table IX in a     cell, comprising the following steps: -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an     organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product     conferring an increase or decrease in the level of one or more fine     chemicals according to table X and/or table IX in an organism or a     part thereof after expression, and which are at least 20% homologous     to the nucleic acid molecule of claim 3 a) or claim 6; -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells     appropriate for producing a metabolic profile according to table X     and/or table IX; -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   (d) assaying the metabolic profil in the host cells; and -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers the desired metabolic profile according to table     X and/or table IX in the host cell after expression compared to the     wild type. -   19. Process for the production of a composition of fine chemicals     comprising -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more b0019,     b0050, b0057, b0112, b0124, b0138, b0149, b0161, b0175, b0196,     b0251, b0252, b0255, b0376, b0462, b0464, b0486, b0577, b0651,     b0695, b0730, b0828, b0847, b0849, b0880, b0970, b0986, b1097,     b1284, b1318, b1343, b1360, b1463, b1693, b1708, b1736, b1738,     b1829, b1886, b1896, b1926, b1961, b2023, b2078, b2095, b2211,     b2239, b2307, b2414, b2426, b2478, b2489, b2491, b2507, b2553,     b2576, b2597, b2599, b2664, b2699, b2703, b2710, b2753, b2796,     b2822, b3064, b3074, b3116, b3129, b3160, b3166, b3169, b3172,     b3231, b3256, b3260, b3430, b3457, b3462, b3578, b3619, b3644,     b3684, b3767, b3791, b3919, b3926, b3936, b3938, b3966, b3983,     b4004, b4054, b4063, b4074, b4122, b4129, b4139, b4232, b4239,     b4327, b4346, b4401, YAL049C, YBL015W, YBR084W, YBR089C-A, YBR184W,     YBR204C, YCL038C, YCR012W, YCR059C, YDL127W, YDR271C, YDR316W,     YDR447C, YDR513W, YEL045C, YEL046C, YER152C, YER156C, YER173W,     YER174C, YFL019C, YFL050C, YFL053W, YFR007W, YFR042W, YGL205W,     YGL237C, YGR101W, YGR104C, YGR261C, YHR072W, YHR072W-A, YHR130C,     YHR189W, YHR201C, YIL150C, YJL055W, YJL072C, YJL099W, YKL132C,     YKR057W, YLL013C, YLR082C, YLR089C, YLR224W, YLR255C, YLR375W,     YOR024W, YOR044W, YOR084W, YOR245C, YOR317W, YOR344C, YOR350C,     YPL099C, YPL268W, YPRO24W, YPR138C and/or YPR172W and/or b0021,     b0043, b0134, b0186, b0186, b0328, b0677, b0734, b0763, b0895,     b0895, b1054, b1183, b1217, b1249, b1292, b1874, b2110, b2696,     b2901, b3025, b3091, b3335, b3709, b3825, b3924, b4101, b4113,     b4242, b4359, YGL005C and/or YML005W protein(s) or homologes     thereof, preferably having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by     a corresponding nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns     5 or 7 or indicated in table V columns 5 or 7, in a non-human     organism or in one or more parts thereof and -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical in said organism in a relative ratio     as indicated in Table X and/or IX, wherein a numerical value greater     than “1” stands for an increase of a metabolite content, a numerical     value less than “1” stands for a decrease of a metabolite content,     compared to the wild type cell, microorganism, plant cell, plant,     plant tissue or one or more parts thereof and no number in table X     means a numerical value of “1” concerning the metabolite profile,     which is esentially identical to the metabolite profile of the wild     type and. -   (c) said composition is a biological composition. -   20. Biological composition of fine chemicals in a defined ratio,     preferably in a relative ratio as indicated in table X and/or IX,     produced by the process of claim 19. -   21. Method of diagnosis of the level of expression of a nucleic acid     molecule of claim 3 a) or claim 6 in a by -   (a) measuring the metabolic content, preferably the concentration of     one or more fine chemicals as depicted in table IX and/or X, in a     microorganism, a plant cell, a plant, a plant tissue or in one or     more parts thereof and -   (b) comparing the metabolic content with the relative metabolic     profile as depicted in table X and/or IX.

NEW GENES RELATED TO A PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0001.0.0.27] The present invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical in a microorgansm, a plant cell, a plant, a plant tissue or in one or more parts thereof. The in vention furthermore relates to nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, nucleic acid constructs, vectors, antisense molecules, antibodies, host cells, plant tissue, propagtion material, harvested material, plants, microorganisms as well as agricultural compositions and to their use.

[0002.0.0.27] Amino acids are used in many branches of industry, including the food, animal feed, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Amino acids such as D,L-methionine, L-lysine or L-threonine are used in the animal feed industry. The essential amino acids valine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, threonine, methionine, tyrosine, phenylalanine and tryptophan are particularly important for the nutrition of humans and a number of livestock species. Glycine, L-methionine and tryptophan are all used in the pharmaceutical industry. Glutamine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, histidine, arginine, proline, serine and alanine are used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. Threonine, tryptophan and D,L-methionine are widely used feed additives (Leuchtenberger, W. (1996) Amino acids—technical production and use, pp. 466-502 in Rehm et al., (Ed.) Biotechnology vol. 6, chapter 14a, VCH Weinheim). Moreover, amino acids are suitable for the chemical industry as precursors for the synthesis of synthetic amino acids and proteins, such as N-acetylcysteine, S-carboxymethyl-L-cysteine, (S)-5-hydroxytryptophan and other substances described in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, vol. A2, pp. 57-97, VCH Weinheim, 1985.

[0003.0.0.27] Over one million tons of amino acids are currently produced annually; their market value amounts to over 2.5 billion US dollars. They are currently produced by four competing processes: Extraction from protein hydrolysates, for example L-cystine, L-leucine or L-tyrosine, chemical synthesis, for example of D-, L-methionine, conversion of chemical precursors in an enzyme or cell reactor, for example L-phenylalanine, and fermentative production by growing, on an industrial scale, bacteria which have been developed to produce and secrete large amounts of the desired molecule in question. An organism, which is particularly suitable for this purpose is Corynebacterium glutamicum, which is used for example for the production of L-lysine or L-glutamic acid. Other amino acids which are produced by fermentation are, for example, L-threonine, L-tryptophan, L-aspartic acid and L-phenylalanine.

[0004.0.0.27] The biosynthesis of the natural amino acids in organisms capable of producing them, for example bacteria, has been characterized thoroughly; for a review of the bacterial amino acid biosynthesis and its regulation, see Umbarger, H. E. (1978) Ann. Rev. Biochem. 47: 533-606.

[0005.0.0.27] It is known that amino acids are produced by fermentation of strains of coryneform bacteria, in particular Corynebacterium glutamicum. Due to their great importance, the production processes are constantly being improved. Process improvements can relate to measures regarding technical aspects of the fermentation, such as, for example, stirring and oxygen supply, or the nutrient media composition, such as, for example, the sugar concentration during fermentation, or to the work-up to give the product, for example by ion exchange chromatography, or to the intrinsic performance properties of the microorganism itself. Bacteria from other genera such as Escherichia or Bacillus are also used for the production of amino acids. A number of mutant strains, which produce an assortment of desirable compounds from the group of the sulfur-containing fine chemicals, have been developed via strain selection. The performance properties of said microorganisms are improved with respect to the production of a particular molecule by applying methods of mutagenesis, selection and mutant selection. Methods for the production of methionine have also been developed. In this manner, strains are obtained which are, for example, resistant to antimetabolites, such as, for example, the methionine analogues—methylmethionine, ethionine, norleucine, N-acetylnorleucine, S-trifluoromethylhomocysteine, 2-amino-5-heprenoitic acid, selenomethionine, methionine sulfoximine, methoxine, 1-aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acid or which are auxotrophic for metabolites with regulatory importance and which produce sulfur-containing fine chemicals such as, for example, L-methionine. However, such processes developed for the production of methionine have the disadvantage that their yields are too low for being economically exploitable and that they are therefore not yet competitive with regard to chemical synthesis.

[0006.0.0.27] Zeh (Plant Physiol., Vol. 127, 2001: 792-802) describes increasing the methionine content in potato plants by inhibiting threonine synthase by what is known as antisense technology. This leads to a reduced threonine synthase activity without the threonine content in the plant being reduced. This technology is highly complex; the enzymatic activity must be inhibited in a very differentiated manner since otherwise auxotrophism for the amino acid occurs and the plant will no longer grow.

[0007.0.0.27] U.S. Pat. No. 5,589,616 teaches the production of higher amounts of amino acids in plants by overexpressing a monocot storage protein in dicots. WO 96/38574, WO 97/07665, WO 97/28247, U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,878, U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,993 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,670,635 are following this approach. That means in all the aforementioned intellectual property rights different proteins or polypeptides are expressed in plants. Said proteins or polypeptides should function as amino acid sinks. Other methods for increasing amino acids such as lysine are disclosed in WO 95/15392, WO 96/38574, WO 89/11789 or WO 93/19190. In this cases special enzymes in the amino acid biosynthetic pathway such as the diphydrodipicolinic acid synthase are deregulated. This leads to an increase in the production of lysine in the different plants. Another approach to increase the level of amino acids in plants is disclosed in EP-A-0 271 408. EP-A-0 271 408 teaches the mutagenesis of plant and selection afterwards with inhibitors of certain enzymes of amino acid biosynthetic pathway.

[0008.0.0.27] Methods of recombinant DNA technology have also been used for some years to improve Corynebacterium strains producing L-amino acids by amplifying individual amino acid biosynthesis genes and investigating the effect on amino acid production.

[0009.0.0.27] As described above, the essential amino acids are necessary for humans and many mammals, for example for livestock. L-methionine is important as methyl group donor for the biosynthesis of, for example, choline, creatine, adrenaline, bases and RNA and DNA, histidine, and for the transmethylation following the formation of S-adenosylmethionine or as a sulfhydryl group donor for the formation of cysteine. Moreover, L-methionine appears to have a positive effect in depression.

[0010.0.0.27] Improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the food-and-feed industry. This is necessary since, for example, certain amino acids, which occur in plants are limited with regard to the supply of mammals. Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible an amino acid profile since a great excess of an amino acid above a specific concentration in the food has no further positive effect on the utilization of the food since other amino acids suddenly become limiting. A further increase in quality is only possible via addition of further amino acids, which are limiting under these conditions. The targeted addition of the limiting amino acid in the form of synthetic products must be carried out with extreme caution in order to avoid amino acid imbalance. For example, the addition of an essential amino acid stimulates protein digestion, which may cause deficiency situations for the second or third limiting amino acid, in particular. In feeding experiments, for example casein feeding experiments, the additional provision of methionine, which is limiting in casein, has revealed the fatty degeneration of liver, which could only be alleviated after the additional provision of tryptophan.

[0011.0.0.27] To ensure a high quality of foods and animal feeds, it is therefore necessary to add a plurality of amino acids in a balanced manner to suit the organism.

[0012.0.0.27] It is an object of the present invention to develop an inexpensive process for the synthesis of L-methionine. L-methionine is with lysine or threonine (depending on the organism) one of the two amino acids which are most frequently limiting

[0013.0.0.27] It was now found that this object is achieved by providing the process according to the invention described herein and the embodiments characterized in the claims.

[0014.0.0.27] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is methionine Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “methadone”. Further, in another embodiment the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to compositions of fine chemicals comprising methionine.

[0015.0.0.27] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means L-methionine. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means methionine, preferably L-methionine, its salts, ester or amids in free form or bound to proteins. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means L-methionine in free form or its salts or bound to proteins. In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” and the term “the respective fine chemical” mean at least one chemical compound with an activity of the above mentioned fine chemical.

[0016.0.0.27] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more     -   of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 27, column 3         encoded by the nucleic acid sequences as shown in table XI,         application no. 27, column 5, in a non-human organism or in one         or more parts thereof or -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus amino acid of the invention or     fine chemicals comprising amino acids of the invention, in said     organism or in the culture medium surrounding the organism.

[0017.0.0.27] Comprises/comprising and grammatical variations thereof when used in this specification are to be taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof, but not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. The term “Table Xl” used in this specification is to be taken to specify the content of Table XI A and Table XI B. The term “Table XII” used in this specification is to be taken to specify the content of Table XII A and Table XII B. The term “Table XI A” used in this specification is to be taken to specify the content of Table XI A. The term “Table XI B” used in this specification is to be taken to specify the content of Table XI B. The term “Table XII A” used in this specification is to be taken to specify the content of Table XII A. The term “Table XII B” used in this specification is to be taken to specify the content of Table XII B. In one preferred embodiment, the term “Table Xl” means Table XI B. In one preferred embodiment, the term “Table XII” means Table XII B.

[0018.0.0.27] Preferably, this process further comprises the step of recovering the fine chemical, which is synthesized by the organism from the organism and/or from the culture medium used for the growth or maintenance of the organism. The term “recovering” means the isolation of the fine chemical in different purities, that means on the one hand harvesting of the biological material, which contains the fine chemical without further purification and on the other hand purities of the fine chemical between 5% and 100% purity, preferred purities are in the range of 10% and 99%. In one embodiment, the purities are 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or 99%.

[0019.0.0.27] Advantageously the process for the production of the respective fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the fine respective chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% or more percent higher production of the respective fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein having the activity of a protein indicated in Table XII, column 3, or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7.

[0020.0.0.27] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Linum usitatissimum protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, column 5, line 1 in a plant conferred an increase in methionine content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of Methionine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Glycine max protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, column 5, line 2 in a plant conferred an increase in methionine content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of methionine.

[0021.0.0.27] In accordance with the invention, the term “organism” as understood herein relates always to a non-human organism, in particular to an animal or plant organism or to a microorganism. Further, the term “animal” as understood herein relates always to a non-human animal.

In accordance with the invention it is known to the skilled that anionic compounds such as acids are present in aqueous solutions in an equilibrium between the acid and its salts according to the pH present in the respective compartment of the cell or organism and the pK of the acid. Depending on the strength of the acid (pK) and the pH the salt or the free acid are predominant. Thus, the term “the fine chemical”, the term “the respective fine chemical”, or the term “acid” or the use of a denomination referring to a neutralized anionic compound relates to the anionic form as well as the neutralised status of that compound according to the milieu of the aqueous solution in which they are present.

[0022.0.0.27] The sequence of b1343 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as an ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of an “ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA” from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of methionine, in particular for increasing the amount of methionine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein having an activity in rRNA processing or translation is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a plant or a homolog thereof. Accordingly, in one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA or its homolog is increased for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of methionine, in particular for increasing the amount of methionine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b4232 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase” from E. coli or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of methionine, in particular for increasing the amount of methionine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein of the superfamily “fructose-bisphosphatase”, preferably having an activity in C-compound and carbohydrate metabolism, C-compound and carbohydrate utilization, energy, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, plastid, photosynthesis, more preferred having an “fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase”-activity, is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a homolog thereof. Accordingly, in one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a “fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase” or its homolog is increased for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of methionine, in particular for increasing the amount of methionine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

[0022.1.0.27] In one embodiment of the invention the polypeptides as shown in table XII, column 5 and 7, or encoded by a nucleic acid molecule as shown in table XI, column 5 and 7, and conferring an increase in the content of the fine chemical as shown in table XI to XIV, column 6 respectively, has preferably the activity of a E. coli or Saccharomyces cerevisae, respectively, protein as mentioned in table XI to XIV, column 3 respectively and as disclosed in paragraph [0022] of the respective invention.

[0023.0.0.27] Homologues (=homologs) of the present gene products can be derived from any organisms as long as the homologue confers the herein mentioned activity, in particular, confers an increase in the respective fine chemical amount or content.

In one embodiment, the homolog of the any one of the polypeptides indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, column 3, is a homolog having the same or a similar activity. In particular an increase of activity confers an increase in the content of the respective fine chemical in the organisms. In one embodiment, the homolog is a homolog with a sequence as indicated in Table XI or XII, application no. 27, column 7. In one embodiment, the homolog of one of the polypeptides indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, column 3, is derived from an eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the homolog is derived from plants. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, column 3, is derived from a monocotyledonous plant. In one embodiment, the homolog of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, column 3, is derived from a dicotyledonous plant.

[0023.1.0.27] Homologs of the polypeptide disclosed in table XII, application no. 27, column 5, may have the activity of a protein as disclosed in Table XI or XII, application no. 27, column 3 and may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in table XI, application no. 27, column 7, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in table XII, application no. 27, column 7, resp.

[0024.0.0.27] Further homologs of are described herein below.

[0025.0.0.27] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein as shown in table XII, application no. 27, column 3 “if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased in the level of the fine chemical indicated in the respective line of table XII, application no. 27, column 6 “metabolite” in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism.

Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 27, column 3, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic or biological activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to a protein as shown in the respective line of table XII, application no. 27, column 3 of a a E. coli or Saccharomyces cerevisae, respectively, protein as mentioned in table XI to XIV, column 3 respectively and as disclosed in paragraph [0022] of the respective invention.

[0025.1.0.27] In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the organism in which it is expressed. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0025.2.0.27] In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary close to the organism indicated in Table XI, column 4 and is expressed in an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the origin organism. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums whereas origin and the organism indicated in Table XI, column 4 are derived from the same families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0026.0.0.27] The terms “increased”, “rose”, “extended”, “enhanced”, “improved” or “amplified” relate to a corresponding change of a property in an organism, a part of an organism such as a tissue, seed, root, leave, flower etc. or in a cell and are interchangeable. Preferably, the overall activity in the volume is increased or enhanced in cases if the increase or enhancement is related to the increase or enhancement of an activity of a gene product, independent whether the amount of gene product or the specific activity of the gene product or both is increased or enhanced or whether the amount, stability or translation efficacy of the nucleic acid sequence or gene encoding for the gene product is increased or enhanced. The terms “reduction”, “decrease” or “deletion” relate to a corresponding change of a property in an organism, a part of an organism such as a tissue, seed, root, leave, flower etc. or in a cell. Preferably, the overall activity in the volume is reduced, decreased or deleted in cases if the reduction, decrease or deletion is related to the reduction, decrease or deletion of an activity of a gene product, independent whether the amount of gene product or the specific activity of the gene product or both is reduced, decreased or deleted or whether the amount, stability or translation efficacy of the nucleic acid sequence or gene encoding for the gene product is reduced, decreased or deleted.

[0027.0.0.27] The terms “increase” or “decrease” relate to a corresponding change of a property an organism or in a part of an organism, such as a tissue, seed, root, leave, flower etc. or in a cell. Preferably, the overall activity in the volume is increased in cases the increase relates to the increase of an activity of a gene product, independent whether the amount of gene product or the specific activity of the gene product or both is increased or generated or whether the amount, stability or translation efficacy of the nucleic acid sequence or gene encoding for the gene product is increased.

[0028.0.0.27] Under “change of a property” it is understood that the activity, expression level or amount of a gene product or the metabolite content is changed in a specific volume relative to a corresponding volume of a control, reference or wild type, including the de novo creation of the activity or expression.

[0029.0.0.27] The terms “increase” or “decrease” include the change or the modulation of said property in only parts of the subject of the present invention, for example, the modification can be found in compartment of a cell, like a organelle, or in a part of a plant, like tissue, seed, root, leave, flower etc. but is not detectable Xlf the overall subject, i.e. complete cell or plant, is tested. Preferably, the increase or decrease is found cellular, thus the term “increase of an activity” or “increase of a metabolite content” relates to the cellular increase compared to the wild type cell. However, the terms increase or decrease as used herein also include the change or modulation of a property in the whole organism as mentioned.

[0030.0.0.27] Accordingly, the term “increase” or “decrease” means that the specific activity of an enzyme, preferably the amount of a compound or metabolite, e.g. of a polypeptide, a nucleic acid molecule or of the respective fine chemical of the invention or an encoding mRNA or DNA, can be increased or decreased in a volume.

[0031.0.0.27] The terms “wild type”, “control” or “reference” are exchangeable and can be a cell or a part of organisms such as an organelle or a tissue, or an organism, in particular a microorganism or a plant, which was not modified or treated according to the herein described process according to the invention. Accordingly, the cell or a part of organisms such as an organelle or a tissue, or an organism, in particular a microorganism or a plant used as wild type, control or reference corresponds to the cell, organism or part thereof as much as possible and is in any other property but in the result of the process of the invention as identical to the subject matter of the invention as possible. Thus, the wild type, control, or reference is treated identically or as identical as possible, saying that only conditions or properties might be different which do not influence the quality of the tested property.

[0032.0.0.27] Preferably, any comparison is carried out under analogous conditions. The term “analogous conditions” means that all conditions such as, for example, culture or growing conditions, assay conditions (such as buffer composition, temperature, substrates, pathogen strain, concentrations and the like) are kept identical between the experiments to be compared.

[0033.0.0.27] The “reference”, “control”, or “wild type” is preferably a subject, e.g. an organelle, a cell, a tissue, an organism, in particular a plant or a microorganism, which was not modified or treated according to the herein described process of the invention and is in any other property as similar to the subject matter of the invention as possible. The reference, control, or wild type is in its genome, transcriptome, proteome or meta-bolome as similar as possible to the subject of the present invention. Preferably, the term “reference-” “control-” or “wild type-”-organelle, -cell, -tissue or -organism, in particular plant or microorganism, relates to an organelle, cell, tissue or organism, in particular plant or microorganism, which is nearly genetically identical to the organelle, cell, tissue or organism, in particular microorganism or plant, of the present invention or a part thereof preferably 95%, more preferred are 98%, even more preferred are 99.00%, in particular 99.10%, 99.30%, 99.50%, 99.70%, 99.90%, 99.99%, 99, 999% or more. Most preferable the “reference”, “control”, or “wild type” is a subject, e.g. an organelle, a cell, a tissue, an organism, which is genetically identical to the organism, cell or organelle used according to the process of the invention except that the responsible or activity conferring nucleic acid molecules or the gene product encoded by them are amended, manipulated, exchanged or introduced according to the inventive process.

[0034.0.0.27] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity, preferably of the activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a respective protein as shown in table XII, application no. 27, column 3 its biochemical or genetical causes and the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.27] In case, a control, reference or wild type differing from the subject of the present invention only by not being subject of the process of the invention can not be provided, a control, reference or wild type can be an organism in which the cause for the modulation of an activity conferring the increase of the fine chemical or expression of the nucleic acid molecule as described herein has been switched back or off, e.g. by knocking out the expression of responsible gene product, e.g. by antisense inhibition, by inactivation of an activator or agonist, by activation of an inhibitor or antagonist, by inhibition through adding inhibitory antibodies, by adding active compounds as e.g. hormones, by introducing negative dominant mutants, etc. A gene production can for example be knocked out by introducing inactivating point mutations, which lead to an enzymatic activity inhibition or a destabilization or an inhibition of the ability to bind to cofactors etc.

[0036.0.0.27] Accordingly, preferred reference subject is the starting subject of the present process of the invention. Preferably, the reference and the subject matter of the invention are compared after standardization and normalization, e.g. to the amount of total RNA, DNA, or Protein or activity or expression of reference genes, like housekeeping genes, such as ubiquitin, actin or ribosomal proteins.

[0037.0.0.27] A series of mechanisms exists via which a modification of a protein, e.g. the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention can directly or indirectly affect the yield, production and/or production efficiency of the fine chemical.

[0038.0.0.27] For example, the molecule number or the specific activity of the polypeptide or the nucleic acid molecule may be increased. Larger amounts of the fine chemical can be produced if the polypeptide or the nucleic acid of the invention is expressed de novo in an organism lacking the activity of said protein. However, it is also possible to increase the expression of the gene which is naturally present in the organisms, for example by amplifying the number of gene(s), by modifying the regulation of the gene, or by increasing the stability of the corresponding mRNA or of the corresponding gene product encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, or by introducing homologous genes from other organisms which are differently regulated, e.g. not feedback sensitive.

[0039.0.0.27] This also applies analogously to the combined increased expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or its gene product with that of further enzymes or regulators of the biosynthesis pathways of the respective fine chemical, e.g. which are useful for the synthesis of the respective fine chemicals.

[0040.0.0.27] The increase, decrease or modulation according to this invention can be constitutive, e.g. due to a stable permanent transgenic expression or to a stable mutation in the corresponding endogenous gene encoding the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or to a modulation of the expression or of the behaviour of a gene conferring the expression of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, or transient, e.g. due to an transient transformation or temporary addition of a modulator such as a agonist or antagonist or inducible, e.g. after transformation with a inducible construct carrying the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention under control of a inducible promoter and adding the inducer, e.g. tetracycline or as described herein below.

[0041.0.0.27] The increase in activity of the polypeptide amounts in a cell, a tissue, a organelle, an organ or an organism or a part thereof preferably to at least 5%, preferably to at least 20% or at to least 50%, especially preferably to at least 70%, 80%, 90% or more, very especially preferably are to at least 200%, most preferably are to at least 500% or more in comparison to the control, reference or wild type.

[0042.0.0.27] The specific activity of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or of the polypeptide of the present invention can be tested as described in the examples. In particular, the expression of a protein in question in a cell, e.g. a plant cell or a microorganism and the detection of an increase the respective fine chemical level in comparison to a control is an easy test and can be performed as described in the state of the art.

[0043.0.0.27] The term “increase” includes, that a compound or an activity is introduced into a cell de novo or that the compound or the activity has not been detectable before, in other words it is “generated”.

[0044.0.0.27] Accordingly, in the following, the term “increasing” also comprises the term “generating” or “stimulating”. The increased activity manifests itself in an increase of the fine chemical.

[0045.0.0.27] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein. as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 27, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, column 6 of the respective line, between 10% and 50%, 10% and 100%, 10% and 200%, 10% and 300%, 10% and 400%, 10% and 500%, 20% and 50%, 20% and 250%, 20% and 500%, 50% and 100%, 50% and 250%, 50% and 500%, 500% and 1000% or more

[0046.0.0.27] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 27, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, column 6 of the respective line confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid or their precursors.

[0047.0.0.27] In this context, the respective fine chemical amount in a cell, preferably in a tissue, more preferred in a organism as a plant or a microorganism or part thereof, is increased by 3% or more, especially preferably are 10% or more, very especially preferably are more than 30% and most preferably are 70% or more, such as 100%, 300% or 500%.

[0048.0.0.27] The respective fine chemical can be contained in the organism either in its free form and/or bound to proteins or polypeptides or mixtures thereof. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the amount of the free form in a cell, preferably in a tissue, more preferred in a organism as a plant or a microorganism or part thereof, is increased by 3% or more, especially preferably are 10% or more, very especially preferably are more than 30% and most preferably are 70% or more, such as 100%, 300% or 500%. Accordingly, in an other embodiment, the amount of the bound the respective fine chemical in a cell, preferably in a tissue, more preferred in a organism as a plant or a microorganism or part thereof, is increased by 3% or more, especially preferably are 10% or more, very especially preferably are more than 30% and most preferably are 70% or more, such as 100%, 300% or 500%.

[0049.0.0.27] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fine chemical, has in one embodiment the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of the polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 27, column 7 or of the polypeptide as shown in the amino acid sequences as disclosed in table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 and 7 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by the nucleic acid molecule as shown in table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 and 7 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.0.27] For the purposes of the present invention, the terms “L-methionine”, “methionine”, “homocysteine”, “S-adenosylmethionine” and “threonine” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, methionine hydrochloride or methionine sulfate. Preferably the terms methionine or threonine are intended to encompass the terms L-methionine or L-threonine.

[0051.0.0.27] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the respective fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free chemical free or bound, e.g. fine chemical compositions. Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of various fine chemicals, e.g. comprising further distinct amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, hormones, sugars, lipids, etc. can be produced.

[0052.0.0.27] The term “expression” refers to the transcription and/or translation of a codogenic gene segment or gene. As a rule, the resulting product is an mRNA or a protein. However, expression products can also include functional RNAs such as, for example, antisense, nucleic acids, tRNAs, snRNAs, rRNAs, RNAi, siRNA, ribozymes etc. Expression may be systemic, local or temporal, for example limited to certain cell types, tissues organs or time periods.

[0053.0.0.27] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps:

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having the     activity of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 27,     columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity having herein-mentioned     amino acid of the invention increasing activity; and/or -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, as     shown in table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 and 7, e.g. a     nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having the activity of     a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 27, columns 5     and 7 or its homologs activity or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide     of the present invention having herein-mentioned amino acid of the     invention increasing activity; and/or -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned amino acid increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation of the     polypeptide of the invention; and/or -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned amino acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned amino acid of the invention increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors to the     organisms or parts thereof; and/or -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned amino acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned amino acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   h) increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having the activity     of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 27, columns     5 and 7 or its homologs activity, by adding positive expression or     removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination     can be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like     for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor     elements form regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods     can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity     of positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced     in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be     identified in which the positive elements have be integrated near to     a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby     enhanced; and/or -   i) modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical production;     and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.0.27] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical as indicated in column 6 of application no. 27 in Table XI to XIV, resp., after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity as the protein as shown in table XII, application no. 27, column 3 or its homologs. In general, the amount of mRNA or polypeptide in a cell or a compartment of a organism correlates with the amount of encoded protein and thus with the overall activity of the encoded protein in said volume. Said correlation is not always linear, the activity in the volume is dependent on the stability of the molecules or the presence of activating or inhibiting co-factors. Further, product and educt inhibitions of enzymes are well known and described in Textbooks, e.g. Stryer, Biochemistry.

[0055.0.0.27] In general, the amount of mRNA or polypeptide in a cell or a compartment of a organism correlates with the amount of encoded protein and thus with the overall activity of the encoded protein in said volume. Said correlation is not always linear, the activity in the volume is dependent on the stability of the molecules or the presence of activating or inhibiting co-factors. Further, product and educt inhibitions of enzymes are well known and described in Textbooks, e.g. Stryer, Biochemistry.

[0056.0.0.27] In general, the amount of mRNA, polynucleotide or nucleic acid molecule in a cell or a compartment of an organism correlates with the amount of encoded protein and thus with the overall activity of the encoded protein in said volume. Said correlation is not always linear, the activity in the volume is dependent on the stability of the molecules, the degradation of the molecules or the presence of activating or inhibiting co-factors. Further, product and educt inhibitions of enzymes are well known, e.g. Zinser et al. “Enzyminhibitoren”/Enzyme inhibitors”.

[0057.0.0.27] The activity of the abovementioned proteins and/or polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention can be increased in various ways. For example, the activity in an organism or in a part thereof, like a cell, is increased via increasing the gene product number, e.g. by increasing the expression rate, like introducing a stronger promoter, or by increasing the stability of the mRNA expressed, thus increasing the translation rate, and/or increasing the stability of the gene product, thus reducing the proteins decayed. Further, the activity or turnover of enzymes can be influenced in such a way that a reduction or increase of the reaction rate or a modification (reduction or increase) of the affinity to the substrate results, is reached. A mutation in the catalytic centre of an polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, e.g. as enzyme, can modulate the turn over rate of the enzyme, e.g. a knock out of an essential amino acid can lead to a reduced or completely knock out activity of the enzyme, or the deletion or mutation of regulator binding sites can reduce a negative regulation like a feedback inhibition (or a substrate inhibition, if the substrate level is also increased). The specific activity of an enzyme of the present invention can be increased such that the turn over rate is increased or the binding of a co-factor is improved. Improving the stability of the encoding mRNA or the protein can also increase the activity of a gene product. The stimulation of the activity is also under the scope of the term “increased activity”.

[0058.0.0.27] Moreover, the regulation of the abovementioned nucleic acid sequences may be modified so that gene expression is increased. This can be achieved advantageously by means of heterologous regulatory sequences or by modifying, for example mutating, the natural regulatory sequences which are present. The advantageous methods may also be combined with each other.

[0059.0.0.27] In general, an activity of a gene product in an organism or part thereof, in particular in a plant cell, a plant, or a plant tissue or a part thereof or in a microorganism can be increased by increasing the amount of the specific encoding mRNA or the corresponding protein in said organism or part thereof. “Amount of protein or mRNA” is understood as meaning the molecule number of polypeptides or mRNA molecules in an organism, a tissue, a cell, or a cell compartment. “Increase” in the amount of a protein means the quantitative increase of the molecule number of said protein in an organism, a tissue, a cell or a cell compartment or part thereof—for example by one of the methods described herein below—in comparison to a wild type, control or reference.

[0060.0.0.27] The increase in molecule number amounts preferably to at least 1%, preferably to more than 10%, more preferably to 30% or more, especially preferably to 50%, 70% or more, very especially preferably to 100%, most preferably to 500% or more. However, a de novo expression is also regarded as subject of the present invention.

[0061.0.0.27] A modification, i.e. an increase or decrease, can be caused by endogenous or exogenous factors. For example, an increase in activity in an organism or a part thereof can be caused by adding a gene product or a precursor or an activator or an agonist to the media or nutrition or can be caused by introducing said subjects into a organism, transient or stable.

[0062.0.0.27] In one embodiment the increase in the amount of the fine chemical in the organism or a part thereof, e.g. in a cell, a tissue, a organ, an organelle etc., is achieved by increasing the endogenous level of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention. Accordingly, in an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention relates to a process wherein the gene copy number of a gene encoding the polynucleotide or nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention as herein described is increased. Further, the endogenous level of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention as described can for example be increased by modifying the transcriptional or translational regulation of the polypeptide.

[0063.0.0.27] In one embodiment the amount of the fine chemical in the organism or part thereof can be increase by targeted or random mutagenesis of the endogenous genes of the invention. For example homologous recombination can be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor elements form regulatory regions. In addition gene conversion like methods described by Kochevenko and Willmitzer (Plant Physiol. 2003 May; 132(1): 174-84) and citations therein can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity of positive regulatory elements.

Furthermore positive elements can be randomly introduced in (plant) genomes by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be screened for, in which the positive elements has be integrated near to a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby enhanced. The activation of plant genes by random integrations of enhancer elements has been described by Hayashi et al., 1992 (Science 258:1350-1353) or Weigel et al., 2000 (Plant Physiol. 122, 1003-1013) and others citied therein. Reverse genetic strategies to identify insertions (which eventually carrying the activation elements) near in genes of interest have been described for various cases e.g. Krysan et al., 1999 (Plant Cell 1999, 11, 2283-2290); Sessions et al., 2002 (Plant Cell 2002, 14, 2985-2994); Young et al., 2001, (Plant Physiol. 2001, 125, 513-518); Koprek et al., 2000 (Plant J. 2000, 24, 253-263); Jeon et al., 2000 (Plant J. 2000, 22, 561-570); Tissier et al., 1999 (Plant Cell 1999, 11, 1841-1852); Speulmann et al., 1999 (Plant Cell 1999,11, 1853-1866). Briefly material from all plants of a large T-DNA or transposon mutagenized plant population is harvested and genomic DNA prepared. Then the genomic DNA is pooled following specific architectures as described for example in Krysan et al., 1999 (Plant Cell 1999, 11, 2283-2290). Pools of genomics DNAs are then screened by specific multiplex PCR reactions detecting the combination of the insertional mutagen (e.g. T-DNA or Transposon) and the gene of interest. Therefore PCR reactions are run on the DNA pools with specific combinations of T-DNA or transposon border primers and gene specific primers. General rules for primer design can again be taken from Krysan et al., 1999 (Plant Cell 1999, 11, 2283-2290) Rescreening of lower levels DNA pools lead to the identification of individual plants in which the gene of interest is disrupted by the insertional mutagen.

The enhancement of positive regulatory elements or the disruption or weaking of negative regulatory elements can also be achieved through common mutagenesis techniques: The production of chemically or radiation mutated populations is a common technique and known to the skilled worker. Methods for plants are described by Koorneef et al. 1982 and the citations therein and by Lightner and Caspar in “Methods in Molecular Biology” Vol 82. These techniques usually induce pointmutations that can be identified in any known gene using methods such as tilling (Colbert et al. 2001).

Accordingly, the expression level can be increased if the endogenous genes encoding a polypeptide conferring an increased expression of the polypeptide of the present invention, in particular genes comprising the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, are modified via homologous recombination, tilling approaches or gene conversion

[0064.0.0.27] Regulatory sequences can be operatively linked to the coding region of an endogenous protein and control its transcription and translation or the stability or decay of the encoding mRNA or the expressed protein. In order to modify and control the expression, promoter, UTRs, splicing sites, processing signals, polyadenylation sites, terminators, enhancers, repressors, post transcriptional or posttranslational modification sites can be changed, added or amended for example, the activation of plant genes by random integrations of enhancer elements has been described by Hayashi et al., 1992 (Science 258:1350-1353) or Weigel et al., 2000 (Plant Physiol. 122, 1003-1013) and others citied therein. For example, the expression level of the endogenous protein can be modulated by replacing the endogenous promoter with a stronger transgenic promoter or by replacing the endogenous 3′UTR with a 3′UTR, which provides more stability without amending the coding region. Further, the transcriptional regulation can be modulated by introduction of an artificial transcription factor as described in the examples. Alternative promoters, terminators and UTR are described below.

[0065.0.0.27] The activation of an endogenous polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increase of expression or activity can also be increased by introducing a synthetic transcription factor, which binds close to the coding region of an endogenous polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention- or used in the process of the invention or its endogenous homolog-encoding gene and the synthetic transcription factor activates its transcription. A chimeric zinc finger protein can be construed, which comprises a specific DNA-binding domain and an activation domain as e.g. the VP16 domain of Herpes Simplex virus. The specific binding domain can bind to the regulatory region of the endogenous protein coding region. The expression of the chimeric transcription factor in a organism, in particular in a plant, leads to a specific expression of an endogenous polypeptid of the invention or used in the process of the invention, in particular a plant homolog thereof, see e.g. in WO01/52620, Oriz, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2002, Vol. 99, 13290 or Guan, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2002, Vol. 99, 13296.

[0066.0.0.27] In one further embodiment of the process according to the invention, organisms are used in which one of the abovementioned genes, or one of the abovementioned nucleic acids, is mutated in a way that the activity of the encoded gene products is less influenced by cellular factors, or not at all, in comparison with the unmutated proteins. For example, well known regulation mechanism of enzymic activity are substrate inhibition or feed back regulation mechanisms. Ways and techniques for the introduction of substitutions, deletions and additions of one or more bases, nucleotides or amino acids of a corresponding sequence are described herein below in the corresponding paragraphs and the references listed there, e.g. in Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning, Cold Spring Habour, N.Y., 1989. The person skilled in the art will be able to identify regulation domains and binding sites of regulators by comparing the sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the expression product thereof with the state of the art by computer software means which comprise algorithms for the identifying of binding sites and regulation domains or by introducing into a nucleic acid molecule or in a protein systematically mutations and assaying for those mutations which will lead to an increased specific activity or an increased activity per volume, in particular per cell.

[0067.0.0.27] It is therefore advantageously to express in an organism a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or a polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention derived from a evolutionary distantly related organism, as e.g. using a prokaryotic gene in an eukaryotic host, as in these cases the regulation mechanism of the host cell may not weaken the activity (cellular or specific) of the gene or its expression product

[0068.0.0.27] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of the amino acids is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.27] Less influence on the regulation of a gene or its gene product is understood as meaning a reduced regulation of the enzymatic activity leading to an increased specific or cellular activity of the gene or its product. An increase of the enzymatic activity is understood as meaning an enzymatic activity, which is increased by at least 10%, advantageously at least 20, 30 or 40%, especially advantageously by at least 50, 60 or 70% in comparison with the starting organism. This leads to an increased productivity of the desired respective fine chemical(s).

[0070.0.0.27] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention as described below, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolites composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous amino acid composition comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) respective fine chemicals, in particular amino acids, likewise the fine chemical.

[0071.0.0.27] Preferably the composition further comprises higher amounts of metabolites positively affecting or lower amounts of metabolites negatively affecting the nutrition or health of animals or humans provided with said compositions or organisms of the invention or parts thereof. Likewise, the number or activity of further genes which are required for the import or export of nutrients or metabolites, including amino acids or its precursors, required for the cell's biosynthesis of amino acids may be increased so that the concentration of necessary or relevant precursors, cofactors or intermediates within the cell(s) or within the corresponding storage compartments is increased. Owing to the increased or novel generated activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or owing to the increased number of nucleic acid sequences of the invention and/or to the modulation of further genes which are involved in the biosynthesis of the amino acids, e.g. by increasing the activity of enzymes synthesizing precursors or by destroying the activity of one or more genes which are involved in the breakdown of the amino acids, it is possible to increase the yield, production and/or production efficiency of amino acids in the host organism, such as the plants or the microorganisms.

[0072.0.0.27] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous sulfur-containing compounds, which contain at least one sulfur atom bound covalently. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to methionine, homocysteine, S-adenosylmethionine, cysteine, advantageously methionine and S-adenosylmethionine.

[0073.0.0.27] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process which comprises:

-   a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a     non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue     or a plant; -   b) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or the     polypeptide used in the method of the invention or a homolog     thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns     5 or 7, or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention and described below, i.e.     conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in the     organism, preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant     or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant, -   c) growing the organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human     animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant,     under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine     chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant     cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and -   d) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or     bound the respective fine chemical and, optionally further free     and/or bound amino acids synthesized by the organism, the     microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the     plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.0.27] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound the respective fine chemical or the free and bound the fine chemical but as option it is also possible to produce, recover and, if desired isolate, other free or/and bound amino acids, in particular lysine. Galili et al., Transgenic Res., 200, 9, 2, 137-144 describes that the heterologous expression of a bacterial gene for the amino acid biosynthesis confers the increase of free as well as of protein-bound amino acids.

[0075.0.0.27] After the above-described increasing (which as defined above also encompasses the generating of an activity in an organism, i.e. a de novo activity), for example after the introduction and the expression of the nucleic acid molecules of the invention or described in the methods or processes according to the invention, the organism according to the invention, advantageously, a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant, plant or animal tissue or plant or animal cell, is grown and subsequently harvested.

[0076.0.0.27] Suitable organisms or host organisms (transgenic organism) for the nucleic acid molecule used according to the invention and for the inventive process, the nucleic acid construct or the vector (both as described below) are, in principle, all organisms which are capable of synthesizing the respective fine chemical, and which are suitable for the activation, introduction or stimulation genes. Examples which may be mentioned are plants, microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, yeasts, alga or diatom, transgenic or obtained by site directed mutagenesis or random mutagenesis combined with specific selection procedures. Preferred organisms are those which are naturally capable of synthesizing the respective fine chemical in substantial amounts, like fungi, yeasts, bactria or plants. In principle, transgenic animals, for example Caenorhabditis elegans, are also suitable as host organisms.

[0077.0.0.27] In the event that the transgenic organism is a microorganism, such as a eukaryotic organism, for example a fungus, an alga, diatom or a yeast in particular a fungus, alga, diatom or yeast selected from the families Chaetomiaceae, Choanephoraceae, Cryptococcaceae, Gun ninghamellaceae, Demetiaceae, Moniliaceae, Mortierellaceae, Mucoraceae, Pythiaceae, Sacharomycetaceae, Saprolegniaceae, Schizosacharomycetaceae, Sodariaceae, Sporobolomycetaceae Tuberculariaceae, Adelotheciaceae, Dinophyceae, Ditrichaceae or Prasinophyceae, or a prokaryotic organism, for example a bacterium or blue alga, in particular a bacterium from the families Actinomycetaceae, Bacillaceae, Brevibacteriaceae, Corynebacteriaceae, Enterobacteriacae, Gordoniaceae, Nocardiaceae, Micrococcaceae, Mycobacteriaceae, Pseudomonaceae, Rhizobiaceae or Streptomycetaceae, this microorganism is grown on a solid or in a liquid medium which is known to the skilled worker and suits the organism. After the growing phase, the organisms can be harvested.

[0078.0.0.27] The microorganisms or the recovered, and if desired isolated, respective fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications, for example according to the disclosures made in EP-B-0 533 039 or EP-A-0 615 693, which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. The fermentation broth or fermentation products can be purified in the customary manner by extraction and precipitation or via ion exchangers and other methods known to the person skilled in the art and described herein below. Products of these different work-up procedures are amino acids or amino acid compositions which still comprise fermentation broth and cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably between below 50% by weight.

[0079.0.0.27] Preferred microorganisms are selected from the group consisting of Chaetomiaceae such as the genera Chaetomium e.g. the species Chaetomidium fimeti; Choanephoraceae such as the genera Blakeslea, Choanephora e.g. the species Blakeslea trispora, Choanephora cucurbitarum or Choanephora infundibulifera var. cucurbitarum; Cryptococcaceae such as the genera Candida, Crytococcus, Rhodotorula, Torulopsis e.g. the species Candida albicans, Candida albomarginata, Candida antarctica, Candida bacarum, Candida bogoriensis, Candida boidinii, Candida bovina, Candida brumptii, Candida cacaoi, Candida cariosifignicola, Candida catenulata, Candida chalmersii, Candida ciferrii, Candida cylindracea, Candida edax, Candida emobii, Candida famata, Candida freyschussii, Candida friedrichii, Candida glabrata, Candida guilfiermondii, Candida haemulonii, Candida humicola, Candida inconspicua, Candida ingens, Candida intermedia, Candida kefyr, Candida krusei, Candida lactiscondensi, Candida lambica, Candida fipolyfica, Candida lusitaniae, Candida macedoniensis, Candida magnoliae, Candida membranaefaciens, Candida mesenterica, Candida multigemmis, Candida mycoderma, Candida nemodendra, Candida nitratophila, Candida norvegensis, Candida norvegica, Candida parapsilosis, Candida pelliculosa, Candida peltata, Candida pini, Candida pseudotropicalis, Candida pulcherrima, Candida punicea, Candida pustula, Candida ravautii, Candida reukaufii, Candida rugosa, Candida sake, Candida silvicola, Candida solani, Candida sp., Candida spandovensis, Candida succiphila, Candida tropicalis, Candida utilis, Candida valida, Candida versatilis, Candida vini, Candida zeylanoides, Cryptococcus albidus, Cryptococcus curvatus, Cryptococcus flavus, Cryptococcus humicola, Cryptococcus hungaricus, Cryptococcus kuetzingii, Cryptococcus laurentii, Cryptococcus macerans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus terreus, Cryptococcus uniguttulatus, Rhodotorula acheniorum, Rhodotorula bacarum, Rhodotorula bogoriensis, Rhodotorula flava, Rhodotorula glutinis, Rhodotorula macerans, Rhodotorula minuta, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Rhodotorula pilimanae, Rhodotorula pustula, Rhodotorula rubra, Rhodotorula tokyoensis, Torulopsis colliculosa, Torulopsis dattila or Torulopsis neoformans; Cunninghamellaceae such as the genera Cunninghamella e.g. the species Cunninghamella blakesleeana, Cunninghamella echinulata, Cunninghamella echinulata var. elegans, Cunninghamella elegans or Cunninghamella homothalfica; Demetiaceae such as the genera Alternaria, Bipolaris, Cercospora, Chalara, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Exophilia, Helicosporium, Helminthosporium, Orbimyces, Philalophora, Pithomyces, Spilocaea, Thielaviopsis, Wangiella e.g. the species Curvularia affinis, Curvularia c/avata, Curvularia fallax, Curvularia inaequalis, Curvularia indica, Curvularia lunata, Curvularia pallescens, Curvularia verruculosa or Helminothosporium sp.; Moniliaceae such as the genera Arthrobotrys, Aspergillus, Epidermophyton, Geotrichum, Gliocladium, Histoplasma, Microsporum, Monilia, Oedocephalum, Oidium, Penicillium, Trichoderma, Trichophyton, Thrichoteclum, Verticillium e.g. the species Aspergillus aculeatus, Aspergillus a/bus, Aspergillus alliaceus, Aspergillus asperescens, Aspergillus awamori, Aspergillus candidus, Aspergillus carbonarius, Aspergillus carneus, Aspergillus chevalieri, Aspergillus chevalieri var. intermedius, Aspergillus clavatus, Aspergillus ficuum, Aspergillus flavipes, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus foetidus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus giganteus, Aspergillus humicola, Aspergillus intermedius, Aspergillus japonicus, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus niveus, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus ostianus, Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus parasiticus var. globosus, Aspergillus penicillioides, Aspergillus phoenicis, Aspergillus rugulosus, Aspergillus sclerotiorum, Aspergillus sojae var. gymnosardae, Aspergillus sydowii, Aspergillus tamarii, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus terricola, Aspergillus toxicarius, Aspergillus unguis, Aspergillus ustus, Aspergillus versicolor, Aspergillus vitricolae, Aspergillus wentii, •Penicillium adametzi, •Penicillium albicans, •Penicillium arabicum, •Penicillium arenicola, •Penicillium argillaceum, •Penicillium arvense, •Penicillium asperosporum, •Penicillium aurantiogriseum, •Penicillium avellaneum, •Penicillium baamense, •Penicillium bacillisporum, •Penicillium brasilianum, •Penicillium brevicompactum, •Penicillium camemberti, •Penicillium canadense, •Penicillium canescens, •Penicillium caperatum, •Penicillium capsulatum, •Penicillium caseicolum, •Penicillium chrysogenum, •Penicillium citreonigrum, •Penicillium citrinum, •Penicillium claviforme, •Penicillium commune, •Penicillium corylophilum, •Penicillium corymbiferum, •Penicillium crustosum, •Penicillium cyclopium, •Penicillium daleae, •Penicillium decumbens, •Penicillium dierckxii, •Penicillium digitatum, •Penicillium digitatum var. latum, •Penicillium divaricatum, •Penicillium diversum, •Penicillium duclauxii, •Penicillium echinosporum, •Penicillium expansum, •Penicillium fellutanum, •Penicillium frequentans, •Penicillium funiculosum, •Penicillium glabrum, •Penicillium gladioli, •Penicillium griseofulvum, •Penicillium hirsutum, •Penicillium hispanicum, •Penicillium islandicum, •Penicillium italicum, •Penicillium italicum var. avellaneum, •Penicillium janczewskii, •Penicillium janthinellum, •Penicillium japonicum, •Penicillium lavendulum, •Penicillium lilacinum, •Penicillium lividum, •Penicillium martensii, •Penicillium megasporum, •Penicillium miczynskii, •Penicillium nalgiovense, •Penicillium nigricans, •Penicillium notatum, •Penicillium ochrochloron, •Penicillium odoratum, •Penicillium oxalicum, •Penicillium paraherquei, •Penicillium patulum, •Penicillium pinophilum, •Penicillium piscarium, •Penicillium pseudostromaticum, •Penicillium puberulum, •Penicillium purpurogenum, •Penicillium raciborskii, •Peniciffium roqueforti, •Penicillium rotundum, •Penicillium rubrum, •Penicillium sacculum, •Penicillium simplicissimum, Penicillium sp., Penicillium spinulosum, Penicillium steckii, Penicillium stoloniferum, Penicillium striatisporum, Penicillium striatum, Penicillium tardum, Penicillium thomii, Penicillium turbatum, Penicillium variabile, Penicillium vermiculatum, Penicillium vermoesenii, Penicillium verrucosum, Penicillium verrucosum var. corymbiferum, Penicillium verrucosum var. cyclopium, Penicillium verruculosum, Penicillium vinaceum, Penicillium violaceum, Penicillium viridicatum, Penicillium vulpinum, Trichoderma hamatum, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma koningii, Trichoderma longibrachiatum, Trichoderma polysporum, Trichoderma reesei, Trichoderma virens or Trichoderma viride; Mortierellaceae such as the genera Mortierella e.g. the species Mortierella isabellina, Mortierella polycephala, Mortierella ramanniana, Mortierella vinacea or Mortierella zonata; Mucoraceae such as the genera Actinomucor, Mucor, Phycomyces, Rhizopus, Zygorhynchus e.g. the species Mucor amphibiorum, Mucor circinelloides f. circinelloides, Mucor circinelloides var. griseocyanus, Mucor flavus, Mucor fuscus, Mucor griseocyanus, Mucor heterosporus, Mucor hiemalis, Mucor hiemalis f. hiemalis, Mucor inaequisporus, Mucor indicus, Mucorjavanicus, Mucor mucedo, Mucor mucilagineus, Mucor piriformis, Mucor plasmaticus, Mucor plumbeus, Mucor racemosus, Mucor racemosus f. racemosus, Mucor racemosus f. sphaerosporus, Mucor rouxianus, Mucor Mucor sinensis, Mucor sp., Mucor spinosus, Mucor tuberculisporus, Mucor variisporus, Mucor variosporus, Mucor wosnessenskii, Phycomyces blakesleeanus, Rhizopus achlamydosporus, Rhizopus arrhizus, Rhizopus chinensis, Rhizopus delemar, Rhizopus formosaensis, Rhizopus japonicus, Rhizopus javanicus, Rhizopus microsporus, Rhizopus microsporus var. chinensis, Rhizopus microsporus var. oligosporus, Rhizopus microsporus var. rhizopodiformis, Rhizopus nigricans, Rhizopus niveus, Rhizopus oligosporus, Rhizopus oryzae, Rhizopus pygmaeus, Rhizopus rhizopodiformis, Rhizopus semarangensis, Rhizopus sontii, Rhizopus stolonifer, Rhizopus thermosus, Rhizopus tonkinensis, Rhizopus tritici or Rhizopus usamii; Pythiaceae such as the genera Phytium, Phytophthora e.g. the species Pythium debaryanum, Pythium intermedium, Pythium irregulars, Pythium megalacanthum, Pythium paroecandrum, Pythium sylvaticum, Pythium ultimum, Phytophthora cactorum, Phytophthora cinnamomi, Phytophthora citricola, Phytophthora citrophthora, Phytophthora cryptogea, Phytophthora drechsleri, Phytophthora erythroseptica, Phytophthora lateralis, Phytophthora megasperma, Phytophthora nicotianae, Phytophthora nicotianae var. parasitica, Phytophthora palmivora, Phytophthora parasitica or Phytophthora syringae; Sacharomycetaceae such as the genera Hansenula, Pichia, Saccharomyces, Saccharomycodes, Yarrowia e.g. the species Hansenula anomala, Hansenula californica, Hansenula canadensis, Hansenula capsulata, Hansenula ciferrii, Hansenula glucozyma, Hansenula henricii, Hansenula holstii, Hansenula minuta, Hansenula nonfermentans, Hansenula philodendri, Hansenula polymorpha, Hansenula saturnus, Hansenula subpelliculosa, Hansenula wickerhamii, Hansenula wingei, Pichia alcoholophila, Pichia angusta, Pichia anomala, Pichia bispora, Pichia burtonii, Pichia canadensis, Pichia capsulata, Pichia carsonii, Pichia cellobiosa, Pichia ciferrii, Pichia farinosa, Pichia fermentans, Pichia finlandica, Pichia glucozyma, Pichia guilfiermondii, Pichia haplophila, Pichia henricii, Pichia holstfi, Pichia jadinii, Pichia findnerii, Pichia membranaefaciens, Pichia methanolica, Pichia minuta var. minuta, Pichia minuta var. nonfermentans, Pichia norvegensis, Pichia ohmeri, Pichia pastoris, Pichia philodendri, Pichia pini, Pichia polymorpha, Pichia quercuum, Pichia rhodanensis, Pichia sargentensis, Pichia stipitis, Pichia strasburgensis, Pichia subpelliculosa, Pichia toletana, Pichia trehalophila, Pichia vini, Pichia xylosa, Saccharomyces aceti, Saccharomyces bailiff, Saccharomyces bayanus, Saccharomyces bisporus, Saccharomyces capensis, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. ellipsoideus, Saccharomyces chevalieri, Saccharomyces delbrueckii, Saccharomyces diastaticus, Saccharomyces drosophilarum, Saccharomyces elegans, Saccharomyces ellipsoideus, Saccharomyces fermentati, Saccharomyces florentinus, Saccharomyces fragilis, Saccharomyces heterogenicus, Saccharomyces hienipiensis, Saccharomyces inusitatus, Saccharomyces italicus, Saccharomyces kluyveri, Saccharomyces krusei, Saccharomyces lactis, Saccharomyces marxianus, Saccharomyces microellipsoides, Saccharomyces montanus, Saccharomyces norbensis, Saccharomyces oleaceus, Saccharomyces paradoxus, Saccharomyces pastorianus, Saccharomyces pretoriensis, Saccharomyces rosei, Saccharomyces rouxii, Saccharomyces uvarum, Saccharomycodes ludwigii or Yarrowia lipolytica; Saprolegniaceae such as the genera Saprolegnia e.g. the species Saprolegnia ferax; Schizosacharomycetaceae such as the genera Schizosaccharomyces e.g. the species Schizosaccharomyces japonicus var. japonicus, Schizosaccharomyces japonicus var. versatilis, Schizosaccharomyces malidevorans, Schizosaccharomyces octosporus, Schizosaccharomyces pombe var. malidevorans or Schizosaccharomyces pombe var. pombe; Sodariaceae such as the genera Neurospora, Sordaria e.g. the species Neurospora africana, Neurospora crassa, Neurospora intermedia, Neurospora sitophila, Neurospora tetrasperma, Sordaria fimicola or Sordaria macrospora; Tuberculariaceae such as the genera Epicoccum, Fusarium, Myrothecium, Sphacelia, Starkeyomyces, Tubercularia e.g. the species Fusarium acuminatum, Fusarium anthophilum, Fusarium aquaeductuum, Fusarium aquaeductuum var. medium, Fusarium avenaceum, Fusarium buharicum, Fusarium camptoceras, Fusarium cerealis, Fusarium chlamydosporum, Fusarium ciliatum, Fusarium coccophilum, Fusarium coeruleum, Fusarium concolor, Fusarium crookwellense, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium dimerum, Fusarium diversisporum, Fusarium equiseti, Fusarium equiseti var. bullatum, Fusarium eumartii, Fusarium flocciferum, Fusarium fujikuroi, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium graminum, Fusarium heterosporum, Fusarium incarnatum, Fusarium inflexum, Fusarium javanicum, Fusarium lateritium, Fusarium lateritium var. majus, Fusarium longipes, Fusarium melanochlorum, Fusarium merismoides, Fusarium merismoides var. chlamydosporale, Fusarium moniliforme, Fusarium moniliforme var. anthophilum, Fusarium moniliforme var. subglutinans, Fusarium nivale, Fusarium nivale var. majus, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. aechmeae, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. conglutinans, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cyclaminis, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. dianthi, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. passiflorae, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tracheiphilum, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tuberosi, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tulipae, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum, Fusarium pallidoroseum, Fusarium poae, Fusarium proliferatum, Fusarium proliferatum var. minus, Fusarium redolens, Fusarium redolens f. sp. dianthi, Fusarium reticulatum, Fusarium roseum, Fusarium sacchari var. elongatum, Fusarium sambucinum, Fusarium sambucinum var. coeruleum, Fusarium semitectum, Fusarium semitectum var. majus, Fusarium solani, Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi, Fusarium sporotrichioides, Fusarium sporotrichioides var. minus, Fusarium sublunatum, Fusarium succisae, Fusarium sulphureum, Fusarium tabacinum, Fusarium tricinctum, Fusarium udum, Fusarium ventricosum, Fusarium verticillioides, Fusarium xylarioides or Fusarium zonatum; Sporobolomycetaceae such as the genera Bullera, Sporobolomyces, Itersonilia e.g. the species Sporobolomyces holsaticus, Sporobolomyces odorus, Sporobolomyces puniceus, Sporobolomyces salmonicolor, Sporobolomyces singularis or Sporobolomyces tsugae; Adelotheciaceae such as the genera e.g. the species Physcomitrella patens; Dinophyceae such as the genera Crypthecodinium, Phaeodactylum e.g. the species Crypthecodinium cohnii or Phaeodactylum tricornutum; Ditrichaceae such as the genera Ceratodon, Pleuridium, Astomiopsis, Ditrichum, Philibertiella, Ceratodon, Distichium, Skottsbergia e.g. the species Ceratodon antarcticus, Ceratodon purpureus, Ceratodon purpureus ssp. convolutes or Ceratodon purpureus ssp. stenocarpus; Prasinophyceae such as the genera Nephroselmis, Prasinococcus, Scherffelia, Tetraselmis, Mantoniella, Ostreococcus e.g. the species Nephroselmis olivacea, Prasinococcus capsulatus, Scherffelia dubia, Tetraselmis chui, Tetraselmis suecica, Mantoniella squamata or Ostreococcus tauri; Actinomycetaceae such as the genera Actinomyces, Actinobaculum, Arcanobacterium, Mobiluncus e.g. the species Actinomyces bemardiae, Actinomyces bovis, Actinomyces bowdenii, Actinomyces canis, Actinomyces cardiffensis, Actinomyces catuli, Actinomyces coleocanis, Actinomyces denticolens, Actinomyces europaeus, Actinomyces funkei, Actinomyces georgiae, Actinomyces gerencseriae, Actinomyces hordeovulneris, Actinomyces howellii, Actinomyces humiferus, Actinomyces hyovaginalis, Actinomyces israelii, Actinomyces marimammalium, Actinomyces meyeri, Actinomyces naeslundii, Actinomyces nasicola, Actinomyces neuii subsp. anitratus, Actinomyces neuii subsp. neuii, Actinomyces odontolyticus, Actinomyces oricola, Actinomyces pyogenes, Actinomyces radicidentis, Actinomyces radingae, Actinomyces slackii, Actinomyces suimastitidis, Actinomyces suis, Actinomyces turicensis, Actinomyces urogenitalis, Actinomyces vaccimaxillae, Actinomyces viscosus, Actinobaculum schaalii, Actinobaculum suis, Actinobaculum urinale, Arcanobacterium bemardiae, Arcanobacterium haemolyticum, Arcanobacterium hippocoleae, Arcanobacterium phocae, Arcanobacterium pluranimalium, Arcanobacterium pyogenes, Mobiluncus curtisfi subsp. Mobiluncus curtisfi subsp. holmesfi or Mobiluncus mulieris; Bacillaceae such as the genera Amphibacillus, Anoxybacillus, Bacillus, Exiguobacterium, Gracilibacillus, Holobacillus, Saccharococcus, Salibacillus, Virgibacillus e.g. the species Amphibacillus fermentum, Amphibacillus tropicus, Amphibacillus xylanus, Anoxybacillus flavithermus, Anoxybacillus gonensis, Anoxybacillus pushchinoensis, Bacillus acidocaldarius, Bacillus acidoterrestris, Bacillus aeolius, Bacillus agaradhaerens, Bacillus agri, Bacillus alcalophilus, Bacillus alginolyticus, Bacillus alvei, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus amylolyticus, Bacillus aneurinilyticus, Bacillus aquimaris, Bacillus arseniciselenatis, Bacillus atrophaeus, Bacillus azotofixans, Bacillus azotoformans, Bacillus badius, Bacillus barbaricus, Bacillus benzoevorans, Bacillus borstelensis, Bacillus brevis, Bacillus carboniphilus, Bacillus centrosporus, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus chitinolyticus, Bacillus chondroitinus, Bacillus choshinensis, Bacillus circulans, Bacillus clarkii, Bacillus clausii, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus cohnii, Bacillus curdlanolyticus, Bacillus cycloheptanicus, Bacillus decolorationis, Bacillus dipsosauri, Bacillus edaphicus, Bacillus ehimensis, Bacillus endophyticus, Bacillus fastidiosus, Bacillus firmus, Bacillus flexus, Bacillus formosus, Bacillus fumarioli, Bacillus funiculus, Bacillus fusiformis, Bacillus sphaericus subsp. fusiformis, Bacillus galactophilus, Bacillus globisporus, Bacillus globisporus subsp. marinus, Bacillus glucanolyticus, Bacillus gordonae, Bacillus halmapalus, Bacillus haloalkaliphilus, Bacillus halodenitrificans, Bacillus halodurans, Bacillus halophilus, Bacillus horikoshii, Bacillus horti, Bacillus infernos, Bacillus insolitus, Bacillus jeotgali, Bacillus kaustophilus, Bacillus kobensis, Bacillus krulwichiae, Bacillus laevolacticus, Bacillus larvae, Bacillus laterosporus, Bacillus lautus, Bacillus lentimorbus, Bacillus lentus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus luciferensis, Bacillus macerans, Bacillus macquariensis, Bacillus marinus, Bacillus marisflavi, Bacillus marismortui, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus methanolicus, Bacillus migulanus, Bacillus mojavensis, Bacillus mucilaginosus, Bacillus mycoides, Bacillus naganoensis, Bacillus nealsonii, Bacillus neidei, Bacillus niacini, Bacillus okuhidensis, Bacillus oleronius, Bacillus pabuli, Bacillus pallidus, Bacillus pantothenticus, Bacillus parabrevis, Bacillus pasteurii, Bacillus peoriae, Bacillus polymyxa, Bacillus popilliae, Bacillus pseudalcaliphilus, Bacillus pseudofirmus, Bacillus pseudomycoides, Bacillus psychrodurans, Bacillus psychrophilus, Bacillus psychrosaccharolyticus, Bacillus psychrotolerans, Bacillus pulvifaciens, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus pycnus, Bacillus reuszeri, Bacillus salexigens, Bacillus schlegelii, Bacillus selenitireducens, Bacillus silvestris, Bacillus simplex, Bacillus siralis, Bacillus smithii, Bacillus sonorensis, Bacillus sphaericus, Bacillus sporothermodurans, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Bacillus subterraneus, Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii, Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis, Bacillus thermantarcticus, Bacillus thermoaerophilus, Bacillus thermoamylovorans, Bacillus thermoantarcticus, Bacillus thermocatenulatus, Bacillus thermocloacae, Bacillus thermodenitrificans, Bacillus thermoglucosidasius, Bacillus thermoleovorans, Bacillus thermoruber, Bacillus thermosphaericus, Bacillus thiaminolyticus, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus tusciae, Bacillus validus, Bacillus vallismortis, Bacillus vedderi, Bacillus vulcani, Bacillus weihenstephanensis, Exiguobacterium acetylicum, Exiguobacterium antarcticum, Exiguobacterium aurantiacum, Exiguobacterium undae, Gracilibacillus dipsosauri, Gracilibacillus halotolerans, Halobacillus halophilus, Halobacillus karajensis, Halobacillus litoralis, Halobacillus salinus, Halobacillus trueperi, Saccharococcus caldoxylosilyticus, Saccharococcus thermophilus, Salibacillus marismortui, Salibacillus salexigens, Virgibacillus carmonensis, Virgibacillus marismortui, Virgibacillus necropolis, Virgibacillus pantothenticus, Virgibacillus picturae, Virgibacillus proomii or Virgibacillus salexigens, Brevibacteriaceae such as the genera Brevibacterium e.g. the species Brevibacterium acetylicum, Brevibacterium albidum, Brevibacterium ammoniagenes, Brevibacterium avium, Brevibacterium casei, Brevibacterium citreum, Brevibacterium divaricatum, Brevibacterium epidermidis, Brevibacterium fermentans, Brevibacterium frigoritolerans, Brevibacterium halotolerans, Brevibacterium imperiale, Brevibacterium incertum, Brevibacterium iodinum, Brevibacterium linens, Brevibacterium liquefaciens, Brevibacterium lutescens, Brevibacterium luteum, Brevibacterium lyticum, Brevibacterium mcbrellneri, Brevibacterium otitidis, Brevibacterium oxydans, Brevibacterium paucivorans, Brevibacterium protophormiae, Brevibacterium pusillum, Brevibacterium saperdae, Brevibacterium stationis, Brevibacterium testaceum or Brevibacterium vitaeruminis; Corynebacteriaceae such as the genera Corynebacterium e.g. the species Corynebacterium accolens, Corynebacterium afermentans subsp. afermentans, Corynebacterium afermentans subsp. lipophilum, Corynebacterium ammoniagenes, Corynebacterium amycolatum, Corynebacterium appendicis, Corynebacterium aquilae, Corynebacterium argentoratense, Corynebacterium atypicum, Corynebacterium aurimucosum, Corynebacterium auris, Corynebacterium auriscanis, Corynebacterium betae, Corynebacterium beticola, Corynebacterium bovis, Corynebacterium callunae, Corynebacterium camporealensis, Corynebacterium capitovis, Corynebacterium casei, Corynebacterium confusum, Corynebacterium coyleae, Corynebacterium cystitidis, Corynebacterium durum, Corynebacterium efficiens, Corynebacterium equi, Corynebacterium falsenii, Corynebacterium fascians, Corynebacterium felinum, Corynebacterium flaccumfaciens, Corynebacterium flavescens, Corynebacterium freneyi, Corynebacterium glaucum, Corynebacterium glucuronolyticum, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Corynebacterium Corynebacterium ilicis, Corynebacterium imitans, Corynebacterium insidiosum, Corynebacterium iranicum, Corynebacterium jeikeium, Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii, Corynebacterium kutscheri, Corynebacterium Ilium, Corynebacterium lipophiloflavum, Corynebacterium macginleyi, Corynebacterium mastitidis, Corynebacterium matruchotii, Corynebacterium michiganense, Corynebacterium michiganense subsp. tessellarius, Corynebacterium minutissimum, Corynebacterium mooreparkense, Corynebacterium mucifaciens, Corynebacterium mycetoides, Corynebacterium nebraskense, Corynebacterium oortii, Corynebacterium paurometabolum, Corynebacterium phocae, Corynebacterium pilosum, Corynebacterium poinsettiae, Corynebacterium propinquum, Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, Corynebacterium pyogenes, Corynebacterium rathayi, Corynebacterium renale, Corynebacterium riegelii, Corynebacterium seminale, Corynebacterium sepedonicum, Corynebacterium simulans, Corynebacterium singulare, Corynebacterium sphenisci, Corynebacterium spheniscorum, Corynebacterium striatum, Corynebacterium suicordis, Corynebacterium sundsvallense, Corynebacterium terpenotabidum, Corynebacterium testudinoris, Corynebacterium thomssenii, Corynebacterium tritici, Corynebacterium ulcerans, Corynebacterium urealyticum, Corynebacterium variable, Corynebacterium vitaeruminis or Corynebacterium xerosis; Enterobacteriacae such as the genera Alterococcus, Arsenophonus, Brenneria, Buchnera, Budvicia, Buttiauxella, Calymmatobacterium, Cedecea, Citrobacter, Edwardsiella, Enterobacter, Erwinia, Escherichia, Ewingella, Hafnia, Klebsiella, Kluyvera, Leclercia, Leminorella, Moellerella, Morganella, Obesumbacterium, Pantoea, Pectobacterium, Photorhabdus, Plesiomonas, Pragia, Proteus, Providencia, Rahnella, Saccharobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, Serratia, Sodalis, Tatumella, Trabulsiella, Wigglesworthia, Xenorhabdus, Yersinia and Yokenella e.g. the species Arsenophonus nasoniae, Brenneria alni, Brenneria nigrifluens, Brenneria quercina, Brenneria rubrifaciens, Brenneria salicis, Budvicia aquatica, Buttiauxella agrestis, Buttiauxella brennerae, Buttiauxella ferragutiae, Buttiauxella gaviniae, Buttiauxella izardii, Buttiauxella noackiae, Buttiauxella warmboldiae, Cedecea davisae, Cedecea lapagei, Cedecea neteri, Citrobacter amalonaticus, Citrobacter diversus, Citrobacter freundii, Citrobacter genomospecies, Citrobacter gillenii, Citrobacter intermedium, Citrobacter koseri, Citrobacter murliniae, Citrobacter sp., Edwardsiella hoshinae, Edwardsiella ictaluri, Edwardsiella tarda, Erwinia alni, Erwinia amylovora, Erwinia ananatis, Erwinia aphidicola, Erwinia billingiae, Erwinia cacticida, Erwinia cancerogena, Erwinia camegieana, Erwinia carotovora subsp. atroseptica, Erwinia carotovora subsp. betavasculorum, Erwinia carotovora subsp. odorifera, Erwinia carotovora subsp. wasabiae, Erwinia chrysanthemi, Erwinia cypripedii, Erwinia dissolvens, Erwinia herbicola, Erwinia mallotivora, Erwinia milletiae, Erwinia nigrifluens, Erwinia nimipressuralis, Erwinia persicina, Erwinia psidii, Erwinia pyrifoliae, Erwinia quercina, Erwinia rhapontici, Erwinia rubrifaciens, Erwinia salicis, Erwinia stewartii, Erwinia tracheiphila, Erwinia uredovora, Escherichia adecarboxylata, Escherichia anindolica, Escherichia aurescens, Escherichia blattae, Escherichia coli, Escherichia coli var. communior, Escherichia coli-mutabile, Escherichia fergusonii, Escherichia hermannii, Escherichia sp., Escherichia vulneris, Ewingella americana, Hafnia alvei, Klebsiella aerogenes, Klebsiella edwardsii subsp. atlantae, Klebsiella omithinolytica, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella planticola, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae, Klebsiella sp., Klebsiella terrigena, Klebsiella trevisanii, Kluyvera ascorbata, Kluyvera citrophila, Kluyvera cochleae, Kluyvera cryocrescens, Kluyvera georgiana, Kluyvera noncitrophila, Kluyvera sp., Leclercia adecarboxylata, Leminorella grimontii, Leminorella richardii, Moellerella wisconsensis, Morganella morganii, Morganella morganii subsp. morganii, Morganella morganii subsp. Obesumbaterium proteus, Pantoea agglomerans, Pantoea ananatis, Pantoea citrea, Pantoea dispersa, Pantoea punctata, Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii, Pantoea terrea, Pectobacterium atrosepticum, Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. atrosepticum, Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, Pectobacterium chrysanthemi, Pectobacterium cypripedii, Photorhabdus asymbiotica, Photorhabdus luminescens, Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. akhurstii, Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. laumondii, Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. luminescens, Photorhabdus sp., Photorhabdus temperata, Plesiomonas shigelloides, Pragia fontium, Proteus hauseri, Proteus ichthyosmius, Proteus inconstans, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus morganii, Proteus myxofaciens, Proteus penneri, Proteus rettgeri, Proteus shigelloides, Proteus vulgaris, Providencia alcalifaciens, Providencia friedericiana, Providencia heimbachae, Providencia rettgeri, Providencia rustigianii, Providencia stuartii, Rahnella aquatilis, Salmonella abony, Salmonella arizonae, Salmonella bongori, Salmonella choleraesuis subsp. arizonae, Salmonella choleraesuis subsp. bongori, Salmonella choleraesuis subsp. cholereasuis, Salmonella choleraesuis subsp. diarizonae, Salmonella choleraesuis subsp. houtenae, Salmonella choleraesuis subsp. indica, Salmonella choleraesuis subsp. salamae, Salmonella daressalaam, Salmonella enterica subsp. houtenae, Salmonella enterica subsp. salamae, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella gallinarum, Salmonella heidelberg, Salmonella panama, Salmonella senftenberg, Salmonella typhimurium, Serratia entomophila, Serratia ficaria, Serratia fonticola, Serratia Serratia liquefaciens, Serratia marcescens, Serratia marcescens subsp. marcescens, Serratia marinorubra, Serratia odorifera, Serratia plymouthensis, Serratia plymuthica, Serratia proteamaculans, Serratia proteamaculans subsp. quinovora, Serratia quinivorans, Serratia rubidaea, Shigella boydii, Shigella flexneri, Shigella paradysenteriae, Shigella sonnei, Tatumella ptyseos, Xenorhabdus beddingii, Xenorhabdus bovienii, Xenorhabdus luminescens, Xenorhabdus nematophila, Xenorhabdus nematophila subsp. beddingii, Xenorhabdus nematophila subsp. bovienii, Xenorhabdus nematophila subsp. poinarii or Xenorhabdus poinarii; Gordoniaceae such as the genera Gordonia, Skermania e.g. the species Gordonia aichiensis, Gordonia alkanivorans, Gordonia amarae, Gordonia amicalis, Gordonia bronchialis, Gordonia desulfuricans, Gordonia hirsuta, Gordonia hydrophobica, Gordonia namibiensis, Gordonia nitida, Gordonia paraffinivorans, Gordonia polyisoprenivorans, Gordonia rhizosphera, Gordonia rubripertincta, Gordonia sihwensis, Gordonia sinesedis, Gordonia sputi, Gordonia terrae or Gordonia westfalica; Micrococcaceae such as the genera Micrococcus, Arthrobacter, Kocuria, Nesterenkonia, Renibacterium, Rothia, Stomatococcus e.g. the species Micrococcus agilis, Micrococcus antarcticus, Micrococcus halobius, Micrococcus kristinae, Micrococcus luteus, Micrococcus lylae, Micrococcus nishinomiyaensis, Micrococcus roseus, Micrococcus sedentarius, Micrococcus varians, Arthrobacter agilis, Arthrobacter albus, Arthrobacter atrocyaneus, Arthrobacter aurescens, Arthrobacter chlorophenolicus, Arthrobacter citreus, Arthrobacter creatinolyticus, Arthrobacter crystallopoietes, Arthrobacter cumminsii, Arthrobacter duodecadis, Arthrobacter flavescens, Arthrobacter flavus, Arthrobacter gandavensis, Arthrobacter globiformis, Arthrobacter histidinolovorans, Arthrobacter Arthrobacter koreensis, Arthrobacter luteolus, Arthrobacter methylotrophus, Arthrobacter mysorens, Arthrobacter nasiphocae, Arthrobacter nicotianae, Arthrobacter nicotinovorans, Arthrobacter oxydans, Arthrobacter pascens, Arthrobacter picolinophilus, Arthrobacter polychromogenes, Arthrobacter protophormiae, Arthrobacter psychrolactophilus, Arthrobacter radiotolerans, Arthrobacter ramosus, Arthrobacter rhombi, Arthrobacter roseus, Arthrobacter siderocapsulatus, Arthrobacter simplex, Arthrobacter sulfonivorans, Arthrobacter sulfureus, Arthrobacter terregens, Arthrobacter tumescens, Arthrobacter uratoxydans, Arthrobacter ureafaciens, Arthrobacter variabilis, Arthrobacter viscosus, Arthrobacter woluwensis, Kocuria erythromyxa, Kocuria kristinae, Kocuria palustris, Kocuria polaris, Kocuria rhizophila, Kocuria rosea, Kocuria varians, Nesterenkonia halobia, Nesterenkonia lacusekhoensis, Renibacterium salmoninarum, Rothia amarae, Rothia dentocariosa, Rothia mucilaginosa, Rothia nasimurium or Stomatococcus mucilaginosus; Mycobacteriaceae such as the genera Mycobacterium e.g. the species Mycobacterium africanum, Mycobacterium agri, Mycobacterium aichiense, Mycobacterium alvei, Mycobacterium asiaticum, Mycobacterium aurum, Mycobacterium austroafricanum, Mycobacterium bohemicum, Mycobacterium botniense, Mycobacterium brumae, Mycobacterium chelonae subsp. abscessus, Mycobacterium chitae, Mycobacterium chlorophenolicum, Mycobacterium chubuense, Mycobacterium confluentis, Mycobacterium cookii, Mycobacterium diernhoferi, Mycobacterium doricum, Mycobacterium duvalii, Mycobacterium fallax, Mycobacterium farcinogenes, Mycobacterium flavescens, Mycobacterium frederiksbergense, Mycobacterium gadium, Mycobacterium gilvum, Mycobacterium gordonae, Mycobacterium hassiacum, Mycobacterium hiberniae, Mycobacterium hodleri, Mycobacterium holsaticum, Mycobacterium komossense, Mycobacterium lacus, Mycobacterium madagascariense, Mycobacterium mageritense, Mycobacterium montefiorense, Mycobacterium moriokaense, Mycobacterium murale, Mycobacterium neoaurum, Mycobacterium nonchromogenicum, Mycobacterium obuense, Mycobacterium palustre, Mycobacterium parafortuitum, Mycobacterium peregrinum, Mycobacterium phlei, Mycobacterium pinnipedii, Mycobacterium poriferae, Mycobacterium pulveris, Mycobacterium rhodesiae, Mycobacterium shottsii, Mycobacterium sphagni, Mycobacterium terrae, Mycobacterium the rmoresistibile, Mycobacterium tokaiense, Mycobacterium triviale, Mycobacterium tusciae or Mycobacterium vanbaalenii; Nocardiaceae such as the genera Nocardia, Rhodococcus e.g. the species Nocardia abscessus, Nocardia africana, Nocardia amarae, Nocardia asteroides, Nocardia autotrophica, Nocardia beijingensis, Nocardia brasiliensis, Nocardia brevicatena, Nocardia caishijiensis, Nocardia calcarea, Nocardia carnea, Nocardia cellulans, Nocardia cerradoensis, Nocardia coeliaca, Nocardia corynebacterioides, Nocardia crassostreae, Nocardia cummidelens, Nocardia cyriacigeorgica, Nocardia farcinica, Nocardia flavorosea, Nocardia fluminea, Nocardia globerula, Nocardia hydrocarbonoxydans, Nocardia ignorata, Nocardia mediterranei, Nocardia nova, Nocardia orientalis, Nocardia otitidis-caviarum, Nocardia otitidiscaviarum, Nocardia paucivorans, Nocardia petroleophila, Nocardia pinensis, Nocardia pseudobrasiliensis, Nocardia pseudovaccinii, Nocardia purls, Nocardia restricta, Nocardia rugosa, Nocardia salmonicida, Nocardia saturnea, Nocardia serioiae, Nocardia soli, Nocardia sulphurea, Nocardia transvaiensis, Nocardia uniformis, Nocardia vaccinii, Nocardia veterana or Nocardia vinacea; Pseudomonaceae such as the genera Azomonas, Azotobacter, Cellvibrio, Chryseomonas, Flaviomonas, Lampropedia, Mesophilobacter, Morococcus, Oligella, Pseudomonas, Rhizobacter, Rugamonas, Serpens, Thermoleophilum, Xylophilus e.g. the species Azomonas agilis, Azomonas insignis, Azomonas macro cytogenes, Azotobacter agilis, Azotobacter agilis subsp. armeniae, Azotobacter armeniacus, Azotobacter beijerinckii, Azotobacter chroococcum, Azotobacter indicum, Azotobacter macrocytogenes, Azotobacter miscellum, Azotobacter nigricans subsp. nigricans, Azotobacter paspali, Azotobacter salinestris, Azotobacter sp., Azotobacter vineiandii, Fiavimonas oryzihabitans, Mesophilobacter marinus, Oligella urethralis, Pseudomonas acidovorans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas agarici, Pseudomonas alcaligenes, Pseudomonas aminovorans, Pseudomonas amygdali, Pseudomonas andropogonis, Pseudomonas anguilliseptica, Pseudomonas antarctica, Pseudomonas antimicrobica, Pseudomonas antimycetica, Pseudomonas aptata, Pseudomonas arvilla, Pseudomonas asplenii, Pseudomonas atiantica, Pseudomonas atrofaciens, Pseudomonas aureofaciens, Pseudomonas avellanae, Pseudomonas azeiaica, Pseudomonas azotocolligans, Pseudomonas baiearica, Pseudomonas barkeri, Pseudomonas bathycetes, Pseudomonas beijerinckii, Pseudomonas brassicacearum, Pseudomonas brenneri, Pseudomonas butanovora, Pseudomonas carboxydoflava, Pseudomonas carboxydohydrogena, Pseudomonas carboxydovorans, Pseudomonas carrageenovora, Pseudomonas caryophylli, Pseudomonas cepacia, Pseudomonas chloritidismutans, Pseudomonas chlororaphis, Pseudomonas cichorii, Pseudomonas citronellolis, Pseudomonas cocovenenans, Pseudomonas compransoris, Pseudomonas congeians, Pseudomonas coronafaciens, Pseudomonas corrugata, Pseudomonas dacunhae, Pseudomonas deiafieidii, Pseudomonas delphinii, Pseudomonas denitrificans, Pseudomonas desmolytica, Pseudomonas diminuta, Pseudomonas doudoroffii, Pseudomonas echinoides, Pseudomonas eiongata, Pseudomonas extorquens, Pseudomonas extremorientalis, Pseudomonas facilis, Pseudomonas ficuserectae, Pseudomonas flava, Pseudomonas flavescens, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas fragi, Pseudomonas frederiksbergensis, Pseudomonas fulgida, Pseudomonas fuscovaginae, Pseudomonas gazotropha, Pseudomonas gladioli, Pseudomonas glathei, Pseudomonas glumae, Pseudomonas graminis, Pseudomonas halophila, Pseudomonas helianthi, Pseudomonas huttiensis, Pseudomonas hydrogenothermophila, Pseudomonas hydrogenovora, Pseudomonas indica, Pseudomonas indigofera, Pseudomonas iodinum, Pseudomonas kilonensis, Pseudomonas lachrymans, Pseudomonas lapsa, Pseudomonas lemoignei, Pseudomonas lemonnieri, Pseudomonas lundensis, Pseudomonas luteola, Pseudomonas maltophilia, Pseudomonas marginalis, Pseudomonas marginata, Pseudomonas marina, Pseudomonas meliae, Pseudomonas mendocina, Pseudomonas mesophilica, Pseudomonas mixta, Pseudomonas monteilii, Pseudomonas morsprunorum, Pseudomonas multivorans, Pseudomonas natriegens, Pseudomonas nautica, Pseudomonas nitroreducens, Pseudomonas oleovorans, Pseudomonas oryzihabitans, Pseudomonas ovalis, Pseudomonas oxalaticus, Pseudomonas palleronii, Pseudomonas paucimobilis, Pseudomonas phaseolicola, Pseudomonas phenazinium, Pseudomonas pickettii, Pseudomonas pisi, Pseudomonas plantarii, Pseudomonas plecoglossicida, Pseudomonas poae, Pseudomonas primulae, Pseudomonas proteolytica, Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes, Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes subsp. konjaci, Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes subsp. pseudoalcaligenes, Pseudomonas pseudoflava, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas putida var. naraensis, Pseudomonas putrefaciens, Pseudomonas pyrrocinia, Pseudomonas radiora, Pseudomonas reptilivora, Pseudomonas rhodesiae, Pseudomonas rhodos, Pseudomonas riboflavina, Pseudomonas rubescens, Pseudomonas rubrisubalbicans, Pseudomonas ruhlandii, Pseudomonas saccharophila, Pseudomonas savastanoi, Pseudomonas savastanoi pvar. glycinea, Pseudomonas savastanoi pvar. phaseolicola, Pseudomonas solanacearum, Pseudomonas sp., Pseudomonas spinosa, Pseudomonas stanieri, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Pseudomonas syringae, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. aptata, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. atrofaciens, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. coronafaciens, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. delphinii, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. glycinea, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. helianthi, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. lachrymans, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. lapsa, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. morsprunorum, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. phaseolicola, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. primulae, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. syringae, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. tabaci, Pseudomonas syringae pvar. tomato, Pseudomonas syringae subsp. glycinea, Pseudomonas syringae subsp. savastanoi, Pseudomonas syringae subsp. syringae, Pseudomonas syzygii, Pseudomonas tabaci, Pseudomonas taeniospiralis, Pseudomonas testosteroni, Pseudomonas thermocarboxydovorans, Pseudomonas thermotolerans, Pseudomonas thivervalensis, Pseudomonas tomato, Pseudomonas trivialis, Pseudomonas veronii, Pseudomonas vesicularis, Pseudomonas viridiflava, Pseudomonas viscogena, Pseudomonas woodsii, Rhizobacter dauci, Rhizobacter daucus or Xylophilus ampelinus; Rhizobiaceae such as the genera Agrobacterium, Carbophilus, Chelatobacter, Ensifer, Rhizobium, Sinorhizobium e.g. the species Agrobacterium atlanticum, Agrobacterium ferrugineum, Agrobacterium gelatinovorum, Agrobacterium larrymoorei, Agrobacterium meteori, Agrobacterium radiobacter, Agrobacterium rhizogenes, Agrobacterium rubi, Agrobacterium stellulatum, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Agrobacterium vitis, Carbophilus carboxidus, Chelatobacter heintzii, Ensifer adhaerens, Ensifer arboris, Ensifer fredii, Ensifer kostiensis, Ensifer kummerowiae, Ensifer medicae, Ensifer meliloti, Ensifer saheli, Ensifer terangae, Ensifer xinjiangensis, Rhizobium ciceri Rhizobium etli, Rhizobium fredii, Rhizobium galegae, Rhizobium gallicum, Rhizobium giardinii, Rhizobium hainanense, Rhizobium huakuii, Rhizobium huautlense, Rhizobium indigoferae, Rhizobium japonicum, Rhizobium leguminosarum, Rhizobium loessense, Rhizobium loti, Rhizobium lupini, Rhizobium mediterraneum, Rhizobium meliloti, Rhizobium mongolense, Rhizobium phaseoli, Rhizobium radiobacter, Rhizobium rhizogenes, Rhizobium rubi, Rhizobium sullae, Rhizobium tianshanense, Rhizobium trifolii, Rhizobium tropici, Rhizobium undicola, Rhizobium vitis, Sinorhizobium adhaerens, Sinorhizobium arboris, Sinorhizobium fredii, Sinorhizobium kostiense, Sinorhizobium kummerowiae, Sinorhizobium medicae, Sinorhizobium meliloti, Sinorhizobium morelense, Sinorhizobium saheli or Sinorhizobium xinjiangense; Streptomycetaceae such as the genera Kitasatosprora, Streptomyces, Streptoverticillium e.g. the species Streptomyces abikoensis, Streptomyces aburaviensis, Streptomyces achromogenes subsp. achromogenes, Streptomyces achromogenes subsp. rubradiris, Streptomyces acid iscabies, Streptomyces acrimycini, Streptomyces aculeolatus, Streptomyces afghaniensis, Streptomyces alanosinicus, Streptomyces albaduncus, Streptomyces albiaxialis, Streptomyces albidochromogenes, Streptomyces albidoflavus, Streptomyces albireticuli, Streptomyces albofaciens, Streptomyces alboflavus, Streptomyces albogriseolus, Streptomyces albolongus, Streptomyces alboniger, Streptomyces albospinus, Streptomyces albosporeus subsp. albosporeus, Streptomyces albosporeus subsp. labilomyceticus, Streptomyces alboverticillatus, Streptomyces albovinaceus, Streptomyces alboviridis, Streptomyces albulus, Streptomyces albus subsp. albus, Streptomyces albus subsp. pathocidicus, Streptomyces almquistii, Streptomyces althioticus, Streptomyces amakusaensis, Streptomyces ambofaciens, Streptomyces aminophilus, Streptomyces anandii, Streptomyces anthocyanicus, Streptomyces antibioticus, Streptomyces antimycoticus, Streptomyces anulatus, Streptomyces arabicus, Streptomyces ardus, Streptomyces arenae, Streptomyces argenteolus, Streptomyces armeniacus, Streptomyces asiaticus, Streptomyces asterosporus, Streptomyces atratus, Streptomyces atroaurantiacus, Streptomyces atroolivaceus, Streptomyces atrovirens, Streptomyces aurantiacus, Streptomyces aurantiogriseus, Streptomyces aureocirculatus, Streptomyces aureofaciens, Streptomyces aureorectus, Streptomyces aureoversilis, Streptomyces aureoverticillatus, Streptomyces aureus, Streptomyces avellaneus, Streptomyces avermectinius, Streptomyces avermitilis, Streptomyces avidinii, Streptomyces azaticus, Streptomyces azureus, Streptomyces baarnensis, Streptomyces bacillaris, Streptomyces badius, Streptomyces baldaccii, Streptomyces bambergiensis, Streptomyces beijiangensis, Streptomyces bellus, Streptomyces bikiniensis, Streptomyces biverticillatus, Streptomyces blastmyceticus, Streptomyces bluensis, Streptomyces bobili, Streptomyces bottropensis, Streptomyces brasiliensis, Streptomyces bungoensis, Streptomyces cacaoi subsp. asoensis, Streptomyces cacaoi subsp. cacaoi, Streptomyces caelestis, Streptomyces caeruleus, Streptomyces califomicus, Streptomyces calvus, Streptomyces canaries, Streptomyces candidus, Streptomyces canescens, Streptomyces cangkringensis, Streptomyces caniferus, Streptomyces canus, Streptomyces capillispiralis, Streptomyces capoamus, Streptomyces carpaticus, Streptomyces carpinensis, Streptomyces catenulae, Streptomyces caviscabies, Streptomyces cavourensis subsp. cavourensis, Streptomyces cavourensis subsp. washingtonensis, Streptomyces cellostaticus, Streptomyces celluloflavus, Streptomyces cellulolyticus, Streptomyces cellulosae, Streptomyces champavatii, Streptomyces chartreuses, Streptomyces chattanoogensis, Streptomyces chibaensis, Streptomyces chrestomyceticus, Streptomyces chromofuscus, Streptomyces chryseus, Streptomyces chrysomallus subsp. chrysomallus, Streptomyces chrysomallus subsp. fumigatus, Streptomyces cinereorectus, Streptomyces cinereoruber subsp. cinereoruber, Streptomyces cinereoruber subsp. fructofermentans, Streptomyces cinereospinus, Streptomyces cinereus, Streptomyces cinerochromogenes, Streptomyces cinnabarinus, Streptomyces cinnamonensis, Streptomyces cinnamoneus, Streptomyces cinnamoneus subsp. albosporus, Streptomyces cinnamoneus subsp. cinnamoneus, Streptomyces cinnamoneus subsp. lanosus, Streptomyces cinnamoneus subsp. sparsus, Streptomyces cirratus, Streptomyces ciscaucasicus, Streptomyces citreofluorescens, Streptomyces clavifer, Streptomyces clavuligerus, Streptomyces cochleatus, Streptomyces coelescens, Streptomyces coelicoflavus, Streptomyces coelicolor, Streptomyces coeruleoflavus, Streptomyces coeruleofuscus, Streptomyces coeruleoprunus, Streptomyces coeruleorubidus, Streptomyces coerulescens, Streptomyces collinus, Streptomyces colombiensis, Streptomyces corchorusii, Streptomyces costaricanus, Streptomyces cremeus, Streptomyces crystallinus, Streptomyces curacoi, Streptomyces cuspidosporus, Streptomyces cyaneofuscatus, Streptomyces cyaneus, Streptomyces cyanoalbus, Streptomyces cystargineus, Streptomyces daghestanicus, Streptomyces diastaticus subsp. ardesiacus, Streptomyces diastaticus subsp. diastaticus, Streptomyces diastatochromogenes, Streptomyces distallicus, Streptomyces djakartensis, Streptomyces durhamensis, Streptomyces echinatus, Streptomyces echinoruber, Streptomyces ederensis, Streptomyces ehimensis, Streptomyces endus, Streptomyces enissocaesilis, Streptomyces erumpens, Streptomyces erythraeus, Streptomyces erythrogriseus, Streptomyces eurocidicus, Streptomyces europaeiscabiei, Streptomyces eurythermus, Streptomyces exfoliates, Streptomyces felleus, Streptomyces fervens, Streptomyces fervens subsp. fervens, Streptomyces fervens subsp. melrosporus, Streptomyces filamentosus, Streptomyces filipinensis, Streptomyces fimbriatus, Streptomyces fimicarius, Streptomyces finlayi, Streptomyces flaveolus, Streptomyces flaveus, Streptomyces flavidofuscus, Streptomyces flavidovirens, Streptomyces flavisderoticus, Streptomyces flavofungini, Streptomyces flavofuscus, Streptomyces flavogriseus, Streptomyces flavopersicus, Streptomyces flavotricini, Streptomyces flavovariabilis, Streptomyces flavovirens, Streptomyces flavoviridis, Streptomyces flocculus, Streptomyces floridae, Streptomyces fluorescens, Streptomyces fradiae, Streptomyces fragilis, Streptomyces fulvissimus, Streptomyces fulvorobeus, Streptomyces fumanus, Streptomyces fumigatiscleroticus, Streptomyces galbus, Streptomyces galilaeus, Streptomyces gancidicus, Streptomyces gardneri, Streptomyces gelaticus, Streptomyces geysiriensis, Streptomyces ghanaensis, Streptomyces gibsonii, Streptomyces glaucescens, Streptomyces glaucosporus, Streptomyces glaucus, Streptomyces globisporus subsp. caucasicus, Streptomyces globisporus subsp. flavofuscus, Streptomyces globisporus subsp. globisporus, Streptomyces globosus, Streptomyces glomeratus, Streptomyces glomeroaurantiacus, Streptomyces gobitricini, Streptomyces goshikiensis, Streptomyces gougerotii, Streptomyces graminearus, Streptomyces graminofaciens, Streptomyces griseinus, Streptomyces griseoaurantiacus, Streptomyces griseobrunneus, Streptomyces griseocarneus, Streptomyces griseochromogenes, Streptomyces griseoflavus, Streptomyces griseofuscus, Streptomyces griseoincarnatus, Streptomyces griseoloalbus, Streptomyces griseolosporeus, Streptomyces griseolus, Streptomyces griseoluteus, Streptomyces griseomycini, Streptomyces griseoplanus, Streptomyces griseorubens, Streptomyces griseoruber, Streptomyces griseorubiginosus, Streptomyces griseosporeus, Streptomyces griseostramineus, Streptomyces griseoverticillatus, Streptomyces griseoviridis, Streptomyces griseus subsp. alpha, Streptomyces griseus subsp. cretosus, Streptomyces griseus subsp. griseus, Streptomyces griseus subsp. solvifaciens, Streptomyces hachijoensis, Streptomyces halstedii, Streptomyces hawaiiensis, Streptomyces heliomycini, Streptomyces helvaticus, Streptomyces herbaricolor, Streptomyces hiroshimensis, Streptomyces hirsutus, Streptomyces humidus, Streptomyces humiferus, Streptomyces hydrogenans, Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. angustmyceticus, Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. decoyicus, Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. glebosus, Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. hygroscopicus, Streptomyces hygroscopicus subsp. ossamyceticus, Streptomyces iakyrus, Streptomyces indiaensis, Streptomyces indigoferus, Streptomyces indonesiensis, Streptomyces intermedius, Streptomyces inusitatus, Streptomyces ipomoeae, Streptomyces janthinus, Streptomyces javensis, Streptomyces kanamyceticus, Streptomyces kashmirensis, Streptomyces kasugaensis, Streptomyces katrae, Streptomyces kentuckensis, Streptomyces kifunensis, Streptomyces kishiwadensis, Streptomyces kunmingensis, Streptomyces kurssanovii, Streptomyces labedae, Streptomyces laceyi, Streptomyces ladakanum, Streptomyces lanatus, Streptomyces lateritius, Streptomyces laurentii, Streptomyces lavendofoliae, Streptomyces lavendulae subsp. grasserius, Streptomyces lavendulae subsp. lavendulae, Streptomyces lavenduligriseus, Streptomyces lavendulocolor, Streptomyces levis, Streptomyces libani subsp. libani, Streptomyces libani subsp. rufus, Streptomyces lienomycini, Streptomyces lilacinus, Streptomyces limosus, Streptomyces lincolnensis, Streptomyces lipmanii, Streptomyces litmocidini, Streptomyces lomondensis, Streptomyces longisporoflavus, Streptomyces longispororuber, Streptomyces longisporus, Streptomyces longwoodensis, Streptomyces lucensis, Streptomyces luridiscabiei, Streptomyces luridus, Streptomyces lusitanus, Streptomyces luteireticuli, Streptomyces luteogriseus, Streptomyces luteosporeus, Streptomyces luteoverticillatus, Streptomyces lydicus, Streptomyces macrosporus, Streptomyces malachitofuscus, Streptomyces malachitospinus, Streptomyces malaysiensis, Streptomyces mashuensis, Streptomyces massasporeus, Streptomyces matensis, Streptomyces mauvecolor, Streptomyces mediocidicus, Streptomyces mediolani, Streptomyces megasporus, Streptomyces melanogenes, Streptomyces melanosporofaciens, Streptomyces mexicanus, Streptomyces michiganensis, Streptomyces microflavus, Streptomyces minutiscleroticus, Streptomyces mirabilis, Streptomyces misakiensis, Streptomyces misionensis, Streptomyces mobaraensis, Streptomyces monomycini, Streptomyces morookaensis, Streptomyces murinus, Streptomyces mutabilis, Streptomyces mutomycini, Streptomyces naganishii, Streptomyces narbonensis, Streptomyces nashvillensis, Streptomyces netropsis, Streptomyces neyagawaensis, Streptomyces niger, Streptomyces nigrescens, Streptomyces nigrifaciens, Streptomyces nitrosporeus, Streptomyces niveiciscabiei, Streptomyces niveoruber, Streptomyces niveus, Streptomyces noboritoensis, Streptomyces nodosus, Streptomyces nogalater, Streptomyces nojiriensis, Streptomyces noursei, Streptomyces novaecaesareae, Streptomyces ochraceiscieroticus, Streptomyces odorifer, Streptomyces olivaceiscieroticus, Streptomyces olivaceoviridis, Streptomyces olivaceus, Streptomyces olivochromogenes, Streptomyces olivomycini, Streptomyces olivoreticuli, Streptomyces olivoreticuli subsp. cellulophilus, Streptomyces olivoreticuli subsp. olivoreticuli, Streptomyces olivoverticillatus, Streptomyces olivoviridis, Streptomyces omiyaensis, Streptomyces orinoci, Streptomyces pactum, Streptomyces paracochleatus, Streptomyces paradoxus, Streptomyces parvisporogenes, Streptomyces parvulus, Streptomyces parvus, Streptomyces peucetius, Streptomyces phaeochromogenes, Streptomyces phaeofaciens, Streptomyces phaeopurpureus, Streptomyces phaeoviridis, Streptomyces phosaiacineus, Streptomyces pilosus, Streptomyces platensis, Streptomyces plicatus, Streptomyces pluricolorescens, Streptomyces polychromogenes, Streptomyces poonensis, Streptomyces praecox, Streptomyces prasinopilosus, Streptomyces prasinosporus, Streptomyces prasinus, Streptomyces prunicoior, Streptomyces psammoticus, Streptomyces pseudoechinosporeus, Streptomyces pseudogriseolus, Streptomyces pseudovenezuelae, Streptomyces pulveraceus, Streptomyces puniceus, Streptomyces puniciscabiei, Streptomyces purpeofuscus, Streptomyces purpurascens, Streptomyces purpureus, Streptomyces purpurogeneiscieroticus, Streptomyces racemochromogenes, Streptomyces rameus, Streptomyces ramulosus, Streptomyces rangoonensis, Streptomyces recifensis, Streptomyces rectiverticillatus, Streptomyces rectivioiaceus, Streptomyces regensis, Streptomyces resistomycificus, Streptomyces reticuliscabiei, Streptomyces rhizosphaericus, Streptomyces rimosus subsp. paromomycinus, Streptomyces rimosus subsp. rimosus, Streptomyces rishiriensis, Streptomyces rochei, Streptomyces roseiscieroticus, Streptomyces roseodiastaticus, Streptomyces roseoflavus, Streptomyces roseofulvus, Streptomyces roseolilacinus, Streptomyces roseolus, Streptomyces roseosporus, Streptomyces roseoverticillatus, Streptomyces roseovioiaceus, Streptomyces roseoviridis, Streptomyces rubber, Streptomyces rubiginosohelvolus, Streptomyces rubiginosus, Streptomyces rubrogriseus, Streptomyces rutgersensis subsp. casteiarensis, Streptomyces rutgersensis subsp. rutgersensis, Streptomyces salmonis, Streptomyces sampsonii, Streptomyces sanglieri, Streptomyces sannanensis, Streptomyces sapporonensis, Streptomyces scabiei, Streptomyces sclerotialus, Streptomyces scopiformis, Streptomyces seoulensis, Streptomyces septatus, Streptomyces setae, Streptomyces setonii, Streptomyces showdoensis, Streptomyces sindenensis, Streptomyces sioyaensis, Streptomyces somaliensis, Streptomyces sparsogenes, Streptomyces spectabilis, Streptomyces speibonae, Streptomyces speleomycini, Streptomyces spheroids, Streptomyces spinoverrucosus, Streptomyces spiralis, Streptomyces spiroverticillatus, Streptomyces spitsbergensis, Streptomyces sporocinereus, Streptomyces sporoclivatus, Streptomyces spororaveus, Streptomyces sporoverrucosus, Streptomyces stelliscabiei, Streptomyces stramineus, Streptomyces subrutilus, Streptomyces sulfonofaciens, Streptomyces sulphurous, Streptomyces syringium, Streptomyces tanashiensis, Streptomyces tauricus, Streptomyces tendae, Streptomyces termitum, Streptomyces the rmoalcalitolerans, Streptomyces thermoautotrophicus, Streptomyces thermocarboxydovorans, Streptomyces thermocarboxydus, Streptomyces thermocoprophilus, Streptomyces the rmodiastaticus, Streptomyces thermogriseus, Streptomyces thermolineatus, Streptomyces thermonitrificans, Streptomyces thermospinosisporus, Streptomyces thermoviolaceus subsp. apingens, Streptomyces thermoviolaceus subsp. thermoviolaceus, Streptomyces thermovulgaris, Streptomyces thioluteus, Streptomyces torulosus, Streptomyces toxytricini, Streptomyces tricolor, Streptomyces tubercidicus, Streptomyces tuirus, Streptomyces turgidiscabies, Streptomyces umbrinus, Streptomyces variabilis, Streptomyces variegates, Streptomyces varsoviensis, Streptomyces vastus, Streptomyces venezuelae, Streptomyces vinaceus, Streptomyces vinaceusdrappus, Streptomyces violaceochromogenes, Streptomyces violaceolatus, Streptomyces violaceorectus, Streptomyces violaceoruber, Streptomyces violaceorubidus, Streptomyces violaceus, Streptomyces violaceusniger, Streptomyces violarus, Streptomyces violascens, Streptomyces violatus, Streptomyces violens, Streptomyces virens, Streptomyces virginiae, Streptomyces viridiflavus, Streptomyces viridiviolaceus, Streptomyces viridobrunneus, Streptomyces viridochromogenes, Streptomyces viridodiastaticus, Streptomyces viridosporus, Streptomyces vitaminophileus, Streptomyces vitaminophilus, Streptomyces wedmorensis, Streptomyces werraensis, Streptomyces willmorei, Streptomyces xanthochromogenes, Streptomyces xanthocidicus, Streptomyces xantholiticus, Streptomyces xanthophaeus, Streptomyces yatensis, Streptomyces yerevanensis, Streptomyces yogyakartensis, Streptomyces yokosukanensis, Streptomyces yunnanensis, Streptomyces zaomyceticus, Streptoverticillium abikoense, Streptoverticillium albireticuli, Streptoverticillium alboverticillatum, Streptoverticillium album, Streptoverticillium ardum, Streptoverticillium aureoversale, Streptoverticillium aureoversile, Streptoverticillium baldaccii, Streptoverticillium biverticillatum, Streptoverticillium biastmyceticum, Streptoverticillium cinnamoneum subsp. aibosporum, Streptomyces cinnamoneus subsp. aibosporus, Streptoverticillium cinnamoneum subsp. cinnamoneum, Streptoverticillium cinnamoneum subsp. lanosum, Streptoverticillium cinnamoneum subsp. sparsum, Streptoverticillium distallicum, Streptoverticillium ehimense, Streptoverticillium eurocidicum, Streptoverticillium fervens subsp. fervens, Streptoverticillium fervens subsp. melrosporus, Streptoverticillium flavopersicum, Streptoverticillium griseocarneum, Streptoverticillium griseoverticillatum, Streptoverticillium hachijoense, Streptoverticillium hiroshimense, Streptoverticillium kashmirense, Streptoverticillium kentuckense, Streptoverticillium kishiwadense, Streptoverticillium ladakanum, Streptoverticillium lavenduligriseum, Streptoverticillium lilacinum, Streptoverticillium luteoverticillatum, Streptoverticillium mashuense, Streptoverticillium mobaraense, Streptoverticillium morookaense, Streptoverticillium netropsis, Streptoverticillium olivomycini, Streptomyces olivomycini, Streptoverticillium olivoreticuli subsp. cellulophilum, Streptoverticillium olivoreticuli subsp. olivoreticuli, Streptoverticillium olivoreticulum, Streptoverticillium olivoreticulum subsp. cellulophilum, Streptoverticillium olivoverticillatum, Streptoverticillium orinoci, Streptoverticillium parvisporogenes, Streptoverticillium parvisporogenum, Streptoverticillium rectiverticillatum, Streptoverticillium reticulum subsp. protomycicum, Streptoverticillium roseoverticillatum, Streptoverticillium salmonis, Streptoverticillium sapporonense, Streptoverticillium septatum, Streptoverticillium syringium, Streptoverticillium thioluteum, Streptoverticillium verticillium subsp. quantum, Streptoverticillium verticillium subsp. tsukushiense or Streptoverticillium viridoflavum.

[0080.0.0.27] Particular preferred strains are strains selected from the group consisting of Bacillaceae, Brevibacteriaceae, Corynebacteriaceae, Nocardiaceae, Mycobacteriaceae, Streptomycetaceae, Enterobacteriaceae such as Bacillus circulans, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus sp., Brevibacterium aibidum, Brevibacterium album, Brevibacterium cerinum, Brevibacterium flavum, Brevibacterium glutamigenes, Brevibacterium iodinum, Brevibacterium ketoglutamicum, Brevibacterium lactofermentum, Brevibacterium linens, Brevibacterium roseum, Brevibacterium saccharolyticum, Brevibacterium sp., Corynebacterium acetoacidophilum, Corynebacterium acetoglutamicum, Corynebacterium ammoniagenes, Corynebacterium glutamicum (=Micrococcus glutamicum), Corynebacterium meiassecoia, Corynebacterium sp., Nocardia rhodochrous (Rhodococcus rhodochrous), Mycobacterium rhodochrous, Streptomyces lividans and Escherichia coli especially Escherichia coli K12.

[0081.0.0.27] In addition particular preferred strains are strains selected from the group consisting of Cryptococcaceae, Saccharomycetaceae, Schizosaccharo-mycetacease such as the genera Candida, Hansenula, Pichia, Saccharomyces and Schizosaccharomyces preferred are strains selected from the group consisting of the species Rhodotorula rubra, Rhodotorula glutinis, Rhodotorula graminis, Yarrowia lipolytica, Sporobolomyces salmonicolor, Sporobolomyces shibatanus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida boidinii, Candida bombicola, Candida cylindracea, Candida parapsilosis, Candida rugosa, Candida tropicalis, Pichia methanolica and Pichia pastoris.

[0082.0.0.27] Anacardiaceae such as the genera Pistacia, Mangifera, Anacardium e.g. the species Pistacia vera [pistachios, Pistazie], Mangifer indica [Mango] or Anacardium occidentale [Cashew]; Asteraceae such as the genera Calendula, Carthamus, Centaurea, Cichorium, Cynara, Helianthus, Lactuca, Locusta, Tagetes, Valeriana e.g. the species Calendula officinalis [Marigold], Carthamus tinctorius [safflower], Centaurea cyanus [cornflower], Cichorium intybus [blue daisy], Cynara [Artichoke], Helianthus annus [sunflower], Lactuca sativa, Lactuca crispa, Lactuca esculenta, Lactuca scariola L. ssp. sativa, Lactuca scariola L. var. integrata, Lactuca scariola L. var. integrifolia, Lactuca sativa subsp. romana, Locusta communis, Valeriana locusta [lettuce], Tagetes lucida, Tagetes erecta or Tagetes tenuifolia [Marigold]; Apiaceae such as the genera Daucus e.g. the species Daucus carota [carrot]; Betulaceae such as the genera Corylus e.g. the species Corylus avellana or Corylus colurna [hazelnut]; Boraginaceae such as the genera Borago e.g. the species Borago officinalis [borage]; Brassicaceae such as the genera Brassica, Melanosinapis, Sinapis, Arabadopsis e.g. the species Brassica napus, Brassica rapa ssp. [canola, oilseed rape, turnip rape], Sinapis arvensis Brassica juncea, Brassica juncea var. juncea, Brassica juncea var. crispifolia, Brassica juncea var. foliosa, Brassica nigra, Brassica sinapioides, Melanosinapis communis [mustard], Brassica oleracea [fodder beet] or Arabidopsis thaliana; Bromeliaceae such as the genera Anana, Bromelia e.g. the species Anana comosus, Ananas ananas or Bromelia comosa [pineapple]; Caricaceae such as the genera Carica e.g. the species Carica papaya [papaya]; Cannabaceae such as the genera Cannabis e.g. the species Cannabis sative [hemp], Convolvulaceae such as the genera Ipomea, Convolvulus e.g. the species Ipomoea batatus, Ipomoea pandurata, Convolvulus batatas, Convolvulus tiliaceus, Ipomoea fastigiata, Ipomoea tiliacea, Ipomoea triloba or Convolvulus panduratus [sweet potato, Man of the Earth, wild potato], Chenopodiaceae such as the genera Beta, i.e. the species Beta vulgaris, Beta vulgaris var. altissima, Beta vulgaris var. Vulgaris, Beta maritima, Beta vulgaris var. perennis, Beta vulgaris var. conditiva or Beta vulgaris var. esculenta [sugar beet]; Cucurbitaceae such as the genera Cucubita e.g. the species Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita mixta, Cucurbita pepo or Cucurbita moschata [pumpkin, squash]; Elaeagnaceae such as the genera Elaeagnus e.g. the species Olea europaea [olive]; Ericaceae such as the genera Kalmia e.g. the species Kalmia latifolia, Kalmia angustifolia, Kalmia microphylla, Kalmia polifolia, Kalmia occidentalis, Cistus chamaerhodendros or Kalmia lucida [American laurel, broad-leafed laurel, calico bush, spoon wood, sheep laurel, alpine laurel, bog laurel, western bog-laurel, swamp-laurel]; Euphorbiaceae such as the genera Manihot, Janipha, Jatropha, Ricinus e.g. the species Manihot utilissima, Janipha manihot, Jatropha manihot, Manihot aipil, Manihot dulcis, Manihot manihot, Manihot melanobasis, Manihot esculenta [manihot, arrowroot, tapioca, cassava] or Ricinus communis [castor bean, Castor Oil Bush, Castor Oil Plant, Palma Christi, Wonder Tree]; Fabaceae such as the genera Pisum, Albizia, Cathormion, Feuillea, Inga, Pithecolobium, Acacia, Mimosa, Medicajo, Glycine, Dolichos, Phaseolus, Soja e.g. the species Pisum sativum, Pisum arvense, Pisum humile [pea], Albizia berteriana, Albizia julibrissin, Albizia lebbeck, Acacia berteriana, Acacia littoralis, Albizia berteriana, Albizzia berteriana, Cathormion berteriana, Feuillea berteriana, Inga fragrans, Pithecellobium berterianum, Pithecellobium fragrans, Pithecolobium berterianum, Pseuda/bizzia berteriana, Acacia julibrissin, Acacia nemu, Albizia nemu, Feuilleea julibrissin, Mimosa julibrissin, Mimosa speciosa, Sericanrda julibrissin, Acacia lebbeck, Acacia macrophylla, Albizia lebbek, Feuilleea lebbeck, Mimosa lebbeck, Mimosa speciosa [bastard logwood, silk tree, East Indian Walnut], Medicago sativa, Medicago falcata, Medicago varia [alfalfa] Glycine max Dolichos soja, Glycine gracilis, Glycine hispida, Phaseolus max, Soja hispida or Soja max [Soybean]; Geraniaceae such as the genera Pelargonium, Cocos, Oleum e.g. the species Cocos nucifera, Pelargonium grossularioides or Oleum cocois [coconut]; Gramineae such as the genera Saccharum e.g. the species Saccharum officinarum; Juglandaceae such as the genera Juglans, Wallia e.g. the species Juglans regia, Juglans ailanthifolia, Juglans sieboldiana, Juglans cinerea, Wallia cinerea, Juglans bixbyi, Juglans californica, Juglans hindsii, Juglans intermedia, Juglans jamaicensis, Juglans major, Juglans microcarpa, Juglans nigra or Wallia nigra [walnut, black walnut, common walnut, persian walnut, white walnut, butternut, black walnut]; Lauraceae such as the genera Persea, Laurus e.g. the species laurel Laurus nobilis [bay, laurel, bay laurel, sweet bay], Persea americana Persea americana, Persea gratissima or Persea persea [avocado]; Leguminosae such as the genera Arachis e.g. the species Arachis hypogaea [peanut]; Linaceae such as the genera Linum, Adenolinum e.g. the species Linum usitatissimum, Linum humile, Linum austriacum, Linum bienne, Linum angustifolium, Linum catharticum, Linum flavum, Linum grandiflorum, Adenolinum grandiflorum, Linum lewisii, Linum narbonense, Linum perenne, Linum perenne var. lewisii, Linum pratense or Linum trigynum [flax, linseed]; Lythrarieae such as the genera Punica e.g. the species Punica granatum [pomegranate]; Malvaceae such as the genera Gossypium e.g. the species Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium barbadense, Gossypium herbaceum or Gossypium thurberi [cotton]; Musaceae such as the genera Musa e.g. the species Musa nana, Musa acuminate, Musa paradisiaca, Musa spp. [banana]; Onagraceae such as the genera Camissonia, Oenothera e.g. the species Oenothera biennis or Camissonia brevipes [primrose, evening primrose]; Palmae such as the genera Elacis e.g. the species Elaeis guineensis [oil plam]; Papaveraceae such as the genera Papaver e.g. the species Papaver orientale, Papaver rhoeas, Papaver dubium [poppy, oriental poppy, corn poppy, field poppy, shirley poppies, field poppy, long-headed poppy, long-pod poppy]; Pedaliaceae such as the genera Sesamum e.g. the species Sesamum indicum [sesame]; Piperaceae such as the genera Piper, Artanthe, Peperomia, Steffensia e.g. the species Piper aduncum, Piper amalago, Piper angustifolium, Piper auritum, Piper betel, Piper cubeba, Piper longum, Piper nigrum, Piper retrofractum, Artanthe adunca, Artanthe elongate, Peperomia elongate, Piper elongatum, Steffensia elongate. [Cayenne pepper, wild pepper]; Poaceae such as the genera Hordeum, Secale, Avena, Sorghum, Andropogon, Holcus, Panicum, Oryza, Zea, Triticum e.g. the species Hordeum vulgare, Hordeum jubatum, Hordeum murinum, Hordeum secalinum, Hordeum distichon Hordeum aegiceras, Hordeum hexastichon., Hordeum hexastichum, Hordeum irregulare, Hordeum sativum, Hordeum secalinum [barley, pearl barley, foxtail barley, wall barley, meadow barley], Secale cereale [rye], Avena sativa, Avena fatua, Avena byzantine, Avena fatua var. sativa, Avena hybrida [oat], Sorghum bicolor, Sorghum halepense, Sorghum saccharatum, Sorghum vulgare, Andropogon drummondii, Holcus bicolor, Holcus sorghum, Sorghum aethiopicum, Sorghum arundinaceum, Sorghum caffrorum, Sorghum cemuum, Sorghum dochna, Sorghum drummondii, Sorghum durra, Sorghum guineense, Sorghum lanceolatum, Sorghum nervosum, Sorghum saccharatum, Sorghum subglabrescens, Sorghum verticilliflorum, Sorghum vulgare, Holcus halepensis, Sorghum miliaceum millet, Panicum militaceum [Sorghum, Oryza sativa, Oryza latifolia [rice], Zea mays [corn, maize] Triticum aestivum, Triticum durum, Triticum turgidum, Triticum hybernum, Triticum macha, Triticum sativum or Triticum vulgare [wheat, bread wheat, common wheat], Proteaceae such as the genera Macadamia e.g. the species Macadamia intergrifolia [macadamia]; Rubiaceae such as the genera Coffea e.g. the species Cofea spp., Coffea arabica, Coffea canephora or Coffea liberica [coffee]; Scrophulariaceae such as the genera Verbascum e.g. the species Verbascum bletteria, Verbascum Verbascum densiflorum, Verbascum lagurus, Verbascum longifolium, Verbascum lychnitis, Verbascum nigrum, Verbascum olympicum, Verbascum phlomoides, Verbascum phoenicum, Verbascum pulverulentum or Verbascum thapsus [mullein, white moth mullein, nettle-leaved mullein, dense-flowered mullein, silver mullein, long-leaved mullein, white mullein, dark mullein, greek mullein, orange mullein, purple mullein, hoary mullein, great mullein]; Solanaceae such as the genera Capsicum, Nicotiana, Solanum, Lycopersicon e.g. the species Capsicum annuum, Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum, Capsicum frutescens [pepper], Capsicum annuum [paprika], Nicotiana tabacum, Nicotiana alata, Nicotiana attenuata, Nicotiana glauca, Nicotiana langsdorffii, Nicotiana obtusifolia, Nicotiana quadrivalvis, Nicotiana repanda, Nicotiana rustica, Nicotiana sylvestris [tobacco], Solanum tuberosum [potato], Solanum melongena [egg-plant] (Lycopersicon esculentum, Lycopersicon lycopersicum., Lycopersicon pyriforme, Solanum integrifolium or Solanum lycopersicum [tomato]; Sterculiaceae such as the genera Theobroma e.g. the species Theobroma cacao [cacao]; Theaceae such as the genera Camellia e.g. the species Camellia sinensis) [tea].

All abovementioned organisms can in princible also function as host organisms.

[0083.0.0.27] Particular preferred plants are plants selected from the group consisting of Asteraceae such as the genera Helianthus, Tagetes e.g. the species Helianthus annus [sunflower], Tagetes lucida, Tagetes erecta or Tagetes tenuifolia [Marigold], Brassicaceae such as the genera Brassica, Arabadopsis e.g. the species Brassica napus, Brassica rapa ssp. [canola, oilseed rape, turnip rape] or Arabidopsis thaliana. Fabaceae such as the genera Glycine e.g. the species Glycine max, Soja hispida or Soja max [soybean] (wobei ich nicht sicher bin, ob es Soja max überhaupt gibt, die heiBt eigentlich Glycine max). Linaceae such as the genera Linum e.g. the species Linum usitatissimum, [flax, linseed]; Poaceae such as the genera Hordeum, Secale, Avena, Sorghum, Oryza, Zea, Triticum e.g. the species Hordeum vulgare [barley]; Secale cereale [rye], Avena sativa, Avena fatua, Avena byzantina, Avena fatua var. sativa, Avena hybrida [oat], Sorghum bicolor [Sorghum, millet], Oryza sativa, Oryza latifolia [rice], Zea mays [corn, maize] Triticum aestivum, Triticum durum, Triticum turgidum, Triticum hybernum, Triticum macha, Triticum sativum or Triticum vulgare [wheat, bread wheat, common wheat]; Solanaceae such as the genera Solanum, Lycopersicon e.g. the species Solanum tuberosum [potato], Lycopersicon esculentum, Lycopersicon lycopersicum., Lycopersicon pyriforme, Solanum integrifolium or Solanum lycopersicum [tomato].

[0084.0.0.27] All abovementioned organisms can in princible also function as host organisms.

[0085.0.0.27] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no.     27, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative     thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.27] The use of the nucleic acid sequence according to the invention or of the nucleic acid construct according to the invention for the generation of transgenic plants is therefore also subject matter of the invention.

[0087.0.0.27] The respective fine chemical, which is synthesized in the organism, in particular the microorganism, the cell, the tissue or the plant, of the invention can be isolated if desired. Depending on the use of the respective fine chemical, different purities resulting from the purification may be advantageous as will be described herein below.

[0088.0.0.27] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose amino acid content is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for monogastric animals is limited by a few essential amino acids such as lysine, threonine or methionine.

[0088.1.0.27] In one embodiment, after an activity of a polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention has been increased or generated, or after the expression of a nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide according to the invention has been generated or increased, the transgenic plant generated can be grown on or in a nutrient medium or else in the soil and subsequently harvested.

[0089.0.0.27] The plants or parts thereof, e.g. the leaves, roots, flowers, and/or stems and/or other harvestable material as described below, can then be used directly as foodstuffs or animal feeds or else be further processed. Again, the amino acids can be purified further in the customary manner via extraction and precipitation or via ion exchangers and other methods known to the person skilled in the art and described herein below. Products which are suitable for various applications and which result from these different processing procedures are amino acids or amino acid compositions which can still comprise further plant components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably from below 90% by weight, especially preferably below 80% by weight. The plants can also advantageously be used directly without further processing, e.g. as feed or for extraction.

[0090.0.0.27] The chemically pure respective fine chemical or chemically pure compositions comprising the respective fine chemical may also be produced by the process described above. To this end, the respective fine chemical or the compositions are isolated in the known manner from an organism according to the invention, such as the microorganisms, non-human animal or the plants, and/or their culture medium in which or on which the organisms had been grown. These chemically pure respective fine chemical or said compositions are advantageous for applications in the field of the food industry, the cosmetics industry or the pharmaceutical industry.

[0091.0.0.27] Thus, the content of plant components and preferably also further impurities is as low as possible, and the abovementioned respective fine chemical is obtained in as pure form as possible. In these applications, the content of plant components advantageously amounts to less than 10%, preferably 1%, more preferably 0.1%, very especially preferably 0.01% or less.

[0092.0.0.27] Accordingly, the respective fine chemical produced by the present invention is at least 0.1% by weight pure, preferably more than 1% by weight pure, more preferred 10% by weight pure, even more preferred are more than 50, 60, 70 or 80% by weight purity, even more preferred are more than 90 weight-% purity, most preferred are 95% by weight, 99% by weight or more.

[0093.0.0.27] In this context, the amount of the respective fine chemical in a cell of the invention may be increased according to the process of the invention by at least a factor of 1.1, preferably at least a factor of 1.5; 2; or 5, especially preferably by at least a factor of 10 or 30, very especially preferably by at least a factor of 50, in comparison with the wild type, control or reference. Preferably, said increase is found a tissue, more preferred in an organism or in a harvestable part thereof.

[0094.0.0.27] In principle, the respective fine chemicals produced can be increased in two ways by the process according to the invention. The pool of free respective fine chemicals, in particular of the free respective fine chemical, and/or the content of protein-bound respective fine chemicals, in particular of the protein-bound respective fine chemical may advantageously be increased.

[0095.0.0.27] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of free amino acids in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the pure respective fine chemical.

[0096.0.0.27] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptid, which functions as a sink for the desired amino acid for example methionine, lysine or threonine in the organism is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,589,616, WO 96/38574, WO 97/07665, WO 97/28247, U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,878, U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,993 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,670,635). Galili et al., Transgenic Res. 2000 showed, that enhancing the synthesis of threonine by a feed back insensitive aspartate kinase did not lead only to in increase in free threonine but also in protein bound threonine.

[0097.0.0.27] In may also be advantageous to increase the content of the protein-bound respective fine chemical.

[0098.0.0.27] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical (methionine) and/or threonine are produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, are isolated. The production of further amino acids such as lysine and of amino acid mixtures by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.0.27] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned amino acids may accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, spray granulation or by other methods.

[0100.0.0.27] To purify an amino acid, a product-containing fermentation broth from which the biomass has been separated may be subjected to chromatography with a suitable resin such as ion exchange resin for example anion or cation exchange resin, hydrophobic resin or hydrophilic resin for example epoxy resin, polyurethane resin or polyacrylamid resin, or resin for separation according to the molecular weight of the compounds for example polyvinyl chloride homopolymer resin or resins composed for example of polymers of acrylic acid, crosslinked with polyalkenyl ethers or divinyl glycol such as Carbopol®, Pemulen® and Noveon®. If necessary these chromatography steps may be repeated using the same or other chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use. The purified product may be concentrated by filtration or ultrafiltration and stored at a temperature, which ensures the maximum stability of the product.

[0101.0.0.27] The identity and purity of the compound(s) isolated can be determined by prior-art techniques. They encompass high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assays or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are compiled in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11 27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19:67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Bd. A27, VCH Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michal, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 17.

[0102.0.0.27] Amino acids can for example be detected advantageously via HPLC separation in ethanolic extract as described by Geigenberger et al. (Plant Cell & Environ, 19, 1996: 43-55). Amino acids can be extracted with hot water. After filtration the extracts are diluted with water containing 20 mg/mL sodium acide. The separation and detection of the amino acids is performed using an anion exchange column and an electrochemical detector. Technical details can be taken from Y. Ding et al., 2002, Direct determination of free amino acids and sugars in green tea by anion-exchange chromatography with integrated pulsed amperometric detection, J Chromatogr A, (2002) 982; 237-244, or e.g. from Karchi et al., 1993, Plant J. 3: 721-727; Matthews M J, 1997 (Lysine, threonine and methionine biosynthesis. In BK Singh, ed, Plant Amino Acids: Biochemistry and Biotechnology. Dekker, New York, pp 205-225; H Hesse and R Hoefgen. (2003) Molecular aspects of methionine biosynthesis. TIPS 8(259-262.

[0103.0.0.27] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table XII,     application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof, which     confers an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in     an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table XIII, application no. 27, columns 7, and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table XIV,     application no. 27, columns 7, and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no.     27, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0103.1.0.27.] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7.

[0104.0.0.27] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7: In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7.

[0105.0.0.27] Unless otherwise specified, the terms “polynucleotides”, “nucleic acid” and “nucleic acid molecule” are interchangeably in the present context. Unless otherwise specified, the terms “peptide”, “polypeptide” and “protein” are interchangeably in the present context. The term “sequence” may relate to polynucleotides, nucleic acids, nucleic acid molecules, peptides, polypeptides and proteins, depending on the context in which the term “sequence” is used. The terms “gene(s)”, “polynucleotide”, “nucleic acid sequence”, “nucleotide sequence”, or “nucleic acid molecule(s)” as used herein refers to a polymeric form of nucleotides of any length, either ribonucleotides or deoxyribonucleotides. The terms refer only to the primary structure of the molecule.

[0106.0.0.27] Thus, the terms “gene(s)”, “polynucleotide”, “nucleic acid sequence”, “nucleotide sequence”, or “nucleic acid molecule(s)” as used herein include double- and single-stranded DNA and RNA. They also include known types of modifications, for example, methylation, “caps”, substitutions of one or more of the naturally occurring nucleotides with an analog. Preferably, the DNA or RNA sequence of the invention comprises a coding sequence encoding the herein defined polypeptide.

[0107.0.0.27] A “coding sequence” is a nucleotide sequence, which is transcribed into mRNA and/or translated into a polypeptide when placed under the control of appropriate regulatory sequences. The boundaries of the coding sequence are determined by a translation start codon at the 5′-terminus and a translation stop codon at the 3′-terminus. A coding sequence can include, but is not limited to mRNA, cDNA, recombinant nucleotide sequences or genomic DNA, while introns may be present as well under certain circumstances.

[0108.0.0.27] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from a amino acid sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 27, columns 7, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, column 3, 5 or 7, or e.g. conferring a increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.27] In one embodiment, said sequences are cloned into nucleic acid constructs, either individually or in combination. These nucleic acid constructs enable an optimal synthesis of the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention.

[0110.0.0.27] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, column 5, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in

Table XI, application no. 27, column 5, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, column 7, can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.27] Those, which must be mentioned, in particular in this context are general gene databases such as the EMBL database (Stoesser G. et al., Nucleic Acids Res 2001, Vol. 29, 17-21), the GenBank database (Benson D. A. et al., Nucleic Acids Res 2000, Vol. 28, 15-18), or the PIR database (Barker W. C. et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 1999, Vol. 27, 39-43). It is furthermore possible to use organism-specific gene databases for determining advantageous sequences, in the case of yeast for example advantageously the SGD database (Cherry J. M. et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 1998, Vol. 26, 73-80) or the MIPS database (Mewes H. W. et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 1999, Vol. 27, 44-48), in the case of E. coli the GenProtEC database (http://web.bham.ac.uk/bcm4ght6/res.html), and in the case of Arabidopsis the TAIR-database (Huela, E. et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 2001 Vol. 29(1), 102-5) or the MIPS database.

[0112.0.0.27] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, column 3, or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 and 7, and conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0113.0.0.27] The nucleic acid sequence(s) used in the process for the production of the respective fine chemical in transgenic organisms originate advantageously from an eukaryote but may also originate from a prokaryote or an archebacterium, thus it can derived from e.g. a microorganism, an animal or a plant.

[0114.0.0.27] For the purposes of the invention, as a rule the plural is intended to encompass the singular and vice versa.

[0115.0.0.27] In order to improve the introduction of the nucleic acid sequences and the expression of the sequences in the transgenic organisms, which are used in the process, the nucleic acid sequences are incorporated into a nucleic acid construct and/or a vector. In addition to the herein described sequences which are used in the process according to the invention, further nucleic acid sequences, advantageously of biosynthesis genes of the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention, may additionally be present in the nucleic acid construct or in the vector and may be introduced into the organism together. However, these additional sequences may also be introduced into the organisms via other, separate nucleic acid constructs or vectors.

[0116.0.0.27] Using the herein mentioned cloning vectors and transformation methods such as those which are published and cited in: Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla.), chapter 6/7, pp. 71-119 (1993); F. F. White, Vectors for Gene Transfer in Higher Plants; in: Transgenic Plants, vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, Ed.: Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press, 1993, 15-38; B. Jenes et al., Techniques for Gene Transfer, in: Transgenic Plants, vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, Ed.: Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press (1993), 128-143; Potrykus, Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Molec. Biol. 42 (1991), 205-225)) and further cited below, the nucleic acids may be used for the recombinant modification of a wide range of organisms, in particular prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganisms or plants, so that they become a better and more efficient producer of the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention. This improved production, or production efficiency, of the respective fine chemical or products derived there from, such as modified proteins, can be brought about by a direct effect of the manipulation or by an indirect effect of this manipulation.

[0117.0.0.27] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention originates from a plant, such as a plant selected from the families Aceraceae, Anacardiaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Cactaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Nymphaeaceae, Papaveraceae, Rosaceae, Salicaceae, Solanaceae, Arecaceae, Bromeliaceae, Cyperaceae, Iridaceae, Liliaceae, Orchidaceae, Gentianaceae, Labiaceae, Magnoliaceae, Ranunculaceae, Carifolaceae, Rubiaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Ericaceae, Polygonaceae, Violaceae, Juncaceae or Poaceae and preferably from a plant selected from the group of the families Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Papaveraceae, Rosaceae, Solanaceae, Liliaceae or Poaceae. Preferred are crop plants and in particular plants mentioned herein above as host plants such as the families and genera mentioned above for example preferred the species Anacardium occidentale, Calendula officinalis, Carthamus tinctorius, Cichorium intybus, Cynara scolymus, Helianthus annus, Tagetes lucida, Tagetes erecta, Tagetes tenuifolia; Daucus carota; Corylus avellana, Corylus colurna, Borago officinalis; Brassica napus, Brassica rapa ssp., Sinapis arvensis Brassica juncea, Brassica juncea var. juncea, Brassica juncea var. crispifolia, Brassica juncea var. foliosa, Brassica nigra, Brassica sinapioides, Melanosinapis communis, Brassica oleracea, Arabidopsis thaliana, Anana comosus, Ananas ananas, Bromelia comosa, Carica papaya, Cannabis sative, Ipomoea batatus, Ipomoea pandurata, Convolvulus batatas, Convolvulus tiliaceus, Ipomoea fastigiata, Ipomoea tiliacea, Ipomoea triloba, Convolvulus panduratus, Beta vulgaris, Beta vulgaris var. altissima, Beta vulgaris var. vulgaris, Beta maritima, Beta vulgaris var. perennis, Beta vulgaris var. conditiva, Beta vulgaris var. esculenta, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita mixta, Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita moschata, Olea europaea, Manihot utilissima, Janipha manihotJatropha manihot., Manihot aipil, Manihot dulcis, Manihot manihot, Manihot melanobasis, Manihot esculenta, Ricinus communis, Pisum sativum, Pisum arvense, Pisum humile, Medicago sativa, Medicago falcata, Medicago varia, Glycine max Dolichos soja, Glycine gracilis, Glycine hispida, Phaseolus max, Soja hispida, Soja max, Cocos nucifera, Pelargonium grossularioides, Oleum cocoas, Laurus nobilis, Persea americana, Arachis hypogaea, Linum usitatissimum, Linum humile, Linum austriacum, Linum bienne, Linum angustifolium, Linum catharticum, Linum flavum, Linum grandiflorum, Adenolinum grandiflorum, Linum lewisii, Linum narbonense, Linum perenne, Linum perenne var. lewisii, Linum pratense, Linum trigynum, Punica granatum, Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium barbadense, Gossypium herbaceum, Gossypium thurberi, Musa nana, Musa acuminate, Musa paradisiaca, Musa spp., Elaeis guineensis, Papaver orientale, Papaver rhoeas, Papaver dubium, Sesamum indicum, Piper aduncum, Piper amalago, Piper angustifolium, Piper auritum, Piper betel, Piper cubeba, Piper longum, Piper nigrum, Piper retrofractum, Artanthe adunca, Artanthe elongate, Peperomia elongate, Piper elongatum, Steffensia elongata, Hordeum vulgare, Hordeum jubatum, Hordeum murinum, Hordeum secalinum, Hordeum distichon Hordeum aegiceras, Hordeum hexastichon., Hordeum hexastichum, Hordeum irregulare, Hordeum sativum, Hordeum secalinum, Avena Avena fatua, Avena byzantina, Avena fatua var. sativa, Avena hybrida, Sorghum bicolor, Sorghum halepense, Sorghum saccharatum, Sorghum vulgare, Andropogon drummondii, Holcus bicolor, Holcus sorghum, Sorghum aethiopicum, Sorghum arundinaceum, Sorghum caffrorum, Sorghum cemuum, Sorghum dochna, Sorghum drummondii, Sorghum durra, Sorghum guineense, Sorghum lanceolatum, Sorghum nervosum, Sorghum saccharatum, Sorghum subglabrescens, Sorghum verticilliflorum, Sorghum vulgare, Holcus halepensis, Sorghum miliaceum millet, Panicum militaceum, Zea mays, Triticum aestivum, Triticum durum, Triticum turgidum, Triticum hybemum, Triticum macha, Triticum sativum or Triticum vulgare, Cofea spp., Coffea arabica, Coffea canephora, Coffea liberica, Capsicum annuum, Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum, Capsicum frutescens, Capsicum annuum, Nicotiana tabacum, Solanum tuberosum, Solanum melongena, Lycopersicon esculentum, Lycopersicon lycopersicum., Lycopersicon pyriforme, Solanum integrifolium, Solanum lycopersicum Theobroma cacao or Camellia sinensis.

[0118.0.0.27] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule sequence originates advantageously from a microorganism as mentioned above under host organism such as a fungus for example the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium or Claviceps or from yeasts such as the genera Pichia, Torulopsis, Hansenula, Schizosaccharomyces, Candida, Rhodotorula or Saccharomyces, very especially advantageously from the yeast of the family Saccharomycetaceae, such as the advantageous genus Saccharomyces and the very advantageous genus and species Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the production of the respective fine chemical in microorganims.

[0119.0.0.27] The skilled worker knows other suitable sources for the production of respective fine chemicals, which present also useful nucleic acid molecule sources. They include in general all prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells, preferably unicellular microorganisms, such as fungi like the genus Claviceps or Aspergillus or gram-positive bacteria such as the genera Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Micrococcus, Brevibacterium, Rhodococcus, Nocardia, Caseobacter or Arthrobacter or gram-negative bacteria such as the genera Escherichia, Flavobacterium or Salmonella, or yeasts such as the genera Rhodotorula, Hansenula or Candida.

[0120.0.0.27] Production strains which are especially advantageously selected in the process according to the invention are microorganisms selected from the group of the families Actinomycetaceae, Bacillaceae, Brevibacteriaceae, Corynebacteriaceae, Enterobacteriacae, Gordoniaceae, Micrococcaceae, Mycobacteriaceae, Nocardiaceae, Pseudomonaceae, Rhizobiaceae, Streptomycetaceae, Chaetomiaceae, Choanephoraceae, Cryptococcaceae, Cunninghamellaceae, Demetiaceae, Moniliaceae, Mortierellaceae, Mucoraceae, Pythiaceae, Sacharomycetaceae, Saprolegniaceae, Schizosacharomycetaceae, Sodariaceae, Sporobolomycetaceae, Tuberculariaceae, Adelotheciaceae, Dinophyceae, Ditrichaceae and Prasinophyceaeor of the genera and species consisting of Hansenula anomala, Candida utilis, Claviceps purpurea, Bacillus circulans, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus sp., Brevibacterium albidum, Brevibacterium album, Brevibacterium cerinum, Brevibacterium flavum, Brevibacterium glutamigenes, Brevibacterium iodinum, Brevibacterium ketoglutamicum, Brevibacterium lactofermentum, Brevibacterium linens, Brevibacterium roseum, Brevibacterium saccharolyticum, Brevibacterium sp., Corynebacterium acetoacidophilum, Corynebacterium acetoglutamicum, Corynebacterium ammoniagenes, Corynebacterium glutamicum (=Micrococcus glutamicum), Corynebacterium melassecola, Corynebacterium sp. or Escherichia coli, specifically Escherichia coli K12 and its described strains.

[0121.0.0.27] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity.

[0122.0.0.27] In the process according to the invention nucleic acid sequences can be used, which, if appropriate, contain synthetic, non-natural or modified nucleotide bases, which can be incorporated into DNA or RNA. Said synthetic, non-natural or modified bases can for example increase the stability of the nucleic acid molecule outside or inside a cell. The nucleic acid molecules of the invention can contain the same modifications as aforementioned.

[0123.0.0.27] As used in the present context the term “nucleic acid molecule” may also encompass the untranslated sequence located at the 3′ and at the 5′ end of the coding gene region, for example at least 500, preferably 200, especially preferably 100, nucleotides of the sequence upstream of the 5′ end of the coding region and at least 100, preferably 50, especially preferably 20, nucleotides of the sequence downstream of the 3′ end of the coding gene region. It is often advantageous only to choose the coding region for cloning and expression purposes.

[0124.0.0.27] Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process according to the invention or the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is an isolated nucleic acid molecule.

[0125.0.0.27] An “isolated” polynucleotide or nucleic acid molecule is separated from other polynucleotides or nucleic acid molecules, which are present in the natural source of the nucleic acid molecule. An isolated nucleic acid molecule may be a chromosomal fragment of several kb, or preferably, a molecule only comprising the coding region of the gene. Accordingly, an isolated nucleic acid molecule of the invention may comprise chromosomal regions, which are adjacent 5′ and 3′ or further adjacent chromosomal regions, but preferably comprises no such sequences which naturally flank the nucleic acid molecule sequence in the genomic or chromosomal context in the organism from which the nucleic acid molecule originates (for example sequences which are adjacent to the regions encoding the 5′- and 3′-UTRs of the nucleic acid molecule). In various embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule used in the process according to the invention may, for example comprise less than approximately 5 kb, 4 kb, 3 kb, 2 kb, 1 kb, 0.5 kb or 0.1 kb nucleotide sequences which naturally flank the nucleic acid molecule in the genomic DNA of the cell from which the nucleic acid molecule originates.

[0126.0.0.27] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process, for example the polynucleotides of the invention or of a part thereof can be isolated using molecular-biological standard techniques and the sequence information provided herein. Also, for example a homologous sequence or homologous, conserved sequence regions at the DNA or amino acid level can be identified with the aid of comparison algorithms. The former can be used as hybridization probes under standard hybridization techniques (for example those described in Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual. 2nd Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1989) for isolating further nucleic acid sequences useful in this process.

[0127.0.0.27] A nucleic acid molecule encompassing a complete sequence of the nucleic acid molecules used in the process, for example the polynucleotide of the invention, or a part thereof may additionally be isolated by polymerase chain reaction, oligonucleotide primers based on this sequence or on parts thereof being used. For example, a nucleic acid molecule comprising the complete sequence or part thereof can be isolated by polymerase chain reaction using oligonucleotide primers which have been generated on the basis of this sequence for example, mRNA can be isolated from cells (for example by means of the guanidinium thiocyanate extraction method of Chirgwin et al. (1979) Biochemistry 18:5294-5299) and cDNA can be generated by means of reverse transcriptase (for example Moloney MLV reverse transcriptase, available from Gibco/BRL, Bethesda, Md., or AMV reverse transcriptase, obtainable from Seikagaku America, Inc., St. Petersburg, Fla.).

[0128.0.0.27] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 27, columns 7, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or the sequences derived from sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7.

[0129.0.0.27] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid sequence in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequences indicated in Table XIV, application no. 27, columns 7, are derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.0.27] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing its expression or activity or further functional homologs of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention from other organisms.

[0131.0.0.27] These fragments can then be utilized as hybridization probe for isolating the complete gene sequence. As an alternative, the missing 5′ and 3′ sequences can be isolated by means of RACE-PCR (rapid amplification of cDNA ends). A nucleic acid molecule according to the invention can be amplified using cDNA or, as an alternative, genomic DNA as template and suitable oligonucleotide primers, following standard PCR amplification techniques. The nucleic acid molecule amplified thus can be cloned into a suitable vector and characterized by means of DNA sequence analysis. Oligonucleotides, which correspond to one of the nucleic acid molecules used in the process, can be generated by standard synthesis methods, for example using an automatic DNA synthesizer.

[0132.0.0.27] Nucleic acid molecules which are advantageously for the process according to the invention can be isolated based on their homology to the nucleic acid molecules disclosed herein using the sequences or part thereof as hybridization probe and following standard hybridization techniques under stringent hybridization conditions. In this context, it is possible to use, for example, isolated nucleic acid molecules of at least 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60 or more nucleotides, preferably of at least 15, 20 or 25 nucleotides in length which hybridize under stringent conditions with the above-described nucleic acid molecules, in particular with those which encompass a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention or encoding a protein used in the invention or of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention. Nucleic acid molecules with 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides may also be used.

[0133.0.0.27] The term “homology” means that the respective nucleic acid molecules or encoded proteins are functionally and/or structurally equivalent. The nucleic acid molecules that are homologous to the nucleic acid molecules described above and that are derivatives of said nucleic acid molecules are, for example, variations of said nucleic acid molecules which represent modifications having the same biological function, in particular encoding proteins with the same or substantially the same biological function. They may be naturally occurring variations, such as sequences from other plant varieties or species, or mutations. These mutations may occur naturally or may be obtained by mutagenesis techniques. The allelic variations may be naturally occurring allelic variants as well as synthetically produced or genetically engineered variants. Structurally equivalents can, for example, be identified by testing the binding of said polypeptide to antibodies or computer based predictions. Structurally equivalent have the similar immunological characteristic, e.g. comprise similar epitopes.

[0134.0.0.27] By “hybridizing” it is meant that such nucleic acid molecules hybridize under conventional hybridization conditions, preferably under stringent conditions such as described by, e.g., Sambrook (Molecular Cloning; A Laboratory Manual, 2nd Edition, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y. (1989)) or in Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, N. Y. (1989), 6.3.1-6.3.6.

[0135.0.0.27] According to the invention, DNA as well as RNA molecules of the nucleic acid of the invention can be used as probes. Further, as template for the identification of functional homologues Northern blot assays as well as Southern blot assays can be performed. The Northern blot assay advantageously provides further information about the expressed gene product: e.g. expression pattern, occurrence of processing steps, like splicing and capping, etc. The Southern blot assay provides additional information about the chromosomal localization and organization of the gene encoding the nucleic acid molecule of the invention.

[0136.0.0.27] A preferred, nonlimiting example of stringent hydridization conditions are hybridizations in 6× sodium chloride/sodium citrate (=SSC) at approximately 45° C., followed by one or more wash steps in 0.2×SSC, 0.1% SDS at 50 to 65° C., for example at 50° C., 55° C. or 60° C. The skilled worker knows that these hybridization conditions differ as a function of the type of the nucleic acid and, for example when organic solvents are present, with regard to the temperature and concentration of the buffer. The temperature under “standard hybridization conditions” differs for example as a function of the type of the nucleic acid between 42° C. and 58° C., preferably between 45° C. and 50° C. in an aqueous buffer with a concentration of 0.1×0.5×, 1×, 2×, 3×, 4× or 5×SSC (pH 7.2). If organic solvent(s) is/are present in the abovementioned buffer, for example 50% formamide, the temperature under standard conditions is approximately 40° C., 42° C. or 45° C. The hybridization conditions for DNA:DNA hybrids are preferably for example 0.1×SSC and 20° C., 25° C., 30° C., 35° C., 40° C. or 45° C., preferably between 30° C. and 45° C. The hybridization conditions for DNA:RNA hybrids are preferably for example 0.1×SSC and 30° C., 35° C., 40° C., 45° C., 50° C. or 55° C., preferably between 45° C. and 55° C. The abovementioned hybridization temperatures are determined for example for a nucleic acid approximately 100 by (=base pairs) in length and a G+C content of 50% in the absence of formamide. The skilled worker knows to determine the hybridization conditions required with the aid of textbooks, for example the ones mentioned above, or from the following textbooks: Sambrook et al., “Molecular Cloning”, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1989; Hames and Higgins (Ed.) 1985, “Nucleic Acids Hybridization: A Practical Approach”, IRL Press at Oxford University Press, Oxford; Brown (Ed.) 1991, “Essential Molecular Biology: A Practical Approach”, IRL Press at Oxford University Press, Oxford.

[0137.0.0.27] A further example of one such stringent hybridization condition is hybridization at 4×SSC at 65° C., followed by a washing in 0.1×SSC at 65° C. for one hour. Alternatively, an exemplary stringent hybridization condition is in 50 formamide, 4×SSC at 42° C. Further, the conditions during the wash step can be selected from the range of conditions delimited by low-stringency conditions (approximately 2×SSC at 50° C.) and high-stringency conditions (approximately 0.2×SSC at 50° C., preferably at 65° C.) (20×SSC: 0.3M sodium citrate, 3M NaCl, pH 7.0). In addition, the temperature during the wash step can be raised from low-stringency conditions at room temperature, approximately 22° C., to higher-stringency conditions at approximately 65° C. Both of the parameters salt concentration and temperature can be varied simultaneously, or else one of the two parameters can be kept constant while only the other is varied. Denaturants, for example formamide or SDS, may also be employed during the hybridization. In the presence of 50% formamide, hybridization is preferably effected at 42° C. Relevant factors like i) length of treatment, ii) salt conditions, iii) detergent conditions, iv) competitor DNAs, v) temperature and vi) probe selection can be combined case by case so that not all possibilities can be mentioned herein.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, Northern blots are prehybridized with Rothi-Hybri-Quick buffer (Roth, Karlsruhe) at 68° C. for 2 h. Hybridization with radioactive labelled probe is done overnight at 68° C. Subsequent washing steps are performed at 68° C. with 1×SSC.

For Southern blot assays the membrane is prehybridized with Rothi-Hybri-Quick buffer (Roth, Karlsruhe) at 68° C. for 2 h. The hybridization with radioactive labelled probe is conducted over night at 68° C. Subsequently the hybridization buffer is discarded and the filter shortly washed using 2×SSC; 0.1% SDS. After discarding the washing buffer new 2×SSC; 0.1% SDS buffer is added and incubated at 68° C. for 15 minutes. This washing step is performed twice followed by an additional washing step using 1×SSC; 0.1% SDS at 68° C. for 10 min.

[0138.0.0.27] Some further examples of conditions for DNA hybridization (Southern blot assays) and wash step are shown herein below:

-   (1) Hybridization conditions can be selected, for example, from the     following conditions: -   a) 4×SSC at 65° C., -   b) 6×SSC at 45° C., -   c) 6×SSC, 100 mg/ml denatured fragmented fish sperm DNA at 68° C., -   d) 6×SSC, 0.5% SDS, 100 mg/ml denatured salmon sperm DNA at 68° C., -   e) 6×SSC, 0.5% SDS, 100 mg/ml denatured fragmented salmon sperm DNA,     50% formamide at 42° C., -   f) 50% formamide, 4×SSC at 42° C., -   g) 50% (vol/vol) formamide, 0.1% bovine serum albumin, 0.1% Ficoll,     0.1% polyvinylpyrrolidone, 50 mM sodium phosphate buffer pH 6.5, 750     mM NaCl, 75 mM sodium citrate at 42° C., -   h) 2× or 4×SSC at 50° C. (low-stringency condition), or -   i) 30 to 40% formamide, 2× or 4×SSC at 42° C. (low-stringency     condition). -   (2) Wash steps can be selected, for example, from the following     conditions: -   a) 0.015 M NaCl/0.0015 M sodium citrate/0.1° C. SDS at 50° C. -   b) 0.1×SSC at 65° C. -   c) 0.1×SSC, 0.5% SDS at 68° C. -   d) 0.1×SSC, 0.5% SDS, 50% formamide at 42° C. -   e) 0.2×SSC, 0.1% SDS at 42° C. -   f) 2×SSC at 65° C. (low-stringency condition).

[0139.0.0.27] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to a sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the methionine increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.27] Further, some applications have to be performed at low stringency hybridisation conditions, without any consequences for the specificity of the hybridisation. For example, a Southern blot analysis of total DNA could be probed with a nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and washed at low stringency (55° C. in 2×SSPE0.1% SDS). The hybridisation analysis could reveal a simple pattern of only genes encoding polypeptides of the present invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. having herein-mentioned activity of increasing the respective fine chemical. A further example of such low-stringent hybridization conditions is 4×SSC at 50° C. or hybridization with 30 to 40% formamide at 42° C. Such molecules comprise those which are fragments, analogues or derivatives of the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention and differ, for example, by way of amino acid and/or nucleotide deletion(s), insertion(s), substitution (s), addition(s) and/or recombination (s) or any other modification(s) known in the art either alone or in combination from the above-described amino acid sequences or their underlying nucleotide sequence(s). However, it is preferred to use high stringency hybridisation conditions.

[0141.0.0.27] Hybridization should advantageously be carried out with fragments of at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 or 40 bp, advantageously at least 50, 60, 70 or 80 bp, preferably at least 90, 100 or 110 bp. Most preferably are fragments of at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 bp. Preferably are also hybridizations with at least 100 by or 200, very especially preferably at least 400 by in length. In an especially preferred embodiment, the hybridization should be carried out with the entire nucleic acid sequence with conditions described above.

[0142.0.0.27] The terms “fragment”, “fragment of a sequence” or “part of a sequence” mean a truncated sequence of the original sequence referred to. The truncated sequence (nucleic acid or protein sequence) can vary widely in length; the minimum size being a sequence of sufficient size to provide a sequence with at least a comparable function and/or activity of the original sequence referred to or hybridising with the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention under stringent conditions, while the maximum size is not critical. In some applications, the maximum size usually is not substantially greater than that required to provide the desired activity and/or function(s) of the original sequence.

[0143.0.0.27] Typically, the truncated amino acid sequence will range from about 5 to about 310 amino acids in length. More typically, however, the sequence will be a maximum of about 250 amino acids in length, preferably a maximum of about 200 or 100 amino acids. It is usually desirable to select sequences of at least about 10, 12 or 15 amino acids, up to a maximum of about 20 or 25 amino acids.

[0144.0.0.27] The term “epitope” relates to specific immunoreactive sites within an antigen, also known as antigenic determinates. These epitopes can be a linear array of monomers in a polymeric composition—such as amino acids in a protein—or consist of or comprise a more complex secondary or tertiary structure. Those of skill will recognize that immunogens (i.e., substances capable of eliciting an immune response) are antigens; however, some antigen, such as haptens, are not immunogens but may be made immunogenic by coupling to a carrier molecule. The term “antigen” includes references to a substance to which an antibody can be generated and/or to which the antibody is specifically immunoreactive.

[0145.0.0.27] In one embodiment the present invention relates to a epitope of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention and conferring above mentioned activity, preferably conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical.

[0146.0.0.27] The term “one or several amino acids” relates to at least one amino acid but not more than that number of amino acids, which would result in a homology of below 50% identity. Preferably, the identity is more than 70% or 80%, more preferred are 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, even more preferred are 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity.

[0147.0.0.27] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7 is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.0.27] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or a functional portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular has the—fine-chemical-increasing activity after increasing its activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequence or its homologs.

[0149.0.0.27] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridises, preferably hybridises under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity and as indicated in indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0149.1.0.27] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, column 3.

[0150.0.0.27] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of methionine if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide sequence of the invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 27, column 7, will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7.

[0151.0.0.27] Primer sets are interchangeable. The person skilled in the art knows to combine said primers to result in the desired product, e.g. in a full-length clone or a partial sequence. Probes based on the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the present invention can be used to detect transcripts or genomic sequences encoding the same or homologous proteins. The probe can further comprise a label group attached thereto, e.g. the label group can be a radioisotope, a fluorescent compound, an enzyme, or an enzyme co-factor. Such probes can be used as a part of a genomic marker test kit for identifying cells which express an polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the present invention, such as by measuring a level of an encoding nucleic acid molecule in a sample of cells, e.g., detecting mRNA levels or determining, whether a genomic gene comprising the sequence of the polynucleotide of the invention or used in the processes of the present invention has been mutated or deleted.

[0152.0.0.27] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular a methionine increasing activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.0.27] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, column 3.

[0154.0.0.27] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.27] Portions of proteins encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention are preferably biologically active, preferably having above-mentioned annotated activity, e.g. conferring a increase the respective fine chemical after increase of activity.

[0156.0.0.27] As mentioned herein, the term “biologically active portion” is intended to include a portion, e.g., a domain/motif, that confers increase of the respective fine chemical or has an immunological activity such that it is binds to an antibody binding specifically to the polypeptide of the present invention or a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention for producing the respective fine chemical;

[0157.0.0.27] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptides comprising the consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or their functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, a consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 27, 7, or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7 or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 27, columns 7, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7,

[0158.0.0.27] In addition, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that DNA sequence polymorphisms that lead to changes in the amino acid sequences may exist within a population. Such genetic polymorphism in the gene encoding the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or comprising the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention may exist among individuals within a population due to natural variation.

[0159.0.0.27] As used herein, the terms “gene” and “recombinant gene” refer to nucleic acid molecules comprising an open reading frame encoding the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or comprising the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or encoding the polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, preferably from a crop plant or from a microorganism useful for the production of respective fine chemicals, in particular for the production of the respective fine chemical. Such natural variations can typically result in 1-5% variance in the nucleotide sequence of the gene. Any and all such nucleotide variations and resulting amino acid polymorphisms in genes encoding a polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or comprising a the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention that are the result of natural variation and that do not alter the functional activity as described are intended to be within the scope of the invention.

[0160.0.0.27] Nucleic acid molecules corresponding to natural variants homologues of a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, which can also be a cDNA, can be isolated based on their homology to the nucleic acid molecules disclosed herein using the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, or a portion thereof, as a hybridization probe according to standard hybridization techniques under stringent hybridization conditions.

[0161.0.0.27] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.27] The term “hybridizes under stringent conditions” is defined above. In one embodiment, the term “hybridizes under stringent conditions” is intended to describe conditions for hybridization and washing under which nucleotide sequences at least 30%, 40%, 50% or 65% identical to each other typically remain hybridized to each other. Preferably, the conditions are such that sequences at least about 70%, more preferably at least about 75% or 80%, and even more preferably at least about 85%, 90% or 95% or more identical to each other typically remain hybridized to each other.

[0163.0.0.27] Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the respective fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of an protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.27] In addition to naturally-occurring variants of the sequences of the polypeptide or nucleic acid molecule of the invention as well as of the polypeptide or nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention that may exist in the population, the skilled artisan will further appreciate that changes can be introduced by mutation into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the present invention, thereby leading to changes in the amino acid sequence of the encoded said polypeptide, without altering the functional ability of the polypeptide, preferably not decreasing said activity.

[0165.0.0.27] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7.

[0166.0.0.27] A “non-essential” amino acid residue is a residue that can be altered from the wild-type sequence of one without altering the activity of said polypeptide, whereas an “essential” amino acid residue is required for an activity as mentioned above, e.g. leading to an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism after an increase of activity of the polypeptide. Other amino acid residues, however, (e.g., those that are not conserved or only semi-conserved in the domain having said activity) may not be essential for activity and thus are likely to be amenable to alteration without altering said activity.

[0167.0.0.27] Further, a person skilled in the art knows that the codon usage between organism can differ. Therefore, he may adapt the codon usage in the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention to the usage of the organism in which the polynucleotide or polypeptide is expressed.

[0168.0.0.27] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7.

[0169.0.0.27] To determine the percentage homology (=identity) of two amino acid sequences or of two nucleic acid molecules, the sequences are written one underneath the other for an optimal comparison (for example gaps may be inserted into the sequence of a protein or of a nucleic acid in order to generate an optimal alignment with the other protein or the other nucleic acid).

[0170.0.0.27] The amino acid residues or nucleic acid molecules at the corresponding amino acid positions or nucleotide positions are then compared. If a position in one sequence is occupied by the same amino acid residue or the same nucleic acid molecule as the corresponding position in the other sequence, the molecules are homologous at this position (i.e. amino acid or nucleic acid “homology” as used in the present context corresponds to amino acid or nucleic acid “identity”. The percentage homology between the two sequences is a function of the number of identical positions shared by the sequences (i.e. % homology=number of identical positions/total number of positions×100). The terms “homology” and “identity” are thus to be considered as synonyms.

[0171.0.0.27] For the determination of the percentage homology (=identity) of two or more amino acids or of two or more nucleotide sequences several computer software programs have been developed. The homology of two or more sequences can be calculated with for example the software fasta, which presently has been used in the version fasta 3 (W. R. Pearson and D. J. Lipman (1988), Improved Tools for Biological Sequence Comparison. PNAS 85:2444-2448; W. R. Pearson (1990) Rapid and Sensitive Sequence Comparison with FASTP and FASTA, Methods in Enzymology 183:63-98; W. R. Pearson and D. J. Lipman (1988) Improved Tools for Biological Sequence Comparison. PNAS 85:2444-2448; W. R. Pearson (1990); Rapid and Sensitive Sequence Comparison with FASTP and FASTA Methods in Enzymology 183:63-98). Another useful program for the calculation of homologies of different sequences is the standard blast program, which is included in the Biomax pedant software (Biomax, Munich, Federal Republic of Germany). This leads unfortunately sometimes to suboptimal results since blast does not always include complete sequences of the subject and the query. Nevertheless as this program is very efficient it can be used for the comparison of a huge number of sequences. The following settings are typically used for such a comparisons of sequences: -p Program Name [String]; -d Database [String]; default=nr; -i Query File [File In]; default=stdin; -e Expectation value (E) [Real]; default=10.0; -m alignment view options: 0=pairwise; 1=query-anchored showing identities; 2=query-anchored no identities; 3=flat query-anchored, show identities; 4=flat query-anchored, no identities; 5=query-anchored no identities and blunt ends; 6=flat query-anchored, no identities and blunt ends; 7=XML Blast output; 8=tabular; 9 tabular with comment lines [Integer]; default=0; -o BLAST report Output File [File Out] Optional; default=stdout; -F Filter query sequence (DUST with blastn, SEG with others) [String]; default=T; -G Cost to open a gap (zero invokes default behavior) [Integer]; default=0; -E Cost to extend a gap (zero invokes default behavior) [Integer]; default=0; -X X dropoff value for gapped alignment (in bits) (zero invokes default behavior); blastn 30, megablast 20, tblastx 0, all others 15 [Integer]; default=0; -I Show GI's in deflines [T/F]; default=F; -q Penalty for a nucleotide mismatch (blastn only) [Integer]; default=−3; -r Reward for a nucleotide match (blastn only) [Integer]; default=1; -v Number of database sequences to show one-line descriptions for (V) [Integer]; default=500; -b Number of database sequence to show alignments for (B) [Integer]; default=250; -f Threshold for extending hits, default if zero; blastp 11, blastn 0, blastx 12, tblastn 13; tblastx 13, megablast 0 [Integer]; default=0; -g Perfom gapped alignment (not available with tblastx) [T/F]; default=T; -Q Query Genetic code to use [Integer]; default=1; -D DB Genetic code (for tblast[nx] only) [Integer]; default=1; -a Number of processors to use [Integer]; default=1; -O SeqAlign file [File Out] Optional; -J Believe the query defline [T/F]; default=F; -M Matrix [String]; default=BLOSUM62; -W Word size, default if zero (blastn 11, megablast 28, all others 3) [Integer]; default=0; -z Effective length of the database (use zero for the real size) [Real]; default=0; -K Number of best hits from a region to keep (off by default, if used a value of 100 is recommended) [Integer]; default=0; -P 0 for multiple hit, 1 for single hit [Integer]; default=0; -Y Effective length of the search space (use zero for the real size) [Real]; default=0; -S Query strands to search against database (for blast[nx], and tblastx); 3 is both, 1 is top, 2 is bottom [Integer]; default=3; -T Produce HTML output [T/F]; default=F; -I Restrict search of database to list of GI's [String] Optional; -U Use lower case filtering of FASTA sequence [T/F] Optional; default=F; -y X dropoff value for ungapped extensions in bits (0.0 invokes default behavior); blastn 20, megablast 10, all others 7 [Real]; default=0.0; -Z X dropoff value for final gapped alignment in bits (0.0 invokes default behavior); blastn/megablast 50, tblastx 0, all others 25 [Integer]; default=0; -R PSI-TBLASTN checkpoint file [File In] Optional; -n MegaBlast search [T/F]; default=F; -L Location on query sequence [String] Optional; -A Multiple Hits window size, default if zero (blastn/megablast 0, all others 40 [Integer]; default=0; -w Frame shift penalty (OOF algorithm for blastx) [Integer]; default=0; -t Length of the largest intron allowed in tblastn for linking HSPs (0 disables linking) [Integer]; default=0.

[0172.0.0.27] Results of high quality are reached by using the algorithm of Needleman and Wunsch or Smith and Waterman. Therefore programs based on said algorithms are preferred. Advantageously the comparisons of sequences can be done with the program PileUp (J. Mol. Evolution., 25, 351-360, 1987, Higgins et al., CABIOS, 5 1989: 151-153) or preferably with the programs Gap and BestFit, which are respectively based on the algorithms of Needleman and Wunsch [J. Mol. Biol. 48; 443-453 (1970)] and Smith and Waterman [Adv. Appl. Math. 2; 482-489 (1981)]. Both programs are part of the GCG software-package [Genetics Computer Group, 575 Science Drive, Madison, Wis., USA 53711 (1991); Altschul et al. (1997) Nucleic Acids Res. 25:3389 et seq.]. Therefore preferably the calculations to determine the percentages of sequence homology are done with the program Gap over the whole range of the sequences. The following standard adjustments for the comparison of nucleic acid sequences were used: gap weight: 50, length weight: 3, average match: 10.000, average mismatch: 0.000.

[0173.0.0.27] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108199 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108199 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.27] In the state of the art, homology between two polypeptides is also understood as meaning the identity of the amino acid sequence over in each case the entire sequence length which is calculated by comparison with the aid of the program algorithm GAP (Wisconsin Package Version 10.0, University of Wisconsin, Genetics Computer Group (GCG), Madison, USA), setting the following parameters:

Gap weight: 8 Length weight: 2 Average match: 2,912 Average mismatch: −2,003

[0175.0.0.27] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108200 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108200 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.0.27] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7.

[0177.0.0.27] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7.

[0178.0.0.27] “Essentially the same properties” of a functional equivalent is above all understood as meaning that the functional equivalent has above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical amount while increasing the amount of protein, activity or function of said functional equivalent in an organism, e.g. a microorganism, a plant or plant or animal tissue, plant or animal cells or a part of the same.

[0179.0.0.27] A nucleic acid molecule encoding a homologous to a protein sequence of as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences for example into sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.27] Preferably, conservative amino acid substitutions are made at one or more predicted non-essential amino acid residues. A “conservative amino acid substitution” is one in which the amino acid residue is replaced with an amino acid residue having a similar side chain. Families of amino acid residues having similar side chains have been defined in the art. These families include amino acids with basic side chains (e.g., lysine, arginine, histidine), acidic side chains (e.g., aspartic acid, glutamic acid), uncharged polar side chains (e.g., glycine, asparagine, glutamine, serine, threonine, tyrosine, cysteine), nonpolar side chains (e.g., alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan), beta-branched side chains (e.g., threonine, valine, isoleucine) and aromatic side chains (e.g., tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, histidine).

[0181.0.0.27] Thus, a predicted nonessential amino acid residue in a polypeptide of the invention or a polypeptide used in the process of the invention is preferably replaced with another amino acid residue from the same family. Alternatively, in another embodiment, mutations can be introduced randomly along all or part of a coding sequence of a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, such as by saturation mutagenesis, and the resultant mutants can be screened for activity described herein to identify mutants that retain or even have increased above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in content of the respective fine chemical.

[0182.0.0.27] Following mutagenesis of one of the sequences shown herein, the encoded protein can be expressed recombinantly and the activity of the protein can be determined using, for example, assays described herein (see Examples).

[0183.0.0.27] The highest homology of the nucleic acid molecule used in the process according to the invention was found for the following database entries by Gap search.

[0184.0.0.27] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7, lines 1 to 5 and/or lines 334 to 338, or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.0.27] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotide sequences not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7.

[0186.0.0.27] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encode a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7.

[0187.0.0.27] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7.

[0188.0.0.27] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, preferably compared to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, column 5, and expressed under identical conditions.

[0189.0.0.27] Homologues of a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or of a derived sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.27] In a further embodiment, the process according to the present invention comprises the following steps:

-   -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing the         polypeptide of this invention;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide in the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutagenized organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism (a) or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         respective fine chemical produced by the selected mutated         organisms or parts thereof.

[0191.0.0.27] The organisms or part thereof produce according to the herein mentioned process of the invention an increased level of free and/or -bound respective fine chemical compared to said control or selected organisms or parts thereof.

[0191.1.0.27] In one embodiment, the organisms or part thereof produce according to the herein mentioned process of the invention an increased level of protein-bound respective fine chemical compared to said control or selected organisms or parts thereof.

[0192.0.0.27] Advantageously the selected organisms are mutagenized according to the invention. According to the invention mutagenesis is any change of the genetic information in the genome of an organism, that means any structural or compositional change in the nucleic acid preferably DNA of an organism that is not caused by normal segregation or genetic recombination processes. Such mutations may occur spontaneously, or may be induced by mutagens as described below. Such change can be induced either randomly or selectively. In both cases the genetic information of the organism is modified. In general this lead to the situation that the activity of the gene product of the relevant genes inside the cells or inside the organism is increased.

[0193.0.0.27] In case of the specific or so called site directed mutagenesis a distinct gene is mutated and thereby its activity and/or the activity or the encoded gene product is repressed, reduced or increased, preferably increased. In the event of a random mutagenesis one or more genes are mutated by chance and their activities and/or the activities of their gene products are repressed, reduced or increased, preferably increased.

[0194.0.0.27] For the purpose of a mutagenesis of a huge population of organisms, such population can be transformed with a DNA construct, which is useful for the activation of as much as possible genes of an organism, preferably all genes. For example the construct can contain a strong promoter or one or more enhancers, which are capable of transcriptionally activate genes in the vicinity of their integration side. With this method it is possible to statistically mutagenize, e.g. activate nearly all genes of an organism by the random integration of an activation construct. Afterwards the skilled worker can identify those mutagenized lines in which a gene of the invention has been activated, which in turns leads to the desired increase in the respective fine chemical production.

[0195.0.0.27] The genes of the invention can also be activated by mutagenesis, either of regulatory or coding regions. In the event of a random mutagenesis a huge number of organisms are treated with a mutagenic agent. The amount of said agent and the intensity of the treatment will be chosen in such a manner that statistically nearly every gene is mutated once. The process for the random mutagenesis as well as the respective agens is well known by the skilled person. Such methods are disclosed for example by A. M. van Harten [(1998), “Mutation breeding: theory and practical applications”, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK], E Friedberg, G Walker, W Siede [(1995), “DNA Repair and Mutagenesis”, Blackwell Publishing], or K. Sankaranarayanan, J. M. Gentile, L. R. Ferguson [(2000) “Protocols in Mutagenesis”, Elsevier Health Sciences]. As the skilled worker knows the spontaneous mutation rate in the cells of an organism is very low and that a large number of chemical, physical or biological agents are available for the mutagenesis of organisms. These agents are named as mutagens or mutagenic agents. As mentioned before three different kinds of mutagens (chemical, physical or biological agents) are available.

[0196.0.0.27] There are different classes of chemical mutagens, which can be separated by their mode of action. For example base analogues such as 5-bromouracil, 2-amino purin. Other chemical mutagens are interacting with the DNA such as sulphuric acid, nitrous acid, hydroxylamine; or other alkylating agents such as monofunctional agents like ethyl methanesulfonate, dimethylsulfate, methyl methanesulfonate), bifunctional like dichloroethyl sulphide, Mitomycin, Nitrosoguanidine-dialkylnitrosamine, N-Nitrosoguanidin derivatives, N-alkyl-N-nitro-N-nitroso-guanidine-), intercalating dyes like Acridine, ethidium bromide).

[0197.0.0.27] Physical mutagens are for example ionizing irradiation (X ray), UV irradiation. Different forms of irradiation are available and they are strong mutagens. Two main classes of irradiation can be distinguished: a) non-ionizing irradiation such as UV light or ionizing irradiation such as X ray. Biological mutagens are for example transposable elements for example IS elements such as IS100, transposons such as Tn5, Tn10, Tn916 or Tn1000 or phages like Muamplac, P1, T5, Aplac etc. Methods for introducing this phage DNA into the appropriate microorganism are well known to the skilled worker (see Microbiology, Third Edition, Eds. Davis, B. D., Dulbecco, R., Eisen, H. N. and Ginsberg, H. S., Harper International Edition, 1980). The common procedure of a transposon mutagenesis is the insertion of a transposable element within a gene or nearby for example in the promotor or terminator region and thereby leading to a loss of the gene function. Procedures to localize the transposon within the genome of the organisms are well known by a person skilled in the art.

[0198.0.0.27] Preferably a chemical or biochemical procedure is used for the mutagenesis of the organisms. A preferred chemical method is the mutagenesis with N-methyl-N-nitro-nitrosoguanidine.

[0199.0.0.27] Other biological method are disclosed by Spee et al. (Nucleic Acids Research, Vol. 21, No. 3, 1993: 777-778). Spee et al. teaches a PCR method using dITP for the random mutagenesis. This method described by Spee et al. was further improved by Rellos et al. (Protein Expr. Purif., 5, 1994: 270-277). The use of an in vitro recombination technique for molecular mutagenesis is described by Stemmer (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, Vol. 91, 1994: 10747-10751). Moore et al. (Nature Biotechnology Vol. 14, 1996: 458-467) describe the combination of the PCR and recombination methods for increasing the enzymatic activity of an esterase toward a para-nitrobenzyl ester. Another route to the mutagenesis of enzymes is described by Greener et al. in Methods in Molecular Biology (Vol. 57, 1996: 375-385). Greener et al. use the specific Escherichia coli strain XL1-Red to generate Escherichia coli mutants which have increased antibiotic resistance.

[0200.0.0.27] In one embodiment, the protein according to the invention or the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein originates from a eukaryotic or prokaryotic organism such as a non-human animal, a plant, a microorganism such as a fungi, a yeast, an alga, a diatom or a bacterium. Nucleic acid molecules, which advantageously can be used in the process of the invention originate from yeasts, for example the family Saccharomycetaceae, in particular the genus Saccharomyces, or yeast genera such as Candida, Hansenula, Pichia, Yarrowia, Rhodotorula or Schizosaccharomyces and the especially advantageous from the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

[0201.0.0.27] In one embodiment, nucleic acid molecules, which advantageously can be used in the process of the invention originate from bacteria, for example from Proteobacteria, in particular from Gammaproteobacteria, more preferred from Enterobacteriales, e.g. from the family Enterobacteriaceae, particularly from genera Escherichia, Salmonella, Klebsiella, advantageously form the species Escherichia coli K12.

[0202.0.0.27] If, in the process according to the invention, plants are selected as the donor organism, this plant may, in principle, be in any phylogenetic relation of the recipient plant. Donor and recipient plant may belong to the same family, genus, species, variety or line, resulting in an increasing homology between the nucleic acids to be integrated and corresponding parts of the genome of the recipient plant. This also applies analogously to microorganisms as donor and recipient organism. It might also be advantageously to use nuclei acids molecules from very distinct species, since these might exhibit reduced sensitivity against endogenous regulatory mechanisms and such sequences might not be recognized by endogenous silencing mechanisms.

[0203.0.0.27] Accordingly, one embodiment of the application relates to the use of nucleic acid molecules in the process of the invention from plants, e.g. crop plants, e.g. from: B. napus; Glycine max; sunflower linseed or maize or their homologues.

[0204.0.0.27] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no.     27, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI,     application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no.     27, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 27,     columns 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domain of a polypeptide as indicated in Table     XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or a     nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature form     of, the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27,     columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     or which encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI,     application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. In     one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not consist of the     sequence shown and indicated in Table XI, application no. 27,     columns 5 or 7: In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule is less     than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence     indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7. In     another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a     polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no.     27, columns 5 or 7. In an other embodiment, the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60%     identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99%     identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 27,     columns 5 or 7. In a further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule     does not encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table XII,     application no. 27, columns 5 or 7. Accordingly, in one embodiment,     the nucleic acid molecule of the differs at least in one or more     residues from a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI,     application no. 27, columns 5 or 7. Accordingly, in one embodiment,     the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention encodes a     polypeptide, which differs at least in one or more amino acids from     a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5     or 7. In another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule indicated in     Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, does not encode a     protein of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 27,     columns 5 or 7. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded     by a sequences of a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does not     consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27,     columns 5 or 7. In a further embodiment, the protein of the present     invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical to a protein     sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7,     and less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%,     more preferably less than 99%, 98%, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a     sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or     7.

[0205.0.0.27] The nucleic acid sequences used in the process are advantageously introduced in a nucleic acid construct, preferably an expression cassette which makes possible the expression of the nucleic acid molecules in an organism, advantageously a plant or a microorganism.

[0206.0.0.27] Accordingly, the invention also relates to an nucleic acid construct, preferably to an expression construct, comprising the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention functionally linked to one or more regulatory elements or signals.

[0207.0.0.27] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes are genes of the amino acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acid metabolism or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.27] In principle, the nucleic acid construct can comprise the herein described regulator sequences and further sequences relevant for the expression of the comprised genes. Thus, the nucleic acid construct of the invention can be used as expression cassette and thus can be used directly for introduction into the plant, or else they may be introduced into a vector. Accordingly in one embodiment the nucleic acid construct is an expression cassette comprising a microorganism promoter or a microorganism terminator or both. In another embodiment the expression cassette encompasses a plant promoter or a plant terminator or both.

[0209.0.0.27] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention comprises the following steps:

-   (a) introducing of a nucleic acid construct comprising the nucleic     acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the     invention or encoding the polypeptide of the present invention or     used in the process of the invention; or -   (b) introducing of a nucleic acid molecule, including regulatory     sequences or factors, which expression increases the expression of     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of     the invention or encoding the polypeptide of the present invention     or used in the process of the invention;     -   in a cell, or an organism or a part thereof, preferably in a         plant, plant cell or a microorganism, and -   (c) expressing of the gene product encoded by the nucleic acid     construct or the nucleic acid molecule mentioned under (a) or (b) in     the cell or the organism.

[0210.0.0.27] After the introduction and expression of the nucleic acid construct the transgenic organism or cell is advantageously cultured and subsequently harvested. The transgenic organism or cell may be a prokaryotic or eukaryotic organism such as a microorganism, a non-human animal and plant for example a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue, preferably a crop plant, or a part thereof.

[0211.0.0.27] To introduce a nucleic acid molecule into a nucleic acid construct, e.g. as part of an expression cassette, the codogenic gene segment is advantageously subjected to an amplification and ligation reaction in the manner known by a skilled person. It is preferred to follow a procedure similar to the protocol for the Pfu DNA polymerase or a Pfu/Taq DNA polymerase mixture. The primers are selected according to the sequence to be amplified. The primers should expediently be chosen in such a way that the amplificate comprise the codogenic sequence from the start to the stop codon. After the amplification, the amplificate is expediently analyzed. For example, the analysis may consider quality and quantity and be carried out following separation by gel electrophoresis. Thereafter, the amplificate can be purified following a standard protocol (for example Qiagen). An aliquot of the purified amplificate is then available for the subsequent cloning step. Suitable cloning vectors are generally known to the skilled worker.

[0212.0.0.27] They include, in particular, vectors which are capable of replication in easy to handle cloning systems like as bacterial yeast or insect cell based (e.g. baculovirus expression) systems, that is to say especially vectors which ensure efficient cloning in E. coli, and which make possible the stable transformation of plants. Vectors, which must be mentioned in particular are various binary and cointegrated vector systems which are suitable for the T-DNA-mediated transformation. Such vector systems are generally characterized in that they contain at least the vir genes, which are required for the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, and the T-DNA border sequences.

[0213.0.0.27] In general, vector systems preferably also comprise further cis-regulatory regions such as promoters and terminators and/or selection markers by means of which suitably transformed organisms can be identified. While vir genes and T-DNA sequences are located on the same vector in the case of cointegrated vector systems, binary systems are based on at least two vectors, one of which bears vir genes, but no T-DNA, while a second one bears T-DNA, but no vir gene. Owing to this fact, the last-mentioned vectors are relatively small, easy to manipulate and capable of replication in E. coli and in Agrobacterium. These binary vectors include vectors from the series pBIB-HYG, pPZP, pBecks, pGreen. Those which are preferably used in accordance with the invention are Bin19, pBI101, pBinAR, pGPTV and pCAMBIA. An overview of binary vectors and their use is given by Hellens et al, Trends in Plant Science (2000) 5, 446-451.

[0214.0.0.27] For a vector preparation, vectors may first be linearized using restriction endonuclease(s) and then be modified enzymatically in a suitable manner. Thereafter, the vector is purified, and an aliquot is employed in the cloning step. In the cloning step, the enzyme-cleaved and, if required, purified amplificate is cloned together with similarly prepared vector fragments, using ligase. In this context, a specific nucleic acid construct, or vector or plasmid construct, may have one or else more codogenic gene segments. The codogenic gene segments in these constructs are preferably linked operably to regulatory sequences. The regulatory sequences include, in particular, plant sequences like the above-described promoters and terminators. The constructs can advantageously be propagated stably in microorganisms, in particular Escherichia coli and/or Agrobacterium tumefaciens, under selective conditions and enable the transfer of heterologous DNA into plants or other microorganisms. In accordance with a particular embodiment, the constructs are based on binary vectors (overview of a binary vector: Hellens et al., 2000). As a rule, they contain prokaryotic regulatory sequences, such as replication origin and selection markers, for the multiplication in microorganisms such as Escherichia coli and Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Vectors can further contain agrobacterial T-DNA sequences for the transfer of DNA into plant genomes or other eukaryotic regulatory sequences for transfer into other eukaryotic cells, e.g. Saccharomyces sp. or other prokaryotic regulatory sequences for the transfer into other prokaryotic cells, e.g. Corynebacterium sp. or Bacillus sp. For the transformation of plants, the right border sequence, which comprises approximately 25 base pairs, of the total agrobacterial T-DNA sequence is advantageously included. Usually, the plant transformation vector constructs according to the invention contain T-DNA sequences both from the right and from the left border region, which contain expedient recognition sites for site-specific acting enzymes which, in turn, are encoded by some of the vir genes.

[0215.0.0.27] Suitable host organisms are known to the skilled worker. Advantageous organisms are described further above in the present application. They include in particular eukaryotes or eubacteria, e.g. prokaryotes or archae bacteria. Advantageously host organisms are microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Actinomycetaceae, Bacillaceae, Brevibacteriaceae, Corynebacteriaceae, Enterobacteriacae, Gordoniaceae, Micrococcaceae, Mycobacteriaceae, Nocardiaceae, Pseudomonaceae, Rhizobiaceae, Streptomycetaceae, Chaetomiaceae, Choanephoraceae, Cryptococcaceae, Cunninghamellaceae, Demetiaceae, Moniliaceae, Mortierellaceae, Mucoraceae, Pythiaceae, Sacharomycetaceae, Saprolegniaceae, Schizosacharomycetaceae, Sodariaceae, Sporobolomycetaceae, Tuberculariaceae, Adelotheciaceae, Dinophyceae, Ditrichaceae and Prasinophyceae. Preferably are unicellular, microorganisms, e.g. fungi, bacteria or protoza, such as fungi like the genus Claviceps or Aspergillus or gram-positive bacteria such as the genera Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Micrococcus, Brevibacterium, Rhodococcus, Nocardia, Caseobacter or Arthrobacter or gram-negative bacteria such as the genera Escherichia, Flavobacterium or Salmonella, or yeasts such as the genera Rhodotorula, Hansenula, Pichia, Yerrowia, Saccharomyces, Schizosaccharomyces or Candida.

[0216.0.0.27] Host organisms which are especially advantageously selected in the process according to the invention are microorganisms selected from the group of the genera and species consisting of Hansenula anomala, Candida utilis, Claviceps purpurea, Bacillus circulans, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus sp., Brevibacterium albidum, Brevibacterium album, Brevibacterium cerinum, Brevibacterium flavum, Brevibacterium glutamigenes, Brevibacterium iodinum, Brevibacterium ketoglutamicum, Brevibacterium lactofermentum, Brevibacterium linens, Brevibacterium roseum, Brevibacterium saccharolyticum, Brevibacterium sp., Corynebacterium acetoacidophilum, Corynebacterium acetoglutamicum, Corynebacterium ammoniagenes, Corynebacterium glutamicum (=Micrococcus glutamicum), Corynebacterium melassecola, Corynebacterium sp. or Escherichia coli, specifically Escherichia coli K12 and its described strains.

[0217.0.0.27] Advantageously preferred in accordance with the invention are host organisms of the genus Agrobacterium tumefaciens or plants. Preferred plants are selected from among the families Aceraceae, Anacardiaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Betulaceae, Boraginaceae, Brassicaceae, Bromeliaceae, Cactaceae, Caricaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Cannabaceae, Convolvulaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Elaeagnaceae, Geraniaceae, Gramineae, Juglandaceae, Lauraceae, Leguminosae, Linaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Cyperaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Nymphaeaceae, Papaveraceae, Rosaceae, Salicaceae, Solanaceae, Arecaceae, Iridaceae, Liliaceae, Orchidaceae, Gentianaceae, Labiaceae, Magnoliaceae, Ranunculaceae, Carifolaceae, Rubiaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Ericaceae, Polygonaceae, Violaceae, Juncaceae, Poaceae, perennial grass, fodder crops, vegetables and ornamentals.

[0218.0.0.27] Especially preferred are plants selected from the groups of the families Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Papaveraceae, Rosaceae, Solanaceae, Liliaceae or Poaceae. Especially advantageous are, in particular, crop plants. Accordingly, an advantageous plant preferably belongs to the group of the genus peanut, oilseed rape, canola, sunflower, safflower, olive, sesame, hazelnut, almond, avocado, bay, pumpkin/squash, linseed, soya, pistachio, borage, maize, wheat, rye, oats, sorghum and millet, triticale, rice, barley, cassava, potato, sugarbeet, fodder beet, egg plant, and perennial grasses and forage plants, oil palm, vegetables (brassicas, root vegetables, tuber vegetables, pod vegetables, fruiting vegetables, onion vegetables, leafy vegetables and stem vegetables), buckwheat, Jerusalem artichoke, broad bean, vetches, lentil, alfalfa, dwarf bean, lupin, clover and lucerne.

[0219.0.0.27] In order to introduce, into a plant, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process according to the invention, it has proved advantageous first to transfer them into an intermediate host, for example a bacterium or a eukaryotic unicellular cell. The transformation into E. coli, which can be carried out in a manner known per se, for example by means of heat shock or electroporation, has proved itself expedient in this context. Thus, the transformed E. coli colonies can be analysed for their cloning efficiency. This can be carried out with the aid of a PCR. Here, not only the identity, but also the integrity, of the plasmid construct can be verified with the aid of a defined colony number by subjecting an aliquot of the colonies to said PCR. As a rule, universal primers which are derived from vector sequences are used for this purpose, it being possible, for example, for a forward primer to be arranged upstream of the start ATG and a reverse primer to be arranged downstream of the stop codon of the codogenic gene segment. The amplificates are separated by electrophoresis and assessed with regard to quantity and quality.

[0220.0.0.27] The nucleic acid constructs, which are optionally verified, are subsequently used for the transformation of the plants or other hosts, e.g. other eukaryotic cells or other prokaryotic cells. To this end, it may first be necessary to obtain the constructs from the intermediate host. For example, the constructs may be obtained as plasmids from bacterial hosts by a method similar to conventional plasmid isolation.

[0221.0.0.27] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process according to the invention can also be introduced into modified viral vectors like baculovirus vectors for expression in insect cells or plant viral vectors like tobacco mosaic virus or potato virus X-based vectors. Approaches leading to the expression of proteins from the modified viral genome including the the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process according to the invention involve for example the inoculation of tobacco plants with infectious RNA transcribed in vitro from a cDNA copy of the recombinant viral genome. Another approach utilizes the transfection of whole plants from wounds inoculated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens containing cDNA copies of recombinant plus-sense RNA viruses. Different vectors and virus are known to the skilled worker for expression in different target eg. production plants.

[0222.0.0.27] A large number of methods for the transformation of plants are known. Since, in accordance with the invention, a stable Xlntegration of heterologous DNA into the genome of plants is advantageous, the T-DNA-mediated transformation has proved expedient in particular. For this purpose, it is first necessary to transform suitable vehicles, in particular agrobacteria, with a codogenic gene segment or the corresponding plasmid construct comprising the nucleic acid molecule of the invention. This can be carried out in a manner known per se. For example, said nucleic acid construct of the invention, or said expression construct or said plasmid construct, which has been generated in accordance with what has been detailed above, can be transformed into competent agrobacteria by means of electroporation or heat shock. In principle, one must differentiate between the formation of cointegrated vectors on the one hand and the transformation with binary vectors on the other hand. In the case of the first alternative, the constructs, which comprise the codogenic gene segment or the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention have no T-DNA sequences, but the formation of the cointegrated vectors or constructs takes place in the agrobacteria by homologous recombination of the construct with T-DNA. The T-DNA is present in the agrobacteria in the form of Ti or Ri plasmids in which exogenous DNA has expediently replaced the oncogenes. If binary vectors are used, they can be transferred to agrobacteria either by bacterial conjugation or by direct transfer. These agrobacteria expediently already comprise the vector bearing the vir genes (currently referred to as helper Ti(Ri) plasmid).

[0223.0.0.27] One or more markers may expediently also be used together with the nucleic acid construct, or the vector of the invention and, if plants or plant cells shall be transformed together with the T-DNA, with the aid of which the isolation or selection of transformed organisms, such as agrobacteria or transformed plant cells, is possible. These marker genes enable the identification of a successful transfer of the nucleic acid molecules according to the invention via a series of different principles, for example via visual identification with the aid of fluorescence, luminescence or in the wavelength range of light which is discernible for the human eye, by a resistance to herbicides or antibiotics, via what are known as nutritive markers (auxotrophism markers) or antinutritive markers, via enzyme assays or via phytohormones. Examples of such markers which may be mentioned are GFP (=green fluorescent protein); the luciferin/luceferase system, the -galactosidase with its colored substrates, for example X-Gal, the herbicide resistances to, for example, imidazolinone, glyphosate, phosphinothricin or sulfonylurea, the antibiotic resistances to, for example, bleomycin, hygromycin, streptomycin, kanamycin, tetracyclin, chloramphenicol, ampicillin, gentamycin, geneticin (G418), spectinomycin or blasticidin, to mention only a few, nutritive markers such as the utilization of mannose or xylose, or antinutritive markers such as the resistance to 2-deoxyglucose. This list is a small number of possible markers. The skilled worker is very familiar with such markers. Different markers are preferred, depending on the organism and the selection method.

[0224.0.0.27] As a rule, it is desired that the plant nucleic acid constructs are flanked by T-DNA at one or both sides of the codogenic gene segment. This is particularly useful when bacteria of the species Agrobacterium tumefaciens or Agrobacterium rhizogenes are used for the transformation. A method, which is preferred in accordance with the invention, is the transformation with the aid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. However, biolistic methods may also be used advantageously for introducing the sequences in the process according to the invention, and the introduction by means of PEG is also possible. The transformed agrobacteria can be grown in the manner known per se and are thus available for the expedient transformation of the plants. The plants or plant parts to be transformed are grown or provided in the customary manner. The transformed agrobacteria are subsequently allowed to act on the plants or plant parts until a sufficient transformation rate is reached. Allowing the agrobacteria to act on the plants or plant parts can take different forms. For example, a culture of morphogenic plant cells or tissue may be used. After the T-DNA transfer, the bacteria are, as a rule, eliminated by antibiotics, and the regeneration of plant tissue is induced. This is done in particular using suitable plant hormones in order to initially induce callus formation and then to promote shoot development.

[0225.0.0.27] The transfer of foreign genes into the genome of a plant is called transformation. In doing this the methods described for the transformation and regeneration of plants from plant tissues or plant cells are utilized for transient or stable transformation. An advantageous transformation method is the transformation in planta. To this end, it is possible, for example, to allow the agrobacteria to act on plant seeds or to inoculate the plant meristem with agrobacteria. It has proved particularly expedient in accordance with the invention to allow a suspension of transformed agrobacteria to act on the intact plant or at least the flower primordia. The plant is subsequently grown on until the seeds of the treated plant are obtained (Clough and Bent, Plant J. (1998) 16, 735-743). To select transformed plants, the plant material obtained in the transformation is, as a rule, subjected to selective conditions so that transformed plants can be distinguished from untransformed plants. For example, the seeds obtained in the above-described manner can be planted and, after an initial growing period, subjected to a suitable selection by spraying. A further possibility consists in growing the seeds, if appropriate after sterilization, on agar plates using a suitable selection agent so that only the transformed seeds can grow into plants. Further advantageous transformation methods, in particular for plants, are known to the skilled worker and are described hereinbelow.

[0226.0.0.27] Further advantageous and suitable methods are protoplast transformation by poly(ethylene glycol)-induced DNA uptake, the “biolistic” method using the gene cannon—referred to as the particle bombardment method, electroporation, the incubation of dry embryos in DNA solution, microinjection and gene transfer mediated by Agrobacterium. Said methods are described by way of example in B. Jenes et al., Techniques for Gene Transfer, in: Transgenic Plants, Vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, eds. S. D. Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press (1993) 128-143 and in Potrykus Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Molec. Biol. 42 (1991) 205-225). The nucleic acids or the construct to be expressed is preferably cloned into a vector, which is suitable for transforming Agrobacterium tumefaciens, for example pBin19 (Bevan et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 12 (1984) 8711). Agrobacteria transformed by such a vector can then be used in known manner for the transformation of plants, in particular of crop plants such as by way of example tobacco plants, for example by bathing bruised leaves or chopped leaves in an agrobacterial solution and then culturing them in suitable media. The transformation of plants by means of Agrobacterium tumefaciens is described, for example, by Höfgen and Willmitzer in Nucl. Acid Res. (1988) 16, 9877 or is known inter alia from F. F. White, Vectors for Gene Transfer in Higher Plants; in Transgenic Plants, Vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, eds. S. D. Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press, 1993, pp. 15-38.

[0227.0.0.27] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the amino acid biosynthetic pathway such as for L-lysine, L-threonine and/or L-methionine is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.0.27] In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore, organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of at least one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteins involved in the amino acid metabolism, in particular in amino acid synthesis.

[0229.0.0.27] A further advantageous nucleic acid sequence which can be expressed in combination with the sequences used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes is the sequence of the ATP/ADP translocator as described in WO 01/20009. This ATP/ADP translocator leads to an increased synthesis of the essential amino acids lysine and/or methionine. Furthermore, an advantageous nucleic acid sequence coexpressed can be threonine adlolase and/or lysine decarboxylase as described in the state of the art.

[0230.0.0.27] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously at least one of the aforementioned genes or one of the aforementioned nucleic acids is mutated so that the activity of the corresponding proteins is influenced by metabolites to a smaller extent compared with the unmutated proteins, or not at all, and that in particular the production according to the invention of the respective fine chemical is not impaired, or so that their specific enzymatic activity is increased. Less influence means in this connection that the regulation of the enzymic activity is less by at least 10%, advantageously at least 20, 30 or 40%, particularly advantageously by at least 50, 60, 70, 80 or 90%, compared with the starting organism, and thus the activity of the enzyme is increased by these figures mentioned compared with the starting organism. An increase in the enzymatic activity means an enzymatic activity which is increased by at least 10%, advantageously at least 20, 30, 40 or 50%, particularly advantageously by at least 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 300, 500 or 1000%, compared with the starting organism. This leads to an increased productivity of the desired respective fine chemical or of the desired respective fine chemicals.

[0231.0.0.27] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a methionine degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.27] In another embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously at least one of the aforementioned nucleic acids or of the aforementioned genes is mutated in such a way that the enzymatic activity of the corresponding protein is partially reduced or completely blocked. A reduction in the enzymatic activity means an enzymatic activity, which is reduced by at least 10%, advantageously at least 20, 30 or 40%, particularly advantageously by at least 50, 60 or 70%, preferably more, compared with the starting organism.

[0233.0.0.27] If it is intended to transform the host cell, in particular the plant cell, with several constructs or vectors, the marker of a preceding transformation must be removed or a further marker employed in a following transformation. The markers can be removed from the host cell, in particular the plant cell, as described hereinbelow via methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. In particular plants without a marker, in particular without resistance to antibiotics, are an especially preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0234.0.0.27] In the process according to the invention, the nucleic acid sequences used in the process according to the invention are advantageously linked operably to one or more regulatory signals in order to increase gene expression. These regulatory sequences are intended to enable the specific expression of the genes and the expression of protein. Depending on the host organism for example plant or microorganism, this may mean, for example, that the gene is expressed and/or overexpressed after induction only, or that it is expressed and/or overexpressed constitutively. These regulatory sequences are, for example, sequences to which the inductors or repressors bind and which thus regulate the expression of the nucleic acid. In addition to these novel regulatory sequences, or instead of these sequences, the natural regulation of these sequences may still be present before the actual structural genes and, if appropriate, may have been genetically modified so that the natural regulation has been switched off and gene expression has been increased. However, the nucleic acid construct of the invention suitable as expression cassette (=expression construct=gene construct) can also be simpler in construction, that is to say no additional regulatory signals have been inserted before the nucleic acid sequence or its derivatives, and the natural promoter together with its regulation has not been removed. Instead, the natural regulatory sequence has been mutated in such a way that regulation no longer takes place and/or gene expression is increased. These modified promoters can also be introduced on their own before the natural gene in the form of part sequences (=promoter with parts of the nucleic acid sequences according to the invention) in order to increase the activity. Moreover, the gene construct can advantageously also comprise one or more of what are known as enhancer sequences in operable linkage with the promoter, and these enable an increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence. Also, it is possible to insert additional advantageous sequences at the 3′ end of the DNA sequences, such as, for example, further regulatory elements or terminators.

[0235.0.0.27] The nucleic acid molecules, which encode proteins according to the invention and nucleic acid molecules, which encode other polypeptides may be present in one nucleic acid construct or vector or in several ones. Advantageously, only one copy of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or its encoding genes is present in the nucleic acid construct or vector. Several vectors or nucleic acid construct or vector can be expressed together in the host organism. The nucleic acid molecule or the nucleic acid construct or vectoraccording to the invention can be inserted in a vector and be present in the cell in a free form. If a stable transformation is preferred, a vector is used, which is stably duplicated over several generations or which is else be inserted into the genome. In the case of plants, integration into the plastid genome or, in particular, into the nuclear genome may have taken place. For the insertion of more than one gene in the host genome the genes to be expressed are present together in one gene construct, for example in above-described vectors bearing a plurality of genes.

[0236.0.0.27] As a rule, regulatory sequences for the expression rate of a gene are located upstream (5′), within, and/or downstream (3′) relative to to the coding sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or another codogenic gene segment. They control in particular transcription and/or translation and/or the transcript stability. The expression level is dependent on the conjunction of further cellular regulatory systems, such as the protein biosynthesis and degradation systems of the cell.

[0237.0.0.27] Regulatory sequences include transcription and translation regulating sequences or signals, e.g. sequences located upstream (5′), which concern in particular the regulation of transcription or translation initiation, such as promoters or start codons, and sequences located downstream (3′), which concern in particular the regulation of transcription or translation termination and transcript stability, such as polyadenylation signals or stop codons. Regulatory sequences can also be present in transcribed coding regions as well in transcribed non-coding regions, e.g. in introns, as for example splicing sites. Promoters for the regulation of expression of the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention in a cell and which can be employed are, in principle, all those which are capable of stimulating the transcription of genes in the organisms in question, such as microorganisms or plants. Suitable promoters, which are functional in these organisms are generally known. They may take the form of constitutive or inducible promoters. Suitable promoters can enable the development- and/or tissue-specific expression in multi-celled eukaryotes; thus, leaf-, root-, flower-, seed-, stomata-, tuber- or fruit-specific promoters may advantageously be used in plants.

[0238.0.0.27] The regulatory sequences or factors can, as described above, have a positive effect on, the expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing their expression. Thus, an enhancement of the expression can advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as strong promoters and/or strong enhancers. In addition, enhancement of expression on the translational level is also possible, for example by introducing translation enhancer sequences, e.g., the enhancer e.g. improving the ribosomal binding to the transcript, or by increasing the stability of the mRNA, e.g. by replacing the 3′UTR coding region by a region encoding a 3′UTR known as conferring an high stability of the transcript or by stabilization of the transcript through the elimination of transcript instability, so that the mRNA molecule is translated more often than the wild type. For example in plants AU-rich elements (AREs) and DST (downstream) elements destabilized transcripts. Mutagenesis studies have demonstrated that residues within two of the conserved domains, the ATAGAT and the GTA regions, are necessary for instability function. Therefore removal or mutation of such elements would obviously lead to more stable transcripts, higher transcript rates and higher protein activity. Translation enhancers are also the “overdrive sequence”, which comprises the tobacco mosaic virus 5′-untranslated leader sequence and which increases the protein/RNA ratio (Gallie et al., 1987, Nucl. Acids Research 15:8693-8711)

Enhancers are generally defined as cis active elements, which can stimulate gene transcription independent of position and orientation. Different enhancers have been identified in plants, which can either stimulate transcription constitutively or tissue or stimuli specific. Well known examples for constitutive enhancers are the enhancer from the 35S promoter (Odell et al., 1985, Nature 313:810-812) or the ocs enhancer (Fromm et al., 1989, Plant Cell 1: 977:984) Another examples are the G-Box motif tetramer which confers high-level constitutive expression in dicot and monocot plants (Ishige et al., 1999, Plant Journal, 18, 443-448) or the petE, a A/T-rich sequence which act as quantitative enhancers of gene expression in transgenic tobacco and potato plants (Sandhu et al., 1998; Plant Mol Biol. 37(5):885-96). Beside that, a large variety of cis-active elements have been described which contribute to specific expression pattern, like organ specific expression or induced expression in response to biotic or abiotic stress. Examples are elements which provide pathogen or wound-induced expression (Rushton, 2002, Plant Cell, 14, 749-762) or guard cell-specific expression (Plesch, 2001, Plant Journal 28, 455-464).

[0239.0.0.27] Advantageous regulatory sequences for the expression of the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention in microorganisms are present for example in promoters such as the cos, tac, rha, trp, tet, trp-tet, lpp, lac, lpp-lac, lacr T7, T5, T3, gal, trc, ara, SP6, λ-P_(R) or λ-P_(L) promoter, which are advantageously used in Gram-negative bacteria. Further advantageous regulatory sequences are present for example in the Gram-positive promoters amy, dnaK, xylS and SPO2, in the yeast or fungal promoters ADC1, MFα, AC, P-60, UASH, MCB, PHO, CYC1, GAPDH, TEF, rp28, ADH. Promoters, which are particularly advantageous, are constitutive, tissue or compartment specific and inducible promoters. In general, “promoter” is understood as meaning, in the present context, a regulatory sequence in a nucleic acid molecule, which mediates the expression of a coding sequence segment of a nucleic acid molecule. In general, the promoter is located upstream to the coding sequence segment. Some elements, for example expression-enhancing elements such as enhancer may, however, also be located downstream or even in the transcribed region.

[0240.0.0.27] In principle, it is possible to use natural promoters together with their regulatory sequences, such as those mentioned above, for the novel process. It is also possible advantageously to use synthetic promoters, either additionally or alone, in particular when they mediate seed-specific expression such as described in, for example, WO 99/16890.

[0241.0.0.27] The expression of the nucleic acid molecules used in the process may be desired alone or in combination with other genes or nucleic acids. Multiple nucleic acid molecules conferring the expression of advantageous genes can be introduced via the simultaneous transformation of several individual suitable nucleic acid constructs, i.e. expression constructs, or, preferably, by combining several expression cassettes on one construct. It is also possible to transform several vectors with in each case several expression cassettes stepwise into the recipient organisms.

[0242.0.0.27] As described above the transcription of the genes introduced should advantageously be terminated by suitable terminators at the 3′ end of the biosynthesis genes introduced (behind the stop codon). A terminator, which may be used for this purpose is, for example, the OCS1 terminator, the nos3 terminator or the 35S terminator. As is the case with the promoters, different terminator sequences should be used for each gene. Terminators, which are useful in microorganism are for example the fimA terminator, txn terminator or trp terminator. Such terminators can be rho-dependent or rho-independent.

[0243.0.0.27] Different plant promoters such as, for example, the USP, the LegB4-, the DC3 promoter or the ubiquitin promoter from parsley or other herein mentioned promoter and different terminators may advantageously be used in the nucleic acid construct.

[0244.0.0.27] In order to ensure the stable Xlntegration, into the transgenic plant, of nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention in combination with further biosynthesis genes over a plurality of generations, each of the coding regions used in the process should be expressed under the control of its own, preferably unique, promoter since repeating sequence motifs may lead to recombination events or to silencing or, in plants, to instability of the T-DNA.

[0245.0.0.27] The nucleic acid construct is advantageously constructed in such a way that a promoter is followed by a suitable cleavage site for insertion of the nucleic acid to be expressed, advantageously in a polylinker, followed, if appropriate, by a terminator located behind the polylinker. If appropriate, this order is repeated several times so that several genes are combined in one construct and thus can be introduced into the transgenic plant in order to be expressed. The sequence is advantageously repeated up to three times. For the expression, the nucleic acid sequences are inserted via the suitable cleavage site, for example in the polylinker behind the promoter. It is advantageous for each nucleic acid sequence to have its own promoter and, if appropriate, its own terminator, as mentioned above. However, it is also possible to insert several nucleic acid sequences behind a promoter and, if appropriate, before a terminator if a polycistronic transcription is possible in the host or target cells. In this context, the insertion site, or the sequence of the nucleic acid molecules inserted, in the nucleic acid construct is not decisive, that is to say a nucleic acid molecule can be inserted in the first or last position in the cassette without this having a substantial effect on the expression. However, it is also possible to use only one promoter type in the construct. However, this may lead to undesired recombination events or silencing effects, as said.

[0246.0.0.27] Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid construct according to the invention confers expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, and, optionally further genes, in a plant and comprises one or more plant regulatory elements. Said nucleic acid construct according to the invention advantageously encompasses a plant promoter or a plant terminator or a plant promoter and a plant terminator.

[0247.0.0.27] A “plant” promoter comprises regulatory elements, which mediate the expression of a coding sequence segment in plant cells. Accordingly, a plant promoter need not be of plant origin, but may originate from viruses or microorganisms, in particular for example from viruses which attack plant cells.

[0248.0.0.27] The plant promoter can also originates from a plant cell, e.g. from the plant, which is transformed with the nucleic acid construct or vector as described herein.

This also applies to other “plant” regulatory signals, for example in “plant” terminators.

[0249.0.0.27] A nucleic acid construct suitable for plant expression preferably comprises regulatory elements which are capable of controlling the expression of genes in plant cells and which are operably linked so that each sequence can fulfill its function. Accordingly, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise transcription terminators. Examples for transcriptional termination arepolyadenylation signals. Preferred polyadenylation signals are those which originate from Agrobacterium tumefaciens T-DNA, such as the gene 3 of the Ti plasmid pTiACH5, which is known as octopine synthase (Gielen et al., EMBO J. 3 (1984) 835 et seq.) or functional equivalents thereof, but all the other terminators which are functionally active in plants are also suitable.

[0250.0.0.27] The nucleic acid construct suitable for plant expression preferably also comprises other operably linked regulatory elements such as translation enhancers, for example the overdrive sequence, which comprises the tobacco mosaic virus 5′-untranslated leader sequence, which increases the protein/RNA ratio (Gallie et al., 1987, Nucl. Acids Research 15:8693-8711).

[0251.0.0.27] Other preferred sequences for use in operable linkage in gene expression constructs are targeting sequences, which are required for targeting the gene product into specific cell compartments (for a review, see Kermode, Crit. Rev. Plant Sci. 15, 4 (1996) 285-423 and references cited therein), for example into the vacuole, the nucleus, all types of plastids, such as amyloplasts, chloroplasts, chromoplasts, the extracellular space, the mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum, elaioplasts, peroxisomes, glycosomes, and other compartments of cells or extracellular. Sequences, which must be mentioned in this context are, in particular, the signal-peptide- or transit-peptide-encoding sequences which are known per se. For example, plastid-transit-peptide-encoding sequences enable the targeting of the expression product into the plastids of a plant cellTargeting sequences are also known for eukaryotic and to a lower extent for prokaryotic organisms and can advantageously be operable linked with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention to achieve an expression in one of said compartments or extracellular.

[0252.0.0.27] For expression in plants, the nucleic acid molecule must, as described above, be linked operably to or comprise a suitable promoter which expresses the gene at the right point in time and in a cell- or tissue-specific manner. Usable promoters are constitutive promoters (Benfey et al., EMBO J. 8 (1989) 2195-2202), such as those which originate from plant viruses, such as 35S CAMV (Franck et al., Cell 21 (1980) 285-294), 19S CaMV (see also U.S. Pat. No. 5,352,605 and WO 84/02913), 34S FMV (Sanger et al., Plant. Mol. Biol., 14, 1990: 433-443), the parsley ubiquitin promoter, or plant promoters such as the Rubisco small subunit promoter described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,028 or the plant promoters PRP1 [Ward et al., Plant. Mol. Biol. 22 (1993)], SSU, PGEL1, OCS [Leisner (1988) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 85(5):2553-2557], lib4, usp, mas [Comai (1990) Plant Mol Biol 15 (3):373-381], STLS1, ScBV (Schenk (1999) Plant Mol Biol 39(6):1221-1230), B33, SAD1 or SAD2 (flax promoters, Jain et al., Crop Science, 39 (6), 1999: 1696-1701) or nos [Shaw et al. (1984) Nucleic Acids Res. 12(20):7831-7846]. Stable, constitutive expression of the proteins according to the invention a plant can be advantageous. However, inducible expression of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention is advantageous, if a late expression before the harvest is of advantage, as metabolic manipulation may lead to a plant growth retardation.

[0253.0.0.27] The expression of plant genes can also be facilitated as described above via a chemical inducible promoter (for a review, see Gatz 1997, Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Mol. Biol., 48:89-108). Chemically inducible promoters are particularly suitable when it is desired to express the gene in a time-specific manner. Examples of such promoters are a salicylic acid inducible promoter (WO 95/19443), and abscisic acid-inducible promoter (EP 335 528), a tetracyclin-inducible promoter (Gatz et al. (1992) Plant J. 2, 397-404), a cyclohexanol- or ethanol-inducible promoter (WO 93/21334) or others as described herein.

[0254.0.0.27] Other suitable promoters are those which react to biotic or abiotic stress conditions, for example the pathogen-induced PRP1 gene promoter (Ward et al., Plant. Mol. Biol. 22 (1993) 361-366), the tomato heat-inducible hsp80 promoter (U.S. Pat. No. 5,187,267), the potato chill-inducible alpha-amylase promoter (WO 96/12814) or the wound-inducible pinll promoter (EP-A-0 375 091) or others as described herein.

[0255.0.0.27] Preferred promoters are in particular those which bring about gene expression in tissues and organs in which the biosynthesis of amino acids takes place, in seed cells, such as endosperm cells and cells of the developing embryo. Suitable promoters are the oilseed rape napin gene promoter (U.S. Pat. No. 5,608,152), the Vicia faba USP promoter (Baeumlein et al., Mol Gen Genet, 1991, 225 (3):459-67), the Arabidopsis oleosin promoter (WO 98/45461), the Phaseolus vulgaris phaseolin promoter (U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,200), the Brassica Bce4 promoter (WO 91/13980), the bean arcs promoter, the carrot DcG3 promoter, or the Legumin B4 promoter (LeB4; Baeumlein et al., 1992, Plant Journal, 2 (2):233-9), and promoters which bring about the seed-specific expression in monocotyledonous plants such as maize, barley, wheat, rye, rice and the like. Advantageous seed-specific promoters are the sucrose binding protein promoter (WO 00/26388), the phaseolin promoter and the napin promoter. Suitable promoters which must be considered are the barley Ipt2 or Ipt1 gene promoter (WO 95/15389 and WO 95/23230), and the promoters described in WO 99/16890 (promoters from the barley hordein gene, the rice glutelin gene, the rice oryzin gene, the rice prolamin gene, the wheat gliadin gene, the wheat glutelin gene, the maize zein gene, the oat glutelin gene, the sorghum kasirin gene and the rye secalin gene). Further suitable promoters are Amy32b, Amy 6-6 and Aleurain [U.S. Pat. No. 5,677,474], Bce4 (oilseed rape) [U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,149], glycinin (soya) [EP 571 741], phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (soya) [JP 06/62870], ADR12-2 (soya) [WO 98/08962], isocitrate lyase (oilseed rape) [U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,040] or α-amylase (barley) [EP 781 849]. Other promoters which are available for the expression of genes in plants are leaf-specific promoters such as those described in DE-A 19644478 or light-regulated promoters such as, for example, the pea petE promoter.

[0256.0.0.27] Further suitable plant promoters are the cytosolic FBPase promoter or the potato ST-LSI promoter (Stockhaus et al., EMBO J. 8, 1989, 2445), the Glycine max phosphoribosylpyrophosphate amidotransferase promoter (GenBank Accession No. U87999) or the node-specific promoter described in EP-A-0 249 676.

[0257.0.0.27] Other promoters, which are particularly suitable, are those which bring about plastid-specific expression. Suitable promoters such as the viral RNA polymerase promoter are described in WO 95/16783 and WO 97/06250, and the Arabidopsis clpP promoter, which is described in WO 99/46394.

[0258.0.0.27] Other promoters, which are used for the strong expression of heterologous sequences in as many tissues as possible, in particular also in leaves, are, in addition to several of the abovementioned viral and bacterial promoters, preferably, plant promoters of actin or ubiquitin genes such as, for example, the rice actin1 promoter. Further examples of constitutive plant promoters are the sugarbeet V-ATPase promoters (WO 01/14572). Examples of synthetic constitutive promoters are the Super promoter (WO 95/14098) and promoters derived from G-boxes (WO 94/12015). If appropriate, chemical inducible promoters may furthermore also be used, compare EP-A 388186, EP-A 335528, WO 97/06268.

[0259.0.0.27] As already mentioned herein, further regulatory sequences, which may be expedient, if appropriate, also include sequences, which target the transport and/or the localization of the expression products. Sequences, which must be mentioned in this context are, in particular, the signal-peptide- or transit-peptide-encoding sequences which are known per se. For example, plastid-transit-peptide-encoding sequences enable the targeting of the expression product into the plastids of a plant cell.

[0260.0.0.27] Preferred recipient plants are, as described above, in particular those plants, which can be transformed in a suitable manner. These include monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. Plants which must be mentioned in particular are agriculturally useful plants such as cereals and grasses, for example Triticum spp., Zea mays, Hordeum vulgare, oats, Secale cereale, Oryza sativa, Pennisetum glaucum, Sorghum bicolor, Triticale, Agrostis spp., Cenchrus ciliaris, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca arundinacea, Lolium spp., Medicago spp. and Saccharum spp., legumes and oil crops, for example Brassica juncea, Brassica napus, Glycine max, Arachis hypogaea, Gossypium hirsutum, Cicer arietinum, Helianthus annuus, Lens culinaris, Linum usitatissimum, Sinapis alba, Trifolium repens and Vicia narbonensis, vegetables and fruits, for example bananas, grapes, Lycopersicon esculentum, asparagus, cabbage, watermelons, kiwi fruit, Solanum tuberosum, Beta vulgaris, cassava and chicory, trees, for example Coffea species, Citrus spp., Eucalyptus spp., Picea spp., Pinus spp. and Populus spp., medicinal plants and trees, and flowers.

[0261.0.0.27] One embodiment of the present invention also relates to a method for generating a vector, which comprises the insertion, into a vector, of the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein, the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention or the expression cassette according to the invention. The vector can, for example, be introduced in to a cell, e.g. a microorganism or a plant cell, as described herein for the nucleic acid construct, or below under transformation or transfection or shown in the examples. A transient or stable transformation of the host or target cell is possible, however, a stable transformation is preferred. The vector according to the invention is preferably a vector, which is suitable for expressing the polypeptide according to the invention in a plant. The method can thus also encompass one or more steps for integrating regulatory signals into the vector, in particular signals, which mediate the expression in microorganisms or plants.

[0262.0.0.27] Accordingly, the present invention also relates to a vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein as part of a nucleic acid construct suitable for plant expression or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention.

[0263.0.0.27] The advantageous vectors of the inventioncomprise the nucleic acid molecules which encode proteins according to the invention, nucleic acid molecules which are used in the process, or nucleic acid construct suitable for plant expression comprising the nucleic acid molecules used, either alone or in combination with further genes such as the biosynthesis or regulatory genes of the respective fine chemical metabolism e.g. with the genes mentioned herein above. In accordance with the invention, the term “vector” refers to a nucleic acid molecule, which is capable of transporting another nucleic acid to which it is linked. One type of vector is a “plasmid”, which means a circular double-stranded DNA loop into which additional DNA segments can be ligated. A further type of vector is a viral vector, it being possible to ligate additional nucleic acids segments into the viral genome. Certain vectors are capable of autonomous replication in a host cell into which they have been introduced (for example bacterial vectors with bacterial replication origin). Other preferred vectors are advantageously completely or partly integrated into the genome of a host cell when they are introduced into the host cell and thus replicate together with the host genome. Moreover, certain vectors are capable of controlling the expression of genes with which they are in operable linkage. In the present context, these vectors are referred to as “expression vectors”. As mentioned above, they are capable of autonomous replication or may be integrated partly or completely into the host genome. Expression vectors, which are suitable for DNA recombination techniques usually take the form of plasmids. In the present description, “plasmid” and “vector” can be used interchangeably since the plasmid is the most frequently used form of a vector. However, the invention is also intended to encompass these other forms of expression vectors, such as viral vectors, which exert similar functions. The term vector is furthermore also to encompass other vectors which are known to the skilled worker, such as phages, viruses such as SV40, CMV, TMV, transposons, IS elements, phasmids, phagemids, cosmids, and linear or circular DNA.

[0264.0.0.27] The recombinant expression vectors which are advantageously used in the process comprise the nucleic acid molecules according to the invention or the nucleic acid construct according to the invention in a form which is suitable for expressing, in a host cell, the nucleic acid molecules according to the invention or described herein. Accordingly, the the recombinant expression vectors comprise one or more regulatory signals selected on the basis of the host cells to be used for the expression, in operable linkage with the nucleic acid sequence to be expressed.

[0265.0.0.27] In a recombinant expression vector, “operable linkage” means that the nucleic acid molecule of interest is linked to the regulatory signals in such a way that expression of the nucleic acid molecule is possible: they are linked to one another in such a way that the two sequences fulfill the predicted function assigned to the sequence (for example in an in-vitro transcription/translation system, or in a host cell if the vector is introduced into the host cell).

[0266.0.0.27] The term “regulatory sequence” is intended to comprise promoters, enhancers and other expression control elements (for example polyadenylation signals These regulatory sequences are described, for example, in Goeddel: Gene Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990), or see: Gruber and Crosby, in: Methods in Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnolgy, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla., Ed.: Glick and Thompson, chapter 7, 89-108, including the references cited therein. Regulatory sequences encompass those, which control the constitutive expression of a nucleotide sequence in many types of host cells and those which control the direct expression of the nucleotide sequence in specific host cells only, and under specific conditions. The skilled worker knows that the design of the expression vector may depend on factors such as the selection of the host cell to be transformed, the extent to which the desired protein is expressed, and the like. A preferred selection of regulatory sequences is described above, for example promoters, terminators, enhancers and the like. The term regulatory sequence is to be considered as being encompassed by the term regulatory signal. Several advantageous regulatory sequences, in particular promoters and terminators are described above. In general, the regulatory sequences described as advantageous for nucleic acid construct suitable for expression are also applicable for vectors.

[0267.0.0.27] The recombinant expression vectors used can be designed specifically for the expression, in prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic cells, of nucleic acid molecules used in the process. This is advantageous since intermediate steps of the vector construction are frequently carried out in microorganisms for the sake of simplicity. For example, the genes according to the invention and other genes can be expressed in bacterial cells, insect cells (using baculovirus expression vectors), yeast cells and other fungal cells [Romanos (1992), Yeast 8:423-488; van den Hondel, (1991), in: More Gene Manipulations in Fungi, J. W. Bennet & L. L. Lasure, Ed., pp. 396-428: Academic Press: San Diego; and van den Hondel, C. A. M. J. J. (1991), in: Applied Molecular Genetics of Fungi, Peberdy, J. F., et al., Ed., pp. 1-28, Cambridge University Press: Cambridge], algae [Falciatore et al., 1999, Marine Biotechnology. 1, 3:239-251] using vectors and following a transformation method as described in WO 98/01572, and preferably in cells of multi-celled plants [see Schmidt, R. and Willmitzer, L. (1988) Plant Cell Rep.:583-586; Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, C Press, Boca Raton, Fla., chapter 6/7, pp. 71-119 (1993); F. F. White, in: Transgenic Plants, Bd. 1, Engineering and Utilization, Ed.: Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press (1993), 128-43; Potrykus, Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Molec. Biol. 42 (1991), 205-225 (and references cited therein)]. Suitable host cells are furthermore discussed in Goeddel, Gene Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990). As an alternative, the sequence of the recombinant expression vector can be transcribed and translated in vitro, for example using T7 promotor-regulatory sequences and T7 polymerase.

[0268.0.0.27] Proteins can be expressed in prokaryotes using vectors comprising constitutive or inducible promoters, which control the expression of fusion proteins or nonfusion proteins. Typical fusion expression vectors are, inter alia, pGEX (Pharmacia

Biotech Inc; Smith, D. B., and Johnson, K. S. (1988) Gene 67:31-40), pMAL (New England Biolabs, Beverly, Mass.) and pRIT5 (Pharmacia, Piscataway, N.J.), in which glutathione-S-transferase (GST), maltose-E-binding protein or protein A is fused with the recombinant target protein. Examples of suitable Xlnducible nonfusion E. coli expression vectors are, inter alia, pTrc (Amann et al. (1988) Gene 69:301-315) and pET 11d [Studier et al., Gene Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990) 60-89]. The target gene expression of the pTrc vector is based on the transcription of a hybrid trp-lac fusion promoter by the host RNA polymerase. The target gene expression from the pET 11d vector is based on the transcription of a T7-gn10-lac fusion promoter, which is mediated by a coexpressed viral RNA polymerase (T7 gn1). This viral polymerase is provided by the host strains BL21 (DE3) or HMS174 (DE3) by a resident A-prophage which harbors a T7 gn1 gene under the transcriptional control of the lacUV 5 promoter.

[0269.0.0.27] Other vectors which are suitable Xln prokaryotic organisms are known to the skilled worker; these vectors are for example in E. coli pLG338, pACYC184, the pBR series, such as pBR322, the pUC series such as pUC18 or pUC19, the M113mp series, pKC30, pRep4, pHS1, pHS2, pPLc236, pMBL24, pLG200, pUR290, pIN-111113-B1, λgt11 or pBdCI, in Streptomyces pIJ101, pIJ364, pIJ702 or pIJ361, in Bacillus pUB110, pC194 or pBD214, in Corynebacterium pSA77 or pAJ667.

[0270.0.0.27] In a further embodiment, the expression vector is a yeast expression vector. Examples of vectors for expression in the yeasts S. cerevisiae encompass pYeDesaturasec1 (Baldari et al. (1987) Embo J. 6:229-234), pMFa (Kurjan and Herskowitz (1982) Cell 30:933-943), pJRY88 (Schultz et al. (1987) Gene 54:113-123) and pYES2 (Invitrogen Corporation, San Diego, Calif.). Vectors and methods for the construction of vectors which are suitable for use in other fungi, such as the filamentous fungi, encompass those which are described in detail in: van den Hondel, C. A. M. J. J. [(1991), J. F. Peberdy, Ed., pp. 1-28, Cambridge University Press: Cambridge; or in: More Gene Manipulations in Fungi; J. W. Bennet & L. L. Lasure, Ed., pp. 396-428: Academic Press: San Diego]. Examples of other suitable yeast vectors are 2 μM, pAG-1, YEp6, YEp13 or pEMBLYe23.

[0271.0.0.27] Further vectors, which may be mentioned by way of example, are pALS1, plL2 or pBB116 in fungi or pLGV23, pGHlac+, pBIN19, pAK2004 or pDH51 in plants.

[0272.0.0.27] As an alternative, the nucleic acid sequences can be expressed in insect cells using baculovirus expression vectors. Baculovirus vectors, which are available for expressing proteins in cultured insect cells (for example Sf9 cells) encompass the pAc series (Smith et al. (1983) Mol. Cell Biol. 3:2156-2165) and the pVL series (Lucklow and Summers (1989) Virology 170:31-39).

[0273.0.0.27] The abovementioned vectors are only a small overview of potentially suitable vectors. Further plasmids are known to the skilled worker and are described, for example, in: Cloning Vectors (Ed. Pouwels, P. H., et al., Elsevier, Amsterdam-New York-Oxford, 1985, ISBN 0 444 904018). Further suitable expression systems for prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, see the chapters 16 and 17 by Sambrook, J., Fritsch, E. F., and Maniatis, T., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd Edition, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1989.

[0274.0.0.27] Accordingly, one embodiment of the invention relates to a vector where the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention is linked operably to regulatory sequences which permit the expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic or in a prokaryotic and eukaryotic host.

[0275.0.0.27] Accordingly, one embodiment of the invention relates to a host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently with the vector according to the invention or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention or the nucleic acid construct according to the invention.

[0276.0.0.27] Depending on the host organism, the organisms used in the process according to the invention are cultured or grown in a manner with which the skilled worker is familiar. As a rule, microorganisms are grown in a liquid medium comprising a carbon source, usually in the form of sugars, a nitrogen source, usually in the form of organic nitrogen sources such as yeast extract or salts such as ammonium sulfate, trace elements such as iron salts, manganese salts, magnesium salts, and, if appropriate, vitamins, at temperatures between 0° C. and 100° C., preferably between 10° C. and 60° C., while passing in oxygen. In the event the microorganism is anaerobe, no oxygen is blown through the culture medium. The pH value of the liquid nutrient medium may be kept constant, that is to say regulated during the culturing phase, or not. The organisms may be cultured batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously. Nutrients may be provided at the beginning of the fermentation or fed in semicontinuously or continuously.

[0277.0.0.27] The amino acids produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. For example via extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography. To this end, the organisms may be disrupted beforehand. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously. A summary of known culture and isolation techniques can be found in the textbook by Chmiel [Bioprozeβtechnik 1, Einführung in die Bioverfahrenstechnik (Gustav Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart, 1991)], Demain et al. (Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, second edition, ASM Press, Washington, D.C., 1999, ISBN 1-55581-128-0] or in the textbook by Storhas (Bioreaktoren and periphere Einrichtungen (Vieweg Verlag, Braunschweig/Wiesbaden, 1994)).

[0278.0.0.27] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule according to the present invention, preferably conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical content in an organism or cell after increasing the expression or activity.

[0279.0.0.27] The present invention also relates to a process for the production of a polypeptide according to the present invention, the polypeptide being expressed in a host cell according to the invention, preferably in a microorganism or a transgenic plant cell.

[0280.0.0.27] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process for the production of the polypeptide is derived from a microorganism, preferably from a prokaryotic or protozoic cell with an eukaryotic organism as host cell. E.g., in one embodiment the polypeptide is produced in a plant cell or plant with a nucleic acid molecule derived from a prokaryote or a fungus or an alga or an other microorganism but not from plant.

[0281.0.0.27] The skilled worker knows that protein and DNA expressed in different organisms differ in many respects and properties, e.g. DNA modulation and imprinting, such as methylation or post-translational modification, as for example glucosylation, phosphorylation, acetylation, myristoylation, ADP-ribosylation, farnesylation, carboxylation, sulfation, ubiquination, etc. though having the same coding sequence. Preferably, the cellular expression control of the corresponding protein differs accordingly in the control mechanisms controlling the activity and expression of an endogenous protein or another eukaryotic protein. One major difference between proteins expressed in prokaryotic or eukaryotic organisms is the amount and pattern of glycosylation. For example in E. coli there are no glycosylated proteins. Proteins expressed in yeasts have high mannose content in the glycosylated proteins, whereas in plants the glycosylation pattern is complex.

[0282.0.0.27] The polypeptide of the present invention is preferably produced by recombinant DNA techniques. For example, a nucleic acid molecule encoding the protein is cloned into a vector (as described above), the vector is introduced into a host cell (as described above) and said polypeptide is expressed in the host cell. Said polypeptide can then be isolated from the cells by an appropriate purification scheme using standard protein purification techniques. Alternative to recombinant expression, the polypeptide or peptide of the present invention can be synthesized chemically using standard peptide synthesis techniques.

[0283.0.0.27] Moreover, a native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, in particular, an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, column 3. E.g. an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or an antigenic part thereof which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing polypeptides comprising or consisting of above mentioned sequences, e.g. the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies specifically binding to polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7.

[0284.0.0.27] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or obtainable by a process of the invention. Said polypeptide confers preferably the aforementioned activity, in particular, the polypeptide confers the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof after increasing the cellular activity, e.g. by increasing the expression or the specific activity of the polypeptide.

[0285.0.0.27] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or as encoded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.0.27] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 27, column 7, and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 27, column 7, whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 27, column 7.

[0287.0.0.27] In one embodiment not more than 15%, preferably 10%, even more preferred 5%, 4%, 3%, or 2%, most preferred 1% or 0% of the amino acid position indicated by a letter are/is replaced another amino acid or, in an other embodiment, are/is absent and/or replaced. In another embodiment the stretches of non-conserved amino acids, indicated by (X)n [whereas n indicates the number of X], vary in their length by 20%, preferably by 15 or 10%, even more preferred by 5%, 4%, 3%, 2% or most preferred by only 1%.

[0288.0.0.27] In one embodiment 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 amino acids are inserted into the consensus sequence or, in an other embodiment, are absent and/or replaced.

[0289.0.0.27] The consensus sequence shown herein was derived from a multiple alignment of the sequences as listed in table XII. The consensus sequences of specified domains were derived from a multiple alignment of all sequences. The letters represent the one letter amino acid code and indicate that the amino acids are conserved in all aligned proteins. The letter X stands for amino acids, which are not conserved in all sequences.

In one example, in the cases where only a small selected subset of amino acids are possible at a certain position these amino acids are given in brackets. The number of given X indicates the distances between conserved amino acid residues, e.g. YX(21-23)F means that conserved tyrosine and phenylalanine residues are separated from each other by minimum 21 and maximum 23 amino acid residues in all investigated sequences.

[0290.0.0.27] The alignment was performed with the Software AlignX (Sep. 25, 2002) a component of Vector NTI Suite 8.0, InforMax™, Invitrogen™ life science software, U.S. Main Office, 7305 Executive Way, Frederick, Md. 21704, USA with the following settings: For pairwise alignments: gap opening penalty: 10.0; gap extension penalty 0,1. For multiple alignments: Gap opening penalty: 10.0; Gap extension penalty: 0.1; Gap separation penalty range: 8; Residue substitution matrix: blosum62; Hydrophilic residues: G P S N D Q E K R; Transition weighting: 0,5; Consensus calculation options: Residue fraction for consensus: 0.9. Presettings were selected to allow also for the alignment of conserved amino acids.

[0291.0.0.27] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, by more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7.

[0292.0.0.27] In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention comprises any one of the sequences not known to the public before. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention originates from a non-plant cell, in particular from a microorganism, and was expressed in a plant cell. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention for which an activity has not been described yet.

[0293.0.0.27] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7.

[0294.0.0.27] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, column 3, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.27] The terms “protein” and “polypeptide” used in this application are interchangeable. “Polypeptide” refers to a polymer of amino acids (amino acid sequence) and does not refer to a specific length of the molecule. Thus peptides and oligopeptides are included within the definition of polypeptide. This term does also refer to or include post-translational modifications of the polypeptide, for example, glycosylations, acetylations, phosphorylations and the like. Included within the definition are, for example, polypeptides containing one or more analogs of an amino acid (including, for example, unnatural amino acids, etc.), polypeptides with substituted linkages, as well as other modifications known in the art, both naturally occurring and non-naturally occurring.

[0296.0.0.27] Preferably, the polypeptide is isolated. An “isolated” or “purified” protein or nucleic acid molecule or biologically active portion thereof is substantially free of cellular material when produced by recombinant DNA techniques or chemical precursors or other chemicals when chemically synthesized.

[0297.0.0.27] The language “substantially free of cellular material” includes preparations of the polypeptide of the invention in which the protein is separated from cellular components of the cells in which it is naturally or recombinantly produced. In one embodiment, the language “substantially free of cellular material” includes preparations having less than about 30% (by dry weight) of “contaminating protein”, more preferably less than about 20% of “contaminating protein”, still more preferably less than about 10% of “contaminating protein”, and most preferably less than about 5% “contaminating protein”. The term “Contaminating protein” relates to polypeptides, which are not polypeptides of the present invention. When the polypeptide of the present invention or biologically active portion thereof is recombinantly produced, it is also preferably substantially free of culture medium, i.e., culture medium represents less than about 20%, more preferably less than about 10%, and most preferably less than about 5% of the volume of the protein preparation. The language “substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals” includes preparations in which the polypeptide of the present invention is separated from chemical precursors or other chemicals, which are involved in the synthesis of the protein. The language “substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals” includes preparations having less than about 30% (by dry weight) of chemical precursors or non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals, more preferably less than about 20% chemical precursors or non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals, still more preferably less than about 10% chemical precursors or non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals, and most preferably less than about 5% chemical precursors or non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals. In preferred embodiments, isolated proteins or biologically active portions thereof lack contaminating proteins from the same organism from which the polypeptide of the present invention is derived. Typically, such proteins are produced by recombinant techniques.

[0297.1.0.27] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity and/or amino acid sequence of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 3, 5 or 7.

[0298.0.0.27] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to confer the activity of the present invention. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7.

[0299.0.0.27] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.0.27] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7.

[0301.0.0.27] For the comparison of amino acid sequences the same algorithms as described above or nucleic acid sequences can be used. Results of high quality are reached by using the algorithm of Needleman and Wunsch or Smith and Waterman. Therefore programs based on said algorithms are preferred. Advantageously the comparisons of sequences can be done with the program PileUp (J. Mol. Evolution., 25, 351-360, 1987, Higgins et al., CABIOS, 5 1989: 151-153) or preferably with the programs Gap and BestFit, which are respectively based on the algorithms of Needleman and Wunsch [J. Mol. Biol. 48; 443-453 (1970)] and Smith and Waterman [Adv. Appl. Math. 2; 482-489 (1981)]. Both programs are part of the GCG software-package [Genetics Computer Group, 575 Science Drive, Madison, Wis., USA 53711 (1991); Altschul et al. (1997) Nucleic Acids Res. 25:3389 et seq.]. Therefore preferably the calculations to determine the percentages of sequence homology are done with the program Gap over the whole range of the sequences. The following standard adjustments for the comparison of amino acid sequences were used: gap weight: 8, length weight: 2, average match: 2.912, average mismatch: −2.003.

[0302.0.0.27] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.27] Typically, biologically (or immunologically) active portions i.e. peptides, e.g., peptides which are, for example, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 50, 100 or more amino acids in length comprise a domain or motif with at least one activity or epitope of a polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention. Moreover, other biologically active portions, in which other regions of the polypeptide are deleted, can be prepared by recombinant techniques and evaluated for one or more of the activities described herein.

[0304.0.0.27] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, column 3, but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.27] Any mutagenesis strategies for the polypeptide of the present invention or the polypeptide used in the process of the present invention to result in increasing said activity are not meant to be limiting; variations on these strategies will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. Using such strategies, and incorporating the mechanisms disclosed herein, the nucleic acid molecule and polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention may be utilized to generate plants or parts thereof, expressing one or more wildtype protein(s) or one or more mutated protein encoding nucleic acid molecule(s) or polypeptide molecule(s) of the invention such that the yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of a desired compound is improved.

[0306.0.0.27] This desired compound may be any natural product of plants, which includes the final products of biosynthesis pathways and intermediates of naturally-occurring metabolic pathways, as well as molecules which do not naturally occur in the metabolism of said cells, but which are produced by a said cells of the invention. Preferably, the compound is a composition comprising the respective fine chemical or a recovered respective fine chemical, in particular, the fine chemical, free or in protein-bound form.

[0306.1.0.27] Preferably, the compound is a composition comprising the methionine or a recovered methionine, in particular, the fine chemical, free or in protein-bound form.

[0307.0.0.27] The invention also provides chimeric or fusion proteins.

[0308.0.0.27] As used herein, an “chimeric protein” or “fusion protein” comprises an polypeptide operatively linked to a polypeptide which does not confer above-mentioned activity, in particular, which does not confer an increase of content of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, if its activity is increased.

[0309.0.0.27] In one embodiment, an reference to a “protein (=polypeptide) of the invention” or as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, column 3, and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.27] Within the fusion protein, the term “operatively linked” is intended to indicate that the polypeptide of the invention or a polypeptide used in the process of the invention and the “other polypeptide” or a part thereof are fused to each other so that both sequences fulfil the proposed function addicted to the sequence used. The “other polypeptide” can be fused to the N-terminus or C-terminus of the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention. For example, in one embodiment the fusion protein is a GST-LMRP fusion protein in which the sequences of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the process of the invention are fused to the C-terminus of the GST sequences. Such fusion proteins can facilitate the purification of recombinant polypeptides of the invention or a polypeptide useful in the process of the invention.

[0311.0.0.27] In another embodiment, the fusion protein is a polypeptide of the invention or a polypeptide used in the process of the invention containing a heterologous signal sequence at its N-terminus. In certain host cells (e.g., mammalian host cells), expression and/or secretion of a polypeptide of the invention or a polypeptide used in the process of the invention can be increased through use of a heterologous signal sequence. As already mentioned above, targeting sequences, are required for targeting the gene product into specific cell compartment (for a review, see Kermode, Crit. Rev. Plant Sci. 15, 4 (1996) 285-423 and references cited therein), for example into the vacuole, the nucleus, all types of plastids, such as amyloplasts, chloroplasts, chromoplasts, the extracellular space, the mitochondria, the endoplasmic reticulum, elaioplasts, peroxisomes, glycosomes, and other compartments of cells or extracellular. Sequences, which must be mentioned in this context are, in particular, the signal-peptide- or transit-peptide-encoding sequences which are known per se. For example, plastid-transit-peptide-encoding sequences enable the targeting of the expression product into the plastids of a plant cell. Targeting sequences are also known for eukaryotic and to a lower extent for prokaryotic organisms and can advantageously be operable linked with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention to achieve an expression in one of said compartments or extracellular.

[0312.0.0.27] Preferably, a chimeric or fusion protein of the invention is produced by standard recombinant DNA techniques. For example, DNA fragments coding for the different polypeptide sequences are ligated together in-frame in accordance with conventional techniques, for example by employing blunt-ended or stagger-ended termini for ligation, restriction enzyme digestion to provide for appropriate termini, filling-in of cohesive ends as appropriate, alkaline phosphatase treatment to avoid undesirable joining, and enzymatic ligation. The fusion gene can be synthesized by conventional techniques including automated DNA synthesizers. Alternatively, PCR amplification of gene fragments can be carried out using anchor primers, which give rise to complementary overhangs between two consecutive gene fragments which can subsequently be annealed and reamplified to generate a chimeric gene sequence (see, for example, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, eds. Ausubel et al. John Wiley & Sons: 1992). Moreover, many expression vectors are commercially available that already encode a fusion moiety (e.g., a GST polypeptide). The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention can be cloned into such an expression vector such that the fusion moiety is linked in-frame to the encoded protein.

[0313.0.0.27] Furthermore, folding simulations and computer redesign of structural motifs of the protein of the invention can be performed using appropriate computer programs (Olszewski, Proteins 25 (1996), 286-299; Hoffman, Comput. Appl. Biosci. 11 (1995), 675-679). Computer modelling of protein folding can be used for the conformational and energetic analysis of detailed peptide and protein models (Monge, J. Mol. Biol. 247 (1995), 995-1012; Renouf, Adv. Exp. Med. Biol. 376 (1995), 37-45). The appropriate programs can be used for the identification of interactive sites the polypeptide of the invention or polypeptides used in the process of the invention and its substrates or binding factors or other interacting proteins by computer assistant searches for complementary peptide sequences (Fassina, Immunomethods (1994), 114-120). Further appropriate computer systems for the design of protein and peptides are described in the prior art, for example in Berry, Biochem. Soc. Trans. 22 (1994), 1033-1036; Wodak, Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 501 (1987), 1-13; Pabo, Biochemistry 25 (1986), 5987-5991. The results obtained from the above-described computer analysis can be used for, e.g., the preparation of peptidomimetics of the protein of the invention or fragments thereof. Such pseudopeptide analogues of the, natural amino acid sequence of the protein may very efficiently mimic the parent protein (Benkirane, J. Biol. Chem. 271 (1996), 33218-33224). For example, incorporation of easily available achiral Q-amino acid residues into a protein of the invention or a fragment thereof results in the substitution of amide bonds by polymethylene units of an aliphatic chain, thereby providing a convenient strategy for constructing a peptidomimetic (Banerjee, Biopolymers 39 (1996), 769-777).

[0314.0.0.27] Superactive peptidomimetic analogues of small peptide hormones in other systems are described in the prior art (Zhang, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 224 (1996), 327-331). Appropriate peptidomimetics of the protein of the present invention can also be identified by the synthesis of peptidomimetic combinatorial libraries through successive amide alkylation and testing the resulting compounds, e.g., for their binding and immunological properties. Methods for the generation and use of peptidomimetic combinatorial libraries are described in the prior art, for example in Ostresh, Methods in Enzymology 267 (1996), 220-234 and Dorner, Bioorg. Med. Chem. 4 (1996), 709-715.

[0315.0.0.27] Furthermore, a three-dimensional and/or crystallographic structure of the protein of the invention can be used for the design of peptidomimetic inhibitors of the biological activity of the protein of the invention (Rose, Biochemistry 35 (1996), 12933-12944; Rutenber, Bioorg. Med. Chem. 4 (1996), 1545-1558).

[0316.0.0.27] Furthermore, a three-dimensional and/or crystallographic structure of the protein of the invention and the identification of interactive sites the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention and its substrates or binding factors can be used for the identification or design of mutants with modulated binding or turn over activities. For example, the active centre of the polypeptide of the present invention can be modelled and amino acid residues participating in the catalytic reaction can be modulated to increase or decrease the binding of the substrate to activate or improve the polypeptide. The identification of the active centre and the amino acids involved in the catalytic reaction facilitates the screening for mutants having an increased activity.

[0317.0.0.27] The sequences shown in column 5 of the Tables XI to XIV herein have also been described under their Gene/ORF Locus Name as described in the Table XI, XII, XIII or XIV, column 3.

[0318.0.0.27] In an especially preferred embodiment, the polypeptide according to the invention furthermore also does not have the sequences of those proteins which are encoded by the sequences shown in the known listed activity of Gene/ORF Locus Names or as described in the Tables, column 3.

[0319.0.0.27] One embodiment of the invention also relates to an antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide according to the invention or parts, i.e. specific fragments or epitopes of such a protein.

[0320.0.0.27] The antibodies of the invention can be used to identify and isolate the polypeptide according to the invention and encoding genes in any organism, preferably plants, prepared in plants described herein. These antibodies can be monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies or synthetic antibodies as well as fragments of antibodies, such as Fab, Fv or scFv fragments etc. Monoclonal antibodies can be prepared, for example, by the techniques as originally described in KOhler and Milstein, Nature 256 (1975), 495, and Galfr6, Meth. Enzymol. 73 (1981), 3, which comprise the fusion of mouse myeloma cells to spleen cells derived from immunized mammals.

[0321.0.0.27] Furthermore, antibodies or fragments thereof to the aforementioned peptides can be obtained by using methods, which are described, e.g., in Harlow and Lane “Antibodies, A Laboratory Manual”, CSH Press, Cold Spring Harbor, 1988. These antibodies can be used, for example, for the immunoprecipitation and immunolocalization of proteins according to the invention as well as for the monitoring of the synthesis of such proteins, for example, in recombinant organisms, and for the identification of compounds interacting with the protein according to the invention. For example, surface plasmon resonance as employed in the BIAcore system can be used to increase the efficiency of phage antibodies selections, yielding a high increment of affinity from a single library of phage antibodies, which bind to an epitope of the protein of the invention (Schier, Human Antibodies Hybridomas 7 (1996), 97-105; Malmborg, J. Immunol. Methods 183 (1995), 7-13). In many cases, the binding phenomena of antibodies to antigens are equivalent to other ligand/anti-ligand binding.

[0322.0.0.27] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an antisense nucleic acid molecule comprising the complementary sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention.

[0323.0.0.27] Methods to modify the expression levels and/or the activity are known to persons skilled in the art and include for instance overexpression, co-suppression, the use of ribozymes, sense and anti-sense strategies or other gene silencing approaches like RNA interference (RNAi) or promoter methylation. “Sense strand” refers to the strand of a double-stranded DNA molecule that is homologous to an mRNA transcript thereof. The “anti-sense strand” contains an inverted sequence, which is complementary to that of the “sense strand”.

In addition the expression levels and/or the activity can be modified by the introduction of mutations in the regulatory or coding regions of the nucleic acids of the invention. Furthermore antibodies can be expressed which specifically binds to a polypeptide of interest and thereby blocks it activity. The protein-binding factors can, for example, also be aptamers [Famulok M and Mayer G (1999) Curr. Top Microbiol. Immunol. 243: 123-36] or antibodies or antibody fragments or single-chain antibodies. Obtaining these factors has been described, and the skilled worker is familiar therewith. For example, a cytoplasmic scFv antibody has been employed for modulating activity of the phytochrome A protein in genetically modified tobacco plants [Owen M et al. (1992) Biotechnology (NY) 10(7): 790-794; Franken E et al. (1997) Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 8(4): 411-416; Whitelam (1996) Trend Plant Sci. 1: 286-272].

[0324.0.0.27] An “antisense” nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence, which is complementary to a “sense” nucleic acid molecule encoding a protein, e.g., complementary to the coding strand of a double-stranded cDNA molecule or complementary to an encoding mRNA sequence. Accordingly, an antisense nucleic acid molecule can bond via hydrogen bonds to a sense nucleic acid molecule. The antisense nucleic acid molecule can be complementary to an entire coding strand of a nucleic acid molecule conferring the expression of the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the present invention, as the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention coding strand, or to only a portion thereof. Accordingly, an antisense nucleic acid molecule can be antisense to a “coding region” of the coding strand of a nucleotide sequence of a nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. The term “coding region” refers to the region of the nucleotide sequence comprising codons, which are translated into amino acid residues. Further, the antisense nucleic acid molecule is antisense to a “noncoding region” of the coding strand of a nucleotide sequence encoding the polypeptide of the invention or a polypeptide used in the process of the invention. The term “noncoding region” refers to 5′ and 3′ sequences which flank the coding region that are not translated into a polypeptide, i.e., also referred to as 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions (5′-UTR or 3′-UTR).

[0325.0.0.27] Given the coding strand sequences encoding the polypeptide of the present invention antisense nucleic acid molecules of the invention can be designed according to the rules of Watson and Crick base pairing.

[0326.0.0.27] The antisense nucleic acid molecule can be complementary to the entire coding region of the mRNA encoding the nucleic acid molecule to the invention or used in the process of the present invention, but can also be an oligonucleotide which is antisense to only a portion of the coding or noncoding region of said mRNA. For example, the antisense oligonucleotide can be complementary to the region surrounding the translation start site of said mRNA. An antisense oligonucleotide can be, for example, about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 100 or 200 nucleotides in length. An antisense nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention can be constructed using chemical synthesis and enzymatic ligation reactions using procedures known in the art. For example, an antisense nucleic acid molecule (e.g., an antisense oligonucleotide) can be chemically synthesized using naturally occurring nucleotides or variously modified nucleotides designed to increase the biological stability of the molecules or to increase the physical stability of the duplex formed between the antisense and sense nucleic acids, e.g., phosphorothioate derivatives and acridine substituted nucleotides can be used. Examples of modified nucleotides which can be used to generate the antisense nucleic acid include 5-fluorouracil, 5-bromouracil, 5-chlorouracil, 5-iodouracil, hypoxanthine, xanthine, 4-acetylcytosine, 5-(carboxyhydroxylmethyl) uracil, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyl-2-thiouridine, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyluracil, dihydrouracil, beta-D-galactosylqueosine, inosine, N6-isopentenyladenine, 1-methylguanine, 1-methylinosine, 2,2-dimethylguanine, 2-methyladenine, 2-methylguanine, 3-methylcytosine, 5-methylcytosine, N6-adenine, 7-methylguanine, 5-methylaminomethyluracil, 5-methoxyaminomethyl-2-thiouracil, beta-D-mannosylqueosine, 5′-methoxycarboxymethyluracil, 5-methoxyuracil, 2-methylthio-N6-isopentenyladenine, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid (v), wybutoxosine, pseudouracil, queosine, 2-thiocytosine, 5-methyl-2-thiouracil, 2-thiouracil, 4-thiouracil, 5-methyluracil, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid methylester, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid (v), 5-methyl-2-thiouracil, 3-(3-amino-3-N-2-carboxypropyl) uracil, (acp3)w, and 2,6-diaminopurine. Alternatively, the antisense nucleic acid can be produced biologically using an expression vector into which a nucleic acid molecule has been subcloned in an antisense orientation (i.e., RNA transcribed from the inserted nucleic acid molecule will be of an antisense orientation to a target nucleic acid molecule of interest, described further in the following subsection).

[0327.0.0.27] The antisense nucleic acid molecules of the invention are typically administered to a cell or generated in situ such that they hybridize with or bind to cellular mRNA and/or genomic DNA encoding a polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention having aforementioned the respective fine chemical increasing activity to thereby inhibit expression of the protein, e.g., by inhibiting transcription and/or translation.

[0328.0.0.27] The hybridization can be by conventional nucleotide complementarity to form a stable duplex, or, for example, in the case of an antisense nucleic acid molecule which binds to DNA duplexes, through specific interactions in the major groove of the double helix. The antisense nucleic acid molecule can also be delivered to cells using the vectors described herein. To achieve sufficient intracellular concentrations of the antisense molecules, vector in which the antisense nucleic acid molecule is placed under the control of a strong prokaryotic, viral, or eukaryotic including plant promoters are preferred.

[0329.0.0.27] In a further embodiment, the antisense nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention can be an—anomeric nucleic acid molecule. An α-anomeric nucleic acid molecule forms specific double-stranded hybrids with complementary RNA in which, contrary to the usual units, the strands run parallel to each other (Gaultier et al. (1987) Nucleic Acids. Res.

15:6625-6641). The antisense nucleic acid molecule can also comprise a 2′-o-methyl-ribonucleotide (Inoue et al. (1987) Nucleic Acids Res. 15:6131-6148) or a chimeric RNA-DNA analogue (Inoue et al. (1987) FEBS Lett. 215:327-330).

[0330.0.0.27] Further the antisense nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention can be also a ribozyme.

Ribozymes are catalytic RNA molecules with ribonuclease activity, which are capable of cleaving a single-stranded nucleic acid, such as an mRNA, to which they have a complementary region. Thus, ribozymes (e.g., hammerhead ribozymes (described in Haselhoff and Gerlach (1988) Nature 334:585-591)) can be used to catalytically cleave mRNA transcripts encoding the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention to thereby inhibit translation of said mRNA. A ribozyme having specificity for a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention can be designed based upon the nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or coding a protein used in the process of the invention or on the basis of a heterologous sequence to be isolated according to methods taught in this invention. For example, a derivative of a Tetrahymena L-19 IVS RNA can be constructed in which the nucleotide sequence of the active site is complementary to the nucleotide sequence to be cleaved in an encoding mRNA. See, e.g., Cech et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,071 and Cech et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,742. Alternatively, mRNA encoding the polypeptide of the invention or a polypeptide used in the process of the invention can be used to select a catalytic RNA having a specific ribonuclease activity from a pool of RNA molecules. See, e.g., Bartel, D. and Szostak, J. W. (1993) Science 261:1411-1418.

[0331.0.0.27] The antisense molecule of the present invention comprises also a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequences complementary to the regulatory region of an nucleotide sequence encoding the natural occurring polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide sequences shown in the sequence listing, or identified according to the methods described herein, e.g., its promoter and/or enhancers, e.g. to form triple helical structures that prevent transcription of the gene in target cells. See generally, Helene, C. (1991) Anticancer Drug Des. 6(6): 569-84; Helene, C. et al. (1992) Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 660:27-36; and Maher, L. J. (1992) Bioassays 14(12): 807-15.

[0332.0.0.27] Furthermore the present invention relates to a double stranded RNA molecule capable for the reduction or inhibition of the activity of the gene product of a gene encoding the polypeptide of the invention, a polypeptide used in the process of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention encoding.

[0333.0.0.27] The method of regulating genes by means of double-stranded RNA (“double-stranded RNA interference”; dsRNAi) has been described extensively for animal, yeast, fungi and plant organisms such as Neurospora, zebrafish, Drosophila, mice, planaria, humans, Trypanosoma, petunia or Arabidopsis (for example Matzke M A et al. (2000) Plant Mol. Biol. 43: 401-415; Fire A. et al. (1998) Nature 391: 806-811; WO 99/32619; WO 99/53050; WO 00/68374; WO 00/44914; WO 00/44895; WO 00/49035; WO 00/63364). In addition RNAi is also documented as an advantageously tool for the repression of genes in bacteria such as E. coli for example by Tchurikov et al. [J. Biol. Chem., 2000, 275 (34): 26523-26529]. Fire et al. named the phenomenon RNAi for “RNA interference”. The techniques and methods described in the above references are expressly referred to. Efficient gene suppression can also be observed in the case of transient expression or following transient transformation, for example as the consequence of a biolistic transformation (Schweizer P et al. (2000) Plant J 2000 24: 895-903). dsRNAi methods are based on the phenomenon that the simultaneous introduction of complementary strand and counterstrand of a gene transcript brings about highly effective suppression of the expression of the gene in question. The resulting phenotype is very similar to that of an analogous knock-out mutant (Waterhouse P M et al. (1998) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95: 13959-64).

[0334.0.0.27] Tuschl et al. [Gens Dev., 1999, 13 (24): 3191-3197] was able to show that the efficiency of the RNAi method is a function of the length of the duplex, the length of the 3′-end overhangs, and the sequence in these overhangs. Based on the work of Tuschl et al. the following guidelines can be given to the skilled worker: To achieve good results the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions of the used nucleic acid sequence and regions close to the start codon should be avoided as this regions are richer in regulatory protein binding sites and interactions between RNAi sequences and such regulatory proteins might lead to undesired interactions. Preferably a region of the used mRNA is selected, which is 50 to 100 nt (=nucleotides or bases) downstream of the AUG start codon. Only dsRNA (=double-stranded RNA) sequences from exons are useful for the method, as sequences from introns have no effect. The G/C content in this region should be greater than 30% and less than 70% ideally around 50%. A possible secondary structure of the target mRNA is less important for the effect of the RNAi method.

[0335.0.0.27] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived there from), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence of one of the sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.27] The term “essentially identical” refers to the fact that the dsRNA sequence may also include insertions, deletions and individual point mutations in comparison to the target sequence while still bringing about an effective reduction in expression. Preferably, the homology as defined above amounts to at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% or 80%, very especially preferably at least 90%, most preferably 100%, between the “sense” strand of an inhibitory dsRNA and a part-segment of a nucleic acid sequence of the invention (or between the “antisense” strand and the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence, respectively). The part-segment amounts to at least 10 bases, preferably at least 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 bases, especially preferably at least 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 or 90 bases, very especially preferably at least 100, 200, 300 or 400 bases, most preferably at least 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 or more bases or at least 1000 or 2000 bases or more in length. In another preferred embodiment of the invention the part-segment amounts to 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27 bases, preferably to 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25 bases. These short sequences are preferred in animals and plants. The longer sequences preferably between 200 and 800 bases are preferred in non-mammalian animals, preferably in invertebrates, in yeast, fungi or bacteria, but they are also useable in plants. Long double-stranded RNAs are processed in the organisms into many siRNAs (=small/short interfering RNAs) for example by the protein Dicer, which is a ds-specific Rnase III enzyme. As an alternative, an “essentially identical” dsRNA may also be defined as a nucleic acid sequence, which is capable of hybridizing with part of a gene transcript (for example in 400 mM NaCl, 40 mM PIPES pH 6.4, 1 mM EDTA at 50° C. or 70° C. for 12 to 16 h).

[0337.0.0.27] The dsRNA may consist of one or more strands of polymerized ribonucleotides. Modification of both the sugar-phosphate backbone and of the nucleosides may furthermore be present. For example, the phosphodiester bonds of the natural RNA can be modified in such a way that they encompass at least one nitrogen or sulfur heteroatom. Bases may undergo modification in such a way that the activity of, for example, adenosine deaminase is restricted. These and other modifications are described herein below in the methods for stabilizing antisense RNA.

[0338.0.0.27] The dsRNA can be prepared enzymatically; it may also be synthesized chemically, either in full or in part.

[0339.0.0.27] The double-stranded structure can be formed starting from a single, self-complementary strand or starting from two complementary strands. In a single, self-complementary strand, “sense” and “antisense” sequence can be linked by a linking sequence (“linker”) and form for example a hairpin structure. Preferably, the linking sequence may take the form of an intron, which is spliced out following dsRNA synthesis. The nucleic acid sequence encoding a dsRNA may contain further elements such as, for example, transcription termination signals or polyadenylation signals. If the two strands of the dsRNA are to be combined in a cell or an organism advantageously in a plant, this can be brought about in a variety of ways.

[0340.0.0.27] Formation of the RNA duplex can be initiated either outside the cell or within the cell. As shown in WO 99/53050, the dsRNA may also encompass a hairpin structure, by linking the “sense” and “antisense” strands by a “linker” (for example an intron). The self-complementary dsRNA structures are preferred since they merely require the expression of a construct and always encompass the complementary strands in an equimolar ratio.

[0341.0.0.27] The expression cassettes encoding the “antisense” or the “sense” strand of the dsRNA or the self-complementary strand of the dsRNA are preferably inserted into a vector and stably inserted into the genome of a plant, using the methods described herein below (for example using selection markers), in order to ensure permanent expression of the dsRNA.

[0342.0.0.27] The dsRNA can be introduced using an amount which makes possible at least one copy per cell. A larger amount (for example at least 5, 10, 100, 500 or 1 000 copies per cell) may bring about more efficient reduction.

[0343.0.0.27] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.27] Due to the high degree of sequence homology between sequences from various organisms (e.g. plants), allows the conclusion that these proteins may be conserved to a high degree within, for example other, plants, it is optionally possible that the expression of a dsRNA derived from one of the disclosed sequences as shown herein or homologs thereof should also have has an advantageous effect in other plant species. Preferably the consensus sequences shown herein can be used for the construction of useful dsRNA molecules.

[0345.0.0.27] The dsRNA can be synthesized either in vivo or in vitro. To this end, a DNA sequence encoding a dsRNA can be introduced into an expression cassette under the control of at least one genetic control element (such as, for example, promoter, enhancer, silencer, splice donor or splice acceptor or polyadenylation signal). Suitable advantageous constructs are described herein below. Polyadenylation is not required, nor do elements for initiating translation have to be present.

[0346.0.0.27] A dsRNA can be synthesized chemically or enzymatically. Cellular RNA polymerases or bacteriophage RNA polymerases (such as, for example T3, T7 or SP6 RNA polymerase) can be used for this purpose. Suitable methods for the in-vitro expression of RNA are described (WO 97/32016; U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,874; U.S. Pat. No. 5,698,425, U.S. Pat. No. 5,712,135, U.S. Pat. No. 5,789,214, U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,693). Prior to introduction into a cell, tissue or organism, a dsRNA which has been synthesized in vitro either chemically or enzymatically can be isolated to a higher or lesser degree from the reaction mixture, for example by extraction, precipitation, electrophoresis, chromatography or combinations of these methods. The dsRNA can be introduced directly into the cell or else be applied extracellularly (for example into the interstitial space).

[0347.0.0.27] Advantageously the RNAi method leads to only a partial loss of gene function and therefore enables the skilled worker to study a gene dose effect in the desired organism and to fine tune the process of the invention. Furthermore it enables a person skilled in the art to study multiple functions of a gene.

[0348.0.0.27] Stable transformation of the plant with an expression construct, which brings about the expression of the dsRNA is preferred, however. Suitable methods are described herein below.

[0349.0.0.27] A further embodiment of the invention also relates to a method for the generation of a transgenic host or host cell, e.g. a eukaryotic or prokaryotic cell, preferably a transgenic microorganism, a transgenic plant cell or a transgenic plant tissue or a transgenic plant, which comprises introducing, into the plant, the plant cell or the plant tissue, the nucleic acid construct according to the invention, the vector according to the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention.

[0350.0.0.27] A further embodiment of the invention also relates to a method for the transient generation of a host or host cell, eukaryotic or prokaryotic cell, preferably a transgenic microorganism, a transgenic plant cell or a transgenic plant tissue or a transgenic plant, which comprises introducing, into the plant, the plant cell or the plant tissue, the nucleic acid construct according to the invention, the vector according to the invention, the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein as being contained in the nucleic acid construct of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, whereby the introduced nucleic acid molecules, nucleic acid construct and/or vector is not integrated into the genome of the host or host cell. Therefore the transformants are not stable during the propagation of the host in respect of the introduced nucleic acid molecules, nucleic acid construct and/or vector.

[0351.0.0.27] In the process according to the invention, transgenic organisms are also to be understood as meaning—if they take the form of plants—plant cells, plant tissues, plant organs such as root, shoot, stem, seed, flower, tuber or leaf, or intact plants which are grown for the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0352.0.0.27] Growing is to be understood as meaning for example culturing the transgenic plant cells, plant tissue or plant organs on or in a nutrient medium or the intact plant on or in a substrate, for example in hydroponic culture, potting compost or on a field soil.

[0353.0.0.27] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process, the nucleic acid molecules can be expressed in single-celled plant cells (such as algae), see Falciatore et al., 1999, Marine Biotechnology 1 (3): 239-251 and references cited therein, and plant cells from higher plants (for example spermatophytes such as crops). Examples of plant expression vectors encompass those which are described in detail herein or in: Becker, D. [(1992) Plant Mol. Biol. 20:1195-1197] and Bevan, M. W. [(1984), Nucl. Acids Res. 12:8711-8721; Vectors for Gene Transfer in Higher Plants; in: Transgenic Plants, Vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, Ed.: Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press, 1993, pp. 15-38]. An overview of binary vectors and their use is also found in Hellens, R. [(2000), Trends in Plant Science, Vol. 5 No. 10, 446-451.

[0354.0.0.27] Vector DNA can be introduced into prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells via conventional transformation or transfection techniques. The terms “transformation” and “transfection” include conjugation and transduction and, as used in the present context, are intended to encompass a multiplicity of prior-art methods for introducing foreign nucleic acid molecules (for example DNA) into a host cell, including calcium phosphate coprecipitation or calcium chloride coprecipitation, DEAE-dextran-mediated transfection, PEG-mediated transfection, lipofection, natural competence, chemically mediated transfer, electroporation or particle bombardment. Suitable methods for the transformation or transfection of host cells, including plant cells, can be found in Sambrook et al. (Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual., 2nd Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1989) and in other laboratory handbooks such as Methods in Molecular Biology, 1995, Vol. 44, Agrobacterium protocols, Ed.: Gartland and Davey, Humana Press, Totowa, N.J.

[0355.0.0.27] The above-described methods for the transformation and regeneration of plants from plant tissues or plant cells are exploited for transient or stable transformation of plants. Suitable methods are the transformation of protoplasts by polyethylene-glycol-induced DNA uptake, the biolistic method with the gene gun—known as the particle bombardment method—, electroporation, the incubation of dry embryos in DNA-containing solution, microinjection and the Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer. The abovementioned methods are described for example in B. Jenes, Techniques for Gene Transfer, in: Transgenic Plants, Vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, edited by S. D. Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press (1993) 128-143 and in Potrykus Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Molec. Biol. 42 (1991) 205-225. The construct to be expressed is preferably cloned into a vector, which is suitable for transforming Agrobacterium tumefaciens, for example pBin19 (Bevan, Nucl. Acids Res. 12 (1984) 8711). Agrobacteria transformed with such a vector can then be used in the known manner for the transformation of plants, in particular crop plants, such as, for example, tobacco plants, for example by bathing scarified leaves or leaf segments in an agrobacterial solution and subsequently culturing them in suitable media. The transformation of plants with Agrobacterium tumefaciens is described for example by Höfgen and Willmitzer in Nucl. Acid Res. (1988) 16,9877 or known from, inter alia, F. F. White, Vectors for Gene Transfer in Higher Plants; in Transgenic Plants, Vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, edited by S. D. Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press, 1993, pp. 15-38.

[0356.0.0.27] To select for the successful transfer of the nucleic acid molecule, vector or nucleic acid construct of the invention according to the invention into a host organism, it is advantageous to use marker genes as have already been described above in detail. It is known of the stable or transient integration of nucleic acids into plant cells that only a minority of the cells takes up the foreign DNA and, if desired, integrates it into its genome, depending on the expression vector used and the transfection technique used. To identify and select these integrants, a gene encoding for a selectable marker (as described above, for example resistance to antibiotics) is usually introduced into the host cells together with the gene of interest. Preferred selectable markers in plants comprise those, which confer resistance to an herbicide such as glyphosate or gluphosinate. Other suitable markers are, for example, markers, which encode genes involved in biosynthetic pathways of, for example, sugars or amino acids, such as β-galactosidase, ura3 or ilv2. Markers, which encode genes such as luciferase, gfp or other fluorescence genes, are likewise suitable. These markers and the aforementioned markers can be used in mutants in whom these genes are not functional since, for example, they have been deleted by conventional methods. Furthermore, nucleic acid molecules, which encode a selectable marker, can be introduced into a host cell on the same vector as those, which encode the polypeptides of the invention or used in the process or else in a separate vector. Cells which have been transfected stably with the nucleic acid introduced can be identified for example by selection (for example, cells which have integrated the selectable marker survive whereas the other cells die).

[0357.0.0.27] Since the marker genes, as a rule specifically the gene for resistance to antibiotics and herbicides, are no longer required or are undesired in the transgenic host cell once the nucleic acids have been introduced successfully, the process according to the invention for introducing the nucleic acids advantageously employs techniques which enable the removal, or excision, of these marker genes. One such a method is what is known as cotransformation. The cotransformation method employs two vectors simultaneously for the transformation, one vector bearing the nucleic acid according to the invention and a second bearing the marker gene(s). A large proportion of transformants receives or, in the case of plants, comprises (up to 40% of the transformants and above), both vectors. In case of transformation with Agrobacteria, the transformants usually receive only a part of the vector, the sequence flanked by the T-DNA, which usually represents the expression cassette. The marker genes can subsequently be removed from the transformed plant by performing crosses. In another method, marker genes integrated into a transposon are used for the transformation together with desired nucleic acid (known as the Ac/Ds technology). The transformants can be crossed with a transposase resource or the transformants are transformed with a nucleic acid construct conferring expression of a transposase, transiently or stable. In some cases (approx. 10%), the transposon jumps out of the genome of the host cell once transformation has taken place successfully and is lost. In a further number of cases, the transposon jumps to a different location. In these cases, the marker gene must be eliminated by performing crosses. In microbiology, techniques were developed which make possible, or facilitate, the detection of such events. A further advantageous method relies on what are known as recombination systems, whose advantage is that elimination by crossing can be dispensed with. The best-known system of this type is what is known as the Cre/lox system. Cre1 is a recombinase, which removes the sequences located between the loxP sequences. If the marker gene is integrated between the loxP sequences, it is removed, once transformation has taken place successfully, by expression of the recombinase. Further recombination systems are the HIN/HIX, FLP/FRT and REP/STB system (Tribble et al., J. Biol. Chem., 275, 2000: 22255-22267; Velmurugan et al., J. Cell Biol., 149, 2000: 553-566). A site-specific integration into the plant genome of the nucleic acid sequences according to the invention is possible. Naturally, these methods can also be applied to microorganisms such as yeast, fungi or bacteria.

[0358.0.0.27] Agrobacteria transformed with an expression vector according to the invention may also be used in the manner known per se for the transformation of plants such as experimental plants like Arabidopsis or crop plants, such as, for example, cereals, maize, oats, rye, barley, wheat, soya, rice, cotton, sugarbeet, canola, sunflower, flax, hemp, potato, tobacco, tomato, carrot, bell peppers, oilseed rape, tapioca, cassava, arrow root, tagetes, alfalfa, lettuce and the various tree, nut, and grapevine species, in particular oil-containing crop plants such as soya, peanut, castor-oil plant, sunflower, maize, cotton, flax, oilseed rape, coconut, oil palm, safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) or cocoa beans, for example by bathing scarified leaves or leaf segments in an agrobacterial solution and subsequently growing them in suitable media.

[0359.0.0.27] In addition to the transformation of somatic cells, which then has to be regenerated into intact plants, it is also possible to transform the cells of plant meristems and in particular those cells which develop into gametes. In this case, the transformed gametes follow the natural plant development, giving rise to transgenic plants. Thus, for example, seeds of Arabidopsis are treated with agrobacteria and seeds are obtained from the developing plants of which a certain proportion is transformed and thus transgenic (Feldman, K A and Marks M D (1987). Mol Gen Genet 208:274-289; Feldmann K (1992). In: C Koncz, N-H Chua and J Shell, eds, Methods in Arabidopsis Research. Word Scientific, Singapore, pp. 274-289). Alternative methods are based on the repeated removal of the influorescences and incubation of the excision site in the center of the rosette with transformed agrobacteria, whereby transformed seeds can likewise be obtained at a later point in time (Chang (1994). Plant J. 5: 551-558; Katavic (1994). Mol Gen Genet, 245: 363-370). However, an especially effective method is the vacuum infiltration method with its modifications such as the “floral dip” method. In the case of vacuum infiltration of Arabidopsis, intact plants under reduced pressure are treated with an agrobacterial suspension (Bechthold, N (1993). C R Acad Sci Paris Life Sci, 316: 1194-1199), while in the case of the “floral dip” method the developing floral tissue is incubated briefly with a surfactant-treated agrobacterial suspension (Clough, S J and Bent, A F (1998). The Plant J. 16, 735-743). A certain proportion of transgenic seeds are harvested in both cases, and these seeds can be distinguished from nontransgenic seeds by growing under the above-described selective conditions. In addition the stable transformation of plastids is of advantages because plastids are inherited maternally is most crops reducing or eliminating the risk of transgene flow through pollen. The transformation of the chloroplast genome is generally achieved by a process, which has been schematically displayed in Klaus et al., 2004 (Nature Biotechnology 22(2), 225-229). Briefly the sequences to be transformed are cloned together with a selectable marker gene between flanking sequences homologous to the chloroplast genome. These homologous flanking sequences direct site specific integration into the plastome. Plastidal transformation has been described for many different plant species and an overview can be taken from Bock (2001) Transgenic plastids in basic research and plant biotechnology. J Mol Biol. 2001 Sep. 21; 312 (3): 425-38 or Maliga, P (2003) Progress towards commercialization of plastid transformation technology. Trends Biotechnol. 21, 20-28. Further biotechnological progress has recently been reported in form of marker free plastid transformants, which can be produced by a transient cointegrated maker gene (Klaus et al., 2004, Nature Biotechnology 22 (2), 225-229).

[0360.0.0.27] The genetically modified plant cells can be regenerated via all methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. Suitable methods can be found in the abovementioned publications by S. D. Kung and R. Wu, Potrykus or Höfgen and Willmitzer.

[0361.0.0.27] Accordingly, the present invention thus also relates to a plant cell comprising the nucleic acid construct according to the invention, the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention or the vector according to the invention.

[0362.0.0.27] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7 cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. In one embodiment, transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, column 3, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention

[0363.0.0.27] “Transgenic”, for example regarding a nucleic acid molecule, an nucleic acid construct or a vector comprising said nucleic acid molecule or an organism transformed with said nucleic acid molecule, nucleic acid construct or vector, refers to all those subjects originating by recombinant methods in which either

-   a) the nucleic acid sequence, or -   b) a genetic control sequence linked operably to the nucleic acid     sequence, for example a promoter, or -   c) (a) and (b)     are not located in their natural genetic environment or have been     modified by recombinant methods, an example of a modification being     a substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide residues. Natural genetic environment refers to the     natural chromosomal locus in the organism of origin, or to the     presence in a genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the     natural genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is     preferably retained, at least in part. The environment flanks the     nucleic acid sequence at least at one side and has a sequence of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, especially preferably at     least 1000 bp, very especially preferably at least 5000 bp, in     length.

[0364.0.0.27] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of a promoter of a polypeptide of the invention with the corresponding protein-encoding sequence—becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modified by non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example, mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

[0365.0.0.27] Further, the plant cell, plant tissue or plant can also be transformed such that further enzymes and proteins are (over)expressed which expression supports an increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0366.0.0.27] However, transgenic also means that the nucleic acids according to the invention are located at their natural position in the genome of an organism, but that the sequence has been modified in comparison with the natural sequence and/or that the regulatory sequences of the natural sequences have been modified. Preferably, transgenic/recombinant is to be understood as meaning the transcription of the nucleic acids used in the process according to the invention occurs at a non-natural position in the genome, that is to say the expression of the nucleic acids is homologous or, preferably, heterologous. This expression can be transiently or of a sequence integrated stably into the genome.

[0367.0.0.27] The term “transgenic plants” used in accordance with the invention also refers to the progeny of a transgenic plant, for example the T₁, T₂, T₃ and subsequent plant generations or the BC₁, BC₂, BC₃ and subsequent plant generations. Thus, the transgenic plants according to the invention can be raised and selfed or crossed with other individuals in order to obtain further transgenic plants according to the invention. Transgenic plants may also be obtained by propagating transgenic plant cells vegetatively. The present invention also relates to transgenic plant material, which can be derived from a transgenic plant population according to the invention. Such material includes plant cells and certain tissues, organs and parts of plants in all their manifestations, such as seeds, leaves, anthers, fibers, tubers, roots, root hairs, stems, embryo, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures, which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant.

[0368.0.0.27] Any transformed plant obtained according to the invention can be used in a conventional breeding scheme or in in vitro plant propagation to produce more transformed plants with the same characteristics and/or can be used to introduce the same characteristic in other varieties of the same or related species. Such plants are also part of the invention. Seeds obtained from the transformed plants genetically also contain the same characteristic and are part of the invention. As mentioned before, the present invention is in principle applicable to any plant and crop that can be transformed with any of the transformation method known to those skilled in the art.

[0369.0.0.27] In an especially preferred embodiment, the organism, the host cell, plant cell, plant, microorganism or plant tissue according to the invention is transgenic.

[0370.0.0.27] Accordingly, the invention therefore relates to transgenic organisms transformed with at least one nucleic acid molecule, nucleic acid construct or vector according to the invention, and to cells, cell cultures, tissues, parts—such as, for example, in the case of plant organisms, plant tissue, for example leaves, roots and the like—or propagation material derived from such organisms, or intact plants. The terms “recombinant (host)”, and “transgenic (host)” are used interchangeably in this context. Naturally, these terms refer not only to the host organism or target cell in question, but also to the progeny, or potential progeny, of these organisms or cells. Since certain modifications may occur in subsequent generations owing to mutation or environmental effects, such progeny is not necessarily identical with the parental cell, but still comes within the scope of the term as used herein.

[0371.0.0.27] Suitable organisms for the process according to the invention or as hosts are all these eukaryotic or prokaryotic organisms, which are capable of synthesizing the respective fine chemical. The organisms used as hosts are microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, yeasts or algae, non-human animals, or plants, such as dictotyledonous or monocotyledonous plants.

[0372.0.0.27] In principle all plants can be used as host organism, especially the plants mentioned above as source organism. Preferred transgenic plants are, for example, selected from the families Aceraceae, Anacardiaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Cactaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Nymphaeaceae, Papaveraceae, Rosaceae, Salicaceae, Solanaceae, Arecaceae, Bromeliaceae, Cyperaceae, Iridaceae, Liliaceae, Orchidaceae, Gentianaceae, Labia-ceae, Magnoliaceae, Ranunculaceae, Carifolaceae, Rubiaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Ericaceae, Polygonaceae, Violaceae, Juncaceae or Poaceae and preferably from a plant selected from the group of the families Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Papaveraceae, Rosaceae, Solanaceae, Liliaceae or Poaceae. Preferred are crop plants such as plants advantageously selected from the group of the genus peanut, oilseed rape, canola, sunflower, safflower, olive, sesame, hazelnut, almond, avocado, bay, pumpkin/squash, linseed, soya, pistachio, borage, maize, wheat, rye, oats, sorghum and millet, triticale, rice, barley, cassava, potato, sugarbeet, egg plant, alfalfa, and perennial grasses and forage plants, oil palm, vegetables (brassicas, root vegetables, tuber vegetables, pod vegetables, fruiting vegetables, onion vegetables, leafy vegetables and stem vegetables), buckwheat, Jerusalem artichoke, broad bean, vetches, lentil, dwarf bean, lupin, clover and Lucerne for mentioning only some of them.

[0373.0.0.27] Preferred plant cells, plant organs, plant tissues or parts of plants originate from the under source organism mentioned plant families, preferably from the abovementioned plant genus, more preferred from abovementioned plants species.

[0374.0.0.27] Transgenic plants comprising the amino acids synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. The amino acids produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free amino acids or bound in proteins. Amino acids produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.27] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the generation of a microorganism, comprising the introduction, into the microorganism or parts thereof, of the nucleic acid construct of the invention, or the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention.

[0376.0.0.27] In another embodiment, the present invention relates also to a transgenic microorganism comprising the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention or the vector as of the invention. Appropriate microorganisms have been described herein before under source organism, preferred are in particular aforementioned strains suitable for the production of fine chemicals.

[0377.0.0.27] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process according to the present invention whereby the produced amino acid composition or the produced respective fine chemical is isolated.

[0378.0.0.27] In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the fine chemicals produced in the process can be isolated. The resulting fine chemicals can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.0.27] In one embodiment, the fatty acid is the fine chemical.

[0380.0.0.27] The amino acids obtained in the process are suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates a method for the production of a pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the amino acid composition produced or the fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the amino acids produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

[0381.0.0.27] In principle all microorganisms can be used as host organism especially the ones mentioned under source organism above. It is advantageous to use in the process of the invention transgenic microorganisms such as fungi such as the genus Claviceps or Aspergillus or Gram-positive bacteria such as the genera Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Micrococcus, Brevibacterium, Rhodococcus, Nocardia, Caseobacter or Arthrobacter or Gram-negative bacteria such as the genera Escherichia, Flavobacterium or Salmonella or yeasts such as the genera Rhodotorula, Hansenula or Candida. Particularly advantageous organisms are selected from the group of genera Corynebacterium, Brevibacterium, Escherichia, Bacillus, Rhodotorula, Hansenula, Candida, Claviceps or Flavobacterium. It is very particularly advantageous to use in the process of the invention microorganisms selected from the group of genera and species consisting of Hansenula anomala, Candida utilis, Claviceps purpurea, Bacillus circulans, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus sp., Brevibacterium albidum, Brevibacterium album, Brevibacterium cerinum, Brevibacterium flavum, Brevibacterium glutamigenes, Brevibacterium iodinum, Brevibacterium ketoglutamicum, Brevibacterium lactofermentum, Brevibacterium linens, Brevibacterium roseum, Brevibacterium saccharolyticum, Brevibacterium sp., Corynebacterium acetoacidophilum, Corynebacterium acetoglutamicum, Corynebacterium ammoniagenes, Corynebacterium glutamicum (=Micrococcus glutamicum), Corynebacterium melassecola, Corynebacterium sp. or Escherichia coli, specifically Escherichia coli K12 and its described strains.

[0382.0.0.27] The process of the invention is, when the host organisms are microorganisms, advantageously carried out at a temperature between 0° C. and 95° C., preferably between 10° C. and 85° C., particularly preferably between 15° C. and 75° C., very particularly preferably between 15° C. and 45° C. The pH is advantageously kept at between pH 4 and 12, preferably between pH 6 and 9, particularly preferably between pH 7 and 8, during this. The process of the invention can be operated batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously. A summary of known cultivation methods is to be found in the textbook by Chmiel (Bioprozeβtechnik 1. Einführung in die Bioverfahrenstechnik (Gustav Fischer Verlag, Stuttgart, 1991)) or in the textbook by Storhas (Bioreaktoren and periphere Einrichtungen (Vieweg Verlag, Braunschweig/Wiesbaden, 1994)). The culture medium to be used must meet the requirements of the respective strains in a suitable manner. Descriptions of culture media for various microorganisms are present in the handbook “Manual of Methods for General Bacteriology” of the American Society for Bacteriology (Washington D. C., USA, 1981). These media, which can be employed according to the invention include, as described above, usually one or more carbon sources, nitrogen sources, inorganic salts, vitamins and/or trace elements. Preferred carbon sources are sugars such as mono-, di- or polysaccharides. Examples of very good carbon sources are glucose, fructose, mannose, galactose, ribose, sorbose, ribulose, lactose, maltose, sucrose, raffinose, starch or cellulose. Sugars can also be added to the media via complex compounds such as molasses, or other byproducts of sugar refining. It may also be advantageous to add mixtures of various carbon sources. Other possible carbon sources are oils and fats such as, for example, soybean oil, sunflower oil, peanut oil and/or coconut fat, fatty acids such as, for example, palmitic acid, stearic acid and/or linoleic acid, alcohols and/or polyalcohols such as, for example, glycerol, methanol and/or ethanol and/or organic acids such as, for example, acetic acid and/or lactic acid. Nitrogen sources are usually organic or inorganic nitrogen compounds or materials, which contain these compounds. Examples of nitrogen sources include ammonia in liquid or gaseous form or ammonium salts such as ammonium sulfate, ammonium chloride, ammonium phosphate, ammonium carbonate or ammonium nitrate, nitrates, urea, amino acids or complex nitrogen sources such as corn steep liquor, soybean meal, soybean protein, yeast extract, meat extract and others. The nitrogen sources may be used singly or as a mixture. Inorganic salt compounds, which may be present in the media include the chloride, phosphorus or sulfate salts of calcium, magnesium, sodium, cobalt, molybdenum, potassium, manganese, zinc, copper and iron.

[0383.0.0.27] For preparing sulfur-containing fine chemicals, in particular the respective fine chemical, e.g. amino acids containing sulfur it is possible to use as sulfur source inorganic sulfur-containing compounds such as, for example, sulfates, sulfites, dithionites, tetrathionates, thiosulfates, sulfides or else organic sulfur compounds such as mercaptans and thiols.

[0384.0.0.27] It is possible to use as phosphorus source phosphoric acid, potassium dihydrogenphosphate or dipotassium hydrogenphosphate or the corresponding sodium-containing salts. Chelating agents can be added to the medium in order to keep the metal ions in solution. Particularly suitable chelating agents include dihydroxyphenols such as catechol or protocatechuate, or organic acids such as citric acid. The fermentation media employed according to the invention for cultivating microorganisms normally also contain other growth factors such as vitamins or growth promoters, which include, for example, biotin, riboflavin, thiamine, folic acid, nicotinic acid, pantothenate and pyridoxine. Growth factors and salts are often derived from complex media components such as yeast extract, molasses, corn steep liquor and the like. Suitable precursors can moreover be added to the culture medium. The exact composition of the media compounds depends greatly on the particular experiment and is chosen individually for each specific case. Information about media optimization is obtainable from the textbook “Applied Microbiol. Physiology, A Practical Approach” (editors P. M. Rhodes, P. F. Stanbury, IRL Press (1997) pp. 53-73, ISBN 0 19 963577 3). Growth media can also be purchased from commercial suppliers such as Standard 1 (Merck) or BHI (Brain heart infusion, DIEGO) and the like. All media components are sterilized either by heat (1.5 bar and 121° C. for 20 min) or by sterilizing filtration. The components can be sterilized either together or, if necessary, separately. All media components can be present at the start of the cultivation or optionally be added continuously or batchwise. The temperature of the culture is normally between 15° C. and 45° C., preferably at 25° C. to 40° C., and can be kept constant or changed during the experiment. The pH of the medium should be in the range from 5 to 8.5, preferably around 7. The pH for the cultivation can be controlled during the cultivation by adding basic compounds such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonia or aqueous ammonia or acidic compounds such as phosphoric acid or sulfuric acid. Foaming can be controlled by employing antifoams such as, for example, fatty acid polyglycol esters. The stability of plasmids can be maintained by adding to the medium suitable substances having a selective effect, for example antibiotics. Aerobic conditions are maintained by introducing oxygen or oxygen-containing gas mixtures such as, for example, ambient air into the culture. The temperature of the culture is normally from 20° C. to 45° C. and preferably from 25° C. to 40° C. The culture is continued until formation of the desired product is at a maximum. This aim is normally achieved within 10 hours to 160 hours.

[0385.0.0.27] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular L-methionine, L-threonine and/or L-lysine, normally have a dry matter content of from 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, at least at the end, but especially over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 3 g/l during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it. The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

[0386.0.0.27] However, it is also possible to purify the amino acid produced further. For this purpose, the product-containing composition is subjected to a chromatography on a suitable resin, in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use. The purified product can be concentrated by filtration or ultrafiltration and stored at a temperature at which the stability of the product is a maximum.

[0387.0.0.27] The identity and purity of the isolated compound(s) can be determined by prior art techniques. These include high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assay or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are summarized in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11 27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19:67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Vol. A27, VCH: Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michal, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 17.

[0388.0.0.27] In yet another aspect, the invention also relates to harvestable parts and to propagation material of the transgenic plants according to the invention which either contain transgenic plant cells expressing a nucleic acid molecule according to the invention or which contains cells which show an increased cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, e.g. an increased expression level or higher activity of the described protein.

[0389.0.0.27] Harvestable parts can be in principle any useful parts of a plant, for example, flowers, pollen, seedlings, tubers, leaves, stems, fruit, seeds, roots etc. Propagation material includes, for example, seeds, fruits, cuttings, seedlings, tubers, rootstocks etc. Preferred are seeds, fruits, seedlings or tubers as harvestable or propagation material.

[0390.0.0.27] The invention furthermore relates to the use of the transgenic organisms according to the invention and of the cells, cell cultures, parts—such as, for example, roots, leaves and the like as mentioned above in the case of transgenic plant organisms—derived from them, and to transgenic propagation material such as seeds or fruits and the like as mentioned above, for the production of foodstuffs or feeding stuffs, pharmaceuticals or fine chemicals.

[0391.0.0.27] Accordingly in another embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of the nucleic acid molecule, the organism, e.g. the microorganism, the plant, plant cell or plant tissue, the vector, or the polypeptide of the present invention for making fatty acids, carotenoids, isoprenoids, vitamins, lipids, wax esters, (poly)saccharides and/or polyhydroxyalkanoates, and/or its metabolism products, in particular, steroid hormones, cholesterol, prostaglandin, triacylglycerols, bile acids and/or ketone bodies producing cells, tissues and/or plants. There are a number of mechanisms by which the yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of fatty acids, carotenoids, isoprenoids, vitamins, wax esters, lipids, (poly)saccharides and/or polyhydroxyalkanoates, and/or its metabolism products, in particular, steroid hormones, cholesterol, triacylglycerols, prostaglandin, bile acids and/or ketone bodies or further of above defined fine chemicals incorporating such an altered protein can be affected. In the case of plants, by e.g. increasing the expression of acetyl-CoA which is the basis for many products, e.g., fatty acids, carotenoids, isoprenoids, vitamines, lipids, (poly)saccharides, wax esters, and/or polyhydroxyalkanoates, and/or its metabolism products, in particular, prostaglandin, steroid hormones, cholesterol, triacylglycerols, bile acids and/or ketone bodies in a cell, it may be possible to increase the amount of the produced said compounds thus permitting greater ease of harvesting and purification or in case of plants more efficient partitioning. Further, one or more of said metabolism products, increased amounts of the cofactors, precursor molecules, and intermediate compounds for the appropriate biosynthetic pathways maybe required. Therefore, by increasing the number and/or activity of transporter proteins involved in the import of nutrients, such as carbon sources (i.e., sugars), nitrogen sources (i.e., amino acids, ammonium salts), phosphate, and sulfur, it may be possible to improve the production of acetyl CoA and its metabolism products as mentioned above, due to the removal of any nutrient supply limitations on the biosynthetic process. In particular, it may be possible to increase the yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of said compounds, e.g. fatty acids, carotenoids, isoprenoids, vitamins, was esters, lipids, (poly)saccharides, and/or polyhydroxyalkanoates, and/or its metabolism products, in particular, steroid hormones, cholesterol, prostaglandin, triacylglycerols, bile acids and/or ketone bodies molecules etc. in plants.

[0392.0.0.27] Furthermore preferred is a method for the recombinant production of pharmaceuticals or fine chemicals in host organisms, wherein a host organism is transformed with one of the above-described nucleic acid constructs comprising one or more structural genes which encode the desired fine chemical or catalyze the biosynthesis of the desired fine chemical, the transformed host organism is cultured, and the desired fine chemical is isolated from the culture medium. This method can be applied widely to fine chemicals such as enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, sugars, fatty acids, and natural and synthetic flavourings, aroma substances and colorants or compositions comprising these. Especially preferred is the additional production of further amino acids, tocopherols and tocotrienols and carotenoids or compositions comprising said compounds. The transformed host organisms are cultured and the products are recovered from the host organisms or the culture medium by methods known to the skilled worker or the organism itself servers as food or feed supplement. The production of pharmaceuticals such as, for example, antibodies or vaccines, is described by Hood E E, Jilka J M. Curr Opin Biotechnol. 1999 August; 10(4):382-6; Ma J K, Vine N D. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol. 1999; 236:275-92.

[0393.0.0.27] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

(a) contacting, e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical after expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention in particular to a nucleic acid molecule sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, and, optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete genomic clone; (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells, preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for producing the respective fine chemical; (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (e) assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host cells; and (f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the the respective fine chemical level in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.27] Relaxed hybridisation conditions are: After standard hybridisation procedures washing steps can be performed at low to medium stringency conditions usually with washing conditions of 40°-55° C. and salt conditions between 2×SSC and 0,2×SSC with 0.1% SDS in comparison to stringent washing conditions as e.g. 60°-68° C. with 0.1% SDS. Further examples can be found in the references listed above for the stringent hybridization conditions. Usually washing steps are repeated with increasing stringency and length until a useful signal to noise ratio is detected and depend on many factors as the target, e.g. its purity, GC-content, size etc, the probe, e.g. its length, is it a RNA or a DNA probe, salt conditions, washing or hybridisation temperature, washing or hybridisation time etc.

[0395.0.0.27] In an other embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   (a) identifying nucleic acid molecules of an organism; which can     contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an     increase in the respective fine chemical after expression, which are     at least 20%, preferably 25%, more preferably 30%, even more     preferred are 35%. 40% or 50%, even more preferred are 60%, 70% or     80%, most preferred are 90% or 95% or more homology to the nucleic     acid molecule of the present invention, for example via homology     search in a data bank; -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cells or microorganisms, appropriate for     producing the respective fine chemical; -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   (d) assaying the the respective fine chemical level in the host     cells; and -   (e) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the the respective fine chemical     level in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.     -   Eventually gene products conferring the increase in the         respective fine chemical production can also be identify         according to a identical or similar 3D structure in step (a) and         by the above described method.

[0396.0.0.27] The nucleic acid molecules identified can then be used for the production of the respective fine chemical in the same way as the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical, comprising (a) identifying a nucleic acid molecule according to aforementioned steps

-   (a) to (f) or (a) to (e) and recovering the free or bound fine     chemical from a organism having an increased cellular activity of a     polypeptide encoded by the isolated nucleic acid molecule compared     to a wild type.

[0397.0.0.27] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a compound stimulating production of the respective fine chemical to said plant comprising:

-   a) contacting cells which express the polypeptide of the present     invention or its mRNA with a candidate compound under cell     cultivation conditions; -   b) assaying an increase in expression of said polypeptide or said     mRNA; -   c) comparing the expression level to a standard response made in the     absence of said candidate compound; whereby, an increased expression     over the standard indicates that the compound is stimulating     production of the respective fine chemical.

[0398.0.0.27] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the screening for agonists or an antagonist of the activity of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. a polypeptide conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof after increasing the activity in an organism or a part thereof, comprising:

-   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which     express the polypeptide according to the invention with a candidate     compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds under     conditions which permit the expression the polypeptide of the     present invention or used in the process of the present invention; -   (b) assaying the respective fine chemical level or the polypeptide     expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or the     media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured or     maintained in; and -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the measured     the respective fine chemical level or polypeptide of the invention     or used in the invention expression level with a standard the     respective fine chemical or polypeptide expression level measured in     the absence of said candidate compound or a sample comprising said     plurality of compounds, whereby an increased level over the standard     indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality     of compounds is an agonist and a decreased level over the standard     indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality     of compounds is an antagonist.

[0399.0.0.27] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to process for the identification of a compound conferring increased the respective fine chemical production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps:

-   -   (j) culturing a cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a         plant expressing the polypeptide according to the invention or a         nucleic acid molecule encoding said polypeptide and a readout         system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under         suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the         polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a         compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and         capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the         binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which         permit the expression of said readout system and the polypeptide         of the present invention or used in the process of the         invention; and     -   (k) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system.

The screen for a gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production can be performed by growth of an organism for example a microorganism in the presence of growth reducing amounts of an inhibitor of the synthesis of the respective fine chemical. Better growth, e.g. higher dividing rate or high dry mass in comparison to the control under such conditions would identify a gene or gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in fine chemical production.

[0399.1.0.27] One can think to screen for increased production of the respective fine chemical by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the respective fine chemical and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotype of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.27] Said compound may be chemically synthesized or microbiologically produced and/or comprised in, for example, samples, e.g., cell extracts from, e.g., plants, animals or microorganisms, e.g. pathogens. Furthermore, said compound(s) may be known in the art but hitherto not known to be capable of suppressing or activating the polypeptide of the present invention. The reaction mixture may be a cell free extract or may comprise a cell or tissue culture. Suitable set ups for the method of the invention are known to the person skilled in the art and are, for example, generally described in Alberts et al., Molecular Biology of the Cell, third edition (1994), in particular Chapter 17. The compounds may be, e.g., added to the reaction mixture, culture medium, injected into the cell or sprayed onto the plant.

[0401.0.0.27] If a sample containing a compound is identified in the method of the invention, then it is either possible to isolate the compound from the original sample identified as containing the compound capable of activating or increasing the content of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof, or one can further subdivide the original sample, for example, if it consists of a plurality of different compounds, so as to reduce the number of different substances per sample and repeat the method with the subdivisions of the original sample. Depending on the complexity of the samples, the steps described above can be performed several times, preferably until the sample identified according to the method of the invention only comprises a limited number of or only one substance(s). Preferably said sample comprises substances of similar chemical and/or physical properties, and most preferably said substances are identical. Preferably, the compound identified according to the above described method or its derivative is further formulated in a form suitable for the application in plant breeding or plant cell and tissue culture.

[0402.0.0.27] The compounds which can be tested and identified according to a method of the invention may be expression libraries, e.g., cDNA expression libraries, peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, antibodies, small organic compounds, hormones, peptidomimetics, PNAs or the like (Milner, Nature Medicine 1 (1995), 879-880; Hupp, Cell 83 (1995), 237-245; Gibbs, Cell 79 (1994), 193-198 and references cited supra). Said compounds can also be functional derivatives or analogues of known inhibitors or activators. Methods for the preparation of chemical derivatives and analogues are well known to those skilled in the art and are described in, for example, Beilstein, Handbook of Organic Chemistry, Springer edition New York Inc., 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010 U.S.A. and Organic Synthesis, Wiley, New York, USA. Furthermore, said derivatives and analogues can be tested for their effects according to methods known in the art. Furthermore, peptidomimetics and/or computer aided design of appropriate derivatives and analogues can be used, for example, according to the methods described above. The cell or tissue that may be employed in the method of the invention preferably is a host cell, plant cell or plant tissue of the invention described in the embodiments hereinbefore.

[0403.0.0.27] Thus, in a further embodiment the invention relates to a compound obtained or identified according to the method for identifying an agonist of the invention said compound being an agonist of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0404.0.0.27] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention further relates to a compound identified by the method for identifying a compound of the present invention.

[0405.0.0.27] Said compound is, for example, a homologous of the polypeptide of the present invention. Homologues of the polypeptid of the present invention can be generated by mutagenesis, e.g., discrete point mutation or truncation of the polypeptide of the present invention. As used herein, the term “homologue” refers to a variant form of the protein, which acts as an agonist of the activity of the polypeptide of the present invention. An agonist of said protein can retain substantially the same, or a subset, of the biological activities of the polypeptide of the present invention. In particular, said agonist confers the increase of the expression level of the polypeptide of the present invention and/or the expression of said agonist in an organisms or part thereof confers the increase of free and/or bound the respective fine chemical in the organism or part thereof.

[0406.0.0.27] In one embodiment, the invention relates to an antibody specifically recognizing the compound or agonist of the present invention.

[0407.0.0.27] The invention also relates to a diagnostic composition comprising at least one of the aforementioned nucleic acid molecules, vectors, proteins, antibodies or compounds of the invention and optionally suitable means for detection.

[0408.0.0.27] The diagnostic composition of the present invention is suitable for the isolation of mRNA from a cell and contacting the mRNA so obtained with a probe comprising a nucleic acid probe as described above under hybridizing conditions, detecting the presence of mRNA hybridized to the probe, and thereby detecting the expression of the protein in the cell. Further methods of detecting the presence of a protein according to the present invention comprise immunotechniques well known in the art, for example enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, it is possible to use the nucleic acid molecules according to the invention as molecular markers or primer in plant breeding. Suitable means for detection are well known to a person skilled in the arm, e.g. buffers and solutions for hydridization assays, e.g. the aforementioned solutions and buffers, further and means for Southern-, Western-, Northern—etc.—blots, as e.g. described in Sambrook et al. are known.

[0409.0.0.27] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a kit comprising the nucleic acid molecule, the vector, the host cell, the polypeptide, the antisense nucleic acid, the antibody, plant cell, the plant or plant tissue, the harvestable part, the propagation material and/or the compound or agonist or antagonists identified according to the method of the invention.

[0410.0.0.27] The compounds of the kit of the present invention may be packaged in containers such as vials, optionally with/in buffers and/or solution. If appropriate, one or more of said components might be packaged in one and the same container. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of said components might be adsorbed to a solid support as, e.g. a nitrocellulose filter, a glass plate, a chip, or a nylon membrane or to the well of a micro titerplate. The kit can be used for any of the herein described methods and embodiments, e.g. for the production of the host cells, transgenic plants, pharmaceutical compositions, detection of homologous sequences, identification of antagonists or agonists, as food or feed or as a supplement thereof, as supplement for the treating of plants, etc.

[0411.0.0.27] Further, the kit can comprise instructions for the use of the kit for any of said embodiments, in particular for the use for producing organisms or part thereof having an increased free or bound the respective fine chemical content.

[0412.0.0.27] In one embodiment said kit comprises further a nucleic acid molecule encoding one or more of the aforementioned protein, and/or an antibody, a vector, a host cell, an antisense nucleic acid, a plant cell or plant tissue or a plant.

[0413.0.0.27] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the production of a agricultural composition providing the nucleic acid molecule, the vector or the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or comprising the steps of the method according to the invention for the identification of said compound, agonist or antagonist; and formulating the nucleic acid molecule, the vector or the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or the agonist, or compound identified according to the methods or processes of the present invention or with use of the subject matters of the present invention in a form applicable as plant agricultural composition.

[0414.0.0.27] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the production of a “the respective fine chemical”-production supporting plant culture composition comprising the steps of the method for of the present invention; and formulating the compound identified in a form acceptable as agricultural composition.

[0415.0.0.27] Under “acceptable as agricultural composition” is understood, that such a composition is in agreement with the laws regulating the content of fungicides, plant nutrients, herbicides, etc. Preferably such a composition is without any harm for the protected plants and the animals (humans included) fed therewith.

[0416.0.0.27] The present invention also pertains to several embodiments relating to further uses and methods. The nucleic acid molecule, polypeptide, protein homologues, fusion proteins, primers, vectors, host cells, described herein can be used in one or more of the following methods: identification of plants useful for the respective fine chemical production as mentioned and related organisms; mapping of genomes; identification and localization of sequences of interest; evolutionary studies; determination of regions required for function; modulation of an activity.

[0417.0.0.27] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the amino acid production biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect plants against herbicides, which block the amino acid, in particular the respective fine chemical, synthesis in said plant. Inhibitors may inhibit one or more of the steps for the synthesis of methionine. The first committed step for the synthesis of Lys, Met and Thr is the first step, in which aspartate is phosphorylated to aspartyl-b-phosphate, catalyzed by aspartokinase: E. coli has 3 isozymes of aspartokinase that respond differently to each of the 3 amino acids, with regard to enzyme inhibition and feedback inhibition. The biosynthesis of lysine, methionine and threonine are not, then, controlled as a group. The pathway from aspartate to lysine has 10 steps. The pathway from aspartate to threonine has 5 steps. The pathway from aspartate to methionine has 7 steps. Regulation of the three pathways also occurs at the two branch points:

-   -   b-Aspartate-semialdehyde (homoserine and lysine)     -   Homoserine (threonine and methionine)

The regulation results from feedback inhibition by the amino acid products of the branches, indicated in the brackets above. One important step in the synthesis of this group of 3 amino acids is the step in which homocysteine is converted to methionine, catalyzed by the enzyme methionine synthase:

In this reaction, homocysteine is methylated to methionine, and the Cl donor is N5-methyl-THF. Thus, inhibition of one or more of the methionine synthesis enzymes, including also the provision of donor molecules, can inhibit the synthesis of methionine.

Examples of herbicides blocking the amino acid synthesis in plants are for example sulfonylurea and imidazolinone herbicides, which catalyze the first step in branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis. Inhibitors of the methionine synthesis may for example described in Danishpajooh 10, 2001 Nitric oxide inhibits methionine synthase activity in vivo and disrupts carbon flow through the folate pathway. J. Biol. Chem. 276: 27296-27303; Datko A H, 1982 Methionine biosynthesis in Lemna-inhibitor studies. Plant Physiol. 69: 1070-1076; Lavrador K, 1998 A new series of cyclic amino acids as inhibitors of S-adenosyl L-methionine synthetase. Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 8: 1629-1634; Thompson G A, 1982 Methionine synthesis in Lemna-inhibition of cystathionine gamma-synthase by propargylglycine. Plant Physiol. 70: 1347-1352. In some organisms the methionine synthesis is inhibited by ethanol, lead, mercury, aluminium, thimerosal, cupper, N20, as e.g. discussed in M. Waly, H. Oleteanu et al., 2004, Molecular Psychiatry, 1-13.

Interestingly, Arabidopsis seed germination was strongly delayed in the presence of DL-propargylglycine, a specific inhibitor of methionine synthesis. Furthermore, this compound totally inhibited seedling growth. These phenotypic effects were largely alleviated upon methionine supplementation in the germination medium. The results indicated that methionine synthase and S-adenosylmethionine synthetase are fundamental components controlling metabolism in the transition from a quiescent to a highly active state during seed germination. Moreover, the observed temporal patterns of accumulation of these proteins are consistent with an essential role of endogenous ethylene in Arabidopsis only after radicle protrusion; s. Gallarado, K., 2002, Importance of methionine biosynthesis for Arabidopsis seed germination and seedling growth, Physiolgia Plantarum, 116(2), pp 238-247. Accordingly, the overexpression of a polypeptide of the present invention in a plant may protect the plant against a herbicide inhibiting methionine synthesis.

[0418.0.0.27] Accordingly, the nucleic acid molecules of the present invention have a variety of uses. First, they may be used to identify an organism or a close relative thereof. Also, they may be used to identify the presence thereof or a relative thereof in a mixed population of microorganisms or plants. By probing the extracted genomic

DNA of a culture of a unique or mixed population of plants under stringent conditions with a probe spanning a region of the gene of the present invention which is unique to this, one can ascertain whether the present invention has been used or whether it or a close relative is present.

[0419.0.0.27] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention may be sufficiently homologous to the sequences of related species such that these nucleic acid molecules may serve as markers for the construction of a genomic map in related organism.

[0420.0.0.27] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a method for breeding plants for the production of the respective fine chemical, comprising

-   -   (a) providing a first plant variety produced according to the         process of the invention preferably (over)expressing the nucleic         acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used         in the method of the invention;     -   (b) crossing the first plant variety with a second plant         variety; and     -   (c) selecting the offspring plants which overproduce the         respective fine chemical by means of analysis the distribution         of a molecular marker in the offspring representing the first         plant variety and its capability to (over)produce the respective         fine chemical.

Details about the use of molecular markers in breeding can be found in Kumar et al., 1999 (Biotech Adv., 17:143-182) and Peleman and van der Voort 2003 (Trends Plant Sci. 2003 July; 8(7):330-334)

The molecular marker can e.g. relate to the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention and/or its expression level. Accordingly, the molecular marker can be a probe or a PCR primer set useful for identification of the genomic existence or genomic localisation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, e.g. in a Southern blot analysis or a PCR or its expression level, i.g. in a Northern Blot analysis or a quantitative PCR.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or encoding the polypeptide of the present invention as molecular marker for breeding, especially for breeding for a high or low respective fine chemical production.

[0421.0.0.27] The nucleic acid molecules of the invention are also useful for evolutionary and protein structural studies. By comparing the sequences of the invention or used in the process of the invention to those encoding similar enzymes from other organisms, the evolutionary relatedness of the organisms can be assessed. Similarly, such a comparison permits an assessment of which regions of the sequence are conserved and which are not, which may aid in determining those regions of the protein which are essential for the functioning of the enzyme. This type of determination is of value for protein engineering studies and may give an indication of what the protein can tolerate in terms of mutagenesis without losing function.

[0422.0.0.27] Accordingly, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention can be used for the identification of other nucleic acids conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical after expression.

[0423.0.0.27] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or a fragment of a gene conferring the expression of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, preferably comprising the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, can be used for marker assisted breeding or association mapping of the respective fine chemical derived traits

[0424.0.0.27] Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the respective fine chemical or of the fine chemical and one or more other amino acids, in particular Threoinine, Alanine, Glutamin, Glutamic acid, Valine, Asparagine, Phenylalanine, Leucine, Proline, Tryptophan Tyrosine, Valine, Isoleucine and Arginine. Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the respective fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0425.0.0.27] Further, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist or the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the preparation of an agricultural composition.

[0426.0.0.27] Furthermore, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, antagonist or the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the identification and production of compounds capable of conferring a modulation of the respective fine chemical levels in an organism or parts thereof, preferably to identify and produce compounds conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical levels in an organism or parts thereof, if said identified compound is applied to the organism or part thereof, i.e. as part of its food, or in the growing or culture media.

[0427.0.0.27] These and other embodiments are disclosed and encompassed by the description and examples of the present invention. Further literature concerning any one of the methods, uses and compounds to be employed in accordance with the present invention may be retrieved from public libraries, using for example electronic devices. For example the public database “Medline” may be utilized which is available on the Internet, for example under hftp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/medline.html. Further databases and addresses, such as hftp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/, hftp://www.infobiogen.fr/, hftp://www.fmi.ch/biology/research-tools.html, hftp://www.tigr.org/, are known to the person skilled in the art and can also be obtained using, e.g., hftp://www.lycos.com. An overview of patent information in biotechnology and a survey of relevant sources of patent information useful for retrospective searching and for current awareness is given in Berks, TIBTECH 12 (1994), 352-364.

[0428.0.0.27]

[0429.0.0.27] The present invention is illustrated by the examples, which follow. The present examples illustrate the basic invention without being intended as limiting the subject of the invention. The content of all of the references, patent applications, patents and published patent applications cited in the present patent application is herewith incorporated by reference.

[0430.0.0.27] EXAMPLES [0431.0.0.27] Example 1 Cloning into in Escherichia coli

[0432.0.0.27] A DNA polynucleotide with a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, column 5 and encoding a polypeptide as listed in Table 1 below, was cloned into the plasmids pBR322 (Sutcliffe, J. G. (1979) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, 75: 3737-3741); pACYC177 (Change & Cohen (1978) J. Bacteriol. 134: 1141-1156); plasmids of the pBS series (pBSSK+, pBSSK- and others; Stratagene, LaJolla, USA) or cosmids such as SuperCosi (Stratagene, LaJolla, USA) or Lorist6 (Gibson, T. J. Rosenthal, A., and Waterson, R. H. (1987) Gene 53: 283-286) for expression in E. coli using known, well-established procedures (see, for example, Sambrook, J. et al. (1989) “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons).

[0433.0.0.27] Example 2 DNA Sequencing and Computerized Functional Analysis

[0434.0.0.27] The DNA was sequenced by standard procedures, in particular the chain determination method, using ABI377 sequencers (see, for example, Fleischman, R. D. et al. (1995) “Whole-genome Random Sequencing and Assembly of Haemophilus Influenzae Rd., Science 269; 496-512)”.

[0435.0.0.27] Example 3 In-Vivo and In-Vitro Mutagenesis

[0436.0.0.27] An in vivo mutagenesis of Corynebacterium glutamicum for the production of the respective fine chemical can be carried out by passing a plasmid DNA (or another vector DNA) through E. coli and other microorganisms (for example Bacillus spp. or yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae), which are not capable of maintaining the integrity of its genetic information. Usual mutator strains have mutations in the genes for the DNA repair system [for example mutHLS, mutD, mutT and the like; for comparison, see Rupp, W. D. (1996) DNA repair mechanisms in Escherichia coli and Salmonella, pp. 2277-2294, ASM: Washington]. The skilled worker knows these strains. The use of these strains is illustrated for example in Greener, A. and Callahan, M. (1994) Strategies 7; 32-34.

[0436.1.0.27] In-vitro mutation methods such as increasing the spontaneous mutation rates by chemical or physical treatment are well known to the skilled person. Mutagens like 5-bromo-uracil, N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (=NTG), ethyl methanesulfonate (=EMS), hydroxylamine and/or nitrous acid are widly used as chemical agents for random in-vitro mutagenesis. The most common physical method for mutagensis is the treatment with UV irradiation. Another random mutagenesis technique is the error-prone PCR for introducing amino acid changes into proteins. Mutations are deliberately introduced during PCR through the use of error-prone DNA polymerases and special reaction conditions known to a person skilled in the art. For this method randomized DNA sequences are cloned into expression vectors and the resulting mutant libraries screened for altered or improved protein activity as described below.

Site-directed mutagensis method such as the introduction of desired mutations with an M13 or phagemid vector and short oligonucleotides primers is a well-known approach for site-directed mutagensis. The clou of this method involves cloning of the nucleic acid sequence of the invention into an M13 or phagemid vector, which permits recovery of single-stranded recombinant nucleic acid sequence. A mutagenic oligonucleotide primer is then designed whose sequence is perfectly complementary to nucleic acid sequence in the region to be mutated, but with a single difference: at the intended mutation site it bears a base that is complementary to the desired mutant nucleotide rather than the original. The mutagenic oligonucleotide is then allowed to prime new DNA synthesis to create a complementary full-length sequence containing the desired mutation. Another site-directed mutagensis method is the PCR mismatch primer mutagensis method also known to the skilled person. Dpnl site-directed mutagensis is a further known method as described for example in the Stratagene Quickchange™ site-directed mutagenesis kit protocol. A huge number of other methods are also known and used in common practice.

Positive mutation events can be selected by screening the organisms for the production of the desired respective fine chemical.

[0437.0.0.27] Example 4 DNA Transfer Between Escherichia coli and Corynebacterium glutamicum

[0438.0.0.27] Several Corynebacterium and Brevibacterium species comprise endogenous plasmids (such as, for example, pHM1519 or pBL1) which replicate autonomously (for a review, see, for example, Martin, J. F. et al. (1987) Biotechnology 5: 137-146). Shuttle vectors for Escherichia coli and Corynebacterium glutamicum can be constructed easily using standard vectors for E. coli (Sambrook, J. et al., (1989), “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons), which have a replication origin for, and suitable marker from, Corynebacterium glutamicum added. Such replication origins are preferably taken from endogenous plasmids, which have been isolated from Corynebacterium and Brevibacterium species. Genes, which are used in particular as transformation markers for these species are genes for kanamycin resistance (such as those which originate from the Tn5 or Tn-903 transposon) or for chloramphenicol resistance (Winnacker, E. L. (1987) “From Genes to Clones—Introduction to Gene Technology, VCH, Weinheim). There are many examples in the literature of the preparation of a large multiplicity of shuttle vectors which are replicated in E. coli and C. glutamicum and which can be used for various purposes including the overexpression of genes (see, for example, Yoshihama, M. et al. (1985) J. Bacteriol. 162: 591-597, Martin, J. F. et al., (1987) Biotechnology, 5: 137-146 and Eikmanns, B. J. et al. (1992) Gene 102: 93-98). Suitable vectors, which replicate in coryneform bacteria are, for example, pZ1 (Menke) et al., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 64, 1989: 549-554) pEkEx1 (Eikmanns et al., Gene 102, 1991: 93-98) or pHS2-1 (Sonnen et al, Gene 107, 1991: 69-74). These vectors are based on the cryptic plasmids pHM1519, pBL1 or pGA1. Other plasmid vectors such as, for example, those based on pCG4 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,489,160), pNG2 (Serwold-Davis et al., FEMS Microbiol. Lett., 66, 1990: 119-124) or pAG1 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,891) can be used in the same manner.

[0439.0.0.27] Using standard methods, it is possible to clone a gene of interest into one of the above-described shuttle vectors and to introduce such hybrid vectors into Corynebacterium glutamicum strains. The transformation of C. glutamicum can be achieved by protoplast transformation (Kastsumata, R. et al., (1984) J. Bacteriol. 159, 306-311), electroporation (Liebl, E. et al., (1989) FEMS Microbiol. Letters, 53: 399-303) and in those cases where specific vectors are used also by conjugation (such as, for example, described in Schafer, A., et al. (1990) J. Bacteriol. 172: 1663-1666). Likewise, it is possible to transfer the shuttle vectors for C. glutamicum to E. coli by preparing plasmid DNA from C. glutamicum (using standard methods known in the art) and transforming it into E. coli. This transformation step can be carried out using standard methods, but preferably using an Mcr-deficient E. coli strain, such as NM522 (Gough & Murray (1983) J. Mol. Biol. 166: 1-19).

[0440.0.0.27] If the transformed sequence(s) is/are to be integrated advantageously into the genome of the coryneform bacteria, standard techniques known to the skilled worker also exist for this purpose. Examples, which are used for this purpose are plasmid vectors as they have been described by Remscheid et al. (App). Environ. Microbiol., 60, 1994: 126-132) for the duplication and amplification of the hom-thrB operon. In this method, the complete gene is cloned into a plasmid vector which is capable of replication in a host such as E. coli, but not in C. glutamicum. Suitable vectors are, for example, pSUP301 (Simon et al., Bio/Technology 1, 1983: 784-791), pK1Bmob or pK19mob (Schafer et al., Gene 145, 1994: 69-73), pGEM-T (Promega Corp., Madison, Wis., USA), pCR2.1-TOPO (Schuman, J. Biol. Chem., 269, 1994: 32678-32684, U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,993), pCR®Blunt (Invitrogen, Groningen, the Netherlands) or pEM1 (Schrumpf et al., J. Bacteriol., 173, 1991: 4510-4516).

[0441.0.0.27] Example 5 Determining the Expression of the Mutant/Transgenic Protein

[0442.0.0.27] The observations of the activity of a mutated, or transgenic, protein in a transformed host cell are based on the fact that the protein is expressed in a similar manner and in a similar quantity as the wild-type protein. A suitable method for determining the transcription quantity of the mutant, or transgenic, gene (a sign for the amount of mRNA which is available for the translation of the gene product) is to carry out a Northern blot (see, for example, Ausubel et al., (1988) Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Wiley: New York), where a primer which is designed in such a way that it binds to the gene of interest is provided with a detectable marker (usually a radioactive or chemiluminescent marker) so that, when the total RNA of a culture of the organism is extracted, separated on a gel, applied to a stable matrix and incubated with this probe, the binding and quantity of the binding of the probe indicates the presence and also the amount of mRNA for this gene. Another method is a quantitative PCR. This information detects the extent to which the gene has been transcribed. Total cell RNA can be isolated from Corynebacterium glutamicum or other microorganisms by a variety of methods, which are known in the art, e.g. as described in Bormann, E. R. et al., (1992) Mol. Microbiol. 6: 317-326.

[0443.0.0.27] Standard techniques, such as Western blot, may be employed to determine the presence or relative amount of protein translated from this mRNA (see, for example, Ausubel et al. (1988) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, Wiley, New York). In this method, total cell proteins are extracted, separated by gel electrophoresis, transferred to a matrix such as nitrocellulose and incubated with a probe, such as an antibody, which binds specifically to the desired protein. This probe is usually provided directly or indirectly with a chemiluminescent or colorimetric marker, which can be detected readily. The presence and the observed amount of marker indicates the presence and the amount of the sought mutant protein in the cell. However, other methods are also known.

[0444.0.0.27] Example 6 Growth of Genetically Modified Corynebacterium glutamicum: Media and Culture Conditions

[0445.0.0.27] Genetically modified Corynebacteria are grown in synthetic or natural growth media. A number of different growth media for Corynebacteria are known and widely available (Lieb et al. (1989) Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 32: 205-210; von der Osten et al. (1998) Biotechnology Letters 11: 11-16; Patent DE 4 120 867; Liebl (1992) “The Genus Corynebacterium”, in: The Procaryotes, Vol. II, Balows, A., et al., Ed. Springer-Verlag).

[0446.0.0.27] Said media, which can be used according to the invention usually consist of one or more carbon sources, nitrogen sources, inorganic salts, vitamins and trace elements. Preferred carbon sources are sugars such as mono-, di- or polysaccharides. Examples of very good carbon sources are glucose, fructose, mannose, galactose, ribose, sorbose, ribulose, lactose, maltose, sucrose, raffinose, starch or cellulose. Sugars may also be added to the media via complex compounds such as molasses or other by-products of sugar refining. It may also be advantageous to add mixtures of various carbon sources. Other possible carbon sources are alcohols and/or organic acids such as methanol, ethanol, acetic acid or lactic acid. Nitrogen sources are usually organic or inorganic nitrogen compounds or materials containing said compounds. Examples of nitrogen sources include ammonia gas, aqueous ammonia solutions or ammonium salts such as NH₄Cl, or (NH₄)₂SO₄, NH₄OH, nitrates, urea, amino acids or complex nitrogen sources such as cornsteep liquor, soybean flour, soybean protein, yeast extract, meat extract and others. Mixtures of the above nitrogen sources may be used advantageously.

[0447.0.0.27] Inorganic salt compounds, which may be included in the media comprise the chloride, phosphorus or sulfate salts of calcium, magnesium, sodium, cobalt, molybdenum, potassium, manganese, zinc, copper and iron. Chelating agents may be added to the medium in order to keep the metal ions in solution. Particularly suitable chelating agents include dihydroxyphenols such as catechol or protocatechulate or organic acids such as citric acid. The media usually also contain other growth factors such as vitamins or growth promoters, which include, for example, biotin, riboflavin, thiamine, folic acid, nicotinic acid, panthothenate and pyridoxine. Growth factors and salts are frequently derived from complex media components such as yeast extract, molasses, cornsteep liquor and the like. The exact composition of the compounds used in the media depends heavily on the particular experiment and is decided upon individually for each specific case. Information on the optimization of media can be found in the textbook “Applied Microbiol. Physiology, A Practical Approach” (Ed. P. M. Rhodes, P. F. Stanbury, IRL Press (1997) S. 53-73, ISBN 0 19 963577 3). Growth media can also be obtained from commercial suppliers, for example Standard 1 (Merck) or BHI (Brain heart infusion, DIEGO) and the like.

[0448.0.0.27] All media components are sterilized, either by heat (20 min at 1.5 bar and 121° C.) or by filter sterilization. The components may be sterilized either together or, if required, separately. All media components may be present at the start of the cultivation or added continuously or batchwise, as desired.

[0449.0.0.27] The culture conditions are defined separately for each experiment. The temperature is normally between 15° C. and 45° C. and may be kept constant or may be altered during the experiment. The pH of the medium should be in the range from 5 to 8.5, preferably around 7.0, and can be maintained by adding buffers to the media. An example of a buffer for this purpose is a potassium phosphate buffer. Synthetic buffers such as MOPS, HEPES, ACES and the like may be used as an alternative or simultaneously. The culture pH value may also be kept constant during the culture period by addition of, for example, NaOH or NH₄OH. If complex media components such as yeast extract are used, additional buffers are required less since many complex compounds have a high buffer capacity. When using a fermenter for the culture of microorganisms, the pH value can also be regulated using gaseous ammonia.

[0450.0.0.27] The incubation period is generally in a range of from several hours to several days. This time period is selected in such a way that the maximum amount of product accumulates in the fermentation broth. The growth experiments, which are disclosed can be carried out in a multiplicity of containers such as microtiter plates, glass tubes, glass flasks or glass or metal fermenters of various sizes. To screen a large number of clones, the microorganisms should be grown in microtiter plates, glass tubes or shake flasks, either using simple flasks or baffle flasks. 100 ml shake flasks filled with 10% (based on the volume) of the growth medium required are preferably used. The flasks should be shaken on an orbital shaker (amplitude 25 mm) at a rate ranging from 100 to 300 rpm. Evaporation losses can be reduced by maintaining a humid atmosphere; as an alternative, a mathematical correction should be carried out for the evaporation losses.

[0451.0.0.27] If genetically modified clones are examined, an unmodified control clone, or a control clone, which contains the basic plasmid without insertion, should also be included in the tests. If a transgenic sequence is expressed, a control clone should advantageously again be included in these tests. The medium is advantageously inoculated to an OD600 of 0.5 to 1.5 using cells which have been grown on agar plates, such as CM plates (10 g/l glucose, 2.5 g/l NaCl, 2 g/l urea, 10 g/l polypeptone, 5 g/l yeast extract, 5 g/l meat extract, 22 g/l agar, pH value 6.8 established with 2M NaOH), which have been incubated at 30° C. The media are inoculated for example by introducing of a preculture of seed organisms.

[0451.1.0.27] For example, the media are inoculated by introducing of a saline solution of C. glutamicum cells from CM plates or by addition of a liquid preculture of this bacterium.

[0452.0.0.27] Example 7 In-Vitro Analysis of the Function of the Proteins Encoded by the Transformed Sequences

[0453.0.0.27] The determination of the activities and kinetic parameters of enzymes is well known in the art. Experiments for determining the activity of a specific modified enzyme must be adapted to the specific activity of the wild-enzyme type, which is well within the capabilities of the skilled worker. Overviews of enzymes in general and specific details regarding the structure, kinetics, principles, methods, applications and examples for the determination of many enzyme activities can be found for example in the following literature: Dixon, M., and Webb, E. C: (1979) Enzymes, Longmans, London; Fersht (1985) Enzyme Structure and Mechanism, Freeman, New York; Walsh (1979) Enzymatic Reaction Mechanisms. Freeman, San Francisco; Price, N. C., Stevens, L. (1982) Fundamentals of Enzymology. Oxford Univ. Press: Oxford; Boyer, P. D: Ed. (1983) The Enzymes, 3rd Ed. Academic Press, New York; Bisswanger, H. (1994) Enzymkinetik, 2nd Ed. VCH, Weinheim (ISBN 3527300325); Bergmeyer, H. U., Bergmeyer, J., GraBI, M. Ed. (1983-1986) Methods of Enzymatic Analysis, 3rd Ed. Vol. I-XII, Verlag Chemie: Weinheim; and Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1987) Vol. A9, “Enzymes”, VCH, Weinheim, pp. 352-363.

[0454.0.0.27] Example 8 Analysis of the Effect of the Nucleic Acid Molecule on the Production of the Amino Acids

[0455.0.0.27] The effect of the genetic modification in C. glutamicum on the production of an amino acid can be determined by growing the modified microorganisms under suitable conditions (such as those described above) and analyzing the medium and/or the cellular components for the increased production of the amino acid. Such analytical techniques are well known to the skilled worker and encompass spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, various types of staining methods, enzymatic and microbiological methods and analytical chromatography such as high-performance liquid chromatography (see, for example, Ullman, Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. A2, pp. 89-90 and pp. 443-613, VCH: Weinheim (1985); Fallon, A., et al., (1987) “Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry” in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 17; Rehm et al. (1993) Biotechnology, Vol. 3, Chapter III: “Product recovery and purification”, pp. 469-714, VCH: Weinheim; Better, P. A. et al. (1988) Bioseparations: downstream processing for Biotechnology, John Wiley and Sons; Kennedy, J. F. and Cabral, J. M. S. (1992) Recovery processes for biological Materials, John Wiley and Sons; Shaeiwitz, J. A. and Henry, J. D. (1988) Biochemical Separations, in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. B3; chapter 11, pp. 1-27, VCH: Weinheim; and Dechow, F. J. (1989) Separation and purification techniques in biotechnology, Noyes Publications).

[0456.0.0.27] In addition to the determination of the fermentation end product, other components of the metabolic pathways which are used for the production of the desired compound, such as intermediates and by-products, may also be analyzed in order to determine the total productivity of the organism, the yield and/or production efficiency of the compound. The analytical methods encompass determining the amounts of nutrients in the medium (for example sugars, hydrocarbons, nitrogen sources, phosphate and other ions), determining biomass composition and growth, analyzing the production of ordinary metabolites from biosynthetic pathways and measuring gases generated during the fermentation. Standard methods for these are described in Applied Microbial Physiology; A Practical Approach, P. M. Rhodes and P. F. Stanbury, Ed. IRL Press, pp. 103-129; 131-163 and 165-192 (ISBN: 0199635773) and the references cited therein.

[0457.0.0.27] Example 9 Purification of the Amino Acid

[0458.0.0.27] The amino acid can be recovered from cells or from the supernatant of the above-described culture by a variety of methods known in the art. For example, the culture supernatant is recovered first. To this end, the cells are harvested from the culture by slow centrifugation. Cells can generally be disrupted or lysed by standard techniques such as mechanical force or sonication. The cell debris is removed by centrifugation and the supernatant fraction, if appropriate together with the culture supernatant, is used for the further purification of the amino acid. However, it is also possible to process the supernatant alone if the amino acid is present in the supernatant in sufficiently high a concentration. In this case, the amino acid, or the amino acid mixture, can be purified further for example via extraction and/or salt precipitation or via ion-exchange chromatography.

[0459.0.0.27] If required and desired, further chromatography steps with a suitable resin may follow, the amino acid, but not many contaminants in the sample, being retained on the chromatography resin or the contaminants, but not the sample with the product (amino acid), being retained on the resin. If necessary, these chromatography steps may be repeated, using identical or other chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the selection of suitable chromatography resin and the most effective use for a particular molecule to be purified. The purified product can be concentrated by filtration or ultrafiltration and stored at a temperature at which maximum product stability is ensured. Many purification methods, which are not limited to the above purification method are known in the art. They are described, for example, in Bailey, J. E. & 011 is, D. F. Biochemical Engineering Fundamentals, McGraw-Hill: New York (1986).

[0460.0.0.27] Identity and purity of the amino acid isolated can be determined by standard techniques of the art. They encompass high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assay or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are compiled in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60: 133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11:27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19: 67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Vol. A27, VCH: Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michal, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 17.

[0461.0.0.27] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 108199 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.27] Unless otherwise specified, standard methods as described in Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A laboratory manual, Cold Spring Harbor 1989, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press are used.

[0463.0.0.27] SEQ ID NO: 108199 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.27] The composition for the protocol of the Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase was as follows: 1×PCR buffer (Stratagene), 0.2 mM of each dNTP, 100 ng genomic DNA of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain S288C; Research Genetics, Inc., now Invitrogen) or Escherichia coli (strain MG1655; E. coli Genetic Stock Center), 50 μmol forward primer, 50 μmol reverse primer, 2.5 u Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The amplification cycles were as follows:

[0465.0.0.27] 1 cycle of 3 minutes at 94-95° C., followed by 25-36 cycles of in each case 1 minute at 95° C. or 30 seconds at 94° C., 45 seconds at 50° C., 30 seconds at 50° C. or 30 seconds at 55° C. and 210-480 seconds at 72° C., followed by 1 cycle of 8 minutes at 72° C., then 4° C. The composition for the protocol of the Herculase polymerase was as follows: 1×PCR buffer (Stratagene), 0.2 mM of each dNTP, 100 ng genomic DNA of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain S288C; Research Genetics, Inc., now Invitrogen) or Escherichia coli (strain MG1655; E. coli Genetic Stock Center), 50 μmol forward primer, 50 μmol reverse primer, 2.5 u Herculase polymerase. The amplification cycles were as follows:

[0466.0.0.27] 1 cycle of 2-3 minutes at 94° C., followed by 25-30 cycles of in each case 30 seconds at 94° C., 30 seconds at 55-60° C. and 5-10 minutes at 72° C., followed by 1 cycle of 10 minutes at 72° C., then 4° C.

[0467.0.0.27] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 108199:

-   -   i) forward primer SEQ ID NO: 108249     -   ii) reverse primer SEQ ID NO: 108250

[0468.0.0.27] Thereafter, the amplificate was purified over QIAquick columns following the standard protocol (Qiagen).

[0469.0.0.27] For the cloning of PCR-products, produced by Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase, the vector DNA (30 ng) was restricted with SmaI following the standard protocol (MBI Fermentas) and stopped by addition of high-salt buffer. The restricted vector fragments were purified via Nucleobond columns using the standard protocol (Macherey-Nagel). Thereafter, the linearized vector was dephosphorylated following the standard protocol (MBI Fermentas).

[0470.0.0.27] The PCR-products, produced by Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase, were directly cloned into the processed binary vector. The PCR-products, produced by Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase, were phosphorylated using a T4 DNA polymerase using a standard protocol (e.g. MBI Fermentas) and cloned into the processed binary vector.

[0471.0.0.27] The DNA termini of the PCR-products, produced by Herculase DNA polymerase, were blunted in a second synthesis reaction using Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The composition for the protocol of the blunting the DNA-termini was as follows: 0.2 mM blunting dTTP and 1.25 u Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The reaction was incubated at 72° C. for 30 minutes. Then the PCR-products were cloned into the processed vector as well. The DNA termini of the PCR-products, produced by Herculase DNA polymerase, were blunted in a second synthesis reaction using Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The composition for the protocol of the blunting the DNA-termini was as follows: 0.2 mM blunting dTTP and 1.25 u Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The reaction was incubated at 72° C. for 30 minutes. Then the PCR-products were phosphorylated using a T4 DNA polymerase using a standard protocol (e.g. MBI Fermentas) and cloned into the processed vector as well.

[0472.0.0.27] A binary vector comprising a selection cassette (promoter, selection marker, terminator) and an expression cassette with promoter, cloning cassette and terminator sequence between the T-DNA border sequences was used. In addition to those within the cloning cassette, the binary vector has no SmaI cleavage site. Binary vectors which can be used are known to the skilled worker; an overview of binary vectors and their use can be found in Hellens, R., Mullineaux, P. and Klee H., [(2000) “A guide to Agrobacterium binary vectors”, Trends in Plant Science, Vol. 5 No. 10, 446-451. Depending on the vector used, cloning may advantageously also be carried out via other restriction enzymes. Suitable advantageous cleavage sites can be added to the ORF by using suitable primers for the PCR amplification.

[0473.0.0.27] Approximately 30 ng of prepared vector and a defined amount of prepared amplificate were mixed and ligated by addition of ligase.

[0474.0.0.27] The ligated vectors were transformed in the same reaction vessel by addition of competent E. coli cells (strain DHSalpha) and incubation for 20 minutes at 1° C. followed by a heat shock for 90 seconds at 42° C. and cooling to 4° C. Then, complete medium (SOC) was added and the mixture was incubated for 45 minutes at 37° C. The entire mixture was subsequently plated onto an agar plate with antibiotics (selected as a function of the binary vector used) and incubated overnight at 37° C.

[0475.0.0.27] The outcome of the cloning step was verified by amplification with the aid of primers which bind upstream and downstream of the integration site, thus allowing the amplification of the insertion. In addition combinations of the above mentioned gene specific primers and upstream and downstream primers were used in PCR reactions to identify clones with the correct insert orientation. The amplifications were carried as described in the protocol of Taq DNA polymerase (Gibco-BRL).

[0476.0.0.27] The amplification cycles were as follows: 1 cycle of 5 minutes at 94° C., followed by 35 cycles of in each case 15 seconds at 94° C., 15 seconds at 50-66° C. and 5 minutes at 72° C., followed by 1 cycle of 10 minutes at 72° C., then 4° C.

[0477.0.0.27] Several colonies were checked, but only one colony for which a PCR product of the expected size was detected was used in the following steps.

[0478.0.0.27] A portion of this positive colony was transferred into a reaction vessel filled with complete medium (LB) and incubated overnight at 37° C. The LB medium contained an antibiotic chosen to suit the binary vector (see above) used and the resistance gene present therein in order to select the clone.

[0479.0.0.27] The plasmid preparation was carried out as specified in the Qiaprep standard protocol (Qiagen).

[0480.0.0.27] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 108199

[0481.0.0.27] 1 ng of the plasmid DNA isolated was transformed by electroporation into competent cells of Agrobacterium tumefaciens, of strain GV 3101 pMP90 (Koncz and Schell, Mol. Gen. Gent. 204, 383-396, 1986). The choice of the agrobacterial strain depends on the choice of the binary vector. An overview of possible strains and their properties is found in Hellens, R., Mullineaux, P. and Klee H., (2000) “A guide to Agrobacterium binary vectors, Trends in Plant Science, Vol. 5 No. 10, 446-451. Thereafter, complete medium (YEP) was added and the mixture was transferred into a fresh reaction vessel for 3 hours at 28° C. Thereafter, all of the reaction mixture was plated onto YEP agar plates supplemented with the respective antibiotics, for example rifampicin and gentamycin for GV3101 pMP90, and a further antibiotic for the selection onto the binary vector, was plated, and incubated for 48 hours at 28° C.

[0482.0.0.27] The agrobacteria generated in Example 10, which contains the plasmid construct were then used for the transformation of plants.

[0483.0.0.27] A colony was picked from the agar plate with the aid of a pipette tip and taken up in 3 ml of liquid TB medium, which also contained suitable antibiotics, depending on the agrobacterial strain and the binary plasmid. The preculture was grown for 48 hours at 28° C. and 120 rpm.

[0484.0.0.27] 400 ml of LB medium containing the same antibiotics as above were used for the main culture. The preculture was transferred into the main culture. It was grown for 18 hours at 28° C. and 120 rpm. After centrifugation at 4 000 rpm, the pellet was resuspended in infiltration medium (MS medium, 10% sucrose).

[0485.0.0.27] In order to grow the plants for the transformation, dishes (Piki Saat 80, green, provided with a screen bottom, 30×20×4.5 cm, from Wiesauplast, Kunststofftechnik, Germany) were half-filled with a GS 90 substrate (standard soil, Werkverband E. V., Germany). The dishes were watered overnight with 0.05% Proplant solution (Chimac-Apriphar, Belgium). Arabidopsis thaliana C24 seeds (Nottingham Arabidopsis Stock Centre, UK; NASC Stock N906) were scattered over the dish, approximately 1 000 seeds per dish. The dishes were covered with a hood and placed in the stratification facility (8 h, 110 μmol/m2/s-1, 22° C.; 16 h, dark, 6° C.). After 5 days, the dishes were placed into the short-day controlled environment chamber (8 h 130 μmol/m2/s-1, 22° C.; 16 h, dark 20° C.), where they remained for approximately 10 days until the first true leaves had formed.

[0486.0.0.27] The seedlings were transferred into pots containing the same substrate (Teku pots, 7 cm, LC series, manufactured by POppelmann GmbH & Co, Germany). Five plants were pricked out into each pot. The pots were then returned into the short-day controlled environment chamber for the plant to continue growing.

[0487.0.0.27] After 10 days, the plants were transferred into the greenhouse cabinet (supplementary illumination, 16 h, 340 E, 22° C.; 8 h, dark, 20° C.), where they were allowed to grow for further 17 days.

[0488.0.0.27] For the transformation, 6-week-old Arabidopsis plants which had just started flowering were immersed for 10 seconds into the above-described agrobacterial suspension which had previously been treated with 10 l Silwett L77 (Crompton S. A., Osi Specialties, Switzerland). The method in question is described in Clough and Bent, 1998 (Clough, J C and Bent, A F. 1998 Floral dip: a simplified method for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Arabidopsis thaliana, Plant J. 16:735-743.

[0489.0.0.27] The plants were subsequently placed for 18 hours into a humid chamber. Thereafter, the pots were returned to the greenhouse for the plants to continue growing. The plants remained in the greenhouse for another 10 weeks until the seeds were ready for harvesting.

[0490.0.0.27] Depending on the resistance marker used for the selection of the transformed plants the harvested seeds were planted in the greenhouse and subjected to a spray selection or else first sterilized and then grown on agar plates supplemented with the respective selection agent. In case of BASTA®-resistance, plantlets were sprayed four times at an interval of 2 to 3 days with 0.02% BASTA® and transformed plants were allowed to set seeds. The seeds of the transgenic A. thaliana plants were stored in the freezer (at −20° C.).

[0491.0.0.27] Example 12 Plant Culture for Bioanalytical Analyses

[0492.0.0.27] For the bioanalytical analyses of the transgenic plants, the latter were grown uniformly a specific culture facility. To this end the GS-90 substrate as the compost mixture was introduced into the potting machine (Laible System GmbH, Singen, Germany) and filled into the pots. Thereafter, 35 pots were combined in one dish and treated with Previcur. For the treatment, 25 ml of Previcur were taken up in 10 l of tap water. This amount was sufficient for the treatment of approximately 200 pots. The pots were placed into the Previcur solution and additionally irrigated overhead with tap water without Previcur. They were used within four days.

[0493.0.0.27] For the sowing, the seeds, which had been stored in the refrigerator (at −20° C.), were removed from the Eppendorf tubes with the aid of a toothpick and transferred into the pots with the compost. In total, approximately 5 to 12 seeds were distributed in the middle of the pot.

[0494.0.0.27] After the seeds had been sown, the dishes with the pots were covered with matching plastic hood and placed into the stratification chamber for 4 days in the dark at 4° C. The humidity was approximately 90%. After the stratification, the test plants were grown for 22 to 23 days at a 16-h-light, 8-h-dark rhythm at 20° C., an atmospheric humidity of 60% and a CO₂ concentration of approximately 400 ppm. The light sources used were Powerstar HQI-T 250 W/D Daylight lamps from Osram, which generate a light resembling the solar color spectrum with a light intensity of approximately 220 E/m2/s-1.

[0495.0.0.27] When the plants were 8, 9 and 10 days old, they were subjected to selection for the resistance marker Approximately 1400 pots with transgenic plants were treated with 11 0,015% vol/vol of Basta (Glufosinate-ammonium) solution in water (Aventis Cropsience, Germany). After a further 3 to 4 days, the transgenic, resistant seedlings (plantlets in the 4-leaf stage) could be distinguished clearly from the untransformed plantlets. The nontransgenic seedlings were bleached or dead. The transgenic resistance plants were thinned when they had reached the age of 14 days. The plants, which had grown best in the center of the pot were considered the target plants. All the remaining plants were removed carefully with the aid of metal tweezers and discarded.

[0496.0.0.27] During their growth, the plants received overhead irrigation with distilled water (onto the compost) and bottom irrigation into the placement grooves. Once the grown plants had reached the age of 23 days, they were harvested.

[0497.0.0.27] Example 13 Metabolic Analysis of Transformed Plants

[0498.0.0.27] The modifications identified in accordance with the invention, in the content of above-described metabolites, were identified by the following procedure.

a) Sampling and Storage of the Samples

[0499.0.0.27] Sampling was performed directly in the controlled-environment chamber. The plants were cut using small laboratory scissors, rapidly weighed on laboratory scales, transferred into a pre-cooled extraction sleeve and placed into an aluminum rack cooled by liquid nitrogen. If required, the extraction sleeves can be stored in the freezer at −80° C. The time elapsing between cutting the plant to freezing it in liquid nitrogen amounted to not more than 10 to 20 seconds.

b) Lyophilization

[0500.0.0.27] During the experiment, care was taken that the plants either remained in the deep-frozen state (temperatures <−40° C.) or were freed from water by lyophilization until the first contact with solvents.

[0501.0.0.27] The aluminum rack with the plant samples in the extraction sleeves was placed into the pre-cooled (−40° C.) lyophilization facility. The initial temperature during the main drying phase was −35° C. and the pressure was 0.120 mbar. During the drying phase, the parameters were altered following a pressure and temperature program. The final temperature after 12 hours was +30° C. and the final pressure was 0.001 to 0.004 mbar. After the vacuum pump and the refrigerating machine had been switched off, the system was flushed with air (dried via a drying tube) or argon.

c) Extraction

[0502.0.0.27] Immediately after the lyophilization apparatus had been flushed, the extraction sleeves with the lyophilized plant material were transferred into the 5 ml extraction cartridges of the ASE device (Accelerated Solvent Extractor ASE 200 with Solvent Controller and AutoASE software (DIONEX)).

[0503.0.0.27] The 24 sample positions of an ASE device (Accelerated Solvent Extractor ASE 200 with Solvent Controller and AutoASE software (DIONEX)) were filled with plant samples, including some samples for testing quality control.

[0504.0.0.27] The polar substances were extracted with approximately 10 ml of methanol/water (80/20, v/v) at T=70° C. and p=140 bar, 5 minutes heating-up phase, 1 minute static extraction. The more lipophilic substances were extracted with approximately 10 ml of methanol/dichloromethane (40/60, v/v) at T=70° C. and p=140 bar, 5 minute heating-up phase, 1 minute static extraction. The two solvent mixtures were extracted into the same glass tubes (centrifuge tubes, 50 ml, equipped with screw cap and pierceable septum for the ASE (DIONEX)).

[0505.0.0.27] The solution was treated with internal standards: ribitol, L-glycine-2,2-d₂, L-alanine-2,3,3,3-d₄, methionine-methyl-d₃, and α-methylglucopyranoside and methyl nonadecanoate, methyl undecanoate, methyl tridecanoate, methyl pentadecanoate, methyl nonacosanoate.

[0506.0.0.27] The total extract was treated with 8 ml of water. The solid residue of the plant sample and the extraction sleeve were discarded.

[0507.0.0.27] The extract was shaken and then centrifuged for 5 to 10 minutes at least at 1 400 g in order to accelerate phase separation. 1 ml of the supernatant methanol/water phase (“polar phase”, colorless) was removed for the further GC analysis, and 1 ml was removed for the LC analysis. The remainder of the methanol/water phase was discarded. 0.5 ml of the organic phase (“lipid phase”, dark green) was removed for the further GC analysis and 0.5 ml was removed for the LC analysis. All the portions removed were evaporated to dryness using the IR Dancer infrared vacuum evaporator (Hettich). The maximum temperature during the evaporation process did not exceed 40° C. Pressure in the apparatus was not less than 10 mbar.

d) Processing the Lipid Phase for the LC/MS or LC/MS/MS Analysis

[0508.0.0.27] The lipid extract, which had been evaporated to dryness was taken up in mobile phase. The polar extract, which had been evaporated to dryness was taken up in mobile phase.

[0509.0.0.27] e) LC-MS Analyisis

The LC part was carried out on a commercially available LCMS system from Agilent

Technologies, USA. For polar extracts 10 μl are injected into the system at a flow rate of 200 μl/min. The separation column (Reversed Phase C18) was maintained at 15° C. during chromatography. For lipid extracts 5 μl are injected into the system at a flow rate of 200 μl/min. The separation column (Reversed Phase C18) was maintained at 30° C. HPLC was performed with gradient elution

The mass spectrometric analysis was performed on a Applied Biosystems API 4000 triple quadrupole instrument with turbo ion spray source. For polar extracts the instrument measures in negative ion mode in fullscan mode from 100-1000 amu. For lipid extracts the instrument measures in positive ion mode in fullscan mode from 100-1000 amu.

f) Derivatization of the Lipid Phase for the GC/MS Analysis

[0510.0.0.27] For the transmethanolysis, a mixture of 140 μl of chloroform, 37 μl of hydrochloric acid (37% by weight HCl in water), 320 μl of methanol and 20 μl of toluene was added to the evaporated extract. The vessel was sealed tightly and heated for 2 hours at 100° C., with shaking. The solution was subsequently evaporated to dryness. The residue was dried completely. The methoximation of the carbonyl groups was carried out by reaction with methoxyamine hydrochloride (5 mg/ml in pyridine, 100 l for 1.5 hours at 60° C.) in a tightly sealed vessel. 20 μl of a solution of odd-numbered, straight-chain fatty acids (solution of each 0.3 mg/mL of fatty acids from 7 to 25 carbon atoms and each 0.6 mg/mL of fatty acids with 27, 29 and 31 carbon atoms in 3/7 (v/v) pyridine/toluene) were added as time standards. Finally, the derivatization with 100 μl of N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide (MSTFA) was carried out for 30 minutes at 60° C., again in the tightly sealed vessel. The final volume before injection into the GC was 220 μl.

g) Derivatization of the Polar Phase for GC/MS Analysis

[0511.0.0.27] The methoximation of the carbonyl groups was carried out by reaction with methoxyamine hydrochloride (5 mg/ml in pyridine, 50 l for 1.5 hours at 60° C.) in a tightly sealed vessel. 10 μl of a solution of odd-numbered, straight-chain fatty acids (solution of each 0.3 mg/mL of fatty acids from 7 to 25 carbon atoms and each 0.6 mg/mL of fatty acids with 27, 29 and 31 carbon atoms in 3/7 (v/v) pyridine/toluene) were added as time standards. Finally, the derivatization with 50 μl of N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide (MSTFA) was carried out for 30 minutes at 60° C., again in the tightly sealed vessel. The final volume before injection into the GC was 110 μl. μl.

h) GC-MS Analysis

[0512.0.0.27] The GC-MS systems consist of an Agilent 6890 GC coupled to an Agilent 5973 MSD. The autosamplers are CompiPal or GCPal from CTC. For the analysis usual commercial capillary separation columns (30 m×0.25 mm×0.25 μm) with different poly-methyl-siloxane stationary phases containing 0% up to 35% of aromatic moieties, depending on the analysed sample materials and fractions from the phase separation step, are used (for example: DB-1 ms, HP-5 ms, DB-XLB, DB-35 ms, Agilent Technologies). Up to 1 μL of the final volume is injected splitless and the oven temperature program is started at 70° C. and ended at 340° C. with different heating rates depending on the sample material and fraction from the phase separation step in order to achieve a sufficient chromatographic separation and number of scans within each analyte peak. Usual GC-MS standard conditions, for example constant flow with nominal 1 to 1.7 ml/min. and helium as the mobile phase gas are used. Ionisation is done by electron impact with 70 eV, scanning within a m/z range from 15 to 600 with scan rates from 2.5 to 3 scans/sec and standard tune conditions.

i) Analysis of the Various Plant Samples

[0513.0.0.27] The samples were measured in individual series of 20 plant samples each (also referred to as sequences), each sequence containing at least 5 wild-type plants as controls. The peak area of each analyte was divided by the peak area of the respective internal standard. The data were standardized for the fresh weight established for the plant. The values calculated thus were related to the wild-type control group by being divided by the mean of the corresponding data of the wild-type control group of the same sequence. The values obtained were referred to as ratio_by_WT, they are comparable between sequences and indicate how much the analyte concentration in the mutant differs in relation to the wild-type control. Appropriate controls were done before to proof that the vector and transformation procedure itself has no significant influence on the metabolic composition of the plants. Therefore the described changes in comparison with wildtypes were caused by the introduced genes.

[0514.0.0.27] As an alternative, the amino acids can be detected advantageously via HPLC separation in ethanolic extract as described by Geigenberger et al. (Plant Cell & Environ, 19, 1996: 43-55).

[0515.0.0.27]

[0516.0.0.27] When the analyses were repeated independently, all results proved to be significant.

[0517.0.0.27] Example 14a Engineering Ryegrass Plants by Over-Expressing the Polynucleotide Characterized in the Invention, e.g. Derived from Plants or an Other Organism

[0518.0.0.27] Seeds of several different ryegrass varieties can be used as explant sources for transformation, including the commercial variety Gunne available from Svalof Weibull seed company or the variety Affinity. Seeds are surface-sterilized sequentially with 1% Tween-20 for 1 minute, 100% bleach for 60 minutes, 3 rinses with 5 minutes each with de-ionized and distilled H2O, and then germinated for 3-4 days on moist, sterile filter paper in the dark. Seedlings are further sterilized for 1 minute with 1% Tween-20, 5 minutes with 75% bleach, and rinsed 3 times with ddH2O, 5 min each.

[0519.0.0.27] Surface-sterilized seeds are placed on the callus induction medium containing Murashige and Skoog basal salts and vitamins, 20 g/l sucrose, 150 mg/l asparagine, 500 mg/l casein hydrolysate, 3 g/l Phytagel, 10 mg/l BAP, and 5 mg/l dicamba. Plates are incubated in the dark at 25° C. for 4 weeks for seed germination and embryogenic callus induction.

[0520.0.0.27] After 4 weeks on the callus induction medium, the shoots and roots of the seedlings are trimmed away, the callus is transferred to fresh media, is maintained in culture for another 4 weeks, and is then transferred to MSO medium in light for 2 weeks. Several pieces of callus (11-17 weeks old) are either strained through a 10 mesh sieve and put onto callus induction medium, or are cultured in 100 ml of liquid ryegrass callus induction media (same medium as for callus induction with agar) in a 250 ml flask. The flask is wrapped in foil and shaken at 175 rpm in the dark at 23° C. for 1 week. Sieving the liquid culture with a 40-mesh sieve is collected the cells. The fraction collected on the sieve is plated and is cultured on solid ryegrass callus induction medium for 1 week in the dark at 25° C. The callus is then transferred to and is cultured on MS medium containing 1% sucrose for 2 weeks.

[0521.0.0.27] Transformation can be accomplished with either Agrobacterium or with particle bombardment methods. An expression vector is created containing a constitutive plant promoter and the cDNA of the gene in a pUC vector. The plasmid DNA is prepared from E. coli cells using with Qiagen kit according to manufacturer's instruction. Approximately 2 g of embryogenic callus is spread in the center of a sterile filter paper in a Petri dish. An aliquot of liquid MSO with 10 g/l sucrose is added to the filter paper. Gold particles (1.0 μm in size) are coated with plasmid DNA according to method of Sanford et al., 1993 and are delivered to the embryogenic callus with the following parameters: 500 μg particles and 2 μg DNA per shot, 1300 psi and a target distance of 8.5 cm from stopping plate to plate of callus and 1 shot per plate of callus.

[0522.0.0.27] After the bombardment, calli are transferred back to the fresh callus development medium and maintained in the dark at room temperature for a 1-week period. The callus is then transferred to growth conditions in the light at 25° C. to initiate embryo differentiation with the appropriate selection agent, e.g. 250 nM Arsenal, 5 mg/l PPT or 50 mg/L Kanamycin. Shoots resistant to the selection agent are appearing and once rooted are transferred to soil.

[0523.0.0.27] Samples of the primary transgenic plants (TO) are analyzed by PCR to confirm the presence of T-DNA. These results are confirmed by Southern hybridization in which DNA is electrophoresed on a 1% agarose gel and transferred to a positively charged nylon membrane (Roche Diagnostics). The PCR DIG Probe Synthesis Kit (Roche Diagnostics) is used to prepare a digoxigenin-labelled probe by PCR, and used as recommended by the manufacturer.

[0524.0.0.27] Transgenic TO ryegrass plants are propagated vegetatively by excising tillers. The transplanted tillers are maintained in the greenhouse for 2 months until well established. The shoots are defoliated and allowed to grow for 2 weeks.

[0525.0.0.27] Example 14b Engineering Soybean Plants by Over-Expressing the Polynucleotide Characterized in the Invention, e.g. Derived from Plants or Another Organism

[0526.0.0.27] Soybean can be transformed according to the following modification of the method described in the Texas A&M patent U.S. Pat. No. 5,164,310. Several commercial soybean varieties are amenable to transformation by this method. The cultivar Jack (available from the Illinois Seed Foundation) is commonly used for transformation. Seeds are sterilized by immersion in 70% (v/v) ethanol for 6 min and in 25 commercial bleach (NaOCI) supplemented with 0.1% (v/v) Tween for 20 min, followed by rinsing 4 times with sterile double distilled water. Removing the radicle, hypocotyl and one cotyledon from each seedling propagates seven-day seedlings. Then, the epicotyl with one cotyledon is transferred to fresh germination media in petri dishes and incubated at 25° C. under a 16-hr photoperiod (approx. 100 E-m-2s-1) for three weeks. Axillary nodes (approx. 4 mm in length) are cut from 3-4 week-old plants. Axillary nodes are excised and incubated in Agrobacterium LBA4404 culture.

[0527.0.0.27] Many different binary vector systems have been described for plant transformation (e.g. An, G. in Agrobacterium Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology vol 44, pp 47-62, Gartland KMA and MR Davey eds. Humana Press, Totowa, N.J. Many are based on the vector pBIN19 described by Bevan (Nucleic Acid Research. 1984. 12:8711-8721) that includes a plant gene expression cassette flanked by the left and right border sequences from the Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. A plant gene expression cassette consists of at least two genes—a selection marker gene and a plant promoter regulating the transcription of the cDNA or genomic DNA of the trait gene. Various selection marker genes can be used as described above, including the Arabidopsis gene encoding a mutated acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) enzyme (US patents 57673666 and 6225105). Similarly, various promoters can be used to regulate the trait gene to provide constitutive, developmental, tissue or environmental regulation of gene transcription as described above. In this example, the 34S promoter (GenBank Accession numbers M59930 and X16673) is used to provide constitutive expression of the trait gene.

[0528.0.0.27] After the co-cultivation treatment, the explants are washed and transferred to selection media supplemented with 500 mg/L timentin. Shoots are excised and placed on a shoot elongation medium. Shoots longer than 1 cm are placed on rooting medium for two to four weeks prior to transplanting to soil.

[0529.0.0.27] The primary transgenic plants (TO) are analyzed by PCR to confirm the presence of T-DNA. These results are confirmed by Southern hybridization in which DNA is electrophoresed on a 1% agarose gel and transferred to a positively charged nylon membrane (Roche Diagnostics). The PCR DIG Probe Synthesis Kit (Roche Diagnostics) is used to prepare a digoxigenin-labelled probe by PCR, and is used as recommended by the manufacturer.

[0530.0.0.27] Example 14c Engineering Corn Plants by Over-Expressing the Polynucleotide Characterized in the Invention, e.g. Derived from Plants or Another Organism

[0530.1.0.27] Amplification of for example SEQ ID NO: 108199 was achieved as described in example 10 except that the upstream primer SEQ ID NO: 108249 and the reverse primer SEQ ID NO: 108250 contained the following 5″extensions:

i) forward primer: SEQ ID NO: 108488 5′-GGGTCGCTCCTACGCG-3′ ii) reverse primer SEQ ID NO: 108491 5′-CTCGGGCTCGGCGTCC-3′

[0530.2.0.27]: Vector Construction

The maize transformation vector for constitutive expression was constructed as follows.

As base vectors, the vectors EG073qcz (SEQ ID NO: 108485) and EG065qcz (SEQ ID NO: 108486) were chosen. The MCS from EG065qcz was deleted by digestion of the vector with Asp718 and Pstl, followed by blunting of the vector using T4 DNA polymerase. The blunted vector was religated. The vector generated was called EG065-MCS. The LIC cassette was cloned in the vector EG065-MCS by hybridizing the following oligos, generating a DNA fragment with ends able to ligate into a SmaI and SacI digested vector. This fragment was ligated into the vector EG065-MCS that had been digested with SmaI and SacI. The generated vector was called EG065-LIC. The complete expression cassette comprising ScBV (Schenk (1999) Plant Mol Biol

39(6):1221-1230) promoter, LIC cassette and terminator was cut out of EG065-LIC with Ascl and Pacl and ligated into the vector EG073qcz that had previously been digested with Ascl and Pacl. The resulting binary vector for corn transformation was called pMME0607 (SEQ ID NO: 108487).

Oligo POCCLicMluISacIIfw: (SEQ ID NO: 108489) gggtcgctcctacgcgtcaatgatccgcggacgccgagcccgagct Oligo POCCLicMluISacIrev: (SEQ ID NO: 108490) cgggctcggcgtccgcggatcattgacgcgtaggagcgaccc

For cloning of a polynucleotide of the invention, for example the ORF of SEQ ID NO: 108199, from Linum usitatissimum the vector DNA was treated with the restriction enzyme Mlul and SacII. The reaction was stopped by inactivation at 70° C. for 20 minutes and purified over QIAquick columns following the standard protocol (Qiagen).

Then the PCR-product representing the amplified ORF and the vector DNA were treated with T4 DNA polymerase according to the standard protocol (MBI Fermentas) to produce single stranded overhangs with the parameters 1 unit T4 DNA polymerase at 37° C. for 2-10 minutes for the vector and 1 u T4 DNA polymerase at 15° C. for 10-60 minutes for the PCR product representing SEQ ID NO: 108199.

The reaction was stopped by addition of high-salt buffer and purified over QIAquick columns following the standard protocol (Qiagen).

Approximately 30 ng of prepared vector and a defined amount of prepared amplificate were mixed and hybridized at 65° C. for 15 minutes followed by 37° C. 0,1° C./1 seconds, followed by 37° C. 10 minutes, followed by 0,1° C./1 seconds, then 4° C.

The ligated constructs were transformed in the same reaction vessel by addition of competent E. coli cells (strain DHSalpha) and incubation for 20 minutes at 1° C. followed by a heat shock for 90 seconds at 42° C. and cooling to 4° C. Then, complete medium (SOC) was added and the mixture was incubated for 45 minutes at 37° C. The entire mixture was subsequently plated onto an agar plate with 0.05 mg/ml kanamycine and incubated overnight at 37° C.

The outcome of the cloning step was verified by amplification with the aid of primers which bind upstream and downstream of the integration site, thus allowing the amplification of the insertion. The amplifications were carried as described in the protocol of Taq DNA polymerase (Gibco-BRL).

The amplification cycles were as follows: 1 cycle of 5 minutes at 94° C., followed by 35 cycles of in each case 15 seconds at 94° C., 15 seconds at 50-66° C. and 5 minutes at 72° C., followed by 1 cycle of 10 minutes at 72° C., then 4° C.

Several colonies were checked, but only one colony for which a PCR product of the expected size was detected was used in the following steps.

A portion of this positive colony was transferred into a reaction vessel filled with complete medium (LB) supplemented with kanamycin 0 and incubated overnight at 37° C.

The plasmid preparation was carried out as specified in the Qiaprep standard protocol (Qiagen).

[0530.3.0.27] Example 14 c.a. Corn Transformation

The preparation of the immature embryos and Agrobacterium were basically as stated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,616. In brief, the Agrobacterium strain LBA4404 transformed with the plasmid by a standard method, such as the triple cross method or the electroporation, was grown on LB plates for 2 days prior to cocultivation. A loop of cells was resuspended in liquid infection media at an O.D. of approximately 1.0. Immature Embryos of about 1.5 mm in size were incubated in the soln of agrobacterium for around 30 minutes. Excised embryos were removed from liquid and then co-cultivated in the dark at 22° C. with Agrobacterium tumefaciens on solid MS-based callus induction medium containing 2 mg/l 2,4-D, 10 um AgNO3, and 200 um Acetosyringone. After several days of co-cultivation, embryos were transferred to MS-based media containing 2 mg/l 2,4, 10 um AgNO3 and 200 mg/l Timentin the dark at 27° C. for 1 week. Embryos were transferred to MS-based selection media containing imidazoline herbicide (500 nM Pursuit) as a selection agent in the dark for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks putative transgenic events were transferred to an MS-based media containing 2 mg/L Kinetin 500 nM Pursuit, 200 mg/l Timentin and incubated under cool white fluorescent light (100 uE/m2/s-1 with photoperiod of 16 hrs) at 25° C. for 2-3 weeks, or until shoots develop. The shoots were transferred to MS-based rooting medium and incubated under light at 25° C. for 2 weeks. The rooted shoots were transplanted to 4 inch pots containing artificial soil mix. Metro-Mix® 360 in and grown in an environmental chamber for 1-2 weeks. The environmental chamber maintained 16-h-light, 8-h-dark cycles at 27° C. day and 22° C. respectively. Light was supplied by a mixture of incandescent and cool white fluorescent bulbs with an intensity of ˜400 uE/m2/s-1. After plants were grown to 4-6 leaf stage they were moved to 14 inch pots containing Metro-Mix® 360. Supplemental metal-halide lamps were used to maintain >800 uE/m2/s-1 with a 16-h-light, 8-h-dark cycles at 28° C. day and 22° C. Transplantation occurs weekly on Tuesday. Peters 20-20-20 plus micronutrients (200 ppm) is used to fertilize plants 2× weekly on Monday and Thursday after sampling of TO's is performed. T1 seeds were produced from plants that exhibit tolerance to the imidazolinone herbicides and which are PCR positive for the transgenes. T0 plants with single locus insertions of the T-DNA (self-pollinated) produced T1 generation that segregated for the transgene in a 3:1 ratio. Progeny containing copies of the transgene were tolerant of imidazolinone herbicides and could be detected by PCR analysis.

[0530.4.0.27] Example 14 c.b. Growth of T0 corn plants for metabolic analysis

Plants were grown under the following standardized conditions to properly stage them for TO sampling. T0 plantlets were transferred to 14” pots in the greenhouse after they grow to 4-6 leaf stage (1-3 weeks). pBSMM232 containing plants were produced carried along with each experiment to serve as controls for TO samples. Plantlets were moved to 14″ pots on Tuesday of each week. Plants were grown for 9 days until the 7-13 leaf stage is reached. On Thursday between 10 am and 2 μm leaf sampling was performed on the 3rd youngest (1^(st) fully elongated). Within 30 seconds 250-500 mg of leaf material (without midrib), were removed weighed and placed into pre-extracted glass thimbles in liquid nitrogen. A second sample (opposite side of the midrib) from each plant was sampled as described above for qPCR analysis.

[0530.5.0.27] Example 14 c.c. Growth of T1 Corn Plant for Metabolic Analysis

For the bioanalytical analyses of the transgenic plants, the latter were grown uniformly in a specific culture facility. To this end the GS-90 substrate as the compost mixture was introduced into the potting machine (Laible System GmbH, Singen, Germany) and filled into the pots. Thereafter, 26 pots were combined in one dish and treated with Previcur. For the treatment, 25 ml of Previcur were taken up in 10 l of tap water. This amount was sufficient for the treatment of approximately 150 pots. The pots were placed into the Previcur solution and additionally irrigated overhead with tap water without Previcur. They were used within four days.

For the sowing, the seeds, which had been stored at room temperature were removed from the paper-bag and transferred into the pots with the soil. In total, approximately 1 to 3 seeds were distributed in the middle of the pot.

After the seeds had been sown, the dishes with the pots were covered with matching plastic hood and placed into growth chambers for 2 days. After this time the plastic hood was removed and plants were placed on the growth table and cultivated for 22 to 24 days under following growth conditions: 16-h-light, 8-h-dark rhythm at 20° C., an atmospheric humidity of 60% and a CO₂ concentration of approximately 400 ppm. The light sources used were Powerstar HQI-T 250 W/D Daylight lamps from Osram, which generate a light resembling the solar color spectrum with a light intensity of approximately 220 pE/m2/s-1.

When the plants were 7 days old, they were subjected to select transgenic plants. For this purposes pieces of plant leaves were sampled and a PCR reaction with the respective primers for the transgene were performed. Plants exhibiting the transgene were used for the metabolic analysis. The nontransgenic seedlings were removed. The transgenic plants were thinned when they had reached the age of 18 days. The transgenic plants, which had grown best in the center of the pot were considered the target plants. All the remaining plants were removed carefully with the aid of metal tweezers and discarded.

During their growth, the plants received overhead irrigation with distilled water (onto the compost) and bottom irrigation into the placement grooves. Once the grown plants had reached the age of 24 days, they were harvested.

[0530.6.0.27] Example 14 c.d. Metabolic Analysis of Maize Leaves

The modifications identified in accordance with the invention, in the content of above-described metabolites, were identified by the following procedure.

a) Sampling and Storage of the Samples

Sampling was performed in corridor next to the green house. The leaves were incised twice using small laboratory scissors and this part of the leave was removed manually from the middle rib. The sample was rapidly weighed on laboratory scales, transferred into a pre-cooled extraction sleeve and placed into kryo-box cooled by liquid nitrogen. The time elapsing between cutting the leave to freezing it in liquid nitrogen amounted to not more than 30 seconds. The boxes were stored in a freezer at −80 C, an shipped on dry ice.

b) Lyophilization

During the experiment, care was taken that the plants either remained in the deep-frozen state (temperatures <−40° C.) or were freed from water by lyophilization until the first contact with solvents. Before entering the analytical process the extraction sleeves with the samples were transferred to a pre-cooled aluminium rack.

The aluminum rack with the plant samples in the extraction sleeves was placed into the pre-cooled (−40° C.) lyophilization facility. The initial temperature during the main drying phase was −35° C. and the pressure was 0.120 mbar. During the drying phase, the parameters were altered following a pressure and temperature program. The final temperature after 12 hours was +30° C. and the final pressure was 0.001 to 0.004 mbar. After the vacuum pump and the refrigerating machine had been switched off, the system was flushed with air (dried via a drying tube) or argon.

c) Extraction

Immediately after the lyophilization apparatus had been flushed, the extraction sleeves with the lyophilized plant material were transferred into the 5 ml extraction cartridges of the ASE device (Accelerated Solvent Extractor ASE 200 with Solvent Controller and AutoASE software (DIONEX)).

Immediately after the lyophilization apparatus had been flushed, the extraction sleeves with the lyophilized plant material were transferred into the 5 ml extraction cartridges of the ASE device (Accelerated Solvent Extractor ASE 200 with Solvent Controller and AutoASE software (DIONEX)).

The 24 sample positions of an ASE device (Accelerated Solvent Extractor ASE 200 with Solvent Controller and AutoASE software (DIONEX)) were filled with plant samples, including some samples for testing quality control.

The polar substances were extracted with approximately 10 ml of methanol/water (80/20, v/v) at T=70° C. and p=140 bar, 5 minutes heating-up phase, 1 minute static extraction. The more lipophilic substances were extracted with approximately 10 ml of methanol/dichloromethane (40/60, v/v) at T=70° C. and p=140 bar, 5 minute heating-up phase, 1 minute static extraction. The two solvent mixtures were extracted into the same glass tubes (centrifuge tubes, 50 ml, equipped with screw cap and pierceable septum for the ASE (DIONEX)).

The solution was treated with internal standards: ribitol, L-glycine-2,2-d₂, L-alanine-2,3,3,3-d₄, methionine-methyl-d₃, and α-methylglucopyranoside and methyl nona-decanoate, methyl undecanoate, methyl tridecanoate, methyl pentadecanoate, methyl nonacosanoate.

The total extract was treated with 8 ml of water. The solid residue of the plant sample and the extraction sleeve were discarded.

The extract was shaken and then centrifuged for 5 to 10 minutes at least at 1 400 g in order to accelerate phase separation. 0.5 ml of the supernatant methanol/water phase (“polar phase”, colorless) was removed for the further GC analysis, and 0.5 ml was removed for the LC analysis. The remainder of the methanol/water phase of all samples was used for additional quality controls. 0.5 ml of the organic phase (“lipid phase”, dark green) was removed for the further GC analysis and 0.5 ml was removed for the LC analysis. All the portions removed were evaporated to dryness using the IR Dancer infrared vacuum evaporator (Hettich). The maximum temperature during the evaporation process did not exceed 40° C. Pressure in the apparatus was not less than 10 mbar.

d) Processing the Lipid Phase for the LC/MS or LC/MS/MS Analysis

The lipid extract, which had been evaporated to dryness was taken up in mobile phase. The HPLC was run with gradient elution.

The polar extract, which had been evaporated to dryness was taken up in mobile phase. The HPLC was run with gradient elution.

e) LC/MSMS Analysis

The LC part was carried out on a commercially available LCMS system from Agilent Technologies, USA. For polar extracts 10 μl are injected into the system at a flow rate of 200 μl/min. The separation column (Reversed Phase C18) was maintained at 15° C. during chromatography. For lipid extracts 5 μl are injected into the system at a flow rate of 200 μl/min. The separation column (Reversed Phase C18) was maintained at 30° C. HPLC was performed with gradient elution

The mass spectrometric analysis was performed on a Applied Biosystems API 4000 triple quadrupole instrument with turbo ion spray source. For polar extracts the instrument measures in negative ion mode in fullscan mode from 100-1000 amu. For lipid extracts the instrument measures in positive ion mode in fullscan mode from 100-1000 amu.

f) Derivatization of the Lipid Phase for the GC/MS Analysis

For the transmethanolysis, a mixture of 140 μl of chloroform, 37 μl of hydrochloric acid (37% by weight HCl in water), 320 μl of methanol and 20 μl of toluene was added to the evaporated extract. The vessel was sealed tightly and heated for 2 hours at 100° C., with shaking. The solution was subsequently evaporated to dryness. The residue was dried completely.

The methoximation of the carbonyl groups was carried out by reaction with methoxyamine hydrochloride (20 mg/ml in pyridine, 100 μl for 1.5 hours at 60° C.) in a tightly sealed vessel. 20 μl of a solution of odd-numbered, straight-chain fatty acids (solution of each 0.3 mg/mL of fatty acids from 7 to 25 carbon atoms and each 0.6 mg/mL of fatty acids with 27, 29 and 31 carbon atoms in 3/7 (v/v) pyridine/toluene) were added as time standards. Finally, the derivatization with 100 μl of N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide (MSTFA) was carried out for 30 minutes at 60° C., again in the tightly sealed vessel. The final volume before injection into the GC was 220 μl.

g) Derivatization of the Polar Phase for the GC/MS Analysis

The methoximation of the carbonyl groups was carried out by reaction with methoxyamine hydrochloride (20 mg/ml in pyridine, 50 μl for 1.5 hours at 60° C.) in a tightly sealed vessel. 10 μl of a solution of odd-numbered, straight-chain fatty acids (solution of each 0.3 mg/mL of fatty acids from 7 to 25 carbon atoms and each 0.6 mg/mL of fatty acids with 27, 29 and 31 carbon atoms in 3/7 (v/v) pyridine/toluene) were added as time standards. Finally, the derivatization with 50 μl of N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)-2,2,2-trifluoroacetamide (MSTFA) was carried out for 30 minutes at 60° C., again in the tightly sealed vessel. The final volume before injection into the GC was 110 μl.

GC/MS Analysis

The GC-MS systems consist of an Agilent 6890 GC coupled to an Agilent 5973 MSD. The autosamplers are CompiPal or GCPal from CTC. For the analysis usual commercial capillary separation columns (30 m×0.25 mm×0.25 μm) with different poly-methyl-siloxane stationary phases containing 0% up to 35% of aromatic moieties, depending on the analysed sample materials and fractions from the phase separation step, are used (for example: DB-1 ms, HP-5 ms, DB-XLB, DB-35 ms, Agilent Technologies). Up to 1 μL of the final volume is injected splitless and the oven temperature program is started at 70° C. and ended at 340° C. with different heating rates depending on the sample material and fraction from the phase separation step in order to achieve a sufficient chromatographic separation and number of scans within each analyte peak. Usual GC-MS standard conditions, for example constant flow with nominal 1 to 1.7 ml/min. and helium as the mobile phase gas are used. Ionisation is done by electron impact with 70 eV, scanning within a m/z range from 15 to 600 with scan rates from 2.5 to 3 scans/sec and standard tune conditions.

i) Analysis of the Various Plant Samples

The samples were measured in individual series of 20 plant (leaf) samples each (also referred to as sequences), each sequence containing at least 5 samples from individual control plants containing GUS. The peak area of each analyte was divided by the peak area of the respective internal standard. The data were standardized for the fresh weight established for the respective harvested sample. The values calculated were then related to the GUS-containing control group by being divided by the mean of the corresponding data of the control group of the same sequence. The values obtained were referred to as ratio_by_WT, they are comparable between sequences and indicate how much the analyte concentration in the mutant differs in relation to the control. The GUS-containing plants were chosen in order to assure that the vector and transformation procedure itself has no significant influence on the metabolic composition of the plants. Therefore the described changes in comparison with the controls were caused by the introduced genes.

[0531.0.0.27] Transformation of maize (Zea Mays L.) can also be performed with a modification of the method described by Ishida et al. (1996. Nature Biotech 14745-50). Transformation is genotype-dependent in corn and only specific genotypes are amenable to transformation and regeneration. The inbred line A188 (University of Minnesota) or hybrids with A188 as a parent are good sources of donor material for transformation (Fromm et al. 1990 Biotech 8:833-839), but other genotypes can be used successfully as well. Ears are harvested from corn plants at approximately 11 days after pollination (DAP) when the length of immature embryos is about 1 to 1.2 mm. Immature embryos are co-cultivated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens that carry “super binary” vectors and transgenic plants are recovered through organogenesis. The super binary vector system of Japan Tobacco is described in WO patents WO94/00977 and WO95/06722. Vectors can be constructed as described. Various selection marker genes can be used including the maize gene encoding a mutated acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) enzyme (U.S. Pat. No. 6,025,541). Similarly, various promoters can be used to regulate the trait gene to provide constitutive, developmental, tissue or environmental regulation of gene transcription. In this example, the 34S promoter (GenBank Accession numbers M59930 and X16673 can be used to provide constitutive expression of the trait gene.

[0532.0.0.27] Excised embryos can be grown on callus induction medium, then maize regeneration medium, containing imidazolinone as a selection agent. The Petri plates can be incubated in the light at 25° C. for 2-3 weeks, or until shoots develop. The green shoots can be transferred from each embryo to maize rooting medium and incubated at 25° C. for 2-3 weeks, until roots develop. The rooted shoots can be transplanted to soil in the greenhouse. T1 seeds can be produced from plants that exhibit tolerance to the imidazolinone herbicides and which can be PCR positive for the transgenes.

[0533.0.0.27] The T1 generation of single locus insertions of the T-DNA can segregate for the transgene in a 3:1 ratio. Those progeny containing one or two copies of the transgene can be tolerant of the imidazolinone herbicide. Homozygous T2 plants can exhibited similar phenotypes as the T1 plants. Hybrid plants (F1 progeny) of homozygous transgenic plants and non-transgenic plants can also exhibit increased similar phenotypes.

[0534.0.0.27] Example 14d Engineering Wheat Plants by Over-Expressing the Polynucleotide Characterized in the Invention, e.g. Derived from Plants or Another Organism

[0535.0.0.27] Transformation of wheat can be performed with the method described by Ishida et al. (1996 Nature Biotech. 14745-50). The cultivar Bobwhite (available from CYMMIT, Mexico) can commonly be used in transformation. Immature embryos can be co-cultivated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens that carry “super binary” vectors, and transgenic plants are recovered through organogenesis. The super binary vector system of Japan Tobacco is described in WO patents WO94/00977 and WO95/06722. Vectors can be constructed as described. Various selection marker genes can be used including the maize gene encoding a mutated acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) enzyme (U.S. Pat. No. 6,025,541). Similarly, various promoters can be used to regulate the trait gene to provide constitutive, developmental, tissue or environmental regulation of gene transcription. The 34S promoter (GenBank Accession numbers M59930 and X16673) can be used to provide constitutive expression of the trait gene.

[0536.0.0.27] After incubation with Agrobacterium, the embryos can be grown on callus induction medium, then regeneration medium, containing imidazolinone as a selection agent. The Petri plates can be incubated in the light at 25° C. for 2-3 weeks, or until shoots develop. The green shoots can be transferred from each embryo to rooting medium and incubated at 25° C. for 2-3 weeks, until roots develop. The rooted shoots can be transplanted to soil in the greenhouse. T1 seeds can be produced from plants that exhibit tolerance to the imidazolinone herbicides and which are PCR positive for the transgenes.

[0537.0.0.27] The T1 generation of single locus insertions of the T-DNA can segregate for the transgene in a 3:1 ratio. Those progeny containing one or two copies of the transgene can be tolerant of the imidazolinone herbicide. Homozygous T2 plants exhibited similar phenotypes.

[0538.0.0.27] Example 14e Engineering Rapeseed/Canola Plants by Over-Expressing the Polynucleotide Characterized in the Invention, e.g. Derived from Plants or Another Organism

[0539.0.0.27] Cotyledonary petioles and hypocotyls of 5-6 day-old young seedlings can be used as explants for tissue culture and transformed according to Babic et al. (1998, Plant Cell Rep 17: 183-188). The commercial cultivar Westar (Agriculture Canada) can be the standard variety used for transformation, but other varieties can be used.

[0540.0.0.27] Agrobacterium tumefaciens LBA4404 containing a binary vector can be used for canola transformation. Many different binary vector systems have been described for plant transformation (e.g. An, G. in Agrobacterium Protocols. Methods in

Molecular Biology vol 44, pp 47-62, Gartland KMA and MR Davey eds. Humana Press, Totowa, N.J.). Many are based on the vector pBIN19 described by Bevan (Nucleic Acid Research. 1984. 12:8711-8721) that includes a plant gene expression cassette flanked by the left and right border sequences from the Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. A plant gene expression cassette can consist of at least two genes—a selection marker gene and a plant promoter regulating the transcription of the cDNA or genomic DNA of the trait gene. Various selection marker genes can be used including the Arabidopsis gene encoding a mutated acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) enzyme (US patents 57673666 and 6225105). Similarly, various promoters can be used to regulate the trait gene to provide constitutive, developmental, tissue or environmental regulation of gene transcription. The 34S promoter (GenBank Accession numbers M59930 and X16673) can be used to provide constitutive expression of the trait gene.

[0541.0.0.27] Canola seeds can be surface-sterilized in 70% ethanol for 2 min., and then in 30% Clorox with a drop of Tween-20 for 10 min, followed by three rinses with sterilized distilled water. Seeds can be then germinated in vitro 5 days on half strength MS medium without hormones, 1% sucrose, 0.7% Phytagar at 23° C., 16 hr. light. The cotyledon petiole explants with the cotyledon attached can be excised from the in vitro seedlings, and can be inoculated with Agrobacterium by dipping the cut end of the petiole explant into the bacterial suspension. The explants can be then cultured for 2 days on MSBAP-3 medium containing 3 mg/l BAP, 3% sucrose, 0.7% Phytagar at 23° C., 16 hr light. After two days of co-cultivation with Agrobacterium, the petiole explants can be transferred to MSBAP-3 medium containing 3 mg/l BAP, cefotaxime, carbenicillin, or timentin (300 mg/l) for 7 days, and can then be cultured on MSBAP-3 medium with cefotaxime, carbenicillin, or timentin and selection agent until shoot regeneration. When the shoots are 5-10 mm in length, they can be cut and transferred to shoot elongation medium (MSBAP-0.5, containing 0.5 mg/l BAP). Shoots of about 2 cm in length can be transferred to the rooting medium (MSO) for root induction.

[0542.0.0.27] Samples of the primary transgenic plants (TO) can be analyzed by PCR to confirm the presence of T-DNA. These results can be confirmed by Southern hybridization in which DNA is electrophoresed on a 1% agarose gel and are transferred to a positively charged nylon membrane (Roche Diagnostics). The PCR DIG Probe Synthesis Kit (Roche Diagnostics) can be used to prepare a digoxigenin-labelled probe by PCR, and used as recommended by the manufacturer.

[0543.0.0.27] Example 14f Engineering Alfalfa Plants by Over-Expressing the Polynucleotide Characterized in the Invention, e.g. Derived from Plants or Another Organism

[0544.0.0.27] A regenerating clone of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) can be transformed using the method of (McKersie et al., 1999 Plant Physiol 119: 839-847). Regeneration and transformation of alfalfa can be genotype dependent and therefore a regenerating plant is required. Methods to obtain regenerating plants have been described. For example, these can be selected from the cultivar Rangelander (Agriculture Canada) or any other commercial alfalfa variety as described by Brown D C W and A Atanassov (1985. Plant Cell Tissue Organ Culture 4: 111-112). Alternatively, the RA3 variety (University of Wisconsin) can be selected for use in tissue culture (Walker et al., 1978 Am J Bot 65:654-659).

[0545.0.0.27] Petiole explants can be cocultivated with an overnight culture of Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58C1 pMP90 (McKersie et al., 1999 Plant Physiol 119: 839-847) or LBA4404 containing a binary vector. Many different binary vector systems have been described for plant transformation (e.g. An, G. in Agrobacterium Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology vol 44, pp 47-62, Gartland KMA and MR Davey eds. Humana Press, Totowa, N.J.). Many are based on the vector pBIN19 described by Bevan (Nucleic Acid Research. 1984. 12:8711-8721) that includes a plant gene expression cassette flanked by the left and right border sequences from the Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. A plant gene expression cassette can consist of at least two genes—a selection marker gene and a plant promoter regulating the transcription of the cDNA or genomic DNA of the trait gene. Various selection marker genes can be used including the Arabidopsis gene encoding a mutated acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) enzyme (US patents 57673666 and 6225105). Similarly, various promoters can be used to regulate the trait gene that provides constitutive, developmental, tissue or environmental regulation of gene transcription. The 34S promoter (GenBank Accession numbers M59930 and X16673) can be used to provide constitutive expression of the trait gene.

[0546.0.0.27] The explants can be cocultivated for 3 d in the dark on SH induction medium containing 288 mg/L Pro, 53 mg/L thioproline, 4.35 g/L K2SO4, and 100 μm acetosyringinone. The explants can be washed in half-strength Murashige-Skoog medium (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) and plated on the same SH induction medium without acetosyringinone but with a suitable selection agent and suitable antibiotic to inhibit Agrobacterium growth. After several weeks, somatic embryos can be transferred to BOi2Y development medium containing no growth regulators, no antibiotics, and 50 g/L sucrose. Somatic embryos are subsequently germinated on half-strength Murashige-Skoog medium. Rooted seedlings can be transplanted into pots and grown in a greenhouse.

[0547.0.0.27] The T0 transgenic plants are propagated by node cuttings and rooted in Turface growth medium. The plants are defoliated and grown to a height of about 10 cm (approximately 2 weeks after defoliation).

[0548.0.0.27] Example 14 g Engineering Alfalfa Plants by Over-Expressing the Polynucleotide Characterized in the Invention, Derived e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, E. Coli or Plants or Another Organism

[0549.0.0.27] A regenerating clone of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) can be transformed using the method of (McKersie et al., 1999 Plant Physiol 119: 839-847). Regeneration and transformation of alfalfa can be genotype dependent and therefore a regenerating plant is required. Methods to obtain regenerating plants have been described. For example, these can be selected from the cultivar Rangelander (Agriculture Canada) or any other commercial alfalfa variety as described by Brown D C W and A Atanassov (1985. Plant Cell Tissue Organ Culture 4: 111-112). Alternatively, the RA3 variety (University of Wisconsin) has been selected for use in tissue culture (Walker et al., 1978 Am J Bot 65:654-659).

[0550.0.0.27] Petiole explants can be cocultivated with an overnight culture of Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58C1 pMP90 (McKersie et al., 1999 Plant Physiol 119: 839-847) or LBA4404 containing a binary vector. Many different binary vector systems have been described for plant transformation (e.g. An, G. in Agrobacterium Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology vol 44, pp 47-62, Gartland KMA and MR Davey eds. Humana Press, Totowa, N.J.). Many are based on the vector pBIN19 described by Bevan (Nucleic Acid Research. 1984. 12:8711-8721) that includes a plant gene expression cassette flanked by the left and right border sequences from the Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. A plant gene expression cassette consists of at least two genes—a selection marker gene and a plant promoter regulating the transcription of the cDNA or genomic DNA of the trait gene. Various selection marker genes can be used including the Arabidopsis gene encoding a mutated acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) enzyme (US patents 57673666 and 6225105). Similarly, various promoters can be used to regulate the trait gene that provides constitutive, developmental, tissue or environmental regulation of gene transcription. In this example, the 34S promoter (GenBank Accession numbers M59930 and X16673) can be used to provide constitutive expression of the trait gene.

[0551.0.0.27] The explants are cocultivated for 3 d in the dark on SH induction medium containing 288 mg/L Pro, 53 mg/L thioproline, 4.35 g/L K2SO4, and 100 μm acetosyringinone. The explants are washed in half-strength Murashige-Skoog medium (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) and plated on the same SH induction medium without acetosyringinone but with a suitable selection agent and suitable antibiotic to inhibit

Agrobacterium growth. After several weeks, somatic embryos are transferred to BOi2Y development medium containing no growth regulators, no antibiotics, and 50 g/L sucrose. Somatic embryos are subsequently germinated on half-strength Murashige-Skoog medium. Rooted seedlings are transplanted into pots and grown in a greenhouse.

[0552.0.0.27] The T0 transgenic plants are propagated by node cuttings and rooted in Turface growth medium. The plants are defoliated and grown to a height of about 10 cm (approximately 2 weeks after defoliation).

[0552.1.0.27] ./.

[0552.2.0.27] Example 16 Preparation of Homologous Sequences from Plants

Different plants can be grown under standard or varying conditions in the greenhouse. RNA can be extracted following the protocol of Jones, Dunsmuir and Bedbrook (1985) EMBO J. 4: 2411-2418. Approx. 1 gram of tissue material from various organs is ground in liquid nitrogen. The powder is transferred to a 13 ml Falcon tube containing 4.5 ml NTES buffer (100 mM NaCl, 10 mM Tris/HCl pH 7.5, 1 mM EDTA, 1% SDS; in RNase-free water) and 3 ml phenol/chloroform/isoamylalcohol (25/24/1), immediately mixed and stored on ice. The mixture is spun for 10 minutes at 7000 rpm using a centrifuge (Sorval; SM24 or SS34 rotor). The supernatant is transferred to a new tube, 1/10th volume of 3 M NaAcetate (pH 5.2; in RNase-free water) and 1 volume of isopropanol is added, mixed at stored for 1 hour or overnight at −20° C. The mixture is spun for 10 minutes at 7000 rpm. The supernatant is discarded and the pellet washed with 70% ethanol (v/v). The mixture is spun for 5 minutes at 7000 rpm, the supernatant is discarded and the pellet is air-dried. 1 ml RNase-free water is added and allow the DNA/RNA pellet to dissolve on ice at 4 C. The nucleic acid solution is transferred to a 2 ml Eppendorf tube and 1 ml of 4 M LiAcetate is added. After mixing the solution is kept for at least 3 hours, or overnight, at 4 C. The mixture is spun for 10 minutes at 14000 rpm, the supernatant discarded, the pellet washed with 70% Ethanol, air-dried and dissolved in 200 μl of RNase-free water.

Total RNA can be used to construct a cDNA-library according to the manufacturer's protocol (for example using the ZAP-cDNA synthesis and cloning kit of Stratagene, La Jolla, USA). Basically, messenger RNA (mRNA) is primed in the first strand synthesis with a oligo(dT) linker-primer and is reverse-transcribed using reverse transcriptase. After second strand cDNA synthesis, the double-stranded cDNA is ligated into the Uni-ZAP XR vector. The Uni-ZAP XR vector allows in vivo excision of the pBluescript phagemid. The polylinker of the pBluescript phagemid has 21 unique cloning sites flanked by T3 and T7 promoters and a choice of 6 different primer sites for DNA sequencing. Systematic single run sequencing of the expected 5 prime end of the clones can allow preliminary annotation of the sequences for example with the help of the pedant pro Software package (Biomax, Munchen). Clones for the nucleic acids of the invention or used in the process according to the invention can be identified based on homology search with standard algorithms like blastp or gap. Identified putative full length clones with identity or high homology can be subjected to further sequencing in order to obtain the complete sequence.

Additional new homologous sequences can be identified in a similar manner by preparing respective cDNA libraries from various plant sources as described above. Libraries can then be screened with available sequences of the invention under low stringency conditions for example as described in Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A laboratory manual, Cold Spring Harbor 1989, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press. Purified positive clones can be subjected to the in vivo excision and complete sequencing. A pairwise sequence alignment of the original and the new sequence using the blastp or gap program allows the identification of orthologs, meaning homologous sequences from different organisms, which should have a sequence identity of at least 30%. Furthermore the conservation of functionally important amino acid residues or domains, which can be identified by the alignment of several already available paralogs, can identify a new sequence as an new orthologs.

Alternatively libraries can be subjected to mass sequencing and obtained sequences can be stored in a sequence database, which then can be screened for putative orthologs by different search algorithms, for example the tbastn algorithm to search the obtained nucleic acid sequences with a amino acid sequence of the invention. Clones with the highest sequence identity are used for a complete sequence determination and orthologs can be identified as described above.

[0553.0.0.27]

-   1. A process for the production of methionine, which comprises     (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as indicated     in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or a functional     equivalent thereof in a non-human organism, or in one or more parts     thereof; and     (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of methionine in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of methionine, comprising the     increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the     expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a     nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of methionine         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of methionine in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of methionine in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of methionine in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 27,         columns 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the         respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of methionine in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no.         27, columns 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the         respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound methionine. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         methionine produced by the selected mutated organisms or parts         thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of methionine         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of methionine in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of methionine in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of methionine in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 27,         columns 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the         respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of methionine in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no.         27, columns 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the         respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 27, columns 5         or 7, by one or more nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     XII, application no. 27, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. -   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of methionine in an     organism or a part thereof comprising:     (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which     express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 5 conferring an increase in the amount of methionine in an     organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a sample     comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions which permit     the expression the polypeptide;     (b) assaying the methionine level or the polypeptide expression     level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or the media the     cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured or maintained in;     and     (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the measured     methionine level or polypeptide expression level with a standard     methionine or polypeptide expression level measured in the absence     of said candidate compound or a sample comprising said plurality of     compounds, whereby an increased level over the standard indicates     that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality of     compounds is an agonist and a decreased level over the standard     indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality     of compounds is an antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased methionine production in a plant or microorganism,     comprising the steps:     (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining     a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of     methionine in an organism or a part thereof and a readout system     capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable     conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with dais     readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising     a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable     signal in response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide     under conditions which permit the expression of said readout system     and of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim     6 conferring an increase in the amount of methionine in an organism     or a part thereof;     (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting     the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said     readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in methionine production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can     contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an     increase in methionine after expression with the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6;     (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of claim     6;     (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells     appropriate for producing methionine;     (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells;     (e) assaying the methionine level in the host cells; and     (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the methionine level in the host     cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in methionine production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an     organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product     conferring an increase in the methionine amount or level in an     organism or a part thereof after expression, and which are at least     20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells     appropriate for producing methionine;     (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells;     (d) assaying the methionine level in the host cells; and     (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the methionine level in the host     cell after expression compared to the wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     methionine after expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of methionine levels in an organism. -   25. Food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the     plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim     16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified     according to the method of claim 19 or 20.

NEW GENES FOR A PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.28.28] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.28] to [0007.0.0.28]: see [0001.0.0.27] to [0007.0.0.27]

[0007.1.28.28] Following the approach of deregulating specific enzymes in the amino acid biosynthetic pathway an increase of the levels of free threonine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,942,660 which is achieved by overexpression of either a wild-type or deregulated aspartate kinase, homoserine dehydrogenase or threonine synthase.

[0008.0.0.28] see [0008.0.0.27]

[0009.0.28.28] As described above, the essential amino acids are necessary for humans and many mammals, for example for livestock. Threonine is an important constituent in many body proteins and is necessary for the formation of tooth enamel protein, collagen and elastin, which both needed for healthy skin and wound healing. It is a precursor to the amino acids glycine and serine. It acts as a lipotropic in controlling fat build-up in the liver. Threonine is an immune stimulant because it promotes thymus growth and activity. It is a component of digestive enzymes and immune secretions from the gut, particularly mucins. It has been used as a supplement to help alleviate anxiety and some cases of depression. In animal production, as an important essential amino acid, threonine is normally the second limiting amino acid for pigs and the third limiting amino acid for chicken (Gallus gallus f. domestica, e.g. laying hen or broiler).

[0010.0.0.28] see [0010.0.0.27]

[0011.0.0.28] see [0011.0.0.27]

[0012.0.28.28] It is an object of the present invention to develop an inexpensive process for the synthesis of threonine, preferably L-threonine. Threonine is together with lysine and methionine (depending on the organism) one of the amino acids which are most frequently limiting.

[0013.0.0.28] see [0013.0.0.27]

[0014.0.28.28] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is threonine, preferably L-threonine. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “threonine”. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising threonine.

[0015.0.28.28] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means threonine, preferably L-threonine. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means threonine, preferably L-threonine, its salts, ester or amids in free form or bound to proteins. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means threonine, preferably L-threonine, in free form or its salts or bound to proteins.

[0016.0.28.28] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more of a     protein as shown in table XII, application no. 28, column 3 encoded     by the nucleic acid sequences as shown in table XI, application no.     28, column 5, in a non-human organism or in one or more parts     thereof or -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus amino acid of the invention or     fine chemicals comprising amino acids of the invention, in said     organism or in the culture medium surrounding the organism.

[0017.0.0.28] see [0017.0.0.27]

[0018.0.0.28] to [0019.0.0.28] see [0018.0.0.27] to [0019.0.0.27]

[0020.0.28.28] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Zea mays protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, column 5, line 3 in a plant conferred an increase in Threonine content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of Threonine. Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Zea mays protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, column 5, line 4 in thaliana plant conferred an increase in Threonine content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of Threonine.

[0021.0.0.28] see [0021.0.0.27]

[0022.0.28.28] The sequence of YKR057W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon et al., Nature 369 (6479), 371-378, 1994 and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its activity is being defined as an ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably L-threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. The sequence of YOR245C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon, B. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 98-102 (1997) and its activity is defined as a acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product defined as a acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning threonine, in particular for increasing the amount of threonine, preferably L-threonine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a homolog thereof.

[0022.1.0.28] to [0023.0.0.28] see [0022.1.0.27] to [0023.0.0.27]

[0023.1.28.28] Homologs of the polypeptide disclosed in table XII, application no. 28, column 5, may have the activity of a protein as disclosed in Table XI or XII, application no. 28, column 3 and may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in table XI, application no. 28, column 7, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in table XII, application no. 28, column 7, resp.

[0024.0.0.28]: see [0024.0.0.27]

[0025.0.28.28] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein as shown in table XII, application no. 28, column 3 “if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased in the level of the fine chemical indicated in the respective line of table XII, application no. 28, column 6 “metabolite” in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism.

Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 28, column 3, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic or biological activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to a protein as shown in the respective line of table XII, application no. 28, column 3 of a a E. coli or Saccharomyces cerevisae, respectively, protein as mentioned in table XI to XIV, column 3 respectively and as disclosed in paragraph [0022] of the respective invention.

[0025.1.28.28] In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the organism in which it is expressed. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0026.0.0.28] to [0033.0.0.28]: see [0026.0.0.27] to [0033.0.0.27]

[0034.0.28.28] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity, preferably of the activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a respective protein as shown in table XII, application no. 28, column 3 its biochemical or genetical causes and the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.28] to [0044.0.0.28]: see [0035.0.0.27] to [0044.0.0.27]

[0045.0.28.28] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein. as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 28, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, column 6 of the respective line, between 10% and 50%, 10% and 100%, 10% and 200%, 10% and 300%, 10% and 400%, 10% and 500%, 20% and 50%, 20% and 250%, 20% and 500%, 50% and 100%, 50% and 250%, 50% and 500%, 500% and 1000% or more

[0046.0.28.28] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 28, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, column 6 of the respective line confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid or their precursors.

[0047.0.0.28] see [0047.0.0.27]

[0048.0.0.28] see [0048.0.0.27]

[0049.0.28.28] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fine chemical, has in one embodiment the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of the polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 28, column 7 or of the polypeptide as shown in the amino acid sequences as disclosed in table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 and 7 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by the nucleic acid molecule as shown in table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 and 7 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.28.28] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “threonine” and “L-threonine” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, threonine hydrochloride or threonine sulfate. Preferably the term threonine is intended to encompass the term L-threonine.

[0051.0.0.28] see [0051.0.0.27]

[0052.0.0.28] see [0052.0.0.27]

[0053.0.28.28] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps:

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having the     activity of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 28,     columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity having herein-mentioned     amino acid of the invention increasing activity; and/or -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention as     shown in table XI, application no. -   28, columns 5 and 7, e.g. a nucleic acid sequence encoding a     polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated in table     XII, application no. 28, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity or     of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned amino acid of the invention increasing activity;     and/or -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned amino acid increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation of the     polypeptide of the invention; and/or -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned amino acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned amino acid of the invention increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors to the     organisms or parts thereof; and/or -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned amino acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned amino acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   h) increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having the activity     of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 28, columns     5 and 7 or its homologs activity, by adding positive expression or     removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination     can be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like     for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor     elements form regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods     can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity     of positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced     in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be     identified in which the positive elements have be integrated near to     a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby     enhanced; and/or -   i) modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical production;     and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.28.28] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical as indicated in column 6 of application no. 28 in Table XI to XIV, resp., after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity as the protein as shown in table XII, application no. 28, column 3 or its homologs.

[0055.0.0.28] to [0064.0.0.28] see [0055.0.0.27] to [0064.0.0.27]

[0065.0.28.28] The activation of an endogenous polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the fine chemical after increase of expression or activity can also be increased by introducing a synthetic transcription factor, which binds close to the coding region of an endogenous polypeptide of the invention- or its endogenous homolog-encoding gene and activates its transcription. A chimeric zinc finger protein can be construed, which comprises a specific DNA-binding domain and an activation domain as e.g. the VP16 domain of Herpes Simplex virus. The specific binding domain can bind to the regulatory region of the endogenous protein-coding region. The expression of the chimeric transcription factor in a organism, in particular in a plant, leads to a specific expression of an endogenous polypeptid of the invention, in particular a plant homolog thereof, see e.g. in WO01/52620, Oriz, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2002, Vol. 99, 13290 or Guan, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2002, Vol. 99, 13296.

[0066.0.0.28] to [0069.0.0.28]: see [0066.0.0.27] to [0069.0.0.27]

[0070.0.28.28] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolites composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous amino acid composition comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) fine chemicals, in particular amino acids, likewise the fine chemical.

[0071.0.0.28] see [0071.0.0.27]

[0072.0.28.28] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous hydroxy containing compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to threonine, serine, homoserine, phosphohomoserine or hydroxyproline or methionine.

[0073.0.28.28] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process which comprises:

-   -   (a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism,         a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal         tissue or a plant;     -   (b) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or         a homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application         no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or of a polypeptide being encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and described         below, e.g. conferring an increase of the fine chemical in the         organism, preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a         plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant,     -   (c) growing the organism, preferably a microorganism, a         non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal         tissue or a plant under conditions which permit the production         of the fine chemical in the organism, preferably the         microorganism, the plant cell, the plant tissue or the plant;         and     -   (d) if desired, revovering, optionally isolating, the free         and/or bound the fine chemical and, optionally further free         and/or bound amino acids synthetized by the organism, the         microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell,         the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.0.28] to [0084.0.0.28]: see [0074.0.0.27] to [0084.0.0.27]

[0085.0.28.28] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   -   (a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI,         application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or     -   (b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which         is functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated         in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative         thereof, or     -   (c) (a) and (b)         is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or         has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods,         it being possible for the modification to be, by way of example,         a substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of         one or more nucleotide radicals. “Natural genetic environment”         means the natural chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or         the presence in a genomic library. In the case of a genomic         library, the natural, genetic environment of the nucleic acid         sequence is preferably at least partially still preserved. The         environment flanks the nucleic acid sequence at least on one         side and has a sequence length of at least 50 bp, preferably at         least 500 bp, particularly preferably at least 1000 bp, very         particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.28]: see [0086.0.0.27]

[0087.0.0.28]: see [0087.0.0.27]

[0088.0.28.28] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose amino acid content is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for monogastric animals is limited by a few essential amino acids such as lysine, threonine or methionine.

[0088.1.28.28] In one embodiment, after an activity of a polypeptide of the present invention has been increased or generated, or after the expression of a nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide according to the invention has been generated or increased, the transgenic plant generated can be grown on or in a nutrient medium or else in the soil and subsequently harvested.

[0089.0.0.28] to [0097.0.0.28]: see [0089.0.0.27] to [0097.0.0.27]

[0098.0.28.28] In a further embodiment, the fine chemical threonine is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further amino acids such as methionine, lysine and/or mixtures of amino acid by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.0.28] to [0102.0.0.28]: see [0099.0.0.27] to [0102.0.0.27]

[0103.0.28.28] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the fine chemical threonine comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   (a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the         mature form, of a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in         Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7;     -   (b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the         mature form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as         indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7;     -   (c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical         threonine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at         least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical         threonine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical threonine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the         polypeptide being derived by substituting, deleting and/or         adding one or more amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d),         preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase in the         amount of the fine chemical threonine in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   (g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a         polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid         molecules of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and         conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical         threonine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule         which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a         cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers pairs having         a sequence as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 28,         columns 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical threonine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated, e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of         monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of         the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to         (c), and and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical threonine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising         the consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table         XIV, application no. 28, column 7, and conferring an increase in         the amount of the fine chemical threonine in an organism or a         part thereof;     -   (k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic         acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide         encoding a domain of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII,         application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase         in the amount of the fine chemical threonine in an organism or a         part thereof; and     -   (l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable library under stringent conditions with a probe         comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule         of (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of         at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt         or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to         (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and conferring an increase in the         amount of the fine chemical threonine in an organism or a part         thereof;         or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0104.0.28.28] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no.

28, columns 5 or 7.

[0105.0.0.28] to [0107.0.0.28]: see [0105.0.0.27] to [0107.0.0.27]

[0108.0.28.28] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from an amino acid sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 28, column 7, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII application no. 28, column 3, 5 or 7, or e.g. conferring a increase of the fine chemical threonine after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.28] see [0109.0.0.27]

[0110.0.28.28] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide of the invention can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.28] see [0111.0.0.27]

[0112.0.28.28] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XIIa or XII, application no. 28, column 3, or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 and 7, and conferring an increase of the fine chemical threonine.

[0113.0.0.28] to [0120.0.0.28]: see [0113.0.0.27] to [0120.0.0.27]

[0121.0.28.28] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a increase of the fine chemical threonine after increasing its activity

[0122.0.0.28] to [127.0.0.28]: see [0122.0.0.27] to [0127.0.0.27]

[0128.0.28.28] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 28, column 7, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or the sequences derived from sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7.

[0129.0.28.28] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequences indicated in Table XIV, application no. 28, column 7, are derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.28.28] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the fine chemical after increasing its expression or activity or further functional homologs of the polypeptide of the invention from other organisms.

[0131.0.0.28] to [0138.0.0.28]: see [0131.0.0.27] to [0138.0.0.27]

[0139.0.28.28] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a threonine increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to a sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the threonine increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.28] to [0146.0.0.28]: see [0140.0.0.27] to [0146.0.0.27]

[0147.0.28.28] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.28.28] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or a functional portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular has the—fine-chemical-increasing activity after increasing its activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequence or its homog's.

[0149.0.28.28] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of the fine chemical.

[00149.1.28.28] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, column 3.

[0150.0.28.28] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of fine chemical threonine if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences indicated in Table

XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 28, column 7, will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7.

[0151.0.0.28] see [0151.0.0.27]

[0152.0.28.28] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in threonine production, in particular a threonine increasing activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.28.28] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7 such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of threonine production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, column 3.

[0154.0.28.28] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.28] see [0155.0.0.27]

[0156.0.0.28] see [0156.0.0.27]

[0157.0.28.28] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of a nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in threonine in an organism, e.g. as that polypeptides comprising the consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 28, columns 7, or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or their functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in another embodiment having, a consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 28, columns 7, or of the polypeptide as as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 28, column 7, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7.

[0158.0.0.28] to [0160.0.0.28]: see [0158.0.0.27] to [0160.0.0.27]

[0161.0.28.28] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no.

28, columns 5 or 7. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.28]: see [0162.0.0.27]

[0163.0.28.28] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.28]: see [0164.0.0.27]

[0165.0.28.28] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7.

[0166.0.0.28]: see [0166.0.0.27]

[0167.0.0.28] see [0167.0.0.27]

[0168.0.28.28] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90% or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7.

[0169.0.0.28] to [0172.0.0.28]: see [0169.0.0.27] to [0172.0.0.27]

[0173.0.28.28] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108442 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108442 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.28]: see [0174.0.0.27]

[0175.0.28.28] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108443 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108443 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.28.28] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7.

[0177.0.28.28] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of a polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7.

[0178.0.0.28] see [0178.0.0.27]

[0179.0.28.28] A nucleic acid molecule encoding an homologous to a protein sequence of as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences of sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.28] to [0183.0.0.28]: see [0180.0.0.27] to [0183.0.0.27]

[0184.0.28.28] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.28.28] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one more sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotide sequences not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule use in the process of the invention is identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7.

[0186.0.28.28] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polynucleotide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7.

[0187.0.28.28] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7.

[0188.0.28.28] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, preferably compared to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, column 5, and expressed under identical conditions.

[0189.0.28.28] Homologues of sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or of derived sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.28] to [0203.0.0.28]: see [0190.0.0.27] to [0203.0.0.27]

[0204.0.28.28] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   (a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the         mature form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII,         application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof         conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine         chemical threonine in an organism or a part thereof     -   (b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the         mature form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table         XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof         conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine         chemical threonine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine         chemical threonine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence         has at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine         chemical threonine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the         respective fine chemical threonine in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   (f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the         polypeptide being derived by substituting, deleting and/or         adding one or more amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d),         preferably to (a) to (c), and conferring an increase in the         amount of the respective fine chemical threonine in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   (g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a         polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid         molecules of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring         an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical         threonine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule         which is obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic         library using primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table         XIII, application no. 28, column 7, and conferring an increase         in the amount of the respective fine chemical threonine in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated, e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of         monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of         the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a)         to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         respective fine chemical threonine in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   (j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising         the consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application         no. 28, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of         the respective fine chemical threonine in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   (k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a         polypeptide encoding a domaine of a polypeptide as indicated in         Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an         increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical threonine         in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   (l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at         least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or         500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (h)         or of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI,         application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or a nucleic acid molecule         encoding, preferably at least the mature form of, the         polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28,         columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the         respective fine chemical threonine in an organism or a part         thereof; or which encompasses a sequence which is complementary         thereto; whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule         according to (a) to (l) distinguishes over a sequence depicted         in as indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7, by one or more         nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the         invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table         XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the         nucleic acid molecule is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9%         or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI,         application no. 28, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the         nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a         sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5         or 7. In an other embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the         present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical         and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a         sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5         or 7. In a further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not         encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table XII         application no. 28, columns 5 or 7. Accordingly, in one         embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the differs at least in         one or more residues from a nucleic acid molecule indicated in         Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7. Accordingly, in         one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present         invention encodes a polypeptide, which differs at least in one         or more amino acids from a polypeptide indicated in Table XII,         columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule         indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7, does not encode a protein         of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 28,         columns 5 or 7. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein         encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid according to (a) to     -   (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII,         application no. 28, columns 5 or 7. In a further embodiment, the         protein of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or         60% identical to a protein sequence indicated in Table XII,         application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, and less than 100%,         preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably         less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as         indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7.

[0205.0.0.28] to [0226.0.0.28]: see [0205.0.0.27] to [0226.0.0.27]

[0227.0.28.28] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the amino acid biosynthetic pathway such as for Llysine, L-methionine and/or L-threonine is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acid desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.0.28] to [0230.0.0.28]: see [0228.0.0.27] to [0230.0.0.27]

[0231.0.28.28] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a threonine degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.28] to [0282.0.0.28]: see [0232.0.0.27] to [0282.0.0.27]

[0283.0.28.28] Moreover, a native polypeptide conferring the increase of the fine chemical threonine in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, in particular, an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, column 3. E.g. an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing polypeptides comprising or consisting of above mentioned sequences, e.g. the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies.

[0284.0.0.28]: see [0284.0.0.27]

[0285.0.28.28] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or as coded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.28.28] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 28, column 7 and in one other embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 28, column 7, whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid.

[0287.0.0.28] to [0290.0.0.28]: see [0287.0.0.27] to [0290.0.0.27]

[0291.0.28.28] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences. In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, the polypeptide distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, by more than1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In another embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7.

[0292.0.0.28]: see [0292.0.0.27]

[0293.0.28.28] In one embodiment, the invention relates to a polypeptide conferring an increase in the fine chemical threonine in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention used in the process of the invention.

In one embodiment, the poylpeptide of the invention is having a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In another embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7.

[0294.0.28.28] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, column 3, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.28] to [0297.0.0.28]: see [0295.0.0.27] to [0297.0.0.27]

[0297.1.28.28] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 3, 5 or 7.

[0298.0.28.28] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to confer the activity of the present invention. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7.

[0299.0.28.28] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.28.28] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, in the amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of a sequence as indicated in Table XII application no. 28, columns 5 or 7.

[0301.0.0.28] see [0301.0.0.27]

[0302.0.28.28] Biologically active portions of a polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to a polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of a polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.28]: see [0303.0.0.27]

[0304.0.28.28] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, column 3, but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.28] to [0308.0.0.28]: see [0305.0.0.27] to [0308.0.0.27]

[0309.0.28.28] In one embodiment, an reference to a “protein (=polypeptide)” of the invention or as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, column 3, and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicate in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, does not confer an increase of the fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.28] to [0334.0.0.28]: see [0310.0.0.27] to [0334.0.0.27]

[0335.0.28.28] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in

Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence of one of the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.28] to [0342.0.0.28]: see [0336.0.0.27] to [0342.0.0.27]

[0343.0.28.28] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.28] to [0361.0.0.28]: see [0344.0.0.27] to [0361.0.0.27]

[0362.0.28.28] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the fine chemical threonine in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7. Due to the above mentioned activity the fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. In one embodiment transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 3, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.28]: see [0363.0.0.27]

[0364.0.28.28] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of a promoter of a polypeptide of the invention with the corresponding protein-encoding-sequence—becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modified by non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example, mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

[0365.0.0.28] to [0382.0.0.28]: see [0365.0.0.27] to [0382.0.0.27]

[0383.0.28.28] For preparing hydroxy containing fine chemicals, in particular the fine chemical threonine, it is possible to use as hydroxy source organic hydroxy-containing compounds such as, for example, alcohols, hydroxy-containing organic acids, acetals, or compounds containing carbonyl or carboxyl groups to be reduced by known methods of the art.

[0384.0.0.28] to [0392.0.0.28]: see [0384.0.0.27] to [0392.0.0.27]

[0393.0.28.28] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   -   (a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a         sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a         nucleic acid library, which can contain a candidate gene         encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the fine         chemical threonine after expression, with the nucleic acid         molecule of the present invention;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of the present invention in particular to the nucleic         acid molecule sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no.         28, columns 5 or 7, and, optionally, isolating the full length         cDNA clone or complete genomic clone;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells, preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism,         appropriate for producing the fine chemical threonine;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the the fine chemical level in the host cells; and     -   (f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product         which expression confers an increase in the the fine chemical         level in the host cell after expression compared to the wild         type.

[0394.0.0.28] to [0399.0.0.28]: see [0394.0.0.27] to [0399.0.0.27]

[0399.1.28.28] One can think to screen for increased production of the fine chemical threonine by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the fine chemical threonine and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotyp of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.28] to [0430.0.0.28]: see [0400.0.0.27] to [0430.0.0.27]

[0431.0.0.28] to [0460.0.0.28]: see [0431.0.0.27] to [0460.0.0.27]

[0461.0.28.28] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 108442 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.28]: see [0462.0.0.27]

[0463.0.28.28] SEQ ID NO: 108442 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.28] to [0466.0.0.28]: see [0464.0.0.27] to [0466.0.0.27]

[0467.0.28.28] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 108442:

-   -   i) forward primer SEQ ID NO: 108448:     -   ii) reverse primer SEQ ID NO: 108449:

[0468.0.0.28] to [0479.0.0.28]: see [0468.0.0.27] to [0479.0.0.27]

[0480.0.28.28] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 108442

[0481.0.0.28] to [0513.0.0.28]: see [0481.0.0.27] to [0513.0.0.27]

[0514.0.28.28] As an alternative, the amino acids can be detected advantageously via HPLC separation in ethanolic extract as described by Geigenberger et al. (Plant Cell & Environ, 19, 1996: 43-55).

Arabidopsis thaliana plants were engineered as described in Example 11.

[0515.0.0.28] to [0552.0.0.28]: see [0515.0.0.27] to [0552.0.0.27]

[0552.1.28.28]: ./.

[0553.0.28.28]

-   1. A process for the production of threonine, which comprises     -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as         indicated in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or a         functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism, or in one         or more parts thereof; and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of threonine in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of threonine, comprising the     increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the     expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a     nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   (a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of threonine in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of the nucleic acid         molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5         or 7;     -   (c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of threonine in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   (d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of threonine in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of threonine         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, columns 5 or 7, lines 6         to 15, 339 to 355 and conferring an increase in the amount of         the fine chemical threonine in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of threonine in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   (h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no.         28, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of         the fine chemical threonine in an organism or a part thereof;         and     -   (i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical threonine in an organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound threonine. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         threonine produced by the selected mutated organisms or parts         thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   (a) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide as indicated in         Table XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of threonine in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid as indicated         in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7;     -   (c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of threonine in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   (d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of threonine in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of threonine         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers in         Table XIII, application no. 28, column 8, and conferring an         increase in the amount of the fine chemical threonine in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of threonine in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   (h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising the         consensus sequence shown in Table XIV, application no. 28,         column 8, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   (i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 28, columns 5         or 7, by one or more nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 9 or 10 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a Sequence as indicated in Table     XII, application no. 28, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids -   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of threonine in an     organism or a part thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of threonine in         an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a         sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions         which permit the expression the polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the threonine level or the polypeptide expression         level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or the media         the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured or         maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured threonine level or polypeptide expression level with a         standard threonine or polypeptide expression level measured in         the absence of said candidate compound or a sample comprising         said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased level over the         standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising         said plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased level         over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample         comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased threonine production in a plant or microorganism,     comprising the steps:     -   (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of threonine in an organism or a part thereof and a         readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under         suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the         polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a         compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and         capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the         binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which         permit the expression of said readout system and of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6         conferring an increase in the amount of threonine in an organism         or a part thereof;     -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in threonine production in a cell, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in threonine after expression with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing threonine;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the threonine level in the host cells; and     -   (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the threonine level in the         host cell after expression compared to the wild type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in threonine production in a cell, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the threonine amount or level         in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and which are         at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing threonine;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the threonine level in the host cells; and     -   (e) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product         which expression confers an increase in the threonine level in         the host cell after expression compared to the wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     threonine after expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of threonine levels in an organism. -   25. Food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the     plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim     16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified     according to the method of claim 19 or 20.

[0554.0.0.28] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.27]

NEW GENES FOR A PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.29.29]: In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.29] to [0008.0.0.29]: see [0.0.01.0.0.27] to [0008.0.0.27]

[0009.0.29.29] As described above, the essential amino acids are necessary for humans and many mammals, for example for livestock. Tryptophane (L-tryptophane) is one of the most reactive amino acids. At pH 4.0-6.0 tryptophane amino group reacts with aldehydes producing Schiff-bases. On the other hand if the amino group is blocked by acetylation, tryptophane reacts with aldehydes yielding carboline derivatives (carboline 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-carboline-3-carboxylic acid). Tryptophane plays a unique role in defense against infection because of its relative scarcity compared to other amino acids. During infection, the body induces tryptophane-catabolizing enzymes which increase tryptophane's scarcity in an attempt to starve the infecting organisms [R. R. Brown, Y. Ozaki, S. P. Datta, et al., Implications of interferon-induced tryptophane catabolism in cancer, auto-immune diseases and AIDS. In: Kynurenine and Serotonin Pathways, R. Schwarcz, et al., (Eds.), Plenum Press, New York, 1991]. In most proteins, tryptophane is the least abundant essential amino acid, comprising approximately 1% of plant proteins and 1.5% of animal proteins. Although the minimum daily requirement for tryptophane is 160 mg for women and 250 mg for men, 500-700 mg are recommended to ensure high-quality protein intake. Actual tryptophane utilization is substantially higher. Men use approximately 3.5 grams of tryptophane to make one days's worth of protein [J. C. Peters, Tryptophane Nutrition and Metabolism: an Overview. In: Kynurenine and Serotonin Pathways, R. Schwarcz, et al., (Eds.), Plenum Press, New York, 1991]. The balance is obtained by hepatic recycling of tryptophane from used (catabolized) proteins.

Dietary tryptophane is well absorbed intestinally. About 10% of the tryptophane circulating in the bloodstream is free, and 90% is bound to the protein albumin. The tryptophane binding site on albumin also has affinity for free fatty acids (FFAs), so tryptophane is displaced when FFAs rise, as when fasting.

Although tryptophane is not usually the limiting amino acid in protein synthesis, tryptophane may become insufficient for the normal functioning of other tryptophane-dependent pathways. Numerous lines of research point to tryptophane's central role in regulation of feeding and other behaviors. Tryptophane is not only typically the least abundant amino acid in the livers free amino acid pool, but liver tryptophane-tRNA levels fall faster during food deprivation than other indispensable amino acids [Q. R. Rogers, The nutritional and metabolic effects of amino acid imbalances. In: Protein Metabolism and Nutrition, D. J. A. Cole (Ed.), Butterworths, London, 1976]. Under fasting conditions, and possibly in wasting syndromes, tryptophane may become the rate-limiting amino acid for protein synthesis [Peters, 1991].

[0010.0.0.29] and [0011.0.0.29]: see [0010.0.0.27] and [0011.0.0.27]

[0012.0.29.29] It is an object of the present invention to develop an inexpensive process for the synthesis of tryptophane, preferably L-tryptophane. Tryptophane is together with methionine, lysine and threonine (depending on the organism) one of the amino acids which are most frequently limiting.

[0013.0.0.29]: see [0013.0.0.27]

[0014.0.29.29] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is tryptophane, preferably L-tryptophane. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “tryptophane”. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising tryptophane.

[0015.0.29.29] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means tryptophane, preferably L-tryptophane. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means tryptophane, preferably L-tryptophane, its salts, ester or amids in free form or bound to proteins. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means tryptophane, preferably L-tryptophane, in free form or its salts or bound to proteins.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” and the term “the respective fine chemical” mean at least one chemical compound with an activity of the above mentioned fine chemical.

[0016.0.29.29] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more     -   of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 29, column 3         encoded by the nucleic acid sequences as shown in table XI,         application no. 29, column 5, in a non-human organism or in one         or more parts thereof or -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus amino acid of the invention or     fine chemicals comprising amino acids of the invention, in said     organism or in the culture medium surrounding the organism.

[0017.0.0.29] to [0019.0.0.29]: see [0017.0.0.27] and [0019.0.0.27]

[0020.0.29.29] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Zea mays protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, column 5, line 5 in a plant conferred an increase in tryptophane content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of tryptophane.

[0021.0.0.29]: see [0021.0.0.27]

[0022.0.29.29] The sequence of b3983 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L12. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with the activity of the Escherichia coli ribosomal protein L11 superfamily, preferably a protein with a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L12 activity from E. coli or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of tryptophane, in particular for increasing the amount of tryptophane in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

[0022.1.0.29]: to [0023.0.0.29]: see [0022.1.0.27] to [0023.0.0.27]

[0023.1.29.29] Homologs of the polypeptide disclosed in table XII, application no. 29, column 5, may have the activity of a protein as disclosed in Table XI or XII, application no. 29, column 3 and may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in table XI, application no. 29, column 7, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in table XII, application no. 29, column 7, resp.

[0024.0.0.29]: see [0024.0.0.27]

[0025.0.29.29] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein as shown in table XII, application no. 29, column 3 “if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased in the level of the fine chemical indicated in the respective line of table XII, application no. 29, column 6 “metabolite” in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism.

Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 29, column 3, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic or biological activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to a protein as shown in the respective line of table XII, application no. 29, column 3 of a E. coli or Saccharomyces cerevisae, respectively, protein as mentioned in table XI to XIV, column 3 respectively and as disclosed in paragraph [0022] of the respective invention.

[0025.1.0.29]: see [0025.1.0.27]

[0025.2.0.29]: see [0025.2.0.27]

[0026.0.0.29] to [0033.0.0.29]: see [0026.0.0.27] to [0033.0.0.27]

[0034.0.29.29] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity, preferably of the activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a respective protein as shown in table XII, application no. 29, column 3 its biochemical or genetical causes and the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.29] to [0044.0.0.29]: see [0035.0.0.27] to [0044.0.0.27]

[0045.0.29.29] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein. as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 29, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, column 6 of the respective line, between 10% and 50%, 10% and 100%, 10% and 200%, 10% and 300%, 10% and 400%, 10% and 500%, 20% and 50%, 20% and 250%, 20% and 500%, 50% and 100%, 50% and 250%, 50% and 500%, 500% and 1000% or more

[0046.0.29.29] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 29, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, column 6 of the respective line confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acid or their precursors.

[0047.0.0.29] and [0048.0.0.29]: see [0047.0.0.27] and [0048.0.0.27]

[0049.0.29.29] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fine chemical, has in one embodiment the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of the polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 29, column 7 or of the polypeptide as shown in the amino acid sequences as disclosed in table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 and 7 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by the nucleic acid molecule as shown in table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 and 7 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.29.29] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “tryptophane” and “L-tryptophane” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, tryptophane hydrochloride or tryptophane sulfate. Preferably the term tryptophane is intended to encompass the term L-tryptophane.

[0051.0.0.29] and [0052.0.0.29]: see [0051.0.0.27] and [0052.0.0.27]

[0053.0.29.29] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps:

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having the     activity of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 29,     columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity having herein-mentioned     amino acid of the invention increasing activity; and/or -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention as     shown in table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 and 7, e.g. a     nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having the activity of     a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 29, columns 5     and 7 or its homologs activity or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide     of the present invention having herein-mentioned amino acid of the     invention increasing activity; and/or -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned amino acid increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation of the     polypeptide of the invention; and/or -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned amino acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned amino acid of the invention increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors to the     organisms or parts thereof; and/or -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned amino acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned amino acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   h) increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having the activity     of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 29, columns     5 and 7 or its homologs activity, by adding positive expression or     removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination     can be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like     for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor     elements form regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods     can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity     of positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced     in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be     identified in which the positive elements have be integrated near to     a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby     enhanced; and/or -   i) modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical production;     and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.29.29] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical as indicated in column 6 of application no. 29 in Table XI to XIV, resp., after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity as the protein as shown in table XII, application no. 29, column 3 or its homologs.

[0055.0.0.29] to [0071.0.0.29]: see [0055.0.0.27] to [0071.0.0.27]

[0072.0.29.29] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to tryptophane chorismic acid, anthralinic acid, N-5′-Phosphoribosyl-anthranilate, 1-(o-Carboxyphenylamino)-1-deoxyribulose 5-phosphate., 1-(Indol-3-yl)-glycerin-3-phosphate, and 5-hydroxytrytophane.

[0073.0.29.29] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process which comprises:

-   a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a     non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue     or a plant; -   b) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or the     polypeptide used in the method of the invention or a homolog     thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns     5 or 7, or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention and described below, e.g.     conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in the     organism, preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant     or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant, -   c) growing the organism, preferably the microorganism, the non-human     animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the     plant under conditions which permit the production of the respective     fine chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the     plant cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and -   d) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or     bound the fine chemical and, optionally further free and/or bound     amino acids synthetized by the organism, the microorganism, the     non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal     tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.0.29] to [0084.0.0.29]: see [0074.0.0.27] to [0084.0.0.27]

[0085.0.29.29] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no.     29, columns 5 or 7, a derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative     thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.29] and [0087.0.0.29]: see [0086.0.0.27] and [0087.0.0.27]

[0088.0.29.29] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose amino acid content is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for monogastric animals is limited by a few essential amino acids such as lysine, threonine or methionine or tryptophane.

[0088.1.0.29] to [0097.0.0.29]: see [0088.1.0.27] to [0097.0.0.27]

[0098.0.29.29] In a preferred embodiment, the fine chemical (tryptophane) is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further amino acids such as methionine, lysine and/or threonine mixtures of amino acid by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.0.29] to [0102.0.0.29]: see [0099.0.0.27] to [0102.0.0.27]

[0103.0.29.29] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   (a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the         mature form, of a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in         Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7;     -   (b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the         mature form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as         indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7;     -   (c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at         least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   (e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under r stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the         polypeptide being derived by substituting, deleting and/or         adding one or more amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d),         preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase in the         amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a         polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid         molecules of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring         an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or         a part thereof;     -   (h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule         which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a         cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers pairs having         a sequence as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 29,         columns 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated, e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of         monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of         the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to         (c), and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising         the consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table         XIV, application no. 29, column 7, and conferring an increase in         the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   (k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic         acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide         encoding a domain of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII,         application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase         in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part         thereof; and     -   (l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable library under stringent conditions with a probe         comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule         of (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of         at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt         or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to         (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and conferring an increase in the         amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;         or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[00103.1.29.29.] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7: In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7.

[00103.2.29.29] ./.

[0104.0.29.29] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence n indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7: In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7.

[0105.0.0.29] to [0107.0.0.29]: see [0105.0.0.27] to [0107.0.0.27]

[0108.0.29.29] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from a amino acid sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 29, column 7, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, column 3, 5 or 7, or e.g. conferring a increase of the fine chemical after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.29]: see [0109.0.0.27]

[0110.0.29.29] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, column 5, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, column 5, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, column 7, can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.29]: see [0111.0.0.27]

[0112.0.29.29] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, column 3, or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 and 7, and conferring an tryptophane increase.

[0113.0.0.29] to [120.0.0.29]: see [0113.0.0.27] to [0120.0.0.27]

[0121.0.29.29] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a increase of the fine chemical after increasing its activity.

[0122.0.0.29] to [0127.0.0.29]: see [0122.0.0.27] to [0127.0.0.27]

[0128.0.29.29] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 29, column 7, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or the sequences derived from sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7.

[0129.0.29.29] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequences indicated in Table XIV, application no. 29, column 7, are derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.0.29] to [0138.0.0.29]: see [0130.0.0.27] to [0138.0.0.27]

[0139.0.29.29] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a tryptophane increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to a sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the tryptophane increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.29] to [0146.0.0.29]: see [0140.0.0.27] to [0146.0.0.27]

[0147.0.29.29] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.29.29] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or a functional portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular has the—fine-chemical-increasing activity after increasing its activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequence or its homologs.

[0149.0.29.29] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity and as indicated in indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, e.g. conferring an increase of the fine chemical.

[0149.1.29.29] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, column 3.

[0150.0.29.29] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of tryptophane if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide sequence of the invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 29, column 7, will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7.

[0151.0.0.29]: [see 0151.0.0.27]

[0152.0.29.29] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in tryptophane production, in particular a tryptophane increasing activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.29.29] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of tryptophane production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, column 3.

[0154.0.29.29] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.29] and [0156.0.0.29]: see [0155.0.0.27] to [0156.0.0.27]

[0157.0.29.29] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of a nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in tryptophane in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptides comprising the consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 29, columns 7, or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or their functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, a consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 29, columns 7, or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 29, column 7, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7. Preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7.

[0158.0.0.29] to [0160.0.0.29]: see [0158.0.0.27] to [0160.0.0.27]

[0161.0.29.29] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.29]: see [0162.0.0.27]

[0163.0.29.29] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.29]: see [0164.0.0.27]

[0165.0.29.29] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7, lines 16 to 18 and/or lines 356 to 362.

[0166.0.0.29] and [0167.0.0.29]: see [0166.0.0.27] and [0167.0.0.27]

[0168.0.29.29] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in as sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90% or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7.

[0169.0.0.29] to [0172.0.0.29]: see [0169.0.0.27] to [0172.0.0.27]

[0173.0.29.29] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID No: 108346 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID No: 108346 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.29]: see [0174.0.0.27]

[0175.0.29.29] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID No: 108347 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID No: 108347 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.29.29] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7.

[0177.0.29.29] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7 according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of a polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7.

[0178.0.0.29]: see [0178.0.0.27]

[0179.0.29.29] A nucleic acid molecule encoding an homologous to a protein sequence of as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences of a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.29] to [0183.0.0.29]: see [0180.0.0.27] to [0183.0.0.27]

[0184.0.29.29] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.29.29] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotide sequences not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule use in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7.

[0186.0.29.29] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7.

[0187.0.29.29] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, and comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7.

[0188.0.29.29] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, preferably compared to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, column 5, and expressed under identical conditions.

[0189.0.29.29] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.29] to [0203.0.0.29]: see [0190.0.0.27] to [0203.0.0.27]

[0204.0.29.29] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the         mature form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII,         application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof         conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an         organism or a part thereof     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the         mature form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table         XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof         conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence         has at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide         being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or         more amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide         encoded by the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably         to (a) to (c), and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a         polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid         molecules of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring         an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or         a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule         which is obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic         library using primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table         XIII, application no. 29, column 7, and conferring an increase         in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated, e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of         monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of         the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a)         to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising         the consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application         no. 29, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of         the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a         polypeptide encoding a domain of a polypeptide as indicated in         Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an         increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a         part thereof; and     -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at         least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or         500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (h)         or of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI,         application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or a nucleic acid molecule         encoding, preferably at least the mature form of, the         polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29,         columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;         or which encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;         whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)         to (l)         distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI,         application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides.         In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not consist of         the sequence shown and in indicated in Table XI, application no.         29, columns 5 or 7: In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule         is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a         sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5         or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not         encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII,         application no. 29, columns 5 or 7. In an other embodiment, the         nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at least 30%,         40%, 50%, or 60% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%,         99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI,         application no. 29, columns 5 or 7. In a further embodiment the         nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide sequence as         indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7.         Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the         differs at least in one or more residues from a nucleic acid         molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5         or 7. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule         of the present invention encodes a polypeptide, which differs at         least in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide indicated in         Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7. In another         embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI,         application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, does not encode a protein of         a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5         or 7. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded by a         sequences of a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does not         consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no.         29, columns 5 or 7. In a further embodiment, the protein of the         present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical to         a protein sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 29,         columns 5 or 7, and less than 100%, preferably less than         99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 985,         97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table         XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7.

[0205.0.0.29] to [0226.0.0.29]: see [0205.0.0.27] to [0226.0.0.27]

[0227.0.29.29] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorgansim.

In addition to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the amino acid biosynthetic pathway such as for Llysine, L-threonine and/or L-methionine or L-tryptophane is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all.

In addition it might be advantageously to combine a sequences as indicated in Table

XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organismn, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.0.29] to [0230.0.0.29]: see [0228.0.0.27] to [0230.0.0.27]

[0231.0.0.29] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a tryptophane degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.29] to [0282.0.0.29]: see [0232.0.0.27] to [0282.0.0.27]

[0283.0.29.29] Moreover, a native polypeptide conferring the increase of the fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, in particular, an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, column 3, E.g. an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing polypeptides comprising or consisting of above mentioned sequences, e.g. the polypeptide of the present invention or fragment thereof, Preferred are monoclonal antibodies, specifically binding to polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7.

[0284.0.0.29] see [0284.0.0.27]

[0285.0.29.29] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or as encoded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.29.29] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 29, column 7, and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 29, column 7, whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 29, column 7

amino acidamino acid

[0287.0.0.29] to [290.0.0.29]: see [0287.0.0.27] to [0290.0.0.27]

[0291.0.29.29] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences. In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7 by more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7.

[0292.0.0.29]: see [0292.0.0.27]

[0293.0.29.29] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7.

[0294.0.29.29] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, column 3, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, to 362 by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.29] to [0297.0.0.29]: see [0295.0.0.27] to [0297.0.0.27]

[0297.1.29.29] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity and/or amino acid sequence of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 3, 5 or 7.

[0298.0.29.29] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to confer the activity of the present invention. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7.

[0299.0.29.29] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.29.29] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein.

Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7.

[0301.0.0.29]: see [0301.0.0.27]

[0302.0.29.29] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.29]: see [0303.0.0.27]

[0304.0.29.29] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, column 3, but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.29] to [0306.0.0.29]: see [0305.0.0.27] to [0306.0.0.27]

[00306.1.29.29] Preferrably, the compound is a composition comrising the tryptophane or a recovered tryptophane, in particular, the fine chemical, free or in protein-bound form.

[0307.0.0.29]: to [0308.0.0.29]: see [0307.0.0.27] to [0308.0.0.27]

[0309.0.29.29] In one embodiment, a reference to a “protein (=polypeptide)” of the invention or as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide”—not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table XII, application no.

29, column 3, and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicate in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, does not confer an increase of the fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.29] to [334.0.0.29]: see [0310.0.0.27] to [0334.0.0.27]

[0335.0.29.29] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence of one of the sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.29] to [0342.0.0.29]: see [0336.0.0.27] to [0342.0.0.27]

[0343.0.29.29] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.29] to [0361.0.0.29]: see [0344.0.0.27] to [0361.0.0.27]

[0362.0.29.29] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7. Due to the above mentioned activity the fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. In one embodiment transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 3, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.29] to [0382.0.0.29]: see [0363.0.0.27] to [0382.0.0.27]

[0383.0.29.29] For preparing aromatic compound-containing fine chemicals, in particular the fine chemical, it is possible to use as aromat source organic aromatic-containing compounds such as, for example, benzene, naphthaline, indole, pyrrole, furen, oxazole, imidazole, thiophene, pyrridin, pyrrimidine or else organic aromatic compounds such as benzoic acid and chorismic, shikimic, aminobenzoic, kynurenic acids or pyridoxidal.

[0384.0.0.29]: see [0384.0.0.27]

[0385.0.29.29] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular

L-tryptophane, L-methionine, L-threonine and/or L-lysine, normally have a dry matter content of from 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, at least at the end, but especially over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 3 g/l during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it. The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

[0386.0.0.29] to [392.0.0.29]: see [0386.0.0.27] to [0392.0.0.27]

[0393.0.29.29] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   -   (a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a         sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a         nucleic acid library, which can contain a candidate gene         encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the fine         chemical after expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the         present invention;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of the present invention in particular to the nucleic         acid molecule sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no.         29, columns 5 or 7, and, optionally, isolating the full length         cDNA clone or complete genomic clone;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells, preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism,         appropriate for producing the fine chemical;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the fine chemical level in the host cells; and     -   (f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product         which expression confers an increase in the fine chemical level         in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.29] to [0399.0.0.29]: see [0394.0.0.27] to [0399.0.0.27]

[0399.1.29.29] One can think to screen for increased production of the fine chemical by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the fine chemical and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotype of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.29] to [0416.0.0.29]: see [0400.0.0.27] to [0416.0.0.27]

[0417.0.29.29] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the amino acid production biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect plants against herbicides, which block the amino acid, in particular the fine chemical, synthesis in said plant. Examples of herbicides blocking the amino acid synthesis in plants are for example sulfonylurea and imidazolinone herbicides which catalyze the first step in branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis.

[0418.0.0.29] to [0423.0.0.29]: see [0418.0.0.27] to [0423.0.0.27]

[0424.0.29.29] Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the fine chemical or of the fine chemical and one or more other amino acids, in particular methionine, threonine, alanine, glutamine, glutamic acid, valine, asparagine, phenylalanine, leucine, proline, Tryptophan tyrosine, isoleucine and arginine.

Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0425.0.0.29] to [0430.0.0.29]: see [0425.0.0.27] to [0430.0.0.27]

[0431.0.0.29] to [0460.0.0.29]: see [0431.0.0.27] to [0460.0.0.27]

[0461.0.29.29] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 108346 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.29] see [0462.0.0.27]

[0463.0.29.29] SEQ ID NO: 108346 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.29] to [0466.0.0.29]: see [0464.0.0.27] to [0466.0.0.27]

[0467.0.29.29] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID No: 108346:

i) forward primer SEQ ID No: 108348

ii) reverse primer SEQ ID No: 108349

[0468.0.0.29] to [0479.0.0.29]: see [0468.0.0.27] to [0479.0.0.27]

[0480.0.29.29] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID No: 108346

[0481.0.0.29] to [0513.0.0.29]: see [0481.0.0.27] to [0513.0.0.27]

[0514.0.29.29] As an alternative, the amino acids can be detected advantageously via HPLC separation in ethanolic extract as described by Geigenberger et al. (Plant Cell & Environ, 19, 1996: 43-55).

[0515.0.0.29] to [0552.0.0.29]: see [0515.0.0.27] to [0552.0.0.27]

[0553.0.29.29]

1. A process for the production of tryptophane, which comprises

-   -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as         indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or a         functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism, or in one         or more parts thereof; and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of tryptophane in said organism.         2. A process for the production of tryptophane, comprising the         increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the         expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a         nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   (a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of tryptophane         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of the nucleic acid         molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5         or 7;     -   (c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of tryptophane in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of tryptophane in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of tryptophane in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 29,         column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of tryptophane         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no.         29, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof.         or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto.         3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the         free or bound tryptophane.         4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the         following steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         tryptophane produced by the selected mutated organisms or parts         thereof.         5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity         of said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule         is increased or generated transiently or stably.         6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid         molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   (a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of tryptophane         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid as         indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7;     -   (c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of tryptophane in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of tryptophane in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of         tryptophane in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 29,         column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of         tryptophane in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of tryptophane         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising the         consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no.         29, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   (i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof.         whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 29, columns 5         or 7, by one or more nucleotides.         7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more         regulatory elements.         8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in         claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7.         9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid         molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for         the expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a         prokaryotic and eukaryotic host.         10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or         transiently with the vector as claimed in claim 9 or 10 or the         nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid         construct of claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one         of claims 2 to 5.         11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell.         12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an         animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a         prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium.         13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the         polypeptide is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of         claims 10 to 12.         14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13         or encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6         whereby the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as         indicated in Table XII, application no. 29, columns 5 or 7, by         one or more amino acids.         15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as         claimed in claim 14.         16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or         a plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is         plant cell or an Agrobacterium.         17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the         activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of tryptophane         in an organism or a part thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of tryptophane         in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a         sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions         which permit the expression the polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the tryptophane level or the polypeptide expression         level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or the media         the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured or         maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured tryptophane level or polypeptide expression level with         a standard tryptophane or polypeptide expression level measured         in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample comprising         said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased level over the         standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising         said plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased level         over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample         comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist.         18. A method for the identification of a compound conferring         increased tryptophane production in a plant or microorganism,         comprising the steps:     -   a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of tryptophane in an organism or a part thereof and a         readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under         suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the         polypeptide with dais readout system in the presence of a         compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and         capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the         binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which         permit the expression of said readout system and of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6         conferring an increase in the amount of tryptophane in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system.         19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring         an increase in tryptophane production in a cell, comprising the         following steps:     -   a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in tryptophane after expression with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under         relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6;     -   c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing tryptophane;     -   d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   e) assaying the tryptophane level in the host cells; and     -   f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the tryptophane level in the         host cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild         type.         20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring         an increase in tryptophane production in a cell, comprising the         following steps:     -   a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the tryptophane amount or         level in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and         which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6;     -   b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing tryptophane;     -   c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   d) assaying the tryptophane level in the host cells; and     -   e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the tryptophane level in the         host cell after expression compared to the wild type.         21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition         comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20         and formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17         to 20 in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture.         22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim         6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of         claim 7, the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or         agonist identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim         18, the gene product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim         15, and optionally an agricultural acceptable carrier.         23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for         the identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an         increase of tryptophane after expression.         24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid         construct claim 7 or the gene product identified according to         the method of claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable         of conferring a modulation of tryptophane levels in an organism.         25. Food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic         acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the         antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the         antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the         harvested material of claim 17, the host cell of claim 10 to 12         or the gene product identified according to the method of claim         19 or 20.         26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide         of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector         of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according         to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue         of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product         identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20 for the         protection of a plant against a tryptophane synthesis inhibiting         herbicide.

[0554.0.0.29] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.27]:

NEW GENES FOR A PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.30.30] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.30] to [0008.0.0.30]: see [0001.0.0.27] to [0008.0.0.27]

[0009.0.30.30] As described above, the essential amino acids are necessary for humans and many mammals, for example for livestock. The branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) leucine and valine are among the nine dietary indispensable amino acids for humans. BCAA accounts for 35-40% of the dietary indispensable amino acids in body protein and 14% of the total amino acids in skeletal muscle (Ferrando et al., (1995) Oral branched chain amino acids decrease whole-body proteolysis. J. Parenter. Enteral Nutr. 19: 47-54.13). They share a common membrane transport system and enzymes for their transamination and irreversible oxidation (Block, K. P. (1989) Interactions among leucine and valine with special reference to the branched chain amino acid antagonism. In: Absorption and Utilization of Amino Acids (Friedman, M., ed.), pp. 229-244, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla. and Champe, P. C. & Harvey, R. A. (1987) Amino acids: metabolism of carbon atoms. In: Biochemistry (Champ, P. C. & Harvery, P. A., eds.), pp. 242-252, J. B. Lippincott, Philadelphia, Pa.). Further, for patient suffering from Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) a reduced uptake of those branched-chain amino acids is essential.

Dietary sources of the branched-chain amino acids are principally derived from animal and vegetable proteins. The branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) leucine and valine are limiting for the growth of many mammals. Therefore the branched-chain amino acids are supplemented in the feed of broiler, leg hens, turkey, swine or cattle diets.

[0010.0.0.30] see [0010.0.0.27]

[0011.0.0.30] see [0011.0.0.27]

[0012.0.30.30] It is an object of the present invention to develop an inexpensive process for the synthesis of leucine and/or valine, preferably L-leucine and/or L-valine.

[0013.0.0.30] see [0013.0.0.27]

[0014.0.30.30] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is leucine and/or valine, preferably L-leucine and/or L-valine. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “leucine and/or valine”. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising leucine and/or valine.

[0015.0.30.30] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means leucine and/or valine, preferably L-leucine and/or L-valine. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means leucine and/or valine, preferably L-leucine and/or L-valine, its salts, ester or amids in free form or bound to proteins. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means leucine and/or valine, preferably L-leucine and/or L-valine, in free form or its salts or bound to proteins.

[0016.0.30.30] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more of a     protein as shown in table XII, application no. 30, column 3 encoded     by the nucleic acid sequences as shown in table XI, application no.     30, column 5, in a non-human organism or in one or more parts     thereof or -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus amino acids of the invention     or fine chemicals comprising amino acids of the invention, in said     organism or in the culture medium surrounding the organism.

[0016.1.30.30] Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means in one embodiment “valine” in relation to all sequences listed in Tables XI to XIV, line 6 and/or 8 and/or 9 or homologs thereof and means in one embodiment “leucine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table XI to XIV, line 7 or homologs thereof.

[0017.0.0.30] to [0019.0.0.30] see [0017.0.0.27] to [0019.0.0.27]

[0020.0.30.30] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Zea mays protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, line 6 in a plant conferred an increase in valine content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of valine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Zea mays protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, line 7 in a plant conferred an increase in leucine content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of leucine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Linum usitatissimum protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, line 8 in a plant conferred an increase in valine content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of valine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Hordeum vulgare protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, line 9 in a plant conferred an increase in valine content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of valine.

[0021.0.0.30] see [0021.0.0.27]

[0022.0.30.30] The sequence of YKR057W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon et al., Nature 369 (6479), 371-378, 1994 and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its activity is beeing defined as a ribosomal protein, similar to S21A, S26A and/or YS25 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a ribosomal protein, similar to S21 A, S26A and/or YS25 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation from Saccaromyces cerevisiae or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a ribosomal protein, similar to S21 A, S26A and/or YS25 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a plant or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YNL135C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Philippsen, P., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 93-98, 1997 and Goffeau, A., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is beeing defined as a peptidylprolyl isomerase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a peptidylprolyl isomerase or its homolog, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a peptidylprolyl isomerase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a plant or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1343 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as an ATP-dependent RNA helicase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with an ATP-dependent RNA helicase from E. coli or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of an ATP-dependent RNA helicase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a plant or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3938 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a transcriptional repressor for methionine biosynthesis. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a transcriptional repressor activity for methionine biosynthesis from E. coli or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, in particular for increasing the amount of leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine, preferably leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a transcriptional repressor for methionine biosynthesis is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a plant or a homolog thereof.

[0022.1.0.30] see [0022.1.0.27]

[0023.0.0.30] for the disclosure of the paragraph [0023.0.0.30] see paragraph [0023.0.0.27] above.

[0023.1.30.30] Homologs of the polypeptide disclosed in table XII, application no. 30, column 5, may have the activity of a protein as disclosed in Table XI or XII, application no. 30, column 3 and may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in table XI, application no. 30, column 7, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in table XII, application no. 30, column 7, resp.

[0024.0.0.30] see [0024.0.0.07]

[0025.0.30.30] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein as shown in table XII, application no. 30, column 3” if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased in the level of the fine chemical indicated in the respective line of table XII, application no. 30, column 6 “metabolite” in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism.

Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 30, column 3, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic or biological activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to a protein as shown in the respective line of table XII, application no. 30, column 3 of a E. coli or Saccharomyces cerevisae, respectively, protein as mentioned in table XI to XIV, column 3 respectively and as disclosed in paragraph [0022] of the respective invention.

[0025.1.30.30] In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the organism in which it is expressed. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0025.2.30.30] In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary close to the organism indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, column 4 and is expressed in an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the origin organism. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums whereas origin and the organsim indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, column 4 are derived from the same families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0026.0.0.30] to [0033.0.0.30]: see [0026.0.0.27] to [0033.0.0.27]

[0034.0.30.30] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity, preferably of the activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a respective protein as shown in table XII, application no. 30, column 3 its biochemical or genetical causes and the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.30] to [0044.0.0.30]: see [0035.0.0.27] to [0044.0.0.27]

[0045.0.30.30] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein. as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 30, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, column 6 of the respective line, between 10% and 50%, 10% and 100%, 10% and 200%, 10% and 300%, 10% and 400%, 10% and 500%, 20% and 50%, 20% and 250%, 20% and 500%, 50% and 100%, 50% and 250%, 50% and 500%, 500% and 1000% or more.

[0046.0.30.30] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 30, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, column 6 of the respective line confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acids or their precursors.

[0047.0.0.30] see [0047.0.0.27]

[0048.0.0.30] see [0048.0.0.27]

[0049.0.30.30] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fine chemical, has in one embodiment the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of the polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 30, column 7 or of the polypeptide as shown in the amino acid sequences as disclosed in table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 and 7 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by the nucleic acid molecule as shown in table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 and 7 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.30.30] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “leucine” and/or “valine” and “L-leucine” and/or “L-valine” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, leucine- and/or valine-hydrochloride or leucine and/or valine sulfate. Preferably the term leucine and/or valine is intended to encompass the term L-leucine and/or L-valine.

[0051.0.0.30] see [0051.0.0.27]

[0052.0.0.30] see [0052.0.0.27]

[0053.0.30.30] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps:

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having the     activity of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 30,     columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity having herein-mentioned     amino acids of the invention increasing activity; and/or -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention as     shown in table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 and 7, e.g. a     nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having the activity of     a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 30, columns 5     and 7 or its homologs activity or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide     of the present invention having herein-mentioned amino acids of the     invention increasing activity; and/or -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned amino acid increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation of the     polypeptide of the invention; and/or -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned amino acids of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned amino acids of the invention increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors to the     organisms or parts thereof; and/or -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned amino acids of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned amino acids of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   h) increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having the activity     of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 30, columns     5 and 7 or its homologs activity, by adding positive expression or     removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination     can be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like     for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor     elements form regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods     can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity     of positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced     in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be     identified in which the positive elements have be integrated near to     a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby     enhanced; and/or -   i) modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical production;     and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.30.30] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical as indicated in column 6 of application no. 30 in Table XI to XIV, resp., after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity as the protein as shown in table XII, application no. 30, column 3 or its homologs.

[0055.0.0.30] to [0064.0.0.30] see [0055.0.0.27] to [0064.0.0.27]

[0065.0.30.30] The activation of an endogenous polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. having the activity of a YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 protein or of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of leucine and/or valine after increase of expression or activity can also be increased by introducing a synthetic transcription factor, which binds close to the coding region of YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 protein encoding gene and activates its transcription. A chimeric zinc finger protein can be construed, which comprises a specific DNA-binding domain and an activation domain as e.g. the VP16 domain of Herpes Simplex virus. The specific binding domain can bind to the regulatory region of the YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 protein encoding gene. The expression of the chimeric transcription factor in a organism, in particular in a plant, leads to a specific expression of YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 protein, see e.g. in WO01/52620, Oriz, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2002, Vol. 99, 13290 or Guan, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2002, Vol. 99, 13296.

[0066.0.0.30] to [0069.0.0.30]: see [0066.0.0.27] to [0069.0.0.27]

[0070.0.30.30] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding the YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 protein into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolites composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous amino acid composition comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) amino acids, like tryptophane, methionine, lysine and/or threonine.

[0071.0.0.30] see [0071.0.0.27]

[0072.0.30.30] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to leucine and/or valine 2-Acetolactate, 2-3-Dihydroxyisovalerate, 2-Oxoisovalerate, 3-Hydroxyisobutyrate, 3-Hydroxy-lsobutyryl-CoA, Methylacrylyl-CoA, Isobutyryl-CoA, 2-Aceto-2-hydroxybutyrate, 2:3-Di-OH-3-methylvalerate, 2-Oxo-3-methylvalerate, 2-Methylacetoacetyl-CoA, 2-Methyl-3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA, Tiglyl-CoA, 2 Methylbutyryl-CoA, 22-Isopropyl malate, 3-Isopropylmalate, Oxoleucine, Isovaleryl-CoA, 3-Methylcrotonyl-CoA and/or 3-Methylglutaconyl-CoA.

[0073.0.30.30] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process which comprises:

-   a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a     non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue     or a plant; -   b) increasing the YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 protein     activity or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention and described below, e.g.     conferring an increase of the fine chemical in the organism,     preferably in the microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or     animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant, -   c) growing the organism, preferably the microorganism, the non-human     animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the     plant under conditions which permit the production of the fine     chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant     cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and -   d) if desired, revovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or     bound the fine chemical and, optionally further free and/or bound     amino acids synthetized by the organism, the microorganism, the     non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal     tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.0.30] to [0084.0.0.30]: see [0074.0.0.27] to [0084.0.0.27]

[0085.0.30.30] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   -   a) the nucleic acid sequence as depicted in Table XI,         application no. 30, columns 5 and 7, or a derivative thereof, or     -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which         is functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted         in Table XI, application no.

30, columns 5 and 7, or a derivative thereof, or

-   -   c) (a) and (b)         is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or         has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods,         it being possible for the modification to be, by way of example,         a substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of         one or more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the         natural chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the         presence in a genomic library. In the case of a genomic library,         the natural, genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is         preferably at least partially still preserved. The environment         flanks the nucleic acid sequence at least on one side and has a         sequence length of at least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp,         particularly preferably at least 1000 bp, very particularly         preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.30]: see [0086.0.0.27]

[0087.0.0.30]: see [0087.0.0.27]

[0088.0.30.30] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose amino acid content is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for monogastric animals is limited by a few essential amino acids such as lysine, threonine or methionine or tryptophane. After the YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 protein activity has been increased or generated, or after the expression of nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide according to the invention has been generated or increased, the transgenic plant generated thus is grown on or in a nutrient medium or else in the soil and subsequently harvested.

[0089.0.0.30] to [0097.0.0.30]: see [0089.0.0.27] to [0097.0.0.27]

[0098.0.30.30] In a preferred embodiment, the fine chemical (leucine and/or valine) is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further amino acids such as methionine, lysine and/or threonine mixtures of amino acid by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.0.30] to [0102.0.0.30]: see [0099.0.0.27] to [0102.0.0.27]

[0103.0.30.30] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide shown in Table XII, application no. 30,     columns 5 and 7, or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in     the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table XI, application     no. 30, columns 5 and 7, -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers in Table XIII, application no.     30, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence shown in Table XIV, application no. 30, column 7,     and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide shown in Table XI, application no. 30,     columns 5 and 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0103.1.30.30] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7 by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7.

[0104.0.30.30] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process distinguishes over the sequence depicted in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 and 7, by one or more nucleotides or does not consist of the sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 and 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence shown in Table XI. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of the sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 30, preferably of sequences as shown in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7.

[0105.0.0.30] to [0107.0.0.30]: see [0105.0.0.27] to [0107.0.0.27]

[0108.0.30.30] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence shown in Table XI, acid molecules which are derived from the amino acid sequences shown in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in Table XIV, application no. 30, columns 7, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of an YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 protein or conferring a leucine and/or valine increase after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.30] see [0109.0.0.27]

[0110.0.30.30] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 protein activity can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.30] see [0111.0.0.27]

[0112.0.30.30] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 protein activity and conferring a leucine and/or valine increase.

[0113.0.0.30] to [0120.0.0.30]: see [0113.0.0.27] to [0120.0.0.27]

[0121.0.30.30] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences shown in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a leucine and/or valine increase after increasing its activity, e.g. having the activity of an YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 protein.

[0122.0.0.30] to [127.0.0.30]: see [0122.0.0.27] to [0127.0.0.27]

[0128.0.30.30] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as shown in Table XIII, application no. 30, column 7, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, or the sequences derived from Table XII, application no. 30.

[0129.0.30.30] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence shown in Table XIV, application no. 30, column 7, is derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.30.30] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of leucine and/or valine after increasing the expression or activity or having an YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 activity or further functional homologs of the polypeptide of the invention from other organisms.

[0131.0.0.30] to [0138.0.0.30]: see [0131.0.0.27] to [0138.0.0.27]

[0139.0.30.30] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the fine chemical increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to the sequences shown in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the leucine and/or valine increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.30] to [0146.0.0.30]: see [0140.0.0.27] to [0146.0.0.27]

[0147.0.30.30] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences s such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.30.30] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7 or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular, of valine and/or leucine increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.30.30] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity and as indicated in indicated in Table XII.

[0150.0.30.30] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of valine and/or leucine, resp., if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 30, column 7, will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7 or its gene product.

[0151.0.0.30] see [0151.0.0.27]

[0152.0.30.30] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to the amino acid sequence of Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the fine chemical production, in particular a leucine and/or valine increasing the activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.30.30] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the fine chemical production. For examples having an YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 activity are described herein.

[0154.0.30.30] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, and having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.30] and [0156.0.0.30]: see [0155.0.0.27] and [0156.0.0.27]

[0157.0.30.30] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences shown in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the fine chemical in a organism, e.g. comprising the consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 30, column 7, or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, or their functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, a consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 30, column 7, or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 30, column 7, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7,

[0158.0.0.30] to [0160.0.0.30]: see [0158.0.0.27] to [0160.0.0.27]

[0161.0.30.30] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising the sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.30]: see [0162.0.0.27]

[0163.0.30.30] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence of Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.30]: see [0164.0.0.27]

[0165.0.30.30] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7.

[0166.0.0.30] and [0167.0.0.30]: see [0166.0.0.27] and [0167.0.0.27]

[0168.0.30.30] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7.

[0169.0.0.30] to [0172.0.0.30]: see [0169.0.0.27] to [0172.0.0.27]

[0173.0.30.30] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108442 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108442 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.30]: see [0174.0.0.27]

[0175.0.30.30] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108443 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108443 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.30.30] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as shown in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as shown in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as the polypeptide as shown in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7.

[0177.0.30.30] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7.

[0178.0.0.30] see [0178.0.0.27]

[0179.0.30.30] A nucleic acid molecule encoding an homologous to a protein sequence of Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, preferably of Table XII, application no. 30, column 7, can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular of Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences of Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.30] to [0183.0.0.30]: see [0180.0.0.27] to [0183.0.0.27]

[0184.0.30.30] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with the sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from the sequences Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.30.30] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7.

[0186.0.30.30] Also preferred is that the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment used in the inventive process, the encoded polypeptide is identical to the sequences shown in Table XII.

[0187.0.30.30] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence of the sequences shown in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7.

[0188.0.30.30] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential biological or enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7 and is expressed under identical conditions.

[0189.0.30.30] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7 also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.30] to [0203.0.0.30]: see [0190.0.0.27] to [0203.0.0.27]

[0204.0.0.30] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no.     30, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical, in particular according     to table XII, application no. 30, column 6 in an organism or a part     thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI,     application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no.     30, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, in particular according to table XII,     application no. 30, column 6 in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 30,     columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, in particular according to table XII,     application no. 30, column 6 in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, in     particular accccording to table XII, application no. 30, column 6 in     an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, or a     nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature form     of, a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30,     columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical according to table XII, application no. 30,     column 6 in an organism or a part thereof;     -   or which encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;         whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)         to (l) distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI,         application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides.         In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not consist of         the sequence shown and indicated in Table XI, application no.         30, columns 5 or 7,

In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7.

In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7.

In an other embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7.

In a further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the differs at least in one or more residues from a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention encodes a polypeptide, which differs at least in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7.

In another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7.

In a further embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical to a protein sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, and less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7.

[0205.0.0.30] to [0226.0.0.30]: see [0205.0.0.27] to [0226.0.0.27]

[0227.0.30.30] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to the sequence mentioned in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the amino acid biosynthetic pathway such as for Llysine, L-threonine and/or L-methionine or L-leucine and/or valine is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine the sequences shown in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.0.30] to [0230.0.0.30]: see [0228.0.0.27] to [0230.0.0.27]

[0231.0.30.30] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a leucine and/or valine degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.30] to [0282.0.0.30]: see [0232.0.0.27] to [0282.0.0.27]

[0283.0.30.30] Moreover, native polypeptide conferring the increase of the fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, in particular, an anti-YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 protein antibody or an antibody against polypeptides as shown in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof, i.e., the polypeptide of this invention. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies. [0284.0.0.30]: see [0284.0.0.27]

[0285.0.30.30] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having the sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, or as coded by the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.30.30] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased comprising or consisting of the consensus sequence shown in Table XIV, application no. 30, and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of the consensus sequence shown in Table XIV, application no. 30, whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent.

[0287.0.0.30] to [0290.0.0.30]: see [0287.0.0.27] to [0290.0.0.27]

[0291.0.30.30] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences. In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, by more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7.

[0292.0.0.30]: see [0292.0.0.27]

[0293.0.30.30] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof and being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7.

In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7.

[0294.0.30.30] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, column 3, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.30] to [0297.0.0.30]: see [0295.0.0.27] to [0297.0.0.27]

[0297.0.30.30] The language “substantially free of cellular material” includes preparations of the polypeptide of the invention in which the protein is separated from cellular components of the cells in which it is naturally or recombinantly produced. In one embodiment, the language “substantially free of cellular material” includes preparations having less than about 30% (by dry weight) of “contaminating protein”, more preferably less than about 20% of “contaminating protein”, still more preferably less than about 10% of “contaminating protein”, and most preferably less than about 5% “contaminating protein”. The term “Contaminating protein” relates to polypeptides, which are not polypeptides of the present invention. When the polypeptide of the present invention or biologically active portion thereof is recombinantly produced, it is also preferably substantially free of culture medium, i.e., culture medium represents less than about 20%, more preferably less than about 10%, and most preferably less than about 5% of the volume of the protein preparation. The language “substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals” includes preparations in which the polypeptide of the present invention is separated from chemical precursors or other chemicals which are involved in the synthesis of the protein. The language “substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals” includes preparations having less than about 30% (by dry weight) of chemical precursors or non-YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 chemicals, more preferably less than about 20% chemical precursors or non-YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 chemicals, still more preferably less than about 10% chemical precursors or non-YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 chemicals, and most preferably less than about 5% chemical precursors or non-YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 chemicals. In preferred embodiments, isolated proteins or biologically active portions thereof lack contaminating proteins from the same organism from which the polypeptide of the present invention is derived. Typically, such proteins are produced by recombinant techniques

[00297.1.30.30] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity and/or the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 3, 5 or 7.

[0298.0.30.30] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to confer the activity of the present invention. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical as shown in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7.

[0299.0.30.30] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the amino acid sequences of Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence of Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.30.30] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, column 3, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0301.0.0.30]: see [0301.0.0.27]

[0302.0.30.30] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., the amino acid sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.30]: see [0303.0.0.27]

[0304.0.30.30] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 protein having differences from the wild-type YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.30]: see [0305.0.0.27]

[0305.1.30.30] Any mutagenesis strategies for the polypeptide of the present invention or the polypeptide used in the process of the present invention to result in increasing said activity are not meant to be limiting; variations on these strategies will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. Using such strategies, and incorporating the mechanisms disclosed herein, the nucleic acid molecule and polypeptide of the invention may be utilized to generate plants or parts thereof, expressing wildtype YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 proteins or mutated YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 protein encoding nucleic acid molecules and polypeptide molecules of the invention such that the yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of a desired compound is improved.

[0306.0.0.30] to [0308.0.0.30]: see [0306.0.0.27] to [0308.0.0.27]

[0309.0.30.30] In one embodiment, an “YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 protein (=polypeptide)” refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 polypeptide” or “other polypeptide” refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide having an YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 protein activity, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein and which is derived from the same or a different organism.

[0310.0.0.30] to [0334.0.0.30]: see [0310.0.0.27] to [0334.0.0.27]

[0335.0.30.30] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of the nucleic acid sequences of the Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of the nucleic acid sequences of the Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence of one of the Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.30] to [0342.0.0.30]: see [0336.0.0.27] to [0342.0.0.27]

[0343.0.30.30] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence of one of the Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence of one of Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.30] to [0361.0.0.30]: see [0344.0.0.27] to [0361.0.0.27]

[0362.0.30.30] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. encoding a polypeptide having an YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 protein activity. Due to the above mentioned activity the fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 protein or activity means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, the activity of YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 or a YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983-like activity is increased in the cell or organism or part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.30]: see [0363.0.0.27]

[0364.0.30.30] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of the YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 protein promoter with the corresponding YKR057W, YNL135C, b1343 and/or b3983 protein gene—becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modified by non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example, mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

[0365.0.0.30] to [0382.0.0.30]: see [0365.0.0.27] to [0382.0.0.27]

[0383.0.30.30] For preparing branched-chain amino acid compound-containing fine chemicals, in particular the fine chemical, it is possible to use as branched-chain amino acid source organic branched-chain amino acid-containing compounds such as, for example, isovalerate, isopropylmalate, oxoisocaproate, isovaleryl-compounds, methyl-valerate, isobutyrate, methyl-butyryl-compounds, isopropyrate, isopropyl-compounds or else organic branched-chain amino acid precursor compounds.

[0384.0.0.30] to [0392.0.0.30]: see [0384.0.0.27] to [0392.0.0.27]

[0393.0.30.30] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or     7, and, optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete     genomic clone; -   c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the fine chemical; -   d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   e) assaying the the fine chemical level in the host cells; and -   f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the the fine chemical level in the     host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.28.30] to [0552.0.28.30]: see [0394.0.0.28] to [0552.0.0.28]

[00553.0.30.30]

1. A process for the production of valine and/or leucine resp., which comprises (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism, or in one or more parts thereof; and (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the production of valine and/or leucine resp. in said organism. 2. A process for the production of valine and/or leucine resp., comprising the increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of: a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of valine and/or leucine resp., in an organism or a part thereof; b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a) or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of valine and/or leucine resp., in an organism or a part thereof; d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of valine and/or leucine resp., in an organism or a part thereof; e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of valine and/or leucine resp., in an organism or a part thereof; f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 30, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of valine and/or leucine resp., in an organism or a part thereof; g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of valine and/or leucine resp., in an organism or a part thereof; h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 30, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of valine and/or leucine resp., in an organism or a part thereof; and i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of valine and/or leucine resp., in an organism or a part thereof. or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. 3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or bound valine and/or leucine resp. 4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following steps: (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized in claim 2; (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof; (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the selected organisms or the part thereof; (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which comprise an increased activity or expression level of said polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part thereof; (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the parts thereof; and (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound valine and/or leucine resp., produced by the selected mutated organisms or parts thereof. 5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is increased or generated transiently or stably. 6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of: a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of valine and/or leucine resp., in an organism or a part thereof; b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a) or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of valine and/or leucine resp., in an organism or a part thereof; d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of valine and/or leucine resp., in an organism or a part thereof; e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of valine and/or leucine resp., in an organism or a part thereof; f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 30, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of valine and/or leucine resp., in an organism or a part thereof; g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of valine and/or leucine resp., in an organism or a part thereof; h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 30, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of valine and/or leucine resp., in an organism or a part thereof; and i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of valine and/or leucine resp., in an organism or a part thereof. whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. 7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory elements. 8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. 9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and eukaryotic, host. 10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. 11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. 12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. 13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12. 14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 30, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids

-   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14.     16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium.     17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of valine and/or     leucine resp., in an organism or a part thereof comprising:     (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which     express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 5 conferring an increase in the amount of valine and/or     leucine resp., in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate     compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds under     conditions which permit the expression the polypeptide;     (b) assaying the valine and/or leucine resp., level or the     polypeptide expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or     microorganism or the media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms     is cultured or maintained in; and     (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the measured     valine and/or leucine resp., level or polypeptide expression level     with a standard valine and/or leucine resp., or polypeptide     expression level measured in the absence of said candidate compound     or a sample comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an     increased level over the standard indicates that the compound or the     sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and a     decreased level over the standard indicates that the compound or the     sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist.     18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased valine and/or leucine resp., production in a plant or     microorganism, comprising the steps:     (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining     a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of valine     and/or leucine resp., in an organism or a part thereof and a readout     system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable     conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with dais     readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising     a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable     signal in response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide     under conditions which permit the expression of said readout system     and of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim     6 conferring an increase in the amount of valine and/or leucine     resp., in an organism or a part thereof;     (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting     the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said     readout system.     19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in valine and/or leucine resp., production in a cell,     comprising the following steps:     (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can     contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an     increase in valine and/or leucine resp., after expression with the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of claim     6;     (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells     appropriate for producing valine and/or leucine resp.;     (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells;     (e) assaying the valine and/or leucine resp., level in the host     cells; and     (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the valine and/or leucine resp.,     level in the host cell in the host cell after expression compared to     the wild type.     20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in valine and/or leucine resp., production in a cell,     comprising the following steps:     (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an     organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product     conferring an increase in the valine and/or leucine resp., amount or     level in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and which     are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells     appropriate for producing valine and/or leucine resp.;     (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells;     (d) assaying the valine and/or leucine resp., level in the host     cells; and     (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the valine and/or leucine resp.,     level in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.     21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture.     22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier.     23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     valine and/or leucine resp., after expression.     24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of valine and/or leucine resp., levels in an organism.     25. Food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the     plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim     16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified     according to the method of claim 19 or 20.     26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20 for the protection of a plant against a valine and/or leucine     synthesis inhibiting herbicide.

[00554.0.0.30] Abstract: see [00554.0.0.27]

NEW GENES FOR A PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.31.31] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.31] to [0008.0.0.31]: see [0001.0.0.27] to [0008.0.0.27]

[0009.0.31.31] As described above, the essential amino acids are necessary for humans and many mammals, for example for livestock. Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid involved in multiple areas of human physiology and metabolism. It is not considered essential because humans can synthesize it de novo from glutamine, glutamate, and proline. However, dietary intake remains the primary determinant of plasma arginine levels, since the rate of arginine biosynthesis does not increase to compensate for depletion or inadequate supply. Dietary arginine intake regulates whole body arginine synthesis from proline in the neonatal piglet. The maximal rate of arginine synthesis (0.68 g/kg/d) is not enough to supply the whole body metabolic requirement for arginine in the young pig. In animals, glutamate functions as a neurotransmitter and activates glutamate receptor cation channels (iGluRs), which trigger electrical or Ca²⁺ signal cascades. In plants, amino acids are involved in signalling of both plant nitrogen status and plant nitrogen:carbon ratios. Endogenous glutamine has been implicated in feedback inhibition of root N uptake, via the suppression of transcription of genes encoding inorganic nitrogen transporters (Rawat et al., Plant Journal 19: 143-152, 1999; Zhuo et al., Plant Journal 17: 563-568, 1999). The nonessential amino acid, proline, is synthesized from L-ornithine or L-glutamate. The proline from L-ornithine is linked to protein metabolism in the urea cycle and the proline from L-glutamate is linked to carbohydrate metabolism. Collagen is the major reservoir for proline in the body. Vitamin C should be used with proline for collagen problems.

[0010.0.0.31] to [0011.0.0.31]: see [0010.0.0.27] to [0011.0.0.27]

[0012.0.31.31] It is an object of the present invention to develop an inexpensive process for the synthesis of arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline, preferably L-arginine and/or L-glutamate and/or L-glutamine and/or L-proline.

[0013.0.0.31]: see [0013.0.0.27]

[0014.0.31.31] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline, preferably L-arginine and/or L-glutamate and/or L-glutamine and/or L-proline. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline”. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline.

[0015.0.31.31] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline, preferably L-arginine and/or L-glutamate and/or L-glutamine and/or L-proline. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline, preferably L-arginine and/or L-glutamate and/or L-glutamine and/or L-proline, its salts, ester or amids in free form or bound to proteins. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline, preferably L-arginine and/or L-glutamate and/or L-glutamine and/or L-proline, in free form or its salts or bound to proteins.

[0016.0.31.31]

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more     -   of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 31, column 3         encoded by the nucleic acid sequences as shown in table XI,         application no. 31, column 5, in a non-human organism or in one         one or more parts thereof or -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus amino acids of the invention     or fine chemicals comprising amino acids of the invention, in said     organism or in the culture medium surrounding the organism.

[0016.1.31.31] Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means in one embodiment “arginine” in relation to all sequences listed in Tables XI to XIV, line 10 or homologs thereof and

means in one embodiment “proline” in relation to all sequences listed in Table XI to XIV, line 11 or homologs thereof and means in one embodiment “glutamine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table XI to XIV, lines 12 and/or 14 to 15 or homologs thereof and means in one embodiment “glutamate” in relation to all sequences listed in Table XI to XIV, line 13 or homologs thereof.

Accordingly, in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “arginine” and “glutamine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table XI to XIV, lines 10 and/or 12;

in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “glutamate” and “glutamine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table XI to XIV, lines 13 and/or 14;

[0017.0.0.31] to [0019.0.0.31]: see [0017.0.0.27] to [0019.0.0.27]

[0020.0.31.31] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Zea mays protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, lines 10 and 12 in a plant conferred an increase in arginine and/or glutamine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of arginine; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glutamine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of arginine and/or glutamine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Brassica napus protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, line 11 in a plant conferred an increase in proline content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of proline.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Linum usitatissimum protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, lines 13 and 14 in a plant conferred an increase in glutamate and/or glutamine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glutamate; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glutamine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of glutamate and/or glutamine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Brassica napus protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, line 15 in a plant conferred an increase in glutamine content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glutamine.

[0021.0.0.31]: see [0021.0.0.27]

[0022.0.31.31] The sequence of YGR135W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau st al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and Tettelin et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 81-84 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a “proteasome component Y13”. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a a gene product with an activity of multicatalytic endopeptidase complex chain C9 superfamily, preferably a protein with proteasome component Y13 activity, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of proline, in particular for increasing the amount of proline, preferably proline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YKR057W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon et al., Nature 369 (6479), 371-378, 1994 and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its activity is being defined as a ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of rat ribosomal protein S21 superfamily, preferably a protein with a ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation activity from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of arginine and/or glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of arginine and/or glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of arginine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of arginine and glutamine, preferably arginine and/or glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1343 (Accession number NP_(—)415490) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Escherichia coli b1343 protein, preferably a protein with the activity of a ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA from E. coli or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine and/or glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamate, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine and glutamate, preferably glutamine and/or glutamate in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. The sequence of b2426 (Accession number NP_(—)416921) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative oxidoreductase with NAD(P)-binding domain. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of ribitol dehydrogenase, short-chain alcohol dehydrogenase homology superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a putative oxidoreductase with NAD(P)-binding domain from E. coli or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of glutamine, in particular for increasing the amount of glutamine, preferably glutamine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

[0022.1.0.31] to [0023.0.0.31] see [0022.1.0.27] to [0023.0.0.27]

[0023.1.31.31] Homologs of the polypeptide disclosed in table XII, application no. 31, column 5, may have the activity of a protein as disclosed in Table XI or XII, application no. 31, column 3 and may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in table XI, application no. 31, column 7, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in table XII, application no. 31, column 7, resp.

[0024.0.0.31]: see [0024.0.0.27]

[0025.0.31.31] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein as shown in table XII, application no. 31, column 3” if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased in the level of the fine chemical indicated in the respective line of table XII, application no. 31, column 6 “metabolite” in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism.

Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 31, column 3, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic or biological activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to a protein as shown in the respective line of table XII, application no. 31, column 3 of a E. coli or Saccharomyces cerevisae, respectively, protein as mentioned in table XI to XIV, column 3 respectively and as disclosed in paragraph [0022] of the respective invention.

[0025.1.0.31] to [0033.0.0.31]: see [0025.1.0.27] to [0033.0.0.27]

[0034.0.31.31] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity, preferably of the activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a respective protein as shown in table XII, application no. 31, column 3 its biochemical or genetical causes and the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.31] to [0044.0.0.31]: see [0035.0.0.27] to [0044.0.0.27]

[0045.0.31.31] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein. as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 31, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, column 6 of the respective line, between 10% and 50%, 10% and 100%, 10% and 200%, 10% and 300%, 10% and 400%, 10% and 500%, 20% and 50%, 20% and 250%, 20% and 500%, 50% and 100%, 50% and 250%, 50% and 500%, 500% and 1000% or more.

[0046.0.31.31] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 31, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, column 6 of the respective line confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acids or their precursors.

[0047.0.0.31] and [0048.0.0.31]: see [0047.0.0.27] and [0048.0.0.27]

[0049.0.31.31] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fine chemical, has in one embodiment the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of the polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 31, column 7 or of the polypeptide as shown in the amino acid sequences as disclosed in table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 and 7 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by the nucleic acid molecule as shown in table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 and 7 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.31.31] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “arginine” and/or “glutamate” and/or “glutamine” and/or “proline” and “L-arginine” and/or” L-glutamate” and/or “L-glutamine” and/or “L-proline” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, arginine- and/or glutamate- and/or glutamine- and/or proline-hydrochloride or arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline sulfate.

Preferably the term arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline is intended to encompass the term L-arginine and/or L-glutamate and/or L-glutamine and/or L-proline.

[0051.0.0.31] and [0052.0.0.31]: see [0051.0.0.27] and [0052.0.0.27]

[0053.0.31.31] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps:

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having the     activity of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 31,     columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity having herein-mentioned     amino acids of the invention increasing activity; and/or -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention as     shown in table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 and 7, e.g. a     nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having the activity of     a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 31, columns 5     and 7 or its homologs activity or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide     of the present invention having herein-mentioned amino acids of the     invention increasing activity; and/or -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned amino acid increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation of the     polypeptide of the invention; and/or -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned amino acids of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned amino acids of the invention increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors to the     organisms or parts thereof; and/or -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned amino acids of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned amino acids of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   h) increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having the activity     of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 31, columns     5 and 7 or its homologs activity, by adding positive expression or     removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination     can be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like     for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor     elements form regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods     can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity     of positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced     in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be     identified in which the positive elements have be integrated near to     a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby     enhanced; and/or -   i) modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical production;     and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.31.31] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical as indicated in column 6 of application no. 31 in Table XI to XIV, resp., after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity as the protein as shown in table XII, application no. 31, column 3 or its homologs.

[0055.0.0.31] to [0071.0.0.31]: see [0055.0.0.27] to [0071.0.0.27]

[0072.0.31.31] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline Argininosuccinate, Citrulline, Ornithine, Urea, Pyrroline-5-carboxylate, Hydroxy-proline, Hydroxypyrroline-carboxylate, 3-Hydroxypyrroline-5-carboxylate, γ-Glutamylcysteine, Glutathione, Hydroxyglutamate, 4-Hydroxyglutamate, Oxoglutarate, 4-Hydroxy-2-oxoglutarate, Glutamine.

[0073.0.31.31] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process which comprises:

-   a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a     non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue     or a plant; -   b) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or a     homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31,     columns 5 or 7, or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic     acid molecule of the present invention and described below, e.g.     conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in an     organism, preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant     or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant, -   c) growing the organism, preferably the microorganism, the non-human     animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the     plant under conditions which permit the production of the fine     chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant     cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and -   d) if desired, revovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or     bound the fine chemical and, optionally further free and/or bound     amino acids synthetized by the organism, the microorganism, the     non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal     tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.0.31] to [0084.0.0.31]: see [0074.0.0.27] to [0084.0.0.27]

[0085.0.31.31] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application     no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative     thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.31] and [0088.1.0.31]: see [0086.0.0.27] and [0088.1.0.27]

[0089.0.0.31] to [0097.0.0.31]: see [0089.0.0.27] to [0097.0.0.27]

[0098.0.31.31] In a preferred embodiment, the fine chemical (arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline) is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further amino acids such as methionine, lysine and/or threonine mixtures of amino acid by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.0.31] to [0102.0.0.31]: see [0099.0.0.27] to [0102.0.0.27]

[0103.0.31.31] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table     XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof,     which confers an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table XI, application no. 31. -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to -   (c) and and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table XIII, application no. 31; column 7, and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table XIV,     application no. 31, column 7, and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no.     31, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[00103.1.31.31.] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7 by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7.

[0104.0.31.31] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7

[0105.0.0.31] to [0107.0.0.31]: see [0105.0.0.27] to [0107.0.0.27]

[0108.0.31.31] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from a amino acid sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 31, column 7, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, column 3, 5 or 7, or e.g. conferring a increase of the fine chemical after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.31]: see [0109.0.0.27]

[0110.0.31.31] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, column 5, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, column 5, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, column 7, can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.31]: see [0111.0.0.27]

[0112.0.31.31] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with protein activity of proteins as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, and conferring a arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine increase.

[0113.0.0.31] to [0120.0.0.31]: see [0113.0.0.27] to [0120.0.0.27]

[0121.0.31.31] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity.

[0122.0.0.31] to [0127.0.0.31]: see [0122.0.0.27] to [0127.0.0.27]

[0128.0.31.31] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 31, column 7, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or the sequences derived from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7.

[0129.0.31.31] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence indicated in Table XIV, application no. 31, column 7, is derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.0.31] to [0138.0.0.31]: see [0130.0.0.27] to [0138.0.0.27]

[0139.0.31.31] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical level, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to a sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the respective fine chemical, in particular, of arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine, resp., increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.31] to [0146.0.0.31]: see [0140.0.0.27] to [0146.0.0.27]

[0147.0.31.31] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences s such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.31.31] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7 or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular, of arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.31.31] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity and as indicated in indicated in Table XII.

[00149.1.31.31] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, column 3.

[0150.0.31.31] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine, resp., if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 31, column 7, will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7 or its gene product.

[0151.0.0.31]: see [0151.0.0.27]

[0152.0.31.31] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular an activity increasing the level of arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine, resp., as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.31.31] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, has for example an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, column 3.

[0154.0.31.31] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.31] and [0156.0.0.31]: see [0155.0.0.27] and [0156.0.0.27]

[0157.0.31.31] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptides comprising the consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 31, column 7 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or their functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, a consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 31, column 7, or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 31, column 7, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7. Preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7.

[0158.0.0.31] to [0160.0.0.31]: see [0158.0.0.27] to [0160.0.0.27]

[0161.0.31.31] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31,

columns 5 or 7. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.31]: see [0162.0.0.27]

[0163.0.31.31] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the respective fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.31]: see [0164.0.0.27]

[0165.0.31.31] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7.

[0166.0.0.31] and [0167.0.0.31]: see [0166.0.0.27] and [0167.0.0.27]

[0168.0.31.31] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7.

[0169.0.0.31] to [0172.0.0.31]: see [0169.0.0.27] to [0172.0.0.27]

[0173.0.31.31] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108442 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108442 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.31]: see [0174.0.0.27]

[0175.0.31.31] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108443 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108443 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.31.31] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7.,

[0177.0.31.31] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7.

[0178.0.0.31]: see [0178.0.0.27]

[0179.0.31.31] A nucleic acid molecule encoding an homologous to a protein sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences of a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7 by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.31] to [0183.0.0.31]: see [0180.0.0.27] to [0183.0.0.27]

[0184.0.31.31] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.31.31] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7.

[0186.0.31.31] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7.

[0187.0.31.31] In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7.

[0188.0.31.31] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential biological or enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7 and is expressed under identical conditions.

[0189.0.31.31] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7 also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.31] to [0203.0.0.31]: see [0190.0.0.27] to [0203.0.0.27]

[0204.0.31.31] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no.     31, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical, in particular according     to table XII, application no. 31, column 6 in an organism or a part     thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI,     application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no.     31, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, in particular according to table XII,     application no. 31, column 6 in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 31,     columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, in particular according to table XII,     application no. 31, column 6 in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, in     particular accccording to table XII, application no. 31, column 6 in     an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or a     nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature form     of, a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31,     columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical according to table XII, application no. 31,     column 6 in an organism or a part thereof;     -   or which encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;         whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)         to (l) distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI,         application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides.         In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not consist of         the sequence shown and indicated in Table XI, application no.         31, columns 5 or 7, In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule         is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a         sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or         7.

In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7.

In an other embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7. In a further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the differs at least in one or more residues from a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention encodes a polypeptide, which differs at least in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7.

In another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7.

In a further embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical to a protein sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, and less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7.

[0205.0.0.31] to [0226.0.0.31]: see [0205.0.0.27] to [0226.0.0.27]

[0227.0.31.31] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the amino acid biosynthetic pathway such as for L-lysine, L-threonine and/or L-methionine and/or L-leucine and/or isoleucine and/or valine is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine one or more of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.0.31] to [0230.0.0.31]: see[0228.0.0.27] to [0230.0.0.27]

[0231.0.31.31] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously an arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.31] to [0282.0.0.31]: see [0232.0.0.27] to [0282.0.0.27]

[0283.0.31.31] Moreover, a native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, e.g. an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, column 3, or an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof, i.e., the polypeptide of this invention. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies.

[0284.0.0.31]: see [0284.0.0.27].

[0285.0.31.31] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or as encoded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.31.31] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 31, column 7. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 31, column 7, whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 31, column 7.

[0287.0.0.31] to [0290.0.0.31]: see [0287.0.0.27] to [0290.0.0.27]

[0291.0.31.31] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, by more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7.

[0292.0.0.31]: see [0292.0.0.27]

[0293.0.31.31] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof and being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7.

In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7.

[0294.0.31.31] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, column 3, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.31] and [0297.0.0.31]: see [0295.0.0.27] and [0297.0.0.27]

[0297.1.31.31] Non polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 3, 5 or 7.

[0298.0.31.31] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7.

[0299.0.31.31] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.31.31] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, column 3, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0301.0.0.31]: see [0301.0.0.27]

[0302.0.31.31] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.31]: see [0303.0.0.27]

[0304.0.31.31] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, column 3, but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.31] to [0308.0.0.31]: see [0306.0.0.27] to [0308.0.0.27]

[0309.0.31.31] In one embodiment, a reference to a protein (=polypeptide) of the invention or as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31,

columns 5 or 7, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, column 3, and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part therof.

[0310.0.0.31] to [0334.0.0.31]: see [0310.0.0.27] to [0334.0.0.27]

[0335.0.31.31] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.31] to [0342.0.0.31]: see [0336.0.0.27] to [0342.0.0.27]

[0343.0.31.31] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.31] to [0361.0.0.31]: see [0344.0.0.27] to [0361.0.0.27]

[0362.0.31.31] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, e.g. encoding a polypeptide having protein activity, as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 3. Due to the above mentioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, column 3, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention [0363.0.0.31]: to [0382.0.0.31]: see [0363.0.0.27] to [0382.0.0.27]

[0383.0.31.31] For preparing arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline compound-containing fine chemicals, in particular the fine chemical, it is possible to use as arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline amino acid source organic compounds such as, for example, citrulline, argininosuccinate, ornithine, aspartate, 2-Oxoglutarate, glutamyl, glutamic-semialdehyde, Pyrroline-5-carboxylate, Glutamine or else organic arginine and/or glutamate and/or glutamine and/or proline acid precursor compounds.

[0384.0.0.31]: see [0384.0.0.27]

[0385.0.31.31] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular L-arginine and/or L-glutamate and/or L-proline and/or L-tryptophane, L-methionine, L-threonine and/or L-lysine, normally have a dry matter content of from 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, at least at the end, but especially over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 3 g/l during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it. The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

[0386.0.0.31] to [0392.0.0.31]: see [0386.0.0.27] to [0392.0.0.27]

[0393.0.31.31] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or     7, and, optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete     genomic clone; -   c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the fine chemical; -   d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   e) assaying the the fine chemical level in the host cells; and -   f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the the fine chemical level in the     host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.28.31] to [0552.0.28.31]: see [0394.0.0.28] to [0552.0.0.28]

[0553.0.31.31]

1. A process for the production of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., which comprises (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism, or in one or more parts thereof; and (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the production of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp. in said organism. 2. A process for the production of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., comprising the increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of: a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., in an organism or a part thereof; b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a) or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., in an organism or a part thereof; d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., in an organism or a part thereof; e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., in an organism or a part thereof; f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 31, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., in an organism or a part thereof; g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., in an organism or a part thereof; h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 31, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., in an organism or a part thereof; and i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., in an organism or a part thereof. or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. 3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or bound arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp. 4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following steps: (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized in claim 2; (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof; (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the selected organisms or the part thereof; (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which comprise an increased activity or expression level of said polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part thereof; (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the parts thereof; and (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., produced by the selected mutated organisms or parts thereof. 5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is increased or generated transiently or stably. 6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of: a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., in an organism or a part thereof; b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a) or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., in an organism or a part thereof; d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., in an organism or a part thereof; e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., in an organism or a part thereof; f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 31, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., in an organism or a part thereof; g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., in an organism or a part thereof; h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 31, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., in an organism or a part thereof; and i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., in an organism or a part thereof. whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. 7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory elements. 8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. 9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and eukaryotic, host. 10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. 11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. 12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. 13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12. 14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 31, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids 15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as claimed in claim 14. 16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant cell or an Agrobacterium. 17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., in an organism or a part thereof comprising: (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 5 conferring an increase in the amount of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions which permit the expression the polypeptide; (b) assaying the arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., level or the polypeptide expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or the media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured or maintained in; and (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the measured arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., level or polypeptide expression level with a standard arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., or polypeptide expression level measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased level over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased level over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist. 18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring increased arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps: (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., in an organism or a part thereof and a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with dais readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of said readout system and of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., in an organism or a part thereof; (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said readout system. 19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., production in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., after expression with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells appropriate for producing arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp.; (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (e) assaying the arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., level in the host cells; and (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., level in the host cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type. 20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., production in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., amount or level in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells appropriate for producing arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp.; (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (d) assaying the arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., level in the host cells; and (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., level in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type. 21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. 22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally an agricultural acceptable carrier. 23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., after expression. 24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a modulation of arginine, proline, glutamine and/or glutamate resp., levels in an organism. 25. Food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20. 26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20 for the protection of a plant against a arginine and/or proline and/or glutamine and/or glutamate synthesis inhibiting herbicide.

[0554.0.0.31] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.27]

NEW GENES FOR A PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.32.32] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.32] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0001.0.0.27].

[0002.0.32.32] Fatty acids and triglycerides have numerous applications in the food and feed industry, in cosmetics and in the drug sector. Depending on whether they are free saturated or unsaturated fatty acids or triglycerides with an increased content of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, they are suitable for the most varied applications; thus, for example, polyunsaturated fatty acids (=PUFAs) are added to infant formula to increase its nutritional value. The various fatty acids and triglycerides are mainly obtained from microorganisms such as fungi or from oil-producing plants including phytoplankton and algae, such as soybean, oilseed rape, sunflower and others, where they are usually obtained in the form of their triacylglycerides.

[0003.0.32.32] Stearic acid (=octadecanoic acid) is one of the many useful types of saturated fatty acids that comes from many animal and vegetable fats and oils. It is a waxy solid that melts at around 70° C. Commenly stearic acid is either prepared by treating animal fat with water at a high pressure and temperature or starting with vegetable oils by hydrogenation of said oils. It is useful as an ingredient in making candles, soaps, and cosmetics and for softening rubber.

[0004.0.32.32] Principally microorganisms such as Mortierella or oil producing plants such as soybean, rapeseed or sunflower or algae such as Crytocodinium or Phaeodactylum are a common source for oils containing fatty acids, where they are usually obtained in the form of their triacyl glycerides. Alternatively, they are obtained advantageously from animals, such as fish. The free fatty acids are prepared advantageously by hydrolysis with a strong base such as potassium or sodium hydroxide.

[0005.0.32.32] Whether oils with unsaturated or with saturated fatty acids are preferred depends on the intended purpose; thus, for example, lipids with unsaturated fatty acids, specifically polyunsaturated fatty acids, are preferred in human nutrition since they have a positive effect on the cholesterol level in the blood and thus on the possibility of heart disease. They are used in a variety of dietetic foodstuffs or medicaments. In addition PUFAs are commonly used in food, feed and in the cosmetic industry. Poly unsaturated ω-3- and/or ω-6-fatty acids are an important part of animal feed and human food. Because of the common composition of human food poly unsaturated w-3-fatty acids, which are an essential component of fish oil, should be added to the food to increase the nutritional value of the food; thus, for example, polyunsaturated fatty acids such as DHA or EPA are added as mentioned above to infant formula to increase its nutritional value. The true essential fatty acids linoleic and linolenic fatty acid have a lot of positive effects in the human body such as a positive effect on healthy heart, arteries and skin. They bring for example relieve from eczema, diabetic neuropathy or PMS and cyclical breast pain.

[0006.0.32.32] Unlike most saturated fats, stearic acid does not seem to increase cholesterol levels in the blood, because liver enzymes convert it to an unsaturated fat during digestion.

[0007.0.32.32] Stearic acid is the most common one of the long-chain fatty acids. It is found in many foods, such as beef fat, and cocoa butter. It is widely used as mentioned above as a lubricant, in soaps, cosmetics, food packaging, deodorant sticks, toothpastes, and as a softener in rubber.

[0008.0.32.32] Encouraging research shows that stearic acid, one of the components of the fat found in the cocoa butter of chocolate, may have some positive effects on platelets. The mechanism believed to be responsible for the potential platelet activation by stearic acid involves Arachidonic metabolism, which includes thromboxane A2, a potent aggregating compound, and prostaglandin 12, a potent anti-aggregating compound.

[0009.0.32.32] As described above, fatty acids are used in a lot of different applications, for example in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and in feed and food.

[0010.0.32.32] Therefore improving the productivity of such fatty acids and improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the different industries.

[0011.0.32.32] To ensure a high productivity of certain fatty acids in plants or microorganism, it is necessary to manipulate the natural biosynthesis of fatty acids in said organism.

[0012.0.32.32] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes which participate in the biosynthesis of fatty acids and make it possible to produce certain fatty acids specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of fatty acids on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.32] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0013.0.0.27] above.

[0014.0.32.32] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is stearic acid or tryglycerides, lipids, oils or fats containing stearic acid. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid”. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising stearic acid and/or triglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid.

[0015.0.32.32] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, stearic acid and its salts, ester, thioester or stearic acid in free form or bound to other compounds such as triglycerides, glycolipids, phospholipids etc. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means stearic acid, in free form or its salts or bound to triglycerides. Triglycerides, lipids, oils, fats or lipid mixture thereof shall mean any triglyceride, lipid, oil and/or fat containing any bound or free stearic acid for example sphingolipids, phosphoglycerides, lipids, glycolipids such as glycosphingolipids, phospholipids such as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol or diphosphatidylglycerol, or as monoacylglyceride, diacylglyceride or triacylglyceride or other fatty acid esters such as acetyl-Coenzym A thioester, which contain further saturated or unsaturated fatty acids in the fatty acid molecule.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” and the term “the respective fine chemical” mean at least one chemical compound with an activity of the above mentioned fine chemical.

[0016.0.32.32] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more of a     protein as shown in table XII, application no. 32, column 3 encoded     by the nucleic acid sequences as shown in table XI, application no.     32, column 5, in a non-human organism or in one or more parts     thereof or -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus fatty acid of the invention or     fine chemicals comprising the fatty acid of the invention, in said     organism or in the culture medium surrounding the organism.

[0017.0.0.32] and [0018.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0017.0.0.32] and [0018.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0017.0.0.27] and [0018.0.0.27] above.

[0019.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraph [0019.0.0.32] see paragraph [0019.0.0.27] above.

[0020.0.32.32] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Brassica napus protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, column 5, line 16 in a plant conferred an increase in Stearic Acid C18:0 content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of Stearic Acid C18:0.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Glycine max protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, column 5, line 17 in thaliana plant conferred an increase in Stearic Acid C18:0 content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of Stearic Acid C18:0.

[0021.0.0.32] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0021.0.0.27] above.

[0022.0.32.32] The sequence of b1093 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as 3-oxoacyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] reductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a 3-oxoacyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] reductase from E. coli or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, preferably stearic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a 3-oxoacyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] reductase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a plant or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of YDR513w from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78 (1997) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity has characterized as glutaredoxin (thioltransferase, glutathione reductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of YDR513w, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of stearic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid, preferably stearic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a glutaredoxin is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a plant or a homolog thereof.

[0022.1.0.32] see [0022.1.0.27]

[0023.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraph [0023.0.0.32] see paragraph [0023.0.0.27] above.

[0023.1.32.32] Homologs of the polypeptide disclosed in table XII, application no. 32, column 5, may have the activity of a protein as disclosed in Table XI or XII, application no. 32, column 3 and may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in table XI, application no. 32, column 7, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in table XII, application no. 32, column 7, resp.

[0024.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraph [0024.0.0.32] see [0024.0.0.27] above.

[0025.0.32.32] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein as shown in table XII, application no. 32, column 3 “if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increase in the level of the fine chemical indicated in the respective line of table XII, application no. 32, column 6 “metabolite” in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism.

Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 32, column 3, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic or biological activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to a protein as shown in the respective line of table XII, application no. 32, column 3 of a E. coli or Saccharomyces cerevisae, respectively, protein as mentioned in table XI to XIV, column 3 respectively and as disclosed in paragraph [0022] of the respective invention.

[0025.1.0.32] and [0025.2.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0025.1.0.32] and [0025.2.0.32] see paragraphs [0025.1.0.27] and [0025.2.0.27] above.

[0026.0.0.32] to [0033.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0026.0.0.32] to [0033.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0026.0.0.27] to [0033.0.0.27] above.

[0034.0.32.32] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity, preferably of the activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a respective protein as shown in table XII, application no. 32, column 3 its biochemical or genetical causes and the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.32] to [0038.0.0.32] and [0039.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0035.0.0.32] to [0038.0.0.32] and [0039.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0035.0.0.27] to [0039.0.0.27] above.

[0040.0.0.32] to [0044.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0040.0.0.32] to [0044.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0040.0.0.27] to [0044.0.0.27] above.

[0045.0.32.32] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein. as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 32, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, column 6 of the respective line, between 10% and 50%, 10% and 100%, 10% and 200%, 10% and 300%, 10% and 400%, 10% and 500%, 20% and 50%, 20% and 250%, 20% and 500%, 50% and 100%, 50% and 250%, 50% and 500%, 500% and 1000% or more

[0046.0.32.32] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 32, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, column 6 of the respective line confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further fatty acid or their precursors.

[0047.0.0.32] to [0048.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0047.0.0.32] and [0048.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0047.0.0.27] and [0048.0.0.27] above.

[0049.0.32.32] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fine chemical, has in one embodiment the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of the polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 32, column 7 or of the polypeptide as shown in the amino acid sequences as disclosed in table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 and 7 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by the nucleic acid molecule as shown in table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 and 7 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.32.32] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “stearic acid” also encompasses the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of stearic acid or the salts of stearic acid with amines such as diethylamine.

[0051.0.0.32] and [0052.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0051.0.0.32] and [0052.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0051.0.0.27] and [0052.0.0.27] above.

[0053.0.32.32] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps:

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having the     activity of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 32,     columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity having herein-mentioned     fatty acid of the invention increasing activity; and/or -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention as     shown in table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 and 7, e.g. a     nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having the activity of     a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 32, columns 5     and 7 or its homologs activity or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide     of the present invention having herein-mentioned fatty acid of the     invention increasing activity; and/or -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned fatty acid increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation of the     polypeptide of the invention; and/or -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned fatty acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned fatty acid of the invention increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors to the     organisms or parts thereof; and/or -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned fatty acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned fatty acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   h) increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having the activity     of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 32, columns     5 and 7 or its homologs activity, by adding positive expression or     removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination     can be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like     for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor     elements form regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods     can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity     of positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced     in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be     identified in which the positive elements have be integrated near to     a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby     enhanced; and/or -   i) modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical production;     and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.32.32] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical as indicated in column 6 of application no. 32 in Table XI to XIV, resp., after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity as the protein as shown in table XII, application no. 32, column 3 or its homologs.

[0055.0.0.32] to [0067.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0055.0.0.32] to [0067.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0055.0.0.27] to [0067.0.0.27] above.

[0068.0.32.32] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of the fatty acids is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.32] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0069.0.0.27]

[0070.0.32.32] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention as described below, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolites composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous fatty acid composition comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) fatty acids, like palmitate, palmitoleate, stearate and/or oleate.

[0071.0.32.32] Preferably the composition further comprises higher amounts of metabolites positively affecting or lower amounts of metabolites negatively affecting the nutrition or health of animals or humans provided with said compositions or organisms of the invention or parts thereof. Likewise, the number or activity of further genes which are required for the import or export of nutrients or metabolites, including fatty acids or its precursors, required for the cell's biosynthesis of fatty acids may be increased so that the concentration of necessary or relevant precursors, cofactors or intermediates within the cell(s) or within the corresponding storage compartments is increased. Owing to the increased or novel generated activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or owing to the increased number of nucleic acid sequences of the invention and/or to the modulation of further genes which are involved in the biosynthesis of the fatty acids, e.g. by increasing the activity of enzymes synthesizing precursors or by destroying the activity of one or more genes which are involved in the breakdown of the fatty acids, it is possible to increase the yield, production and/or production efficiency of fatty acids in the host organism, such as the plants or the microorganisms.

[0072.0.32.32] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to stearic acid, triglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing stearic acid compounds such as palmitate, palmitoleate, stearate, oleate, α-linolenic acid and/or linoleic acid.

[0073.0.32.32] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

-   (a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a     non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue     or a plant; -   (b) increasing the activity of a protein having the activity of a     polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method     of the invention or a homolog thereof, e.g. as shown in Table XII,     application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or of a polypeptide being     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and     described below, i.e. conferring an increase of the respective fine     chemical in the organism, preferably a microorganism, the a     non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue     or the plant, -   (c) growing the organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human     animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or the     plant under conditions which permit the production of the fine     chemical in the organism, preferably a microorganism, a plant cell,     a plant tissue or the plant; and -   (d) if desired, revovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or     bound the respective fine chemical and, optionally further free     and/or bound fatty acids synthetized by the organism, the     microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the     plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.32.32] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound the fine chemical or the free and bound the fine chemical but as option it is also possible to produce, recover and, if desired isolate, other free or/and bound fatty acids, in particular oleic acid.

[0075.0.0.32] to [0084.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0075.0.0.32] to [0084.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0075.0.0.27] to [0084.0.0.27] above.

[0085.0.32.32] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   -   a) the nucleic acid sequence as shown in table XI, application         no. 32, columns 5 and 7 or a derivative thereof, or     -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which         is functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as shown         table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 and 7 or a derivative         thereof, or     -   c) (a) and (b)         is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or         has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods,         it being possible for the modification to be, by way of example,         a substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of         one or more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the         natural chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the         presence in a genomic library. In the case of a genomic library,         the natural, genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is         preferably at least partially still preserved. The environment         flanks the nucleic acid sequence at least on one side and has a         sequence length of at least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp,         particularly preferably at least 1000 bp, very particularly         preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.32] and [0087.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0086.0.0.32] and [0087.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0086.0.0.27] and [0087.0.0.27] above.

[0088.0.32.32] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose fatty acid content is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for poultry is dependent on the abovementioned essential fatty acids and the general amount of fatty acids as energy source in feed. After the activity of a protein as shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, has been increased or generated, or after the expression of nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide according to the invention has been generated or increased, the transgenic plant generated thus is grown on or in a nutrient medium or else in the soil and subsequently harvested.

[0088.1.0.32], [0089.0.0.32], [0090.0.0.32] and [0091.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0088.1.0.32], [0089.0.0.32], [0090.0.0.32] and [0091.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0088.1.0.27], [0089.0.0.27], [0090.0.0.27] and [0091.0.0.27] above.

[0092.0.0.32] to [0094.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0092.0.0.32] to [0094.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0092.0.0.27] to [0094.0.0.27] above.

[0095.0.32.32] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of free fatty acids in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the pure fine chemical [0096.0.32.32] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptid for example a fatty acid transporter protein or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired fatty acid for example for linoleic or linolenic acid in the organism is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical (see Bao and Ohlrogge, Plant Physiol. 1999 August; 120 (4): 1057-1062). Such fatty acid transporter protein may serve as a link between the location of fatty acid synthesis and the socalled sink tissue, in which fatty acids, triglycerides, oils and fats are stored.

[0097.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraph [0097.0.0.32] see paragraph

[0097.0.0.27] above.

[0098.0.32.32] In a preferred embodiment, the fine chemical (stearic acid) is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further fatty acids such as palmitic acid, stearic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid and/or linoleic acid mixtures thereof or mixtures of other fatty acids by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.32.32] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned fatty acids may accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the fatty acids or the fatty acid compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.32.32] Transgenic plants which comprise the fatty acids such as saturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the oils, lipids or fatty acids synthesized to be isolated. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. However, the fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, in the form of their oils, fats, lipids and/or free fatty acids. Fatty acids produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds. To increase the efficiency of oil extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material especially the seeds. In this context, the oils, fats, lipids and/or free fatty acids can be obtained by what is known as cold beating or cold pressing without applying heat. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, specifically the seeds, they are previously comminuted, steamed or roasted. The seeds, which have been pretreated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents such as warm hexane. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. In this manner, more than 96% of the compounds produced in the process can be isolated. Thereafter, the resulting products are processed further, i.e. degummed and/or refined. In this process, substances such as the plant mucilages and suspended matter are first removed. What is known as desliming can be affected enzymatically or, for example, chemico-physically by addition of acid such as phosphoric acid. Thereafter otionally, the free fatty acids are removed by treatment with a base like alkali, for example aqueous KOH or NaOH, or acid hydrolysis, advantageously in the presence of an alcohol such as methanol or ethanol, or via enzymatic cleavage, and isolated via, for example, phase separation and subsequent acidification via, for example, H₂SO₄. The fatty acids can also be liberated directly without the above-described processing step. If desired the resulting product can be washed thoroughly with water to remove traces of soap and the alkali remaining in the product and then dried. To remove the pigment remaining in the product, the products can be subjected to bleaching, for example using filler's earth or active charcoal. At the end, the product can be deodorized, for example using steam distillation under vacuum. These chemically pure fatty acids or fatty acid compositions are advantageous for applications in the food industry sector, the cosmetic sector and especially the pharmacological industry sector.

[00101.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraph [0101.0.0.32] see paragraph [0101.0.0.27] above.

[0102.0.32.32] Fatty acids can for example be detected advantageously via GC separation methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of fatty acid products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: GC, GC-MS or TLC, as described on several occasions by Christie and the references therein (1997, in: Advances on Lipid Methodology, Fourth Edition:

Christie, Oily Press, Dundee, 119-169; 1998, Gaschromatographie-Massenspektrometrie-Verfah ren [Gas chromatography/mass spectrometric methods], Lipide 33:343-353). One example is the analysis of fatty acids via FAME and GC-MS or TLC (abbreviations: FAME, fatty acid methyl ester; GC-MS, gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; TLC, thin-layer chromatography. The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods. After disruption, the material must be centrifuged. The sediment is resuspended in distilled water, heated for 10 minutes at 100° C., cooled on ice and recentrifuged, followed by extraction for one hour at 90° C. in 0.5 M sulfuric acid in methanol with 2% dimethoxypropane, which leads to hydrolyzed oil and lipid compounds, which give transmethylated lipids. These fatty acid methyl esters are extracted in petroleum ether and finally subjected to a GC analysis using a capillary column (Chrompack, WCOT Fused Silica, CP-Wax-52 CB, 25 μm, 0.32 mm) at a temperature gradient of between 170° C. and 240° C. for 20 minutes and 5 minutes at 240° C. The identity of the resulting fatty acid methyl esters must be defined using standards which are available from commercial sources (i.e. Sigma).

[0103.0.32.32] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide having a sequence as shown in Table XII,     application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, in or a fragment thereof, which     confers an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in     an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of the nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as shown in     Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primer pairs having a sequence as shown     in Table XIII, application no. 32, column 7, and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequence as shown in Table XIV,     application no. 32, column 7, and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of a polypeptide as shown in Table XII, application no. 32,     columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0103.1.0.32] and [0103.2.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0103.1.0.32] and [0103.2.0.32] see paragraphs [0103.1.0.27] and [0103.2.0.27] above.

[0104.0.32.32] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process distinguishes over the sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides or does not consist of the sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of the sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7.

[0105.0.0.32] to [0107.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0105.0.0.32] to [0107.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0105.0.0.27] and [0107.0.0.27] above.

[0108.0.32.32] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from the amino acid sequences shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in Table XIV, application no. 32, column 7, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of a protein as shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or e.g. conferring a linoleic acid increase after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.32] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0109.0.0.27] above.

[0110.0.32.32] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.32] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0111.0.0.27] above.

[0112.0.32.32] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, column 3, or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 and 7, and conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0113.0.0.32] to [0120.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0113.0.0.32] to [0120.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0113.0.0.27] and [0120.0.0.27] above.

[0121.0.32.32] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity.

[0122.0.0.32] to [0127.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0122.0.0.32] to [0127.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0122.0.0.27] and [0127.0.0.27] above.

[0128.0.32.32] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as shown in Table XIII, application no. 32, column 7, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or the sequences as shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7.

[0129.0.32.32] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence shown in Table XIV, application no. 32, column 7, is derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.0.32] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0130.0.0.27].

[0131.0.0.32] to [0138.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0131.0.0.32] to [0138.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0131.0.0.27] to [0138.0.0.27] above.

[0139.0.32.32] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to the sequences shown in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the stearic acid increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.32] to [0146.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0140.0.0.32] to [0146.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0140.0.0.27] and [0146.0.0.27] above.

[0147.0.32.32] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7 is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.32.32] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or a functional portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular has the—fine-chemical-increasing activity after increasing its activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequence or its homologs.

[0149.0.32.32] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical.

[00149.1.32.32] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, column 3.

[0150.0.32.32] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of methionine if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide sequence of the invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 32, column 7, will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7.

[0151.0.0.32] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0151.0.0.27] above.

[0152.0.32.32] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to the amino acid sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the fine chemical production, in particular a stearic acid increasing the activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.32.32] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or protion thereof as shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, has for example an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7 are described herein.

[0154.0.32.32] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention.

The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, and having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.32] and [0156.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0155.0.0.32] and [0156.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0155.0.0.27] and [0156.0.0.27] above.

[0157.0.32.32] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptides comprising the consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 32, column 7, or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or their functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, a consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 32, column 7, or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 32, column 7, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7,

[0158.0.0.32] to [0160.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0158.0.0.32] to [0160.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0158.0.0.27] to [0160.0.0.27] above.

[0161.0.32.32] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising the sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.32] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0162.0.0.27] above.

[0163.0.32.32] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the respective fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.32] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0164.0.0.27] above.

[0165.0.32.32] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as shown in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7.

[0166.0.0.32] and [0167.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0166.0.0.32] and [0167.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0166.0.0.27] and [0167.0.0.27] above.

[0168.0.32.32] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, 95% homologous to the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7 yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7.

[0169.0.0.32] to [0172.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0169.0.0.32] to [0172.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0169.0.0.27] to [0172.0.0.27] above.

[0173.0.32.32] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108401 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108401 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.32] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0174.0.0.27]

[0175.0.32.32] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108402 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108402 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.32.32] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as the polypeptide as shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7.

[0177.0.32.32] Functional equivalents derived from the nucleic acid sequence as shown in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as the polypeptide as shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7.

[0178.0.0.32] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0178.0.0.27] above.

[0179.0.32.32] A nucleic acid molecule encoding a homologous to a protein sequence of as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences for example into a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.32] to [0183.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0180.0.0.32] to [0183.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0180.0.0.27] to [0183.0.0.27] above.

[0184.0.32.32] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.32.32] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotide sequences not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7.

[0186.0.32.32] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encode a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7.

[0187.0.32.32] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7.

[0188.0.32.32] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential biological activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, expressed under identical conditions.

[0189.0.32.32] Homologues of sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or of the derived sequences shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7 also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.32], [0191.0.0.32], [00191.1.0.32] and [0192.0.0.32] to [0203.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0190.0.0.32], [0191.0.0.32], [0191.1.0.32] and [0192.0.0.32] to [0203.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0190.0.0.27], [0191.0.0.27],

[0191.1.0.27] and [0192.0.0.27] to [0203.0.0.27] above.

[0204.0.32.32] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide shown in Table XII, application no. 32,     columns 5 or 7; or a fragment thereof conferring an increase in the     amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table XI, application     no. 32, columns 5 or 7; or a fragment thereof conferring an increase     in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using the     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no.     32, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence shown in Table XIV, application no. 32, column 7,     and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of the polypeptide shown in Table     XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7; and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of the nucleic acid molecule     shown in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or a nucleic     acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature form of, the     polypeptide shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7,     and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; or which encompasses a     sequence which is complementary thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over the sequence as depicted in Table XI,     application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. In     one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention does not     consist of the sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 32,     columns 5 or 7. In an other embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of     the present invention is at least 30 identical and less than 100%,     99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence shown in     Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7. In a further     embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode the polypeptide     sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7.     Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention encodes in one embodiment a polypeptide which     differs at least in one or more amino acids from the polypeptide as     depicted in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, and     therefore does not encode a protein of the sequence shown in Table     XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7. Accordingly, in one     embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequence of a nucleic acid     according to (a) to (l) does not consist of the sequence shown in     Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7. In a further     embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at least 30%     identical to protein sequence depicted in Table XII, application no.     32, columns 5 or 7, and less than 100%, preferably less than     99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%,     96% or 95% identical to the sequence shown in Table XII, application     no. 32, columns 5 or 7.

[0205.0.0.32] to [0226.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0205.0.0.32] to [0226.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0205.0.0.27] to [0226.0.0.27] above.

[0227.0.32.32] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to the sequence mentioned in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway such as for palmitate, palmitoleate, stearate and/or oleate is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine the sequences shown in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.32.32] In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore, organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of at least one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteins involved in the fatty acid metabolism, in particular in fatty acid synthesis.

[0229.0.32.32] Further advantageous nucleic acid sequences which can be expressed in combination with the sequences used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes are the sequences encoding further genes of the saturated, poly unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis such as desaturases like Δ-4-desaturases, Δ-5-desaturases, Δ-6-desaturases, Δ-8-desaturases, Δ-9-desaturases, Δ-12-desaturases, Δ-17-desaturases, ω-3-desaturases, elongases like Δ-5-elongases, Δ-6-elongases, A-9-elongases, acyl-CoA-dehydrogenases, acyl-ACP-desaturases, acyl-ACP-thioesterases, fatty acid acyl-transferases, acyl-CoA lysophospholipid-acyltransferases, acyl-CoA carboxylases, fatty acid synthases, fatty acid hydroxylases, acyl-CoA oxydases, acetylenases, lipoxygenases, triacyl-lipases etc. as described in WO 98/46765, WO 98/46763, WO 98/46764, WO 99/64616, WO 00/20603, WO 00/20602, WO 00/40705, US 20040172682, US 20020156254, U.S. Pat. No. 6,677,145 US 20040053379 or US 20030101486. These genes lead to an increased synthesis of the essential fatty acids.

[0230.0.0.32] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0230.0.0.27].

[0231.0.32.32] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a stearic acid degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.32] to [0276.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0232.0.0.32] to [0276.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0232.0.0.27] to [0276.0.0.27] above.

[0277.0.32.32] The fatty acids produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. For example via extraction, salt precipitation and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously. The fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can be isolated as mentioned above from the organisms, advantageously plants, in the form of their oils, fats, lipids and/or free fatty acids. Fatty acids produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds. Hexane is preferably used as solvent in the process, in which more than 96% of the compounds produced in the process can be isolated. Thereafter, the resulting products are processed further, i.e. degummed, refined, bleached and/or deodorized.

[0278.0.0.32] to [0282.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0278.0.0.32] to [0282.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0278.0.0.27] to [0282.0.0.27] above.

[0283.0.32.32] Moreover, native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, in particular, an antibody against polypeptides as shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or an antigenic part thereof, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing polypeptides comprising or consisting of abovementioned sequences, e.g. the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies specifically binding to polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7.

[0284.0.0.32] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0284.0.0.27] above.

[0285.0.32.32] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having the sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or as coded by the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.32.32] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 32, column 7, and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 32, column 7, whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a poylpeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 32, column 7.

[0287.0.0.32] to [0290.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0287.0.0.32] to [0290.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0287.0.0.27] to [0290.0.0.27] above.

[0291.0.32.32] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over the sequence as indicated in Table, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form the sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from the sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In another embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7.

[0292.0.0.32] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0292.0.0.27] above.

[0293.0.32.32] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence, which distinguishes from the sequence as shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In another embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by the nucleic acid molecules shown in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7.

[0294.0.32.32] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, column 3, which distinguishes over the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7 by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.32], [0296.0.0.32] and [0297.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0295.0.0.32], [0296.0.0.32] and [0297.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0295.0.0.27] to [0297.0.0.27] above.

[00297.1.32.32] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity and/or the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 3, 5 or 7.

[0298.0.32.32] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to confer the activity of the present invention. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7.

[0299.0.32.32] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the amino acid sequences of Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence of Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.32.32] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, lines 72 to 81 and 460 to 462 in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7.

[0301.0.0.32] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0301.0.0.27] above.

[0302.0.32.32] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.32] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0303.0.0.27] above.

[0304.0.32.32] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.32] and [0306.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0305.0.0.32] and [0306.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0305.0.0.27] and [0306.0.0.27] above.

[0306.1.32.32] Preferably, the compound is a composition comprising the stearic acid or a recovered stearic acid, in particular, the fine chemical, free or in protein-bound form.

[0307.0.0.32] and [0308.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0307.0.0.32] and [0308.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0307.0.0.27] and [0308.0.0.27] above.

[0309.0.32.32] In one embodiment, a reference to protein (=polypeptide)” of the invention e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide” or “other polypeptide” e.g. not indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7 refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide having a protein activity, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein and which is derived from the same or a different organism.

[0310.0.0.32] to [0334.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0310.0.0.32] to [0334.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0310.0.0.27] to [0334.0.0.27] above.

[0335.0.32.32] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence of one of the sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7 and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.32] to [0342.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0336.0.0.32] to [0342.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0336.0.0.27] to [0342.0.0.27] above.

[0343.0.32.32] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence of one of the sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.32] to [0361.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0344.0.0.32] to [0361.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0344.0.0.27] to [0361.0.0.27] above.

[0362.0.32.32] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. encoding a polypeptide having an activity of a protein such as the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, column 3. Due to the above mentioned activity the fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a protein such as the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, column 3. Activity means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, the activity of polypeptide having an activity of a protein such as the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, column 3, or a similar activity, which is increased in the cell or organism or part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.32] to [0373.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0363.0.0.32] to [0373.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0363.0.0.27] to [0373.0.0.27] above.

[0374.0.32.32] Transgenic plants comprising the fatty acids synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. The fatty acids produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free fatty acids or bound in proteins. Fatty acids produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.32] to [0376.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0375.0.0.32] to [0376.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0375.0.0.27] to [0376.0.0.27] above.

[0377.0.32.32] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process according to the present invention whereby the produced fatty acid composition or the produced respective fine chemical is isolated.

[0378.0.0.32] to [0379.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0378.0.0.32] to [0379.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0378.0.0.27] to [0379.0.0.27] above.

[0380.0.32.32] The fatty acids obtained in the process are suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates a method for the production of a pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the fatty acid composition produced or the fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the fatty acids produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

[0381.0.0.32] and [0382.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0381.0.0.32] and [0382.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0381.0.0.27] and [0382.0.0.27] above.

[0383.0.32.32] For preparing fatty acid compound-containing fine chemicals, in particular the fine chemical, it is possible to use as fatty acid source organic compounds such as, for example, oils, fats and/or lipids comprising fatty acids such as fatty acids having a carbon back bone between C₁₀- to C₁₆-carbon atoms and/or small organic acids such acetic acid, propionic acid or butanoic acid as precursor compounds.

[0384.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraph [0384.0.0.32] see paragraph [0384.0.0.27] above.

[0385.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraph [0385.0.0.32] see paragraph [0385.0.0.27] above.

[0386.0.32.32] However, it is also possible to purify the fatty acid produced further. For this purpose, the product-containing composition is subjected for example to a thin layer chromatography on silica gel plates or to a chromatography such as a Florisil column (Bouhours J. F., J. Chromatrogr. 1979, 169, 462), in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use. An alternative method to purify the fatty acids is for example a crystallization in the presence of urea. These methods can be combined with each other.

[0387.0.0.32] to [0392.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0387.0.0.32] to [0392.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0387.0.0.27] to [0392.0.0.27] above.

[0393.0.32.32] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   (a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, and,     optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete genomic     clone; -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the respective fine chemical; -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   (e) assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host cells;     and -   (f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the respective fine chemical level     in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.32] to [0415.0.0.32] and [0416.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0394.0.0.32] to [0415.0.0.32] and [0416.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0394.0.0.27] to [0416.0.0.27] above.

[0417.0.32.32] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the fatty acid production biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect an organism such as a microorganism or a plant against inhibitors, which block the fatty acid, in particular the fine chemical, synthesis in said organism. Examples of inhibitors or herbicides blocking the fatty acid synthesis in organism such as microorganism or plants are for example cerulenin, Thiolactomycin, Diazoborines or Triclosan, which inhibit the fatty acids (beta-ketoacyl thioester synthetase inhibitors) and sterol biosynthesis inhibitors, aryloxyphenoxypropionates such as diclofop, fenoxaprop, haloxyfop, fluazifop or quizalofop or cyclohexanediones such as clethodim or sethoxydim [(2-[1-{ethoxyimino}butyl]-542-{ethylthio}propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one], which inhibit the plant acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase or thiocarbamates such as butylate, EPTC [=S-ethyl dipropylcarbamothioat] or vernolate.

[0418.0.0.32] to [0430.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0418.0.0.32] to [0430.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0418.0.0.27] to [0430.0.0.27] above.

[0431.0.0.32], [0432.0.0.32], [0433.0.0.32] and [0434.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0431.0.0.32], [0432.0.0.32], [0433.0.0.32] and [0434.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0431.0.0.27] to [0434.0.0.27] above.

[0435.0.32.32] Example 3 In-Vivo and In-Vitro Mutagenesis

[0436.0.32.32] An in vivo mutagenesis of organisms such as Saccharomyces, Mortierella, Escherichia and others mentioned above, which are beneficial for the production of fatty acids can be carried out by passing a plasmid DNA (or another vector DNA) containing the desired nucleic acid sequence or nucleic acid sequences through E. coli and other microorganisms (for example Bacillus spp. or yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which are not capable of maintaining the integrity of its genetic information. Usual mutator strains have mutations in the genes for the DNA repair system [for example mutHLS, mutD, mutT and the like; for comparison, see Rupp, W. D. (1996) DNA repair mechanisms in Escherichia coli and Salmonella, pp. 2277-2294, ASM: Washington]. The skilled worker knows these strains. The use of these strains is illustrated for example in Greener, A. and Callahan, M. (1994) Strategies 7; 32-34.

In-vitro mutation methods such as increasing the spontaneous mutation rates by chemical or physical treatment are well known to the skilled person. Mutagens like 5-bromo-uracil, N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (=NTG), ethyl methanesulfonate (=EMS), hydroxylamine and/or nitrous acid are widly used as chemical agents for random in-vitro mutagensis. The most common physical method for mutagensis is the treatment with UV irradiation. Another random mutagenesis technique is the error-prone PCR for introducing amino acid changes into proteins. Mutations are deliberately introduced during PCR through the use of error-prone DNA polymerases and special reaction conditions known to a person skilled in the art. For this method randomized DNA sequences are cloned into expression vectors and the resulting mutant libraries screened for altered or improved protein activity as described below.

Site-directed mutagensis method such as the introduction of desired mutations with an M13 or phagemid vector and short oligonucleotides primers is a well-known approach for site-directed mutagensis. The clou of this method involves cloning of the nucleic acid sequence of the invention into an M13 or phagemid vector, which permits recovery of single-stranded recombinant nucleic acid sequence. A mutagenic oligonucleotide primer is then designed whose sequence is perfectly complementary to nucleic acid sequence in the region to be mutated, but with a single difference: at the intended mutation site it bears a base that is complementary to the desired mutant nucleotide rather than the original. The mutagenic oligonucleotide is then allowed to prime new DNA synthesis to create a complementary full-length sequence containing the desired mutation. Another site-directed mutagensis method is the PCR mismatch primer mutagensis method also known to the skilled person. Dpnl site-directed mutagensis is a further known method as described for example in the Stratagene Quickchange™ site-directed mutagenesis kit protocol. A huge number of other methods are also known and used in common practice.

Positive mutation events can be selected by screening the organisms for the production of the desired fine chemical.

[0437.0.32.32] Example 4 DNA Transfer Between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Mortierella alpina

[0438.0.32.32] Shuttle vectors such as pYE22m, pPAC-ResQ, pClasper, pAUR224, pAMH10, pAML10, pAMT10, pAMU10, pGMH10, pGML10, pGMT10, pGMU10, pPGAL1, pPADH1, pTADH1, pTAex3, pNGA142, pHT3101 and derivatives thereof which allow the transfer of nucleic acid sequences between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or Mortierella alpina are available to the skilled worker. An easy method to isolate such shuttle vectors is disclosed by Soni R. and Murray J. A. H. [Nucleic Acid Research, vol. 20 no. 21, 1992: 5852]: If necessary such shuttle vectors can be constructed easily using standard vectors for E. coli (Sambrook, J. et al., (1989), “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons) and/or the aforementioned vectors, which have a replication origin for, and suitable marker from, Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Mortierella alpina added. Such replication origins are preferably taken from endogenous plasmids, which have been isolated from species used in the inventive process. Genes, which are used in particular as transformation markers for these species are genes for kanamycin resistance (such as those which originate from the Tn5 or Tn-903 transposon) or for chloramphenicol resistance (Winnacker, E. L. (1987) “From Genes to Clones—Introduction to Gene Technology, VCH, Weinheim) or for other antibiotic resistance genes such as for G418, gentamycin, neomycin, hygromycin or tetracycline resistance.

[0439.0.32.32] Using standard methods, it is possible to clone a gene of interest into one of the above-described shuttle vectors and to introduce such hybrid vectors into the microorganism strains used in the inventive process. The transformation of Saccharomyces can be achieved for example by LiCI or sheroplast transformation (Bishop et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 6, 1986: 3401-3409; Sherman et al., Methods in Yeasts in Genetics, [Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y.] 1982, Agatep et al., Technical Tips Online 1998, 1:51: P01525 or Gietz et al., Methods Mol. Cell. Biol. 5, 1995: 255269) or electroporation (Delorme E., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., vol. 55, no. 9, 1989: 2242-2246).

[0440.0.32.32] If the transformed sequence(s) is/are to be integrated advantageously into the genome of the microorganism used in the inventive process for example into the yeast or fungi genome, standard techniques known to the skilled worker also exist for this purpose. Solinger et al. (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA., 2001 (15): 8447-8453) and Freedman et al. (Genetics, Vol. 162, 15-27, September 2002) teaches a homolog recombination system dependent on rad 50, rad51, rad54 and rad59 in yeasts. Vectors using this system for homologous recombination are vectors derived from the Ylp series. Plasmid vectors derived for example from the 2μ-Vector are known by the skilled worker and used for the expression in yeasts. Other preferred vectors are for example pART1, pCHY21 or pEVP11 as they have been described by McLeod et al. (EMBO J. 1987, 6:729-736) and Hoffman et al. (Genes Dev. 5, 1991: :561-571.) or Russell et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 258, 1983: 143-149.). Other beneficial yeast vectors are plasmids of the REP, REP-X, pYZ or RIP series.

[0441.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraph [0441.0.0.32] see [0441.0.0.27] above.

[0442.0.32.32] The observations of the acivity of a mutated, or transgenic, protein in a transformed host cell are based on the fact that the protein is expressed in a similar manner and in a similar quantity as the wild-type protein. A suitable method for determining the transcription quantity of the mutant, or transgenic, gene (a sign for the amount of mRNA which is available for the translation of the gene product) is to carry out a Northern blot (see, for example, Ausubel et al., (1988) Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Wiley: New York), where a primer which is designed in such a way that it binds to the gene of interest is provided with a detectable marker (usually a radioactive or chemiluminescent marker) so that, when the total RNA of a culture of the organism is extracted, separated on a gel, applied to a stable matrix and incubated with this probe, the binding and quantity of the binding of the probe indicates the presence and also the amount of mRNA for this gene. Another method is a quantitative PCR. This information detects the extent to which the gene has been transcribed. Total cell RNA can be isolated for example from yeasts or E. coli by a variety of methods, which are known in the art, for example with the Ambion kit according to the instructions of the manufacturer or as described in Edgington et al., Promega Notes Magazine Number 41, 1993, p. 14.

[0443.0.0.32] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0443.0.0.27] above.

[0444.0.32.32] Example 6 Growth of Genetically Modified Organism: Media and Culture Conditions

[0445.0.32.32] Genetically modified Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are grown in synthetic or natural growth media known by the skilled worker. A number of different growth media for Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are well known and widely available. A method for culturing Mortierella is disclosed by Jang et al. [Bot. Bull. Acad. Sin. (2000) 41:41-48]. Mortierella can be grown at 20° C. in a culture medium containing: 10 g/l glucose, 5 g/l yeast extract at pH 6.5. Furthermore Jang et al. teaches a submerged basal medium containing 20 g/l soluble starch, 5 g/l Bacto yeast extract, 10 g/l KNO₃, 1 g/l KH₂PO₄, and 0.5 g/l MgSO₄.7H₂O, pH 6.5.

[0446.0.0.32] to [0453.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0446.0.0.32] to [0453.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0446.0.0.27] to [0453.0.0.27] above.

[0454.0.32.32] Example 8 Analysis of the Effect of the Nucleic Acid Molecule on the Production of the Fatty Acid

[0455.0.32.32] The effect of the genetic modification in plants, fungi, algae or ciliates on the production of a desired compound (such as a fatty acid) can be determined by growing the modified microorganisms or the modified plant under suitable conditions (such as those described above) and analyzing the medium and/or the cellular components for the elevated production of desired product (i.e. of the lipids or a fatty acid). These analytical techniques are known to the skilled worker and comprise spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, various types of staining methods, enzymatic and microbiological methods and analytical chromatography such as high-performance liquid chromatography (see, for example, Ullman, Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. A2, p. 89-90 and p. 443-613, VCH: Weinheim (1985); Fallon, A., et al., (1987) “Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry” in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 17; Rehm et al. (1993) Biotechnology, Vol. 3, Chapter III: “Product recovery and purification”, p. 469-714, VCH: Weinheim; Better, P. A., et al. (1988) Bioseparations: downstream processing for Biotechnology, John Wiley and Sons; Kennedy, J. F., and Cabral, J. M. S. (1992) Recovery processes for biological Materials, John Wiley and Sons; Shaeiwitz, J. A., and Henry, J. D. (1988) Biochemical Separations, in: Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. B3; Chapter 11, p. 1-27, VCH: Weinheim; and Dechow, F. J. (1989) Separation and purification techniques in biotechnology, Noyes Publications).

In addition to the abovementioned processes, plant lipids are extracted from plant material as described by Cahoon et al. (1999) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 96 (22): 12935-12940 and Browse et al. (1986) Analytic Biochemistry 152:141-145. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of lipids or fatty acids is described by Christie, William W., Advances in Lipid Methodology, Ayr/Scotland: Oily Press (Oily Press Lipid Library; 2); Christie, William W., Gas Chromatography and Lipids. A Practical Guide—Ayr, Scotland: Oily Press, 1989, Repr. 1992, IX, 307 pp. (Oily Press Lipid Library; 1); “Progress in Lipid Research, Oxford: Pergamon Press, 1 (1952)—16 (1977) under the title: Progress in the Chemistry of Fats and Other Lipids CODEN.

[0456.0.0.32] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0456.0.0.27] above.

[0457.0.32.32] Example 9 Purification of the Fatty Acid

[0458.0.32.32] One example is the analysis of fatty acids (abbreviations: FAME, fatty acid methyl ester; GC-MS, gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; TAG, triacylglycerol; TLC, thin-layer chromatography).

The unambiguous detection for the presence of fatty acid products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: GC, GC-MS or TLC, as described on several occasions by Christie and the references therein (1997, in: Advances on Lipid Methodology, Fourth Edition: Christie, Oily Press, Dundee, 119-169; 1998, Gaschromatographie-Massenspektrometrie-Verfahren [Gas chromatography/mass spectrometric methods], Lipide 33:343-353).

The total fatty acids produced in the organism for example in yeasts used in the inventive process can be analysed for example according to the following procedure: The material such as yeasts, E. coli or plants to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods. After disruption, the material must be centrifuged (1000×g, 10 min., 4° C.) and washed once with 100 mM NaHCO₃, pH 8.0 to remove residual medium and fatty acids. For preparation of the fatty acid methyl esters (FAMES) the sediment is resuspended in distilled water, heated for 10 minutes at 100° C., cooled on ice and recentrifuged, followed by extraction for one hour at 90° C. in 0.5 M sulfuric acid in methanol with 2% dimethoxypropane, which leads to hydrolyzed oil and lipid compounds, which give transmethylated lipids.

The FAMES are then extracted twice with 2 ml petrolether, washed once with 100 mM NaHCO₃, pH 8.0 and once with distilled water and dried with Na₂SO₄. The organic solvent can be evaporated under a stream of Argon and the FAMES were dissolved in 50 μl of petrolether. The samples can be separated on a ZEBRON ZB-Wax capillary column (30 m, 0.32 mm, 0.25 μm; Phenomenex) in a Hewlett Packard 6850 gas chromatograph with a flame ionisation detector. The oven temperature is programmed from 70° C. (1 min. hold) to 200° C. at a rate of 20° C./min., then to 250° C. (5 min. hold) at a rate of 5° C./min and finally to 260° C. at a rate of 5° C./min. Nitrogen is used as carrier gas (4.5 ml/min. at 70° C.). The identity of the resulting fatty acid methyl esters can be identified by comparison with retention times of FAME standards, which are available from commercial sources (i.e. Sigma).

Plant material is initially homogenized mechanically by comminuting in a pestle and mortar to make it more amenable to extraction.

This is followed by heating at 100° C. for 10 minutes and, after cooling on ice, by resedimentation. The cell sediment is hydrolyzed for one hour at 90° C. with 1 M methanolic sulfuric acid and 2% dimethoxypropane, and the lipids are transmethylated. The resulting fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) are extracted in petroleum ether. The extracted FAMEs are analyzed by gas liquid chromatography using a capillary column

(Chrompack, WCOT Fused Silica, CP-Wax-52 CB, 25 m, 0.32 mm) and a temperature gradient of from 170° C. to 240° C. in 20 minutes and 5 minutes at 240° C. The identity of the fatty acid methyl esters is confirmed by comparison with corresponding FAME standards (Sigma). The identity and position of the double bond can be analyzed further by suitable chemical derivatization of the FAME mixtures, for example to give 4,4-dimethoxyoxazoline derivatives (Christie, 1998) by means of GC-MS.

The methodology is described for example in Napier and Michaelson, 2001, Lipids. 36(8):761-766; Sayanova et al., 2001, Journal of Experimental Botany. 52(360):1581-1585, Sperling et al., 2001, Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 388(2):293-298 and Michaelson et al., 1998, FEBS Letters. 439(3):215-218.

[0459.0.32.32] If required and desired, further chromatography steps with a suitable resin may follow. Advantageously the fatty acids can be further purified with a so-called RTHPLC. As eluent different an acetonitrile/water or chloroform/acetonitrile mixtures are advantageously is used. For example canola oil can be separated said HPLC method using an RP-18-column (ET 250/3 Nucleosil 120-5 C₁₈ Macherey and Nagel, Düren, Germany). A chloroform/acetonitrile mixture (v/v 30:70) is used as eluent. The flow rate is beneficial 0.8 ml/min. For the analysis of the fatty acids an ELSD detector (evaporative light-scattering detector) is used. MPLC, dry-flash chromatography or thin layer chromatography are other beneficial chromatography methods for the purification of fatty acids. If necessary, these chromatography steps may be repeated, using identical or other chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the selection of suitable chromatography resin and the most effective use for a particular molecule to be purified.

[0460.0.32.32] In addition depending on the produced fine chemical purification is also possible with cristalisation or destilation. Both methods are well known to a person skilled in the art.

[0461.0.32.32] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 108401 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.32] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0462.0.0.27] above.

[0463.0.32.32] SEQ ID NO: 108401 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.32.32] The composition for the protocol of the Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase was as follows: 1×PCR buffer (Stratagene), 0.2 mM of each dNTP, 100 ng genomic DNA of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain S288C; Research Genetics, Inc., now Invitrogen) or Escherichia coli (strain MG1655; E. coli Genetic Stock Center), 50 μmol forward primer, 50 μmol reverse primer, 2.5 u Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The amplification cycles were as follows:

[0465.0.32.32] 1 cycle of 3 minutes at 94-95° C., followed by 25-36 cycles of in each case 1 minute at 95° C. or 30 seconds at 94° C., 45 seconds at 50° C., 30 seconds at 50° C. or 30 seconds at 55° C. and 210-480 seconds at 72° C., followed by 1 cycle of 8 minutes at 72° C., then 4° C.

[0466.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0466.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0466.0.0.27] above.

[0467.0.32.32] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 108401:

-   -   i) forward primer SEQ ID NO: 108403     -   ii) reverse primer SEQ ID NO: 108404

[0468.0.0.32] to [0479.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0468.0.0.32] to [0479.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0468.0.0.27] to [0479.0.0.27] above.

[0480.0.32.32] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 108401

[0481.0.0.32] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0481.0.0.27] above.

[0482.0.0.32] to [0513.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0482.0.0.32] to [0513.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0482.0.0.27] to [0513.0.0.27] above.

[0514.0.32.32] As an alternative, the fatty acids can be detected and purfied advantageously as described in I. Brondz, “Development of fatty acid analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and related techniques [Review]”, Analytica Chimica Acta 2002, 465, 1-37

[0515.0.32.32] %

[0516.0.0.32] and [0517.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0516.0.0.32] and [0517.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0516.0.0.27] and [0517.0.0.27] above.

[0518.0.0.32] to [0529.0.0.32] and [0530.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0518.0.0.32] to [0529.0.0.32] and [0530.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0518.0.0.27] to [0530.0.0.27] above.

[0530.1.0.32] to [0530.6.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0530.1.0.32] to [0530.6.0.32] see paragraphs [0530.1.0.27] to [0530.6.0.27] above.

[0531.0.0.32] to [0533.0.0.32] and [0534.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0531.0.0.32] to [0533.0.0.32] and [0534.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0531.0.0.27] to [0534.0.0.27] above.

[0535.0.0.32] to [0537.0.0.32] and [0538.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0535.0.0.32] to [0537.0.0.32] and [0538.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0535.0.0.27] to [0538.0.0.27] above.

[0539.0.0.32] to [0542.0.0.32] and [0543.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0539.0.0.32] to [0542.0.0.32] and [0543.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0539.0.0.27] to [0543.0.0.27] above.

[0544.0.0.32] to [0547.0.0.32] and [0548.0.0.32] to [0552.0.0.32] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0544.0.0.32] to [0547.0.0.32] and [0548.0.0.32] to [0552.0.0.32] see paragraphs [0544.0.0.27] to [0552.0.0.27] above.

[0553.0.32.32]

-   1. A process for the production of stearic acid, which comprises     -   a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as         indicated in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or a         functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism, or in one         or more parts thereof; and     -   b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of stearic acid in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of stearic acid, comprising the     increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the     expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a     nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of stearic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of stearic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of stearic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of stearic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 32,         column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of stearic         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of stearic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no.         32, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of         stearic acid in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         stearic acid in an organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound stearic acid. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         stearic acid produced by the selected mutated organisms or parts         thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of stearic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of stearic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of stearic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of stearic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 32,         column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of stearic         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of stearic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no.         32, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of         stearic acid in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         stearic acid in an organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 32, columns 5         or 7, by one or more nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     XII, application no. 32, columns 5 or 7 by one or more amino acids -   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of stearic acid in an     organism or a part thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of stearic acid         in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a         sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions         which permit the expression the polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the stearic acid level or the polypeptide         expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or         the media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured         or maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured stearic acid level or polypeptide expression level with         a standard of stearic acid or polypeptide expression level         measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample         comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased         level over the standard indicates that the compound or the         sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and         a decreased level over the standard indicates that the compound         or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an         antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased stearic acid production in a plant or microorganism,     comprising the steps:     -   (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of stearic acid in an organism or a part thereof and a         readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under         suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the         polypeptide with dais readout system in the presence of a         compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and         capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the         binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which         permit the expression of said readout system and of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6         conferring an increase in the amount of stearic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in stearic acid production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in stearic acid after expression with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under         relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6;     -   c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing stearic acid;     -   d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   e) assaying the stearic acid level in the host cells; and     -   f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the stearic acid level in the         host cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild         type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in stearic acid production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the stearic acid amount or         level in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and         which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing stearic acid;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the stearic acid level in the host cells; and     -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the stearic acid level in the         host cell after expression compared to the wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     stearic acid after expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of stearic acid levels in an organism. -   25. Food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the     plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim     16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified     according to the method of claim 19 or 20. -   26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according     to the method of claim 19 or 20 for the protection of a plant     against a stearic acid synthesis inhibiting herbicide.

[0554.0.0.32] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.27]

NEW GENES FOR A PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.33.33] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0001.0.0.27] above.

[0002.0.32.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0002.0.32.32] above.

[0003.0.33.33] Palmitic acid is a major component for manufacturing of soaps, lubricating oils and waterproofing materials. Furhermore it is used for the synthesis of metallic palmitates. Additional applications are as food additive and in the synthesis of food-grade additives; as a constituent of cosmetic formulations. Palmitic acid is a major component of many natural fats and oils in the form of a glyceryl ester, e.g. palm oil, and in most commercial-grade stearic acid products.

[0004.0.32.33] and [0005.0.32.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0004.0.32.33] and [0005.0.32.33] see paragraphs [0004.0.32.32] and [0005.0.32.32] above.

[0006.0.33.33] Palmitic acid is as mentioned above the major fat in meat and dairy products.

[0007.0.33.33] Further uses or palmitic acid are as food ingredients raw material for emulsifiers or personal care emulsifier for facial creams and lotions. Palmitic acid is also used in shaving cream formulations, waxes or fruit wax formulations.

[0008.0.33.33] Palmitic acid is also used in shaving cream formulations, waxes or fruit wax formulations.

[0009.0.32.33] to [0012.0.32.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0009.0.32.33] to [0012.0.32.33] see paragraphs [0009.0.32.32] and [0012.0.32.32] above.

[0013.0.0.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0013.0.0.27] above.

[0014.0.33.33] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is palmitic acid or tryglycerides, lipids, oils or fats containing palmitic acid. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid”. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising palmitic acid and/or triglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid.

[0015.0.33.33] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, palmitic acid and its salts, ester, thioester or palmitic acid in free form or bound to other compounds such as triglycerides, glycolipids, phospholipids etc. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means palmitic acid, in free form or its salts or bound to triglycerides. Triglycerides, lipids, oils, fats or lipid mixture thereof shall mean any triglyceride, lipid, oil and/or fat containing any bound or free palmitic acid for example sphingolipids, phosphoglycerides, lipids, glycolipids such as glycosphingolipids, phospholipids such as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol or diphosphatidylglycerol, or as monoacylglyceride, diacylglyceride or triacylglyceride or other fatty acid esters such as acetyl-Coenzym A thioester, which contain further saturated or unsaturated fatty acids in the fatty acid molecule.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” and the term “the respective fine chemical” mean at least one chemical compound with an activity of the above mentioned fine chemical.

[0016.0.33.33] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more of a     protein as shown in table XII, application no. 33, column 3 encoded     by the nucleic acid sequences as shown in table XI, application no.     33, column 5, in a non-human organism or in one or more parts     thereof or -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus fatty acid of the invention or     fine chemicals comprising the fatty acid of the invention, in said     organism or in the culture medium surrounding the organism.

[0017.0.0.33] to [0019.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0017.0.0.33] to [0019.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0017.0.0.27] and [0019.0.0.27] above.

[0020.0.33.33] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Brassica napus protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, column 5, line 18 in a plant conferred an increase in Palmitic Acid C16:0 content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of Palmitic Acid C16:0.

[0021.0.0.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0021.0.0.27] above.

[0022.0.33.33] ./. The sequence of YDR513W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78 (1997) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity has characterized as glutaredoxin (thioltransferase, glutathione reductase). Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a glutaredoxin, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of palmitic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid, preferably palmitic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a glutaredoxin is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a plant or a homolog thereof.

[0022.1.0.33] to [0023.0.0.33] for the disclosure of this paragraphs see [0022.1.0.27] to [0023.0.0.27] above.

[0023.1.33.33] Homologs of the polypeptide disclosed in table XII, application no. 33, column 5, may have the activity of a protein as disclosed in Table XI or XII, application no. 33, column 3 and may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in table XI, application no. 33, column 7, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in table XII, application no. 33, column 7, resp.

[0024.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0024.0.0.33] see [0024.0.0.27] above.

[0025.0.33.33] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein as shown in table XII, application no. 33, column 3 “if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased in the level of the fine chemical indicated in the respective line of table XII, application no. 33, column 6 “metabolite” in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism.

Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 33, column 3, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic or biological activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to a protein as shown in the respective line of table XII, application no. 33, column 3 of a E. coli or Saccharomyces cerevisae, respectively, protein as mentioned in table XI to XIV, column 3 respectively and as disclosed in paragraph [0022] of the respective invention.

[0025.1.0.33] and [0025.2.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0025.1.0.33] and [0025.2.0.33] see paragraphs [0025.1.0.27] and [0025.2.0.27] above.

[0026.0.0.33] to [0033.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0026.0.0.33] to [0033.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0026.0.0.27] to [0033.0.0.27] above.

[0034.0.33.33] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity, preferably of the activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a respective protein as shown in table XII, application no. 33, column 3 its biochemical or genetical causes and the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.33] to [0038.0.0.33] and [0039.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0035.0.0.33] to [0038.0.0.33] and [0039.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0035.0.0.27] to [0039.0.0.27] above.

[0040.0.0.33] to [0044.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0040.0.0.33] to [0044.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0040.0.0.27] and [0044.0.0.27] above.

[0045.0.33.33] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein. as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 33, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, column 6 of the respective line, between 10% and 50%, 10% and 100%, 10% and 200%, 10% and 300%, 10% and 400%, 10% and 500%, 20% and 50%, 20% and 250%, 20% and 500%, 50% and 100%, 50% and 250%, 50% and 500%, 500% and 1000% or more

[0046.0.33.33] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 33, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, column 6 of the respective line confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further fatty acid or their precursors.

[0047.0.0.33] to [0048.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0047.0.0.33] and [0048.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0047.0.0.27] and [0048.0.0.27] above.

[0049.0.33.33] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fine chemical, has in one embodiment the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of the polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 33, column 7 or of the polypeptide as shown in the amino acid sequences as disclosed in table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 and 7 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by the nucleic acid molecule as shown in table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 and 7 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.33.33] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “palmitic acid” also encompasses the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of palmitic acid or the salts of palmitic acid with amines such as diethylamine.

[0051.0.0.33] and [0052.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0051.0.0.33] and [0052.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0051.0.0.27] and [0052.0.0.27] above.

[0053.0.33.33] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps:

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having the     activity of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 33,     columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity having herein-mentioned     fatty acid of the invention increasing activity; and/or -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention as     shown in table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 and 7, e.g. a     nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having the activity of     a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 33, columns 5     and 7 or its homologs activity or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide     of the present invention having herein-mentioned fatty acid of the     invention increasing activity; and/or -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned fatty acid increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation of the     polypeptide of the invention; and/or -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned fatty acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned fatty acid of the invention increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors to the     organisms or parts thereof; and/or -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned fatty acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned fatty acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   h) increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having the activity     of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 33, columns     5 and 7 or its homologs activity, by adding positive expression or     removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination     can be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like     for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor     elements form regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods     can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity     of positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced     in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be     identified in which the positive elements have be integrated near to     a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby     enhanced; and/or -   i) modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical production;     and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.33.33] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of palmitic acid after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, column 3, or its homolog's activity, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7. In general, the amount of mRNA or polypeptide in a cell or a compartment of a organism correlates with the amount of encoded protein and thus with the overall activity of the encoded protein in said volume. Said correlation is not always linear, the activity in the volume is dependent on the stability of the molecules or the presence of activating or inhibiting co-factors. Further, product and educt inhibitions of enzymes are well known and described in Textbooks, e.g. Stryer, Biochemistry.

[0055.0.0.33] to [0067.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0055.0.0.33] to [0067.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0055.0.0.27] to [0067.0.0.27] above.

[0068.0.32.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0068.0.32.32] above.

[0069.0.0.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0069.0.0.27] above.

[0070.0.32.33] and [0071.0.32.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0070.0.32.33] and [0071.0.32.33] see paragraphs [0070.0.32.32] and [0071.0.32.32] above.

[0072.0.33.33] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to palmitic acid, triglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing palmitic acid compounds such as palmitate, palmitoleate, stearate, oleate, α-linolenic acid and/or linoleic acid.

[0073.0.33.33] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant; b) increasing the activity of a protein having the activity of a polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or a homolog thereof, e.g. as shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and described below, i.e. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in the organism, preferably a microorganism, the a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or the plant, c) growing the organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or the plant under conditions which permit the production of the fine chemical in the organism, preferably a microorganism, a plant cell, a plant tissue or the plant; and d) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or bound the respective fine chemical and, optionally further free and/or bound fatty acids synthetized by the organism, the microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.32.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0074.0.32.32] above.

[0075.0.0.33] to [0084.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0075.0.0.33] to [0084.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0075.0.0.27] to [0084.0.0.27] above.

[0085.0.33.33] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   -   a) the nucleic acid sequence as shown in table XI, application         no. 33, columns 5 and 7 or a derivative thereof, or     -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which         is functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as shown         table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 and 7 or a derivative         thereof, or     -   c) (a) and (b)         is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or         has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods,         it being possible for the modification to be, by way of example,         a substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of         one or more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the         natural chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the         presence in a genomic library. In the case of a genomic library,         the natural, genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is         preferably at least partially still preserved. The environment         flanks the nucleic acid sequence at least on one side and has a         sequence length of at least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp,         particularly preferably at least 1000 bp, very particularly         preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.33] and [0087.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0086.0.0.33] and [0087.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0086.0.0.27] and [0087.0.0.27] above.

[0088.0.33.33] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose fatty acid content is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for poultry is dependent on the abovementioned essential fatty acids and the general amount of fatty acids as energy source in feed. After the activity of a protein as shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, has been increased or generated, or after the expression of nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide according to the invention has been generated or increased, the transgenic plant generated thus is grown on or in a nutrient medium or else in the soil and subsequently harvested.

[0088.1.0.33], [0089.0.0.33], [0090.0.0.33] and [0091.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0088.1.0.33], [0089.0.0.33], [0090.0.0.33] and [0091.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0088.1.0.27], [0089.0.0.27], [0090.0.0.27] and [0091.0.0.27] above.

[0092.0.0.33] to [0094.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0092.0.0.33] to [0094.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0092.0.0.27] to [0094.0.0.27] above.

[0095.0.32.33] and [0096.0.32.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0095.0.32.33] and [0096.0.32.33] see paragraphs [0095.0.32.32] and [0096.0.32.32] above.

[0097.0.0.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0097.0.0.27] above.

[0098.0.33.33] In a preferred embodiment, the fine chemical (palmitic acid) is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further fatty acids such as stearic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, α-linolenic acid and/or linoleic acid mixtures thereof or mixtures of other fatty acids by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.32.33] and [0100.0.32.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0099.0.32.33] and [0100.0.32.33] see paragraphs [0099.0.32.32] and [0100.0.32.32] above.

[0101.0.0.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0101.0.0.27] above.

[0102.0.32.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0102.0.32.32] above.

[0103.0.33.33] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide having a sequence as shown in Table XII,     application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, in or a fragment thereof, which     confers an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in     an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of the nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as shown in     Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primer pairs having a sequence as shown     in Table XIII, application no. 33, column 7, and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequence as shown in Table XIV,     application no. 33, column 7, and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of a polypeptide as shown in Table XII, application no. 33,     columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0103.1.0.33] and [0103.2.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0103.1.0.33] and [0103.2.0.33] see paragraphs [0103.1.0.27] and [0103.2.0.27] above.

[0104.0.33.33] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process distinguishes over the sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides or does not consist of the sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of the sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7.

[0105.0.0.33] to [0107.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0105.0.0.33] to [0107.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0105.0.0.27] and [0107.0.0.27] above.

[0108.0.33.33] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from the amino acid sequences shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in Table XIV, application no. 33, column 7, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of a protein as shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or e.g. conferring a linoleic acid increase after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0109.0.0.27] above.

[0110.0.33.33] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0111.0.0.27] above.

[0112.0.33.33] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, column 3, or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 and 7, and conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0113.0.0.33] to [0120.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0113.0.0.33] to [0120.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0113.0.0.27] and [0120.0.0.27] above.

[0121.0.33.33] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity.

[0122.0.0.33] to [0127.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0122.0.0.33] to [0127.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0122.0.0.27] and [0127.0.0.27] above.

[0128.0.33.33] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as shown in Table XIII, application no. 33, column 7, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or the sequences as shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7.

[0129.0.33.33] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequences shown in Table XIV, application no. 33, column 7, are derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.0.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0130.0.0.27].

[0131.0.0.33] to [0138.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0131.0.0.33] to [0138.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0131.0.0.27] to [0138.0.0.27] above.

[0139.0.33.33] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to the sequences shown in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the palmitic acid increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.33] to [0146.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0140.0.0.33] to [0146.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0140.0.0.27] and [0146.0.0.27] above.

[0147.0.33.33] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.33.33] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or a functional portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular has the—fine-chemical-increasing activity after increasing its activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequence or its homologs.

[0149.0.33.33] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical.

[00149.1.33.33] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, column 3.

[0150.0.33.33] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of methionine if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide sequence of the invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 33, column 7, will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7. Preferred is Table XI, application no. 33, column 7.

[0151.0.0.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0151.0.0.27] above.

[0152.0.33.33] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to the amino acid sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the fine chemical production, in particular a palmitic acid increasing the activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.33.33] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, has for example an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7.

[0154.0.33.33] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, and having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.33] and [0156.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0155.0.0.33] and [0156.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0155.0.0.27] and [0156.0.0.27] above.

[0157.0.33.33] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptides comprising the consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 33, column 7, or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or their functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, a consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 33, column 7, or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 33, column 7, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7,

[0158.0.0.33] to [0160.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0158.0.0.33] to [0160.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0158.0.0.27] to [0160.0.0.27] above.

[0161.0.33.33] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising the sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0162.0.0.27] above.

[0163.0.33.33] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the respective fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0164.0.0.27] above.

[0165.0.33.33] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as shown in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7.

[0166.0.0.33] and [0167.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0166.0.0.33] and [0167.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0166.0.0.27] and [0167.0.0.27] above.

[0168.0.33.33] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, 95% homologous to the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7 and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7.

[0169.0.0.33] to [0172.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0169.0.0.33] to [0172.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0169.0.0.27] to [0172.0.0.27] above.

[0173.0.33.33] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108401 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108401 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0174.0.0.27] above.

[0175.0.33.33] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108402 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108402 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.33.33] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7 according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as the polypeptide as shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7.

[0177.0.33.33] Functional equivalents derived from the nucleic acid sequence as shown in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as the polypeptide as shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7.

[0178.0.0.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0178.0.0.27] above.

[0179.0.33.33] A nucleic acid molecule encoding a homologous protein to a protein sequence of as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences for example into a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.33] to [0183.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0180.0.0.33] to [0183.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0180.0.0.27] to [0183.0.0.27] above.

[0184.0.33.33] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.33.33] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotide sequences not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7.

[0186.0.33.33] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encode a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in

Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7.

[0187.0.33.33] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, and comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7.

[0188.0.33.33] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential biological activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, expressed under identical conditions.

[0189.0.33.33] Homologues of sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or of the derived sequences shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.33], [0191.0.0.33], [00191.1.0.33] and [0192.0.0.33] to [0203.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0190.0.0.33], [0191.0.0.33], [0191.1.0.33] and [0192.0.0.33] to [0203.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0190.0.0.27], [0191.0.0.27],

[0191.1.0.27] and [0192.0.0.27] to [0203.0.0.27] above.

[0204.0.33.33] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide shown in Table XII, application no. 33,     columns 5 or 7; or a fragment thereof conferring an increase in the     amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table XI, application     no. 33, columns 5 or 7; or a fragment thereof conferring an increase     in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using the     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no.     33, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence shown in Table XIV, application no. 33, column 7,     and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of the polypeptide shown in Table     XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7; and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of the nucleic acid molecule     shown in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or a nucleic     acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature form of, the     polypeptide shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7,     and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; or which encompasses a     sequence which is complementary thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over the sequence as depicted in Table XI,     application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. In     one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention does not     consist of the sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 33,     columns 5 or 7. In an other embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of     the present invention is at least 30 identical and less than 100%,     99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence shown in     Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7. In a further     embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode the polypeptide     sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7.     Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention encodes in one embodiment a polypeptide which     differs at least in one or more amino acids from the polypeptide as     depicted in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, and     therefore does not encode a protein of the sequence shown in Table     XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7. Accordingly, in one     embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequence of a nucleic acid     according to (a) to (l) does not consist of the sequence shown in     Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7. In a further     embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at least 30%     identical to protein sequence depicted in Table XII, application no.     33, columns 5 or 7, and less than 100%, preferably less than     99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%,     96% or 95% identical to the sequence shown in Table XII, application     no. 33, columns 5 or 7.

[0205.0.0.33] to [0226.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0205.0.0.33] to [0226.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0205.0.0.27] to [0226.0.0.27] above.

[0227.0.33.33] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to the sequence mentioned in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway such as for palmitate, palmitoleate, stearate and/or oleate is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine the sequences shown in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.32.33] to [0229.0.32.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0228.0.32.33] to [0229.0.32.33] see paragraphs [0228.0.32.32] to [0229.0.32.32] above.

[0230.0.0.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0230.0.0.27] above.

[0231.0.33.33] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a palmitic acid degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.33] to [0276.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0232.0.0.33] to [0276.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0232.0.0.27] to [0276.0.0.27] above.

[0277.0.32.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0277.0.32.32] above.

[0278.0.0.33] to [0282.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0278.0.0.33] to [0282.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0278.0.0.27] to [0282.0.0.27] above.

[0283.0.33.33] Moreover, native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, in particular, an antibody against polypeptides as shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or an antigenic part thereof, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing polypeptides comprising or consisting of abovementioned sequences, e.g. the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies specifically binding to polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7.

[0284.0.0.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0284.0.0.27] above.

[0285.0.33.33] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having the sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or as coded by the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.33.33] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 33, column 7, and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 33, column 7, whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a poylpeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 33, column 7.

[0287.0.0.33] to [0290.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0287.0.0.33] to [0290.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0287.0.0.27] to [0290.0.0.27] above.

[0291.0.33.33] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form the sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from the sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In another embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7.

[0292.0.0.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0292.0.0.27] above.

[0293.0.33.33] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process.

In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence, which distinguishes from the sequence as shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In another embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by the nucleic acid molecules shown in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7.

[0294.0.33.33] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, column 3, which distinguishes over the sequence as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.33], [0296.0.0.33] and [0297.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0295.0.0.33], [0296.0.0.33] and [0297.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0295.0.0.27] to [0297.0.0.27] above.

[00297.1.33.33] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity and/or the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 3, 5 or 7.

[0298.0.33.33] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to confer the activity of the present invention. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7.

[0299.0.33.33] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the amino acid sequences of Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence of Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.33.33] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7 in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7.

[0301.0.0.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0301.0.0.27] above.

[0302.0.33.33] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0303.0.0.27] above.

[0304.0.33.33] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.33] and [0306.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0305.0.0.33] and [0306.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0305.0.0.27] and [0306.0.0.27] above.

[0306.1.32.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0306.1.32.32] above.

[0307.0.0.33] and [0308.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0307.0.0.33] and [0308.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0307.0.0.27] and [0308.0.0.27] above.

[0309.0.33.33] In one embodiment, a reference to protein (=polypeptide)” of the invention e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide” or “other polypeptide” e.g. not indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide having a protein activity, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein and which is derived from the same or a different organism.

[0310.0.0.33] to [0334.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0310.0.0.33] to [0334.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0310.0.0.27] to [0334.0.0.27] above.

[0335.0.33.33] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7 and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence of one of the sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.33] to [0342.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0336.0.0.33] to [0342.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0336.0.0.27] to [0342.0.0.27] above.

[0343.0.33.33] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence of one of the sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.33] to [0361.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0344.0.0.33] to [0361.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0344.0.0.27] to [0361.0.0.27] above.

[0362.0.33.33] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. encoding a polypeptide having an activity of a protein such as the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, column 3. Due to the above mentioned activity the fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a protein such as the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, column 3. Activity means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, the activity of polypeptide having an activity of a protein such as the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, column 3, or a similar activity, which is increased in the cell or organism or part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.33] to [0373.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0363.0.0.33] to [0373.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0363.0.0.27] to [0373.0.0.27] above.

[0374.0.32.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0374.0.32.32] above.

[0375.0.0.33] to [0376.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0375.0.0.33] to [0376.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0375.0.0.27] to [0376.0.0.27] above.

[0377.0.32.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0377.0.32.32] above.

[0378.0.0.33] to [0379.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0378.0.0.33] to [0379.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0378.0.0.27] to [0379.0.0.27] above.

[0380.0.32.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0380.0.32.32] above.

[0381.0.0.33] to [0382.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0381.0.0.33] to [0382.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0381.0.0.27] to [0382.0.0.27] above.

[0383.0.32.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0383.0.32.32] above.

[0384.0.0.33] to [0385.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0384.0.0.33] to [0385.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0384.0.0.27] to [0385.0.0.27] above.

[0386.0.32.33] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0386.0.32.32] above.

[0387.0.0.33] to [0392.0.0.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0387.0.0.33] to [0392.0.0.33] see paragraphs [0387.0.0.27] to [0392.0.0.27] above.

[0393.0.33.33] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

(a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical after expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7 and, optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete genomic clone; (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells, preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for producing the respective fine chemical; (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (e) assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host cells; and (f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the respective fine chemical level in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.32.33] to [0552.0.32.33] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0394.0.32.33] to [0552.0.32.33] see paragraphs [0394.0.0.32] to [0552.0.0.32] above.

[0553.0.33.33]

-   1. A process for the production of palmitic acid, which comprises     -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as         indicated in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or a         functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism, or in one         or more parts thereof; and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of palmitic acid in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of palmitic acid, comprising the     increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the     expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a     nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of palmitic         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of palmitic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of palmitic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of palmitic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 33,         column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of palmitic         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of palmitic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no.         33, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of         palmitic acid in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         palmitic acid in an organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound palmitic acid. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         palmitic acid produced by the selected mutated organisms or         parts thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of palmitic         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of palmitic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of palmitic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of palmitic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 33,         column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of palmitic         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of palmitic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no.         33, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of         palmitic acid in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         palmitic acid in an organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 33, columns 5         or 7, by one or more nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     XII, application no. 33, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids -   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of palmitic acid in an     organism or a part thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of palmitic acid         in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a         sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions         which permit the expression the polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the palmitic acid level or the polypeptide         expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or         the media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured         or maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured palmitic acid level or polypeptide expression level         with a standard of palmitic acid or polypeptide expression level         measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample         comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased         level over the standard indicates that the compound or the         sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and         a decreased level over the standard indicates that the compound         or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an         antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased palmitic acid production in a plant or microorganism,     comprising the steps:     -   (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of palmitic acid in an organism or a part thereof and a         readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under         suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the         polypeptide with dais readout system in the presence of a         compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and         capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the         binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which         permit the expression of said readout system and of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6         conferring an increase in the amount of palmitic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in palmitic acid production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in palmitic acid after expression with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing palmitic acid;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the palmitic acid level in the host cells; and     -   (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the palmitic acid level in the         host cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild         type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in palmitic acid production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the palmitic acid amount or         level in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and         which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing palmitic acid;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the palmitic acid level in the host cells; and     -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the palmitic acid level in the         host cell after expression compared to the wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     palmitic acid after expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of palmitic acid levels in an organism. -   25. Food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the     plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim     16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified     according to the method of claim 19 or 20. -   26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according     to the method of claim 19 or 20 for the protection of a plant     against a palmitic acid synthesis inhibiting herbicide.

[0554.0.0.33] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.27]

NEW GENES FOR A PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.34.34] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.34] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0001.0.0.27].

[0002.0.34.34] Sterols are a class of essential, natural compounds required by all eukaryotes to complete their life cycle. In animals, cholesterol is typically the major sterol while in fungi it is ergosterol. Plants produce a class of sterols called phytosterols. Phytosterols are natural components of many vegetables and grains. The term “phytosterols” covers plant sterols and plant stanols. Plant sterols are naturally occurring substances present in the diet as minor components of vegetable oils. The structures of these plant sterols are similar to that of cholesterol with an extra methyl or ethyl group and a double bond in the side chain. Saturated plant sterols, referred to as stanols, have no double bond in the ring structure.

Phytosterols (including plant sterols and stanols) are natural components of plant foods, especially plant oils, seeds and nuts, cereals and legumes specially of edible vegetable oils such as sunflower seed oil and, as such are natural constituents of the human diet. The most common phytosterols are beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol. Beta-sitosterol is found in high amounts in nuts.

[0003.0.34.34] A high concentration of cholesterol in serum, i.e., hypercholesterolemia, is a wellknown risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). Blood cholesterol levels can be decreased by following diets, which are low in saturated fat, high in polyunsaturated fat and low in cholesterol. Although considerable achievements have been made in terms of knowledge and education, consumers still find it difficult to follow healthy eating advice.

Both plant sterols and plant stanols are effective in lowering plasma total and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and this occurs by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol from the small intestine. The plasma cholesterol-lowering properties of plant sterols have been known since the 1950s (Pollak, Circulation, 7, 702-706.1953). They have been used as cholesterol-lowering agents, first in a free form (Pollak and Kritchevsky, Sitosterol. In: Monographs on Aherosclerosis. Clarkson T B, Kritchevsky D, Pollak O J, eds. New York, Basel, Karger 1981; 1-219) and recently mainly as esterified phytosterols (Katan et al., Mayo Clin Proc 2003; 78: 965-978). The consumption of plant sterols and plant stanols lowers blood cholesterol levels by inhibiting the absorption of dietary and endogenously-produced cholesterol from the small intestine and the plant sterols/stanols are only very poorly absorbed themselves. This inhibition is related to the similarity in physico-chemical properties of plant sterols and stanols and cholesterol. Plant sterols and plant stanols appear to be without hazard to health, having been shown without adverse effects in a large number of human studies. They show no evidence of toxicity even at high dose levels and gastro-intestinal absorption is low.

[0004.0.34.34] The most abundant sterols of vascular plants are campesterol, sitosterol and stigmasterol, all of which contain a double bond between the carbon atoms at positions 5 and 6 and are classified as delta-5 sterols.

Exemplary naturally occurring delta-5 plant sterols isofucosterol, sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol, cholesterol, and di hydrobrassicasterol. Exemplary naturally occurring non-delta-5 plant sterols are cycloartenol, 24-methylene cycloartenol, cycloeucalenol, and obtusifoliol.

The ratio of delta-5 to non-delta-5 sterols in plants can be an important factor relating to insect pest resistance. Insect pests are unable to synthesize de novo the steroid nucleus and depend upon external sources of sterols in their food source for production of necessary steroid compounds. In particular, insect pests require an external source of delta-5 sterols. By way of example, externally provided delta-5 sterols are necessary for the production of ecdysteroids, hormones that control reproduction and development. See, e.g., Costet et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 84:643 (1987) and Corio-Costet et al., Archives of Insect Biochem. Physiol., 11:47 (1989).

[0005.0.34.34] US 20020148006 and WO 98/45457 describes the modulation of phytosterol compositions to confer resistance to insects, nematodes, fungi and/or environmental stresses, and/or to improve the nutritional value of plants by using a DNA sequence encoding a first enzyme; which binds a first sterol and is preferably selected from the group consisting of S-adenosyl-L-methionine-₂₄₍₂₅₎-sterol methyl transferase, a C-4 demethylase, a cycloeucalenol to obtusifoliol-isomerase, a 14-demethylase, a ₈ to ₇-isomerase, a ₇-C-S-desaturase and a 24,25-reductase, and produces a second sterol and a 3′ non-translated region which causes polyadenylation at the 3′ end of the RNA.

WO 93/16187 discloses new plants containing in its genome one or more genes involved in the early stages of phytosterol biosynthesis, preferably the genes encode mevalonate kinase.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,862, U.S. Pat. No. 5,589,619, U.S. Pat. No. 5,365,017, U.S. Pat. No. 5,349,126 and US 20030150008 describe a method of increasing sterol (and squalene) accumulation in a plant based on an increased HMG-CoA reductase activity to increase the pest resistance of transgenic plants.

WO 97/48793 discloses a C-14 sterol reductase polypeptide for the genetic manipulation of a plant sterol biosynthetic pathway.

US 20040172680 disclose the use of a gene expressing a SMT1 (sterol methyltransferase) to increase the level of sterols in the seeds of plants. A DNA sequence encoding sterol methyltransferase isolated from Zea mays is disclosed in WO 00/08190. Bouvier-Nav et al in Eur. J. Biochem. 256, 88-96 (1988) describes two families of sterol methyl transf erases (SMTs), The first (SMT1) applying to cycloartenol and the second (SMT2) to 24-methylene lophenol. Schaller et al (Plant Physiology (1998) 118: 461-169) describes the over-expression of SMT2 from Arabidopsis in tobacco resulting in a change in the ratio of 24-methyl cholesterol to sitosterol in the tobacco leaf.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,723,837 and US 20040199940 disclose nucleic acid molecules encoding proteins and fragments of proteins associated with sterol and phytosterol metabolism as well as cells, that have been manipulated to contain increased levels or overexpress at least one sterol or phytosterol compound. The protein or fragment is selected from the group consisting of a HES1, HMGCoA reductase, squalene synthase, cycloartenol synthase, SMTI, SMTII and UPC, preferably from member of the KES1/HES1/OSH1 family of oxysterol-binding (OSBP) proteins comprising an oxysterol-binding protein consensus sequence—E(K, Q)×SH (H, R) PPx (S, T, A, C, F)A. One class of proteins, oxysterol-binding proteins, have been reported in humans and yeast (Jiang et al., Yeast 10: 341-353 (1994), the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference). These proteins have been reported to modulate ergosterol levels in yeast (Jiang et al., Yeast 10: 341-353 (1994)). In particular, Jiang et al., reported three genes KES1, HES1 and OSH1, which encode proteins containing an oxysterol-binding region.

[0006.0.34.34] Transgenic plants having altered sterol profiles could be instrumental in establishing a dietary approach to cholesterol management and cardiovascular disease prevention. The altered phytosterol profile further leads to pest resistance.

[0007.0.34.34] Although people consume plant sterols every day in their normal diet, the amount is not great enough to have a significant blood cholesterol lowering effect. The intake of phytosterols varies among different populations according to the food products being consumed, but the average daily Western diet is reported to contain 150-300 mg of these sterols (de Vries et al., J Food Comp Anal 1997; 19: 115-141; Björkhem et al. Inborn errors in bile acid biosynthesis and storage of sterols other than cholesterol. In: The Metabolic and Molecular Bases of Inherited Disease. Scriver C S, Beaudet A L, Sly W S, Valle D, eds. New York, McGraw-Hill 2001; 2961-2988). In order to achieve a cholesterol-lowering benefit, approximately 1 g/day of plant sterols need to be consumed (Hendriks et al., European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 53, 319-327.1999).

[0008.0.34.34] Phytosterols are found naturally in plant foods at low levels. The enrichment of foods such as margarines with plant sterols and stanols is one of the recent developments in functional foods to enhance the cholesterol-lowering ability of traditional food products. Incorporation of additional phytosterols into the diet may be an effective way of lowering total and LDL cholesterol levels. The non-esterified phytosterols can be used as novel food ingredients in:

-   (f) bakery products and cereals (eg, breakfast cereals, breakfast     bars); -   (g) dairy products such as low and reduced fat liquid milk, low and     reduced fat yoghurt and yoghurt products, and dairy based desserts; -   (h) non-carbonated soft drinks like low and reduced fat soy     beverages and low and reduced fat soy-based yoghurts; -   (i) meat products or edible fats and oils (eg, mayonnaise, spice     sauces, salad dressings); -   (j) margarine; and -   table spreads or dietary fats.

[0009.0.34.34] When edible oils undergo normal refining, plant sterols are partially extracted. It is estimated that 2500 tonnes of vegetable oil needs to be refined to produce 1 tonne of plant sterols. Plant stanols are obtained by hydrogenation of the plant sterols.

[0010.0.34.34] Another source of plant sterols is tall oil, derived from the process of paper production from wood and approximately 2500 tonnes of pine is required to produce 1 tonne of plant sterols. Tall oil also contains a higher proportion of plant stanols (primarily b-sitostanol) than do vegetable oils.

[0011.0.34.34] As described above, phytosterols are used in a lot of different applications, for example in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and in feed and food. Therefore improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the food-and-feed industry. Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible a sterol profile in the diet.

[0012.0.34.34] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes which participate in the biosynthesis of phytosterols and make it possible to produce them specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for or regulators of biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of phytosterols; on the other hand as less as possible by products should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.34] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0013.0.0.27] above.

[0014.0.34.34] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is/are phytosterols. The term “phytosterols” covers plant sterols and plant stanols. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “phytosterols”. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising plant sterols and plant stanols, preferably beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and/or stigmasterol.

[0015.0.34.34] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means phytosterols, plant sterols and plant stanols. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means phytosterols and ester, thioester or sterols in free form or bound to other compounds. For the purpose of this description, the term sterol/stanol refers both to free sterols/stanols and conjugated sterols/stanols, for example, where the 3-hydroxy group is esterified by a fatty acid chain or phenolic acid to give a steryl/stanyl ester. As used herein, the term “phytosterol” includes all phytosterols without limitation, for example: sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, brassicasterol, desmosterol, chalinosterol, poriferasterol, clionasterol, the corresponding stanols and all natural or synthesized forms and derivatives thereof, including isomers. It is to be understood that modifications to the phytosterols i.e. to include side chains also falls within the purview of this invention. All those derivates forms are summarized as “conjugates”. In an preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or the term “phytosterol” or the term “the respective fine chemical” means at least one chemical compound plant sterols and plant stanols selected from the group “beta-sitosterol, sitostanol, stigmasterol, brassicasterol, campestanol, isofucosterol and campesterol”, preferred “beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and/or stigmasterol”, most preferred “beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol”. Also preferably, are esters of sterols/stanols with C10-24 fatty acids.

Increased phytosterol content normally means an increased total phytosterol content. However, an increased phytosterol content also means, in particular, a modified content of the above-described compounds (“beta-sitosterol, sitostanol, stigmasterol, brassicasterol, campestanol, isofucosterol and campesterol”) with phytosterol activity, without the need for an inevitable Xlncrease in the total phytosterol content.

[0016.0.34.34] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more     -   of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 34, column 3         encoded by the nucleic acid sequences as shown in table XI,         application no. 34, column 5, in a non-human organism or in one         one or more parts thereof or -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus beta-sitosterol and/or     campesterol of the invention or fine chemicals comprising     beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol of the invention, in said     organism or in the culture medium surrounding the organism.

[0016.1.34.34] Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means in one embodiment “beta-Sitosterol” in relation to all sequences listed in Tables XI to XIV, line 19 or homologs thereof and

means in one embodiment “Campesterol” in relation to all sequences listed in Table XI to XIV, line 20, or homologs thereof.

Accordingly, in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “beta-Sitosterol” and “Campesterol” in relation to all sequences listed in Table XI to XIV, lines 19 and/or 20.

[0017.0.0.34] and [0019.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0017.0.0.34] and [0019.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0017.0.0.27] and [0019.0.0.27] above.

[0020.0.34.34] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Zea mays protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, lines 19 and 20 in a plant conferred an increase in beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of beta-Sitosterol; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of Campesterol, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol.

[0021.0.0.34] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0021.0.0.27] above.

[0022.0.34.34] The sequence of YKR057W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon et al., Nature 369 (6479), 371-378, 1994 and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its activity is being defined as a ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein involved in the ribosome biogenesis and translation, in particular of the superfamiliy of the ribosomal protein, preferably having a S21 ribosomal protein activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phytosterol, e.g. beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol and/or conjugates, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the YKR057W protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the phytosterol biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of phytosterol from the intermediates like squalene and squalene epoxide or cycloartenol. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. of a protein of the yeast ribosomal protein superfamily or preferably having a activity involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a plant or a homolog thereof.

[0022.1.0.34] to [0023.0.34.34] for the disclosure of this paragraphs see

[0022.1.0.27] to [0023.0.0.27] above.

[0023.1.34.34] Homologs of the polypeptide disclosed in table XII, application no. 34, column 5, may have the activity of a protein as disclosed in Table XI or XII, application no. 34, column 3 and may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in table XI, application no. 34, column 7, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in table XII, application no. 34, column 7, resp.

[0024.0.0.34] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0024.0.0.27] above.

[0025.0.34.34] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein as shown in table XII, application no. 34, column 3” if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased in the level of the fine chemical indicated in the respective line of table XII, application no. 34, column 6 “metabolite” in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism. The protein has the above mentioned activities of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 34, column 3, preferably in the event the nucleic acid sequences encoding said proteins is functionally joined to the nucleic acid sequence of a transit peptide. Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 34, column 3, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic or biological activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to a protein as shown in the respective line of table XII, application no. 34, column 3 of a E. coli or Saccharomyces cerevisae, respectively, protein as mentioned in table XI to XIV, column 3 respectively and as disclosed in paragraph [0022] of the respective invention.

[0025.1.0.34] and [0025.2.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0025.1.0.34] and [0025.2.0.34] see [0025.1.0.27] and [0025.2.0.27] above.

[0026.0.0.34] to [0033.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0026.0.0.34] to [0033.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0026.0.0.27] to [0033.0.0.27] above.

[0034.0.34.34] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity, preferably of the activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a respective protein as shown in table XII, application no. 34, column 3 its biochemical or genetical causes and the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.34] to [0038.0.0.34] and [0039.0.5.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0035.0.0.34] to [0038.0.0.34] and [0039.0.5.12] see paragraphs [0035.0.0.27] to [0039.0.0.27] above.

[0040.0.0.34] to [0044.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0040.0.0.34] to [0044.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0035.0.0.27] and [0044.0.0.27] above.

[0045.0.34.34.] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein. as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 34, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, column 6 of the respective line, between 10% and 50%, 10% and 100%, 10% and 200%, 10% and 300%, 10% and 400%, 10% and 500%, 20% and 50%, 20% and 250%, 20% and 500%, 50% and 100%, 50% and 250%, 50% and 500%, 500% and 1000% or more.

[0046.0.34.34] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 34, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, column 6 of the respective line confers an increase of the respective fine chemical or their precursors.

[0047.0.0.34] to [0048.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0047.0.0.34] and [0048.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0047.0.0.27] and [0048.0.0.27] above.

[0049.0.34.34] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fine chemical, has in one embodiment the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of the polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 34, column 7 or of the polypeptide as shown in the amino acid sequences as disclosed in table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 and 7 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by the nucleic acid molecule as shown in table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 and 7 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.34.34] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “the respective fine chemical” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of phytosterols or their ester.

[0051.0.0.34] and [0052.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0051.0.5.12] and [0052.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0051.0.0.27] and [0052.0.0.27] above.

[0053.0.34.34] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps:

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having the     activity of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 34,     columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity having herein-mentioned     beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol of the invention increasing     activity; and/or -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention as     shown in table XI, application no. -   34, columns 5 and 7, e.g. a nucleic acid sequence encoding a     polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated in table     XII, application no. 34, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity or     of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol of the invention     increasing activity; and/or -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity, or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation     of the polypeptide of the invention; and/or -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned beta-sitosterol and/or     campesterol of the invention increasing activity, e.g. of a     polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated in table     XII, application no. 34, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity;     and/or -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity, by adding one or more exogenous inducing     factors to the organisms or parts thereof; and/or -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned beta-sitosterol and/or     campesterol of the invention increasing activity, e.g. of a     polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated in table     XII, application no. 34, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity,     and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned beta-sitosterol and/or     campesterol of the invention increasing activity, e.g. of a     polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated in table     XII, application no. 34, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity;     and/or -   h) increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having the activity     of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 34, columns     5 and 7 or its homologs activity, by adding positive expression or     removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination     can be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like     for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor     elements form regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods     can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity     of positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced     in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be     identified in which the positive elements have be integrated near to     a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby     enhanced; and/or -   i) modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical production;     and/or -   k) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.34.34] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical as indicated in column 6 of application no. 34 in Table XI to XIV, resp., after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity as the protein as shown in table XII, application no. 34, column 5 or 7. In general, the amount of mRNA or polypeptide in a cell or a compartment of a organism correlates with the amount of encoded protein and thus with the overall activity of the encoded protein in said volume. Said correlation is not always linear, the activity in the volume is dependent on the stability of the molecules or the presence of activating or inhibiting co-factors. Further, product and educt inhibitions of enzymes are well known and described in Textbooks, e.g. Stryer, Biochemistry.

[0055.0.0.34] to [0067.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0055.0.0.34] to [0067.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0055.0.0.27] to [0067.0.0.27] above.

[0068.0.34.34] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of the phytosterol(s) is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.34] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraphs [0069.0.0.27] above.

[0070.0.34.34] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding the YKR057W protein into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolites composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous fatty acid composition comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) phytosterol(s) etc.

[0071.0.0.34] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0071.0.0.27] above.

[0072.0.34.34] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to phytosterols further sterols, stanols or squalene, squalene epoxide or cycloartenol.

[0073.0.34.34] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

-   a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a     non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue     or a plant; -   b) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or a     homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34,     columns 5 or 7, or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic     acid molecule of the present invention and described below, e.g.     conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in an     organism, preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant     or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant, -   c) growing an organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human     animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant     under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine     chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant     cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and -   d) if desired, revovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or     bound the respective fine chemical and, optionally further free     and/or bound phytosterol or its conjugate synthesised by the     organism, the microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or     animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.34.34] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound the respective fine chemical or the free and bound respective fine chemical but as option it is also possible to produce, recover and, if desired isolate, other free or/and bound of phytosterol(s) or its/their conjugates.

[0075.0.0.34] to [0077.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0075.0.0.34] to [0077.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0075.0.0.27] to [0077.0.0.27] above.

[0078.0.34.34] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, respective fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications, for example according to the disclosures made in:

US 20040101829, which disclose a methods for treating hyperlipidemia and to reduce Low Density Lipoprotein (“LDL”) levels in a subject, US 20040047971, which disclose the preparation of a fat composition containing sterol esters characterised by direct interesterification of sterol with triglyceride, U.S. Pat. No. 5,965,449, which describes phytosterol-based compositions useful in preventing and treating cardiovascular disease and other disorders, U.S. Pat. No. 5,523,087, which is for a pharmaceutical composition containing beta-sitosterol for the treatment of diabetic male sexual dysfunction; U.S. Pat. No. 5,747,464, which discloses a composition for inhibiting absorption of fat and cholesterol from the gut comprising beta.-sitosterol bound irreversibly to pectin, U.S. Pat. No. 4,588,717, which describes a vitamin supplement which comprises a fatty acid ester of a phytosterol, U.S. Pat. No. 5,270,041, which teaches the use of small amounts of sterols, their fatty acid esters and glucosides for the treatment of tumours, U.S. Pat. No. 6,087,353, which comprises methods of making a composition suitable for incorporation into foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and the like which comprises condensing a suitable aliphatic acid with a phytosterol to form a phytosterol ester and subsequently hydrogenating the phytosterol ester to form a hydrogenated phytosterol ester, which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

The fermentation broth, fermentation products, plants or plant products can be treated with water and a mixture of organic solvents (hexane and acetone) in order to extract the phytosterols. Crude phytosterols are obtained from the organic phase by removal of the solvents, complexation of the sterols in the extract with calcium chloride in methanol, separation of the sterol-complexes by centrifugation, dissociation of the complexes by heating in water and removal of the water. The crude phytosterols can be further purified by crystallisation from isopropanol. According to an other production process the tall oil soap is first subjected to fractional distillation which removes volatile compounds. The resulting residue (tall oil pitch) containing sterols in esterified form is treated with alkali to liberate these sterols. After neutralisation, the material is subjected to a two-stage distillation process. The distillate is then dissolved in methanol/methylethylketone solvent and the sterols crystallising from this solution are obtained by filtration, washed with solvent and dried. U.S. Pat. No. 4,420,427 teaches the preparation of sterols from vegetable oil sludge using solvents such as methanol. Alternatively, phytosterols may be obtained from tall oil pitch or soap, by-products of the forestry practise as described in PCT/CA95/00555, incorporated herein by reference. The extraction and crystallization may be performed by other methods known to the person skilled in the art and described herein below. To form a phytosterol ester in accordance with the U.S. Pat. No. 6,087,353, the selected phytosterol and aliphatic acid or its ester with volatile alcohol are mixed together under reaction conditions to permit condensation of the phytosterol with the aliphatic acid to produce an ester. A most preferred method of preparing these esters which is widely used in the edible fat and oil industry is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,502,045 (which is incorporated herein by reference). The stanol and/or sterol esters with the desired fatty acid composition can also be produced by direct, preferably catalytic esterification methods, e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 5,892,068, between free fatty acids or fatty acid blends of the composition and the stanol and/or sterol. In addition, stanol and/or sterol esters can also be produced by enzymatic esterification e.g. as outlined in EP 195 311 (which are incorporated herein by reference).

Products of these different work-up procedures are phytosterols and/or esters and/or conjugates or compositions which still comprise fermentation broth, plant particles and cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably between below 50% by weight.

[0079.0.0.34] to [0084.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0079.0.0.34] to [0084.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0079.0.0.27] to [0084.0.0.27] above.

[0085.0.34.34] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no.     34, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative     thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.34] and [0087.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0086.0.0.34] and [0087.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0086.0.0.27] and [0087.0.0.27] above.

[0088.0.34.34] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose phytosterol content is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for poultry is dependent on the abovementioned phytosterol and the general amount of phytosterol as source in feed and/or food. Further, this is also important since, for example a balanced content of different phytosterols induces stress resistance to plants. After the YKR057W, protein activity has been increased or generated, or after the expression of nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide according to the invention has been generated or increased, the transgenic plant generated thus is grown on or in a nutrient medium or else in the soil and subsequently harvested.

[0088.1.0.34], [0089.0.0.34] and [0090.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0088.1.0.34], [0089.0.0.34] and [0090.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0088.1.0.27],

[0089.0.0.27] and [0090.0.0.27] above.

[0091.0.34.34] Thus, the content of plant components and preferably also further impurities is as low as possible, and the abovementioned phytosterols are obtained in as pure form as possible. In these applications, the content of plant components advantageously amounts to less than 10%, preferably 1%, more preferably 0.1%, very especially preferably 0.01% or less.

[0092.0.0.34] to [0094.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0092.0.0.34] to [0094.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0092.0.0.27] to [0094.0.0.27] above.

[0095.0.34.34] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of said phytosterols in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the pure respective fine chemical.

[0096.0.34.34] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptid or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired fine chemical, for example beta-sitosterol or campesterol in the organism, is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0097.0.0.34] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0097.0.0.27] above.

[0098.0.34.34] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical (beta-sitosterol or campesterol) is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further phytosterols or conjugates or mixtures thereof or mixtures with other compounds by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.34.34] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned phytosterol (preferably beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol) accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, and spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the respective fine chemical or the phytosterol (preferably beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol) comprising compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.34.34] Transgenic plants which comprise the phytosterol (preferably beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol) synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the phytosterols (preferably beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol) (oils, lipids or fatty acids synthesized to be isolated). Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. However, the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, in the form of their oils, fats, lipids, esters and/or as extracts, e.g. ether, alcohol, or other organic solvents or water containing extract and/or free phytosterol(s). The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds. To increase the efficiency of extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material especially the seeds. In this context, the oils, fats, lipids, esters and/or free phytosterols can be obtained by what is known as cold beating or cold pressing without applying heat. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, specifically the seeds, they are previously comminuted, steamed or roasted. The seeds, which have been pretreated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents such as warm hexane. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. In this manner, more than 96% of the compounds produced in the process can be isolated. Thereafter, the resulting products are processed further, i.e. degummed and/or refined. In this process, substances such as the plant mucilages and suspended matter are first removed. What is known as desliming can be affected enzymatically or, for example, chemico-physically by addition of acid such as phosphoric acid.

Plant sterols (phytosterols) are by-products of traditional vegetable oil refining. The source may be commonly a blend of crude edible oils, consisting of soy bean oil or of other edible oils, e.g. corn, rapeseed, olive and palm oil in varying proportions. Hemp may also be a source of new oilseed, oil and food ingredients as well as Sea buckthorn (hippophae rhamnoides). The crude oil, which is obtained by pressing or solvent extraction, may undergoes a series of refining processes to remove solvents, lecithins, free fatty acids, color bodies, off-odors and off-flavors. In one of these steps, the oil may be subjected to steam distillation at reduced pressure (deodorisation) and the resulting distillate contains the phytosterol fraction. From this fraction, fatty acids, lecithins and other compounds are removed by fractional distillation, ethanolysis/transesterification, distillation and crystallisation from a heptane solution, and the phytosterols are further purified by recrystallisation using food grade materials and good manufacturing practices. The extraction and purification steps are standard methods and similar to the procedures used traditionally by the food industry for the production of plant sterols. Phytosterol esters may be produced from the sterols using food grade vegetable oil-derived fatty acids or triglycerides and applying standard methods for esterification or transesterification commonly used in the fats and oils industry.

Phytosterol in microorganisms may be localized intracellularly, therefor their recovery essentials comes down to the isolation of the biomass. Well-establisthed approaches for the harvesting of cells include filtration, centrifugation and coagulation/flocculation as described herein. Determination of tocopherols in cells has been described by Tan and Tsumura 1989, see also Biotechnology of Vitamins, Pigments and Growth Factors, Edited by Erik J. Vandamme, London, 1989, p. 96 to 103. Many further methods to determine the tocopherol content are known to the person skilled in the art.

[0101.0.34.34] The identity and purity of the compound(s) isolated can be determined by prior-art techniques. They encompass high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assays or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are compiled in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11 27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19:67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Bd. A27, VCH Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michal, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 17.

[0102.0.34.34] Phytosterols can for example be analyzed advantageously via HPLC or GC separation methods and detected by MS oder MSMS methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol containing products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: GC, GC-MS or TLC, as described on several occasions by Christie and the references therein (1997, in: Advances on Lipid Methodology, Fourth Edition: Christie, Oily Press, Dundee, 119-169; 1998, Gaschromatographie-Massenspektrometrie-Verfah ren [Gas chromatography/mass spectrometric methods], Lipide 33:343-353). The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding, cooking, or via other applicable methods; see also Biotechnology of Vitamins, Pigments and Growth Factors, Edited by Erik J. Vandamme, London, 1989, p. 96 to 103.

For the sterol isolation and analysis the German standard method F III (1) may be used. The method comprises: saponification of fat, isolation of unsaponifiable matter using an aliminium oxide column, separation of sterol fraction by preparative TLC and determination of the composition of sterols as trimetysilyl ethers by GLC.

[0103.0.34.34] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table     XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof,     which confers an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7. -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table XIII, application no. 34, column 7, and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table XIV,     application no. 34, column 7, and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no.     34, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[00103.1.34.34.] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7 by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7.

[0104.0.34.34] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, y one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7.

[0105.0.0.34] to [0107.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0105.0.0.34] to [0107.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0105.0.0.27] and [0107.0.0.27] above.

[0108.0.34.34] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from an amino acid sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 34, column 7, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, column 3, 5 or 7, or conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, meaning phytosterol, in particular, beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.34] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0109.0.0.27] above.

[0110.0.34.34] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as shown in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.34] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0111.0.0.27] above.

[0112.0.34.34] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, column 3, or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 and 7, and conferring an increase in the level of phytosterols, preferably beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol.

[0113.0.0.34] to [0120.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0113.0.0.34] to [0120.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0113.0.0.27] and [0120.0.0.27] above.

[0121.0.34.34] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring an increase in the level of beta-sitosterol after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or conferring increase in the level of campesterol after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7.

[0122.0.0.34] to [0127.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0122.0.0.34] to [0127.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0122.0.0.27] and [0127.0.0.27] above.

[0128.0.34.34] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 34, column 7, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or the sequences derived from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7.

[0129.0.34.34] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequences indicated in Table XIV, application no. 34, column 7, are derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.34.34] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of phytosterol, preferably beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol resp after increasing the expression or activity of the protein comprising said fragment.

[0131.0.0.34] to [0138.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0131.0.0.34] to [0138.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0131.0.0.27] to [0138.0.0.27] above.

[0139.0.34.34] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to a sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the phytosterol, preferably beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.34] to [0146.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0140.0.0.34] to [0146.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0140.0.0.27] to [0146.0.0.27] above.

[0147.0.34.34] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences s such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.34.34] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7 or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular, of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.34.34] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity and as indicated in indicated in Table XII.

[00149.1.34.34] Optionally, in one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, column 3.

[0150.0.34.34] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol, resp., if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 34, column 7, will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7 or its gene product.

[0151.0.0.34] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0151.0.0.27] above.

[0152.0.34.34] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular an activity increasing the level of phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol, resp., as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.34.34] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, has for example an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, column 3.

[0154.0.34.34] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.34] and [0156.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0155.0.0.34] and [0156.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0155.0.0.27] and [0156.0.0.27] above.

[0157.0.34.34] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptides encoded by the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, an amino acid sequence of a consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 34, column 7, or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 34, column 7, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, Preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, column 7.

[0158.0.0.34] to [0160.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0158.0.0.34] to [0160.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0158.0.0.27] to [0160.0.0.27] above.

[0161.0.34.34] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.34] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0162.0.0.27] above.

[0163.0.34.34] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the respective fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.34] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0164.0.0.27] above.

[0165.0.34.34] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7.

[0166.0.0.34] and [0167.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0166.0.0.34] and [0167.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0166.0.0.27] and [0167.0.0.27] above.

[0168.0.34.34] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7.

[0169.0.0.34] to [0172.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0169.0.0.34] to [0172.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0169.0.0.27] to [0172.0.0.27] above.

[0173.0.34.34] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108442 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108442 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraph [0174.0.0.34] see paragraph [0174.0.0.27] above.

[0175.0.34.34] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108443 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108443 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.34.34] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7.

[0177.0.34.34] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7.

[0178.0.0.34] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0178.0.0.27] above.

[0179.0.34.34] A nucleic acid molecule encoding an homologous to a protein sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences of a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.34] to [0183.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0180.0.0.34] to [0183.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0180.0.0.27] to [0183.0.0.27] above.

[0184.0.34.34] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.34.34] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7,

[0186.0.34.34] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7.

[0187.0.34.34] In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence of the amino sequences indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7.

[0188.0.34.34] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential biological or enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7 and is expressed under identical conditions.

[0189.0.34.34] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7 also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.34] to [0203.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0190.0.0.34] to [0203.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0190.0.0.27] to [0203.0.0.27] above.

[0204.0.34.34] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no.     34, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical, in particular according     to table XII, application no. 34, column 6 in an organism or a part     thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI,     application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to -   (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in     an organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no.     34, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, in particular according to table XII,     application no. 34, column 6 in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 34,     columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, in particular according to table XII,     application no. 34, column 6 in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, in     particular accccording to table XII, application no. 34, column 6 in     an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or a     nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature form     of, a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34,     columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical according to table XII, application no. 34,     column 6 in an organism or a part thereof;     -   or which encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;         whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)         to (l) distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI,         application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides.         In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not consist of         the sequence shown and indicated in Table XI, application no.         34, columns 5 or 7,

In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7.

In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7.

In an other embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7.

In a further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the differs at least in one or more residues from a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention encodes a polypeptide, which differs at least in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7.

In another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7.

In a further embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical to a protein sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, and less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7.

[0205.0.0.34] and [0206.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0205.0.0.34] and [0206.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0205.0.0.27] and [0206.0.0.27] above.

[0207.0.34.34] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes, are genes of the sterol metabolism, the squalen metabolism, the amino acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acid metabolism or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.34] to [0226.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0208.0.0.34] to [0226.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0208.0.0.27] to [0226.0.0.27] above.

[0227.0.34.34] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the sterol biosynthetic pathway such as for a phytosterol precursor, for example squalene epoxide is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine one or more of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.34.34] In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore, organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of at least one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteins involved in the sterol/phytosterol metabolism, in particular in synthesis of of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol.

[0229.0.34.34] Further advantageous nucleic acid sequences which can be expressed in combination with the sequences used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes are the sequences encoding further genes of the phytosterol biosynthetic pathway, such as the enzymes catalyzing the production of acetyl CoA HMGCoA, mevalonate, mevalonate 5 phosphate, mevalonate 5-pyrophosphate, isopentyl diphosphate, 5-pyrophosphatemevalonate, isopentyl pyrophosphate (PIP), dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP), PIP+DMAPP, geranyl pyrophosphate+IPP, farnesyl pyrophosphate, 2 farnesyl pyrophosphate, squalene (squalene synthase) and squalene epoxide, or cycloartenol synthase controling the cyclization of squalene epoxide, S-adenosyl-L-methionine:sterol C-24 methyl transferase (EC 2.1.1.41) (SMT1) catalyzing the transfer of a methyl group from a cofactor, SMT2 catalyzing the second methyl transfer reaction, sterol C-14 demethylase catalyzing the demethylation at C-14, removing the methyl group and creating a double bond. These genes can lead to an increased synthesis of the essential phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol resp.

[0230.0.0.34] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0230.0.0.27] above.

[0231.0.34.34] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a protein degrading phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol, resp., is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.5] to [0276.0.0.5] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0232.0.0.5] to [0276.0.0.5] see paragraphs [0232.0.0.27] to [0276.0.0.27] above.

[0277.0.34.34] The respective fine chemical produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. For example, via extraction, salt precipitation, and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts.

[0278.0.0.34] to [0282.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0278.0.0.34] to [0282.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0278.0.0.27] to [0282.0.0.27] above.

[0283.0.34.34] Moreover, a native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, e.g. an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, column 3, or an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof, i.e., the polypeptide of this invention. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies.

[0284.0.0.34] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0284.0.0.27] above.

[0285.0.34.34] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or as encoded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.34.34] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 34, column 7. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 34, column 7, whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 34, column 7.

[0287.0.0.34] to [0290.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0287.0.0.34] to [0290.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0287.0.0.27] to [0290.0.0.27] above.

[0291.0.34.34] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences. In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids.

In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, by more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7.

[0292.0.0.34] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0292.0.0.27] above.

[0293.0.34.34] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof and being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7.

In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7.

[0294.0.34.34] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, column 3, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.34] to [0297.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0295.0.0.34] to [0297.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0295.0.0.27] to [0297.0.0.27] above.

[0297.1.34.34] Non polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 3, 5 or 7.

[0298.0.34.34] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence, which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7.

[0299.0.34.34] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.34.34] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, column 3, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0301.0.0.34] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0301.0.0.27] above.

[0302.0.34.34] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., the amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.34] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0303.0.0.27] above.

[0304.0.34.34] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, column 3, but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.34], [0306.0.0.34] and [0306.1.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0305.0.0.34], [0306.0.0.34] and [0306.1.0.34] see paragraphs [0305.0.0.27], [0306.0.0.27] and [0306.1.0.27] above.

[0307.0.0.34] and [0308.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0307.0.0.34] and [0308.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0307.0.0.27 and [0308.0.0.27] above.

[0309.0.34.34] In one embodiment, a reference to a protein (=polypeptide) of the invention or as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, column 3, and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part therof.

[0310.0.0.34] to [0334.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0310.0.0.34] to [0334.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0310.0.0.27] to [0334.0.0.27] above.

[0335.0.34.34] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.34] to [0342.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0336.0.0.34] to [0342.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0336.0.0.27] to [0342.0.0.27] above.

[0343.0.34.34] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.34] to [0361.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0344.0.0.34] to [0361.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0344.0.0.27] to [0361.0.0.27] above.

[0362.0.34.34] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, e.g. encoding a polypeptide having protein activity, as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, column 3. Due to the above mentioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, column 3, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention

[0363.0.0.34] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0363.0.0.27] above.

[0364.0.34.34] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of a promoter of a polypeptide of the invention as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, column 3, with the corresponding protein-encoding sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, column 3, —becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modified by non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example, mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

[0365.0.0.34] to [0373.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0365.0.0.34], to [0373.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0365.0.0.27] to [0373.0.0.27] above.

[0374.0.34.34] Transgenic plants comprising the respective fine chemical synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. Phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol resp., produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free form or bound in or to compounds or moieties. Phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol resp., produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography or other chromatographic methods of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.34] and [0376.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0375.0.0.34] and [0376.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0375.0.0.27] and [0376.0.0.27] above.

[0377.0.34.34] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process according to the present invention whereby the produced phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol comprising composition or the produced the respective fine chemical is isolated.

[0378.0.34.34] In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol, resp., produced in the process can be isolated. The resulting phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol resp., can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.34.34] In one embodiment, the phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol resp., is a mixture comprising of one or more the respective fine chemicals. In one embodiment, the respective fine chemical means here phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol. In one embodiment, phytosterol means here a mixture of the respective fine chemicals.

[0380.0.34.34] The phytosterol, in particular, the beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol resp., obtained in the process are suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates a method for the production of pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the phytosterol comprising composition produced or the respective fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the phytosterol resp., produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

[0381.0.0.34] and [0382.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0381.0.0.34] and [0382.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0381.0.0.27] and [0382.0.0.27] above.

[0383.0.34.34] For preparing sterol compound-containing fine chemicals, in particular the respective fine chemical of the invention, it is possible to use as source organic compounds such as, for example, acetyl CoA HMGCoA, mevalonate, mevalonate 5 phosphate, mevalonate 5-pyrophosphate, isopentyl diphosphate, 5-pyrophosphatemevalonate, isopentyl pyrophosphate (PIP), dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP), PIP+DMAPP, geranyl pyrophosphate+IPP, farnesyl pyrophosphate, 2 farnesyl pyrophosphate, squalene and squalene epoxide, cycloartenol and for preparing esters comprising the phytosterols of the invention oils, fats and/or lipids comprising fatty acids such as fatty acids having a carbon back bone between C₁₀- to C₁₆-carbon atoms and/or small organic acids such acetic acid, propionic acid or butanoic acid as precursor compounds.

[0384.0.0.34] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0384.0.0.27] above.

[0385.0.34.34] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol resp., in mixtures with other compounds, in particular with other sterols or vitamins, e.g. with carotenoids, e.g. with astaxanthin, or fatty acids or containing microorganisms or parts of microorganisms, like plastids, containing phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol resp., in mixtures with other compounds, e.g. with vitamins, normally have a dry matter content of from 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, e.g. at the end, for example over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 3 g/l during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed or isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it. The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

As phytosterol is often localized in membranes or plastids, in one embodiment it is advantageous to avoid a leaching of the cells when the biomass is isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth. The dry biomass can directly be added to animal feed; provided the vitamin E concentration is sufficiently high and no toxic compounds are present.

[0386.0.34.34] Accordingly, it is possible to further purify the produced phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesterol resp. For this purpose, the product-containing composition, e.g. a total or partial lipid extraction fraction using organic solvents, e.g. as described above, is subjected for example to a saponification to remove triglycerides, partition between e.g. hexane/methanol (separation of non-polar epiphase from more polar hypophasic derivates) and separation via e.g. an open column chromatography, preparative thin layer chromatography or HPLC in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin (see e.g. Kaluzny et al., J Lipid Res 1985; 26: 135-140). These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use.

[0387.0.0.34] to [0392.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0387.0.0.34] to [0392.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0387.0.0.27] to [0392.0.0.27] above.

[0393.0.34.34] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or     7, and, optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete     genomic clone; -   c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the fine chemical; -   d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   e) assaying the the fine chemical level in the host cells; and -   f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the the fine chemical level in the     host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.34] to [0399.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0394.0.0.34] to [0399.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0394.0.0.27] to [0399.0.0.27] above.

[0399.1.34.34] One can think to screen for increased production of the respective fine chemical by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the respective fine chemical and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotyp of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.34] to [0416.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0400.0.0.34] to [0416.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0400.0.0.27] to [0416.0.0.27] above.

[0417.0.34.34] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the phytosterol production biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect an organism such as a microorganism or a plant against inhibitors, which block the phytosterol, in particular the respective fine chemical, synthesis in said organism.

Examples of inhibitors or herbicides blocking the phytosterol synthesis in organism such as microorganism or plants are for example compounds which inhibit the cytochrom P450 such as Tetcyclasis, triazoles like Paclobutrazol or Epoxiconazol, pyridines like Obtusifoliol, demethylases inhibitors, or compounds like Mevilonin, which inhibits the HMG-CoA reductase.

[0418.0.0.34] to [0423.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0418.0.0.34] to [0423.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0418.0.0.27] to [0423.0.0.27] above.

[0424.0.34.34] Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the respective fine chemical or of the respective fine chemical and one or more other sterols, phytosterols, carotenoids, vitamins or fatty acids. Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the respective fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0425.0.0.34] to [0430.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0425.0.0.34] to [0430.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0425.0.0.27] to [0430.0.0.27] above.

[0431.0.0.34] to [0434.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0431.0.0.34] to [0434.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0431.0.0.27] to [0434.0.0.27] above.

[0435.0.34.34] Example 3 In-Vivo and In-Vitro Mutagenesis

[0436.0.34.34] An in vivo mutagenesis of organisms such as green algae (e.g. Spongiococcum sp, e.g. Spongiococcum exentricum, Chlorella sp., Haematococcus,

Phaedactylum tricornatum, Volvox or Dunaliella), Synchocytic spec. PLL 6803, Physocmetrella patens, Saccharomyces, Mortierella, Escherichia and others mentioned above, which are beneficial for the production of phytosterol can be carried out by passing a plasmid DNA (or another vector DNA) containing the desired nucleic acid sequences, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the vector of the invention, or nucleic acid sequences through E. coli and other microorganisms (for example Bacillus spp. or yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which are not capable of maintaining the integrity of its genetic information. Usual mutator strains have mutations in the genes for the DNA repair system [for example mutHLS, mutD, mutT and the like; for comparison, see Rupp, W. D. (1996) DNA repair mechanisms in Escherichia coli and Salmonella, pp. 2277-2294, ASM: Washington]. The skilled worker knows these strains. The use of these strains is illustrated for example in Greener, A. and Callahan, M. (1994) Strategies 7; 32-34.

In-vitro mutation methods such as increasing the spontaneous mutation rates by chemical or physical treatment are well known to the skilled person. Mutagens like 5-bromo-uracil, N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (=NTG), ethyl methanesulfonate (=EMS), hydroxylamine and/or nitrous acid are widly used as chemical agents for random in-vitro mutagensis. The most common physical method for mutagensis is the treatment with UV irradiation. Another random mutagenesis technique is the error-prone PCR for introducing amino acid changes into proteins. Mutations are deliberately introduced during PCR through the use of error-prone DNA polymerases and special reaction conditions known to a person skilled in the art. For this method randomized DNA sequences are cloned into expression vectors and the resulting mutant libraries screened for altered or improved protein activity as described below. Site-directed mutagensis method such as the introduction of desired mutations with an M13 or phagemid vector and short oligonucleotides primers is a well-known approach for site-directed mutagensis. The clou of this method involves cloning of the nucleic acid sequence of the invention into an M13 or phagemid vector, which permits recovery of single-stranded recombinant nucleic acid sequence. A mutagenic oligonucleotide primer is then designed whose sequence is perfectly complementary to nucleic acid sequence in the region to be mutated, but with a single difference: at the intended mutation site it bears a base that is complementary to the desired mutant nucleotide rather than the original. The mutagenic oligonucleotide is then allowed to prime new DNA synthesis to create a complementary full-length sequence containing the desired mutation. Another site-directed mutagensis method is the PCR mismatch primer mutagensis method also known to the skilled person. Dpnl site-directed mutagensis is a further known method as described for example in the Stratagene Quickchange™ site-directed mutagenesis kit protocol. A huge number of other methods are also known and used in common practice.

Positive mutation events can be selected by screening the organisms for the production of the desired respective fine chemical.

[0437.0.5.12] to [0440.0.5.12] and [0441.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0437.0.5.12] to [0440.0.5.12] and [0441.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0437.0.5.5] to [0444.0.5.5] and [0441.0.0.27] above.

[0442.0.5.12], [0443.0.0.34], [0444.0.5.12] and [0445.0.5.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0442.0.5.12], [0443.0.0.34], [0444.0.5.12] and [0445.0.5.12] see paragraphs [0442.0.5.5], [0443.0.0.27], [0444.0.5.5] and [0445.0.5.5] above.

[0446.0.0.34] to [0450.0.0.34] and [0451.0.5.12] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0446.0.0.34] to [0450.0.0.34] and [0451.0.5.12] see paragraphs [0446.0.0.27] to [0450.0.0.27] and [0451.0.5.5] above.

[0452.0.0.34] to [0454.0.0.34], [0455.0.5.12] and [0456.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0452.0.0.34] to [0454.0.0.34], [0455.0.5.12] and [0456.0.0.34] see

[0452.0.0.27] to [0454.0.0.27], [0455.0.5.5] and [0456.0.0.27] above.

[0457.0.34.34] Example 9 Purification of the Phytosterol

[0458.0.34.34] One example is the analysis of phytosterol: the content of the phytosterols of the invention can be determinated by gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection (GC-FID; column SAC-5, 30 m×0.25 mm, 0.25 μm, samples not silylated) using standards for these phytosterols. Another method is the detection by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using the same type of column as indicated above.

For the analysis of the concentrations of sterols by gas chromatography mass spectrometry a Hewlett-Packard (HP) 5890 gas chromatograph equipped with an NB-54 fused-silica capillary column (15 mx0.20 mm I.D.; Nordion, Helsinki, Finland) and interfaced with an HP 5970A mass spectrometry detector operating in electron impact mode (70 eV) can be used. The column oven is programmed from 230° C. to 285° C. at 10° C./min and injector and detector should be at 285° C. The lipids from the samples (200 μl) are extracted with chloroform/methanol (2:1) and transesterified with sodium methoxide. The released free sterols are trimethylsilylated as described previously (Gylling et al. J. Lipid Res 40: 593-600, 1999) and quantified by single ion monitoring technique using m/z 129 (cholesterol, campesterol and β-sitosterol), m/z 215 (β-sitostanol), m/z 343 (desmosterol), m/z 255 (lathosterol) and m/z 217 (5-α-cholestane, internal standard) as selected ions (Vaskonen, Dissertation, Biomedicum Helsinki, Jun. 19, 2002).

[0459.0.34.34] If required and desired, further chromatography steps with a suitable resin may follow. Advantageously, the phytosterol, in particular, of beta-sitosterol and/or campesteroll, can be further purified with a so-called RTHPLC. As eluent acetonitrile/water or chloroform/acetonitrile mixtures can be used. If necessary, these chromatography steps may be repeated, using identical or other chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the selection of suitable chromatography resin and the most effective use for a particular molecule to be purified.

[0460.0.0.34] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0460.0.0.27] above.

[0461.0.34.34] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 108442 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.34] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0462.0.0.27] above.

[0463.0.34.34] SEQ ID NO: 108442 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.34] to [0466.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0464.0.0.34] to [0466.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0464.0.0.27] to [0466.0.0.27] above.

[0467.0.34.34] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 108442:

i) forward primer: SEQ ID NO: 108448 ii) reverse primer: SEQ ID NO: 108449

[0468.0.0.34] to [0479.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0468.0.0.34] to [0479.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0468.0.0.27] to [0479.0.0.27] above.

[0480.0.34.34] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 108442

[0481.0.0.34] to [0513.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0481.0.0.34] to [0513.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0482.0.0.27] to [0513.0.0.27] above.

[0514.0.34.34] As an alternative, phytosterols can be detected via HPLC, e.g. reversed-phase HPLC, as described by Heftmann, E. and Hunter, I. R. (J Chromatogr 1979; 165: 283-299). As separating principles of HPLC and GC are complementary, preparative reversed-phase HPLC followed by GC-MS analysis of the obtained sterol fractions is a preferred method to analyze sterols from natural products (Bianchini, J.-P. et al.; J Chromatogr 1985; 329: 231-246).

[0515.0.0.34] to [0552.0.0.34] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0515.0.0.34] to [0552.0.0.34] see paragraphs [0515.0.0.27] to [0552.0.0.27] above.

[0553.0.34.34]

1. A process for the production of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., which comprises (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism, or in one or more parts thereof; and (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the production of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp. in said organism. 2. A process for the production of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., comprising the increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of: a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a) or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 34, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 34, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; and i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., in an organism or a part thereof. or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. 3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or bound beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp. 4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following steps: (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized in claim 2; (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof; (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the selected organisms or the part thereof; (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which comprise an increased activity or expression level of said polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part thereof; (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the parts thereof; and (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., produced by the selected mutated organisms or parts thereof. 5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is increased or generated transiently or stably. 6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of: a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a) or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 34, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 34, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; and i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., in an organism or a part thereof. whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. 7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory elements. 8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. 9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and eukaryotic, host. 10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. 11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. 12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. 13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12. 14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 34, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids 15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as claimed in claim 14. 16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant cell or an Agrobacterium. 17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., in an organism or a part thereof comprising: (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 5 conferring an increase in the amount of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions which permit the expression the polypeptide; (b) assaying the beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., level or the polypeptide expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or the media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured or maintained in; and (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the measured beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., level or polypeptide expression level with a standard beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., or polypeptide expression level measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased level over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased level over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist. 18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring increased beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps: (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., in an organism or a part thereof and a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with dais readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of said readout system and of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said readout system. 19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., production in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., after expression with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells appropriate for producing beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp.; (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (e) assaying the beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., level in the host cells; and (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., level in the host cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type. 20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., production in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., amount or level in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells appropriate for producing beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp.; (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (d) assaying the beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., level in the host cells; and (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., level in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type. 21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. 22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally an agricultural acceptable carrier. 23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., after expression. 24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a modulation of beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol resp., levels in an organism. 25. Food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20. 26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20 for the protection of a plant against a beta-Sitosterol and/or Campesterol synthesis inhibiting herbicide.

[0554.0.0.34] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.27]:

NEW GENES FOR A PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.35.35] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.35]: see [0001.0.0.27]

[0002.0.32.35]: see [0002.0.32.32]

[0003.0.35.35] Straight- or normal-chain (even-numbered), monoenoic components, i.e. with one double bond, make up a high proportion of the total fatty acids in most natural lipids. Normally the double bond is of the cis- or Z-configuration, although some fatty acids with trans- or E-double bonds are known. The most abundant monoenoic fatty acids in animal and plant tissues are straight-chain compounds with 16 or 18 carbon atoms, but analogous fatty acids with 10 to 36 carbon atoms have been found in nature in esterified form. Very long-chain (20:1 upwards) cis-monoenoic fatty acids have relatively high melting points, but the more common C₁₈ monoenes tend to be liquid at room temperature. Triacylglycerols (or oils and fats) containing high proportions of monoenoic fatty acids are usually liquid at ambient temperature. Analogous fatty acids with trans double bonds are normally higher melting. Very-long-chain monoenoic fatty acids of the (n-9) family occur in a variety of natural sources, often accompanied by analogous fatty acids of the (n-7) family), especially in animal tissues. For example, monoenes from 20:1 to 26:1 are normal constituents of animal sphingolipids. Odd-numbered very-long chain monoenes (23:1 upwards) from brain belong to (n-8) and (n-10) families, presumably because they are formed by chain-elongation of 9-17:1 (17:1(n-8)) and 9-19:1 (19:1(n-10)), respectively (see below). An even wider range of chain-lengths is found in monoenes from plant waxes and sponge lipids.

In animals and yeasts, stearoyl-CoA is converted directly to oleoyl-CoA by a concerted removal of hydrogen atoms from carbons 9 and 10 (D-stereochemistry in each instance). Subsequently, oleate can be chain elongated by two carbon atoms to give longer-chain fatty acids of the (n-9) family, while palmitoleate is the precursor of the (n-7) family of fatty acids. Certain bacteria produce mono-unsaturated fatty acids by an anaerobic mechanism that involves the fatty acid synthetase. During the fourth cycle of chain elongation, a branch point occurs in fatty acid synthesis following the dehydrase step. Chain elongation can proceed as normal, or an isomerase can convert the trans-2-decanoyl-ACP too cis-3-decanoyl-ACP. The latter is not a substrate for the enoyl-ACP reductase, but it can be further elongated with eventual formation of a cis-11-18:1 fatty acid. For many years, this was thought to be the major pathway for biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids in bacteria, but it is now recognised that it is restricted to a few proteobacteria, such as E. coli. Aerobic mechanisms certainly exist, but other mechanisms and enzymes have yet to be adequately characterized for most bacterial species.

[0004.0.35.35] Principally microorganisms such as Mortierella or oil producing plants such as soybean, rapeseed or sunflower or algae such as Crytocodinium or Phaeodactylum are a common source for oils containing fatty acids, where they are usually obtained in the form of their triacyl glycerides. Alternatively, they are obtained advantageously from animals, such as fish. The free fatty acids are prepared advantageously by hydrolysis with a strong base such as potassium or sodium hydroxide.

[0005.0.35.35] ./.

[0006.0.35.35] 11-cis-Eicosenoic acid (gadoleic acid) is a common if minor constituent of animal tissues and fish oils, often accompanied by the 13-isomer. It is also found in rapeseed oil and seed oils of related species. cis-5-20:1 can amount to 67% of the total fatty acids in meadowfoam oil.

[0007.0.35.35] cis-Monoenoic acids obviously have desirable physical properties for membranes lipids, and they are now recognised by nutritionists as being beneficial in the human diet.

[0008.0.35.35] The exception is erucic acid as there is evidence from studies with laboratory rats that it may adversely affect the metabolism of the heart. Erucic acid is used in the manufacture of industrial oils, e.g. for production of polyethylene film.

[0009.0.35.35] As described above, cis-Monoenoic acids are used in a lot of different applications, for example in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and in feed and food.

[0010.0.35.35] Therefore improving the productivity of such cis-Monoenoic acids and improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the different industries.

[0011.0.35.35] To ensure a high productivity of certain cis-Monoenoic acids in plants or microorganism, it is necessary to manipulate the natural biosynthesis of fatty acids in said organism.

[0012.0.35.35] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes or other regulators which participate in the biosynthesis of cis-Monoenoic acids and make it possible to produce certain cis-Monoenoic acids specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of cis-Monoenoic acids on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.35] see [0013.0.0.27]

[0014.0.35.35] It was found that the overexpression of the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein confers an increase in the content of Eicosenic acid (20:1) in plants. Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of Eicosenic acid. In Arabidopsis thaliana, Eicosenic acid is predominately found in the stereoisomeric form 20:1 delta 9c (gadoleic acid). Accordingly, in a further embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is gadoleic acid or tryglycerides, lipids, oils or fats containing gadoleic acid. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “gadoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing gadoleic acid”. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising gadoleic acid and/or triglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing gadoleic acid.

Advantageously, the increase of the Eicosenic acid (20:1 fatty acid) content, e.g. the gadoleic acid content, in a composition produced according to the process of the invention results in an incrase in the melting point of the composition, in particular if the composition is a fatty composition as a oil or a wax. As other monoenoic fatty acids, eicosenic acid, in particular gadoleic acid, may be used as anti-foaming agent in detergents or as an anti-blocking agent in the production of platics or used preservation agent, flouering agent, plastic softener, formulation agent, flotation agent, wetting agent emulsifer agend and/or lubricating agents, as e.g. erucic acid, arachinic acid, pelagonic acid, brassylic acid or erucic acid amidses. Furthermore, monounsaturated fatty acids as eicosenic acid, in particular gadolenic acid, are cholesterol lowering when they replace significant levels of saturated fatty acids in the diet. Some studies have found that diets high in monounsaturated fatty acids compared with polyunsaturated fatty acids decrease LDL cholsterol while maintaining HDL cholesterol levels. However, other studies suggested that the effect of consuming polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat is similar and results in a decrease in both LDL and HDL cholesterol (see e.g. homepage of the Instiute of Shorting and Edible Oils for references).

[0015.0.35.35] In one embodiment, the term “the respective fine chemical” means gadoleic acid, eicosenic acid, C20:1 fatty acidand/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing gadoleic acid. Throughout the specification the term “the respective fine chemical” means gadoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing gadoleic acid, gadoleic acid and its salts, ester, thioester or gadoleic acid in free form or bound to other compounds such as triglycerides, glycolipids, phospholipids etc. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the respective fine chemical” means gadoleic acid, in free form or its salts or bound to triglycerides. Triglycerides, lipids, oils, fats or lipid mixture thereof shall mean any triglyceride, lipid, oil and/or fat containing any bound or free gadoleic acid for example sphingolipids, phosphoglycerides, lipids, glycolipids such as glycosphingolipids, phospholipids such as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol or diphosphatidylglycerol, or as monoacylglyceride, diacylglyceride or triacylglyceride or other fatty acid esters such as acetyl-Coenzym A thioester, which contain further saturated or unsaturated fatty acids in the fatty acid molecule.

[0016.0.35.35] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more of a     protein as shown in table XII, application no. 35, column 3 encoded     by the nucleic acid sequences as shown in table XI, application no.     35, column 5, in a non-human organism or in one or more parts     thereof or -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus the acid of the invention or     fine chemicals comprising the acid of the invention, in said     organism or in the culture medium surrounding the organism.

[0017.0.0.35] to [0019.0.0.35]: see [0017.0.0.27] to [0019.0.0.27]

[0020.0.35.35] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Brassica napus protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 35, column 5, line 21 in a plant conferred an increase in C20:1 fatty acid, putative content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of C20:1 fatty acid, putative.

[0021.0.0.35] see [0021.0.0.27]

[0022.0.35.35] The sequence of YDR513W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78 (1997) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity has characterized as glutathione reductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of glutathione reductase or a protein of the glutaredoxin superfamily for the production of gadoleic acid. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of YDR513W, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, e.g. as indicated herein in Table XII, line 125, columns 3 or 5, or its homologue, e.g. as shown herein in Table XII, line 125, column 7, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of gadoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing gadoleic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of gadoleic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing gadoleic acid, preferably gadoleic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a glutathione reductase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a plant or a homolog thereof.

[0022.1.0.35] to [0023.0.0.35]: see [0022.1.0.27] to [0023.0.0.27]

[0023.1.35.35] Homologs of the polypeptide disclosed in table XII, application no. 35, column 5, may have the activity of a protein as disclosed in Table XI or XII, application no. 35, column 3 and may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in table XI, application no. 35, column 7, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in table XII, application no. 35, column 7, resp.

[0024.0.0.35] see [0024.0.0.27]

[0025.0.35.35] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein as shown in table XII, application no. 35, column 3 “if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased in the level of the fine chemical indicated in the respective line of table XII, application no. 35, column 6 “metabolite” in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism.

Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 35, column 3, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic or biological activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to a protein as shown in the respective line of table XII, application no. 35, column 3 of a E. coli or Saccharomyces cerevisae, respectively, protein as mentioned in table XI to XIV, column 3 respectively and as disclosed in paragraph [0022] of the respective invention.

[0025.1.0.35] see [0025.1.0.27]

[0026.0.0.35] to [0033.0.0.35]: see [0026.0.0.27] to [0033.0.0.27]

[0034.0.35.35] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity, preferably of the activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a respective protein as shown in table XII, application no. 35, column 3 its biochemical or genetical causes and the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.35] to [0044.0.0.35]: see [0035.0.0.27] to [0044.0.0.27]

[0045.0.35.35] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein. as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 35, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, application no. 35, column 6 of the respective line, between 10% and 50%, 10% and 100%, 10% and 200%, 10% and 300%, 10% and 400%, 10% and 500%, 20% and 50%, 20% and 250%, 20% and 500%, 50% and 100%, 50% and 250%, 50% and 500%, 500% and 1000% or more [0046.0.35.35] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 35, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, application no. 35, column 6 of the respective line confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further acids, like erucic acid or their precursors.

[0047.0.0.35] to [0048.0.0.35]: see [0047.0.0.27] to [0048.0.0.27]

[0049.0.35.35] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fine chemical, has in one embodiment the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of the polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 35, column 7 or of the polypeptide as shown in the amino acid sequences as disclosed in table XII, application no. 35, columns 5 and 7 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by the nucleic acid molecule as shown in table XI, application no. 35, columns 5 and 7 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.35.35] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “gadoleic acid” also encompasses the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of gadoleic acid or the salts of gadoleic acid with amines such as diethylamine.

[0051.0.35.35] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the respective fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free chemical free or bound, e.g monoenoic fatty acid compositions. Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of various monoenoic fatty acid can be produced.

[0052.0.0.35]: see [0052.0.0.27]

[0053.0.35.35] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps:

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having the     activity of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 35,     columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity having herein-mentioned     229,230 of the invention increasing activity; and/or -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention as     shown in table XI, application no. 35, columns 5 and 7, e.g. a     nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having the activity of     a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 35, columns 5     and 7 or its homologs activity or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide     of the present invention having herein-mentioned 229,230 of the     invention increasing activity; and/or -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned 229,230 increasing activity, e.g.     of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated in     table XII, application no. 35, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation of the     polypeptide of the invention; and/or -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned 229,230 of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 35, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned 229,230 of the invention increasing activity, e.g.     of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated in     table XII, application no. 35, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors to the     organisms or parts thereof; and/or -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned 229,230 of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 35, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned 229,230 of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 35, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   h) increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having the activity     of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 35, columns     5 and 7 or its homologs activity, by adding positive expression or     removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination     can be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like     for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor     elements form regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods     can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity     of positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced     in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be     identified in which the positive elements have be integrated near to     a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby     enhanced; and/or -   i) modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical production;     and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.35.35] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical as indicated in column 6 of application no. 35 in Table XI to XIV, resp., after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity as the protein as shown in table XII, application no. 35, column 3 or its homologs.

[0055.0.0.35] to [0067.0.0.35]: see [0055.0.0.27] to [0067.0.0.27]

[0068.0.35.35] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of the fatty acids is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.35] see [0069.0.0.27]

[0070.0.32.35] to [0071.0.32.35]: see [0070.0.32.32] to [0071.0.32.32]

[0072.0.35.35] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to gadoleic acid, triglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing gadoleic acid compounds such as palmitate, palmitoleate, oleate and/or linoleic acid.

[0073.0.32.35] to [0084.0.32.35] see [0073.0.32.32] to [0084.0.0.32]

[0084.1.35.35] It was found that the level of eicosenic acid is high in the following plants seeds with decreasing level: Selenia grandis, Teesdalia nudicaulis (L.)R. Br., Teesdalia nudicaulis (L.) R. Br., Cardiospermum canescens, Lesquerella fendleri, Leavenworthia torulosa, Leavenworthia torulosa, Cardiospermum grandiflorum, Cardiospermum halicacaburn, Paullinia elegans, Cupania anacardloides, Koelreuteria eleaans, Koelreuteria apiculata, Lobularia maritima, Iberis odorata, Alyssum maritirnum, Cardiospermum corindum, Biscutella laevigata, Biscutella auriculata, Lobularia maritima, Dithyrea californica, Dithyrea wislizenii, Thysanocarpus radians, Cheirantus maritimus, Cordia verbenacea DC., Conringia orientalis (L.) Dumort., Tropaeolum majus, Conringia orientalis (L.) Dumort., Tropaeolum majus, Arachis hypogaea, Neslia paniculata, Malcolmia maritima, Malcolmia flexuosa, Arachisperuviana peruviana, Sapindus mukorossi, Conringia orientalis, Arachis fastigiata, Arabidopsis thaliana, Arabidopsis thaliana Schur, Sapindus mukorossi Azirna tetracantha, Tropaeolum majus, Tropaeolum maius, Brassica repanda (Willd.) DC., Calepina irregularis, Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. Columbia, Crambe orientalis, Nerisyrenia camporum, Crambe maritima L., Delphinium ajacis, Tropaeolum minus L., Cardamine imatiens, Brassica oleracea L. ssp. robertiana (Gay) Rouy et Foug., Delphinium spp., Camelina rumelica, Juniperus chinensis, Capsella rubella, Capsella rubella, Cordia myxa, Sapindus emarginatus, Lepidium cuneiforme, Caulanthus inflatus, Malcolmia chia, Camelina sativa, Cardamine bellidifolia L., Atalaya herniglauca, Aesculus assamica, Leonurus sibiricus, Capsella grandiflora, Capsella grandiflora, Sinapis arvensis L., Erysimum perovskianum, Camelina microcarpa, Schleichera trijuga, Schleichera trijuaa, Brassica juncea, Tropaeolum majis, Schleichera trijuga, Cardamine hirsuta, Cardamine amare, Lepidium lasiocarpum, Stanleyella texana, Sapindus mukorossi, Goldbachia laevigata D. C., Descurainia bourgaeana Webb., Crambe maritima, Consolida orientalis, Tropaeolum majus, Tropaeolum majus, Lunaria rediviva, Tristellateia australasica, Lepidium perfoliatum, Camelina safiva, Camelina sativa, Lepidium apetalum, Sapindus saponaria, Neslia paniculata, Sapindus saponaria, Brassica sp., Brassica juncea, Coronopus didymus, Fezia pterocara pitard, Arabis glabra, Eruca sativa, Descurainia innata var. innata, Hornungia petraea, Descurainia sophia, Phoenix dactylifera L., Descurainia sophia, Thlaspi alpinum, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Capsella spp., Capsella spp, Descurainia sophia, Capsella spp., Capsella spp, Tropaeolum minus L., Capsella bursa-pastoris, Brassica campestris, Lunaria rediviva, Capsella spp., Descurainia sophia, Capsella spp., Capsella bursa-pastoris, Clitoria rubiginosa, Arabis laevigata, Thlaspi alpestre L., Camelina saliva, Crambe cordifolia, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Savigna parviflora, Brassica campestris, Lepidium sativum, Arabis virginica, Sophia ochroleuca, Sapindus emarginatus, Brassica cossoneana (Boiss. et Reuter) Maire, Parrya menziesii, Diplotaxis tenuifolia. For example, it was found that the following content of eicosenic acid is comprised in the oil of seeds: 58.50, GLC-Area-%, Selenia grandis, 56.10, GLC-Area-%, Teesdalia nudicaulis (L.) R. Br., 56.00, GLC-Area-%, Teesdalia nudicalis (L.) R. Br., 55.70, GLC area %, Cardiospermum canescens, 54.50, GLC-Area-%, Lesquerella fendleri, 53.00, GLC-Area-%, Leavenworthia torulosa, 53.00, GLC-Area-%, Leavenworthia torulosa, 52.60, GLC-Area-%, Cardiospermum grandiflorum, 49.10, GLC-Area-%, Cardiospermum halicacabum, 48.70, GLC-Area-%, Paullinia elegans, 46.00, GLC-Area-%, Cupania anacardioides, 45.30, GLC-Area-%, Koelreuteria elegans, 44.60, GLC area %, Koelreuteria apiculata, 42.00, GLC-Area-%, Lobularia maritima, 41.90, GLC-Area-%, Iberis odorata, 41.80, GLC-Area-%, Alyssum maritimum, 41.60, GLC-Area-%, Cardiospermum corindum, 40.00, GLC-Area-%, Biscutella laevigata, 36.10, GLC-area-%, Biscutella auriculata, 35.60, GLC-area-%, Lobularia maritima. A further list of plants with high gadoleic acid can be found on webpage of the Agricultural Research service (www.ars-grin.gov/cqi bin/duke/chemical.pl?gadoleicacid) showing plant species with the highest amount of gadoleic acid. The content of fatty acids in the oil of plants and plants which have a high level of distinct fatty acids can also be identified on the webpage of the Institute of Chemistry and Physics of Lipids, http://www.bagkf.de/sofa/.

Thus, in on embodiment, the process of the present invention is performed in a plant of the above lists of identified in above webpages, preferably in a plant with a high amount of eicosenic acid, in particular with high gadoleic level and/or together with further genes isolated from a plant with a high eicosenic acid level, in particular a high gadoleic level. In a preferred embodiment, the process of the present invention is performed in a plant identified in above webpages with a low amount of erucic acid, in particular with high gadoleic level and/or together with further genes isolated from a plant with a high eicosenic acid level, in particular a high gadoleic level. In another embodiment, the process of the present invention is performed in a plant identified in above webpages, preferably in a plant with a high amount of erucic acid, in particular with high gadoleic level and/or together with further genes isolated from a plant with a high eicosenic acid level, in particular a high gadoleic level.

[0085.0.35.35] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as shown in table XI, application no. 35,     columns 5 or 7 or a derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as shown table XI,     application no. 35, columns 5 or 7 or a derivative thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.35] to [0087.0.0.35]: see [0086.0.0.27] to [0087.0.0.27]

[0088.0.35.35] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose fatty acid content is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for poultry is dependent on the abovementioned essential fatty acids and the general amount of fatty acids as energy source in feed. After the YDR513W protein activity, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5 or 7, application no. 35 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, column 5, application no. 35 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, column 7, line 125, has been increased or generated, or after the expression of nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide according to the invention has been generated or increased, the transgenic plant generated thus is grown on or in a nutrient medium or else in the soil and subsequently harvested.

[0088.1.0.35]: see [0088.1.0.27]

[0089.0.32.35] to [0102.0.32.35]: see [0089.0.0.32] to [0102.0.32.32]

[0103.0.35.35] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide shown in table XII, application no. 35,     columns 5 or 7 or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of the nucleic acid molecule shown in table XI, application     no. 35, columns 5 or 7; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers shown in Table XIII, application     no. 35, column 7 and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 35, column 7     and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide shown in table XII, application no. 35,     columns 5 or 7 and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0103.1.35.35.] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7, application no. 35, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7, application no. 35. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7, application no. 35. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 35.

[0104.0.35.35] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process distinguishes over the sequence shown in table XI, application no. 35, columns 5 or 7 by one or more nucleotides or does not consist of the sequence shown in table XI, application no. 35, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence shown in table XI, application no. 35, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of the sequence shown in table XII, application no. 35, columns 5 or 7.

[0105.0.0.35] to [0107.0.0.35]: see [0105.0.0.27] to [0107.0.0.27]

[0108.0.35.35] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence shown in table XI, application no. 35, columns 5 or 7, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from the amino acid sequences shown in table XII, application no. 35, columns 5 or 7 or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 35, column 7, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of an YDR513W protein or conferring of eicosenic acid, in particular of gadoleic acid increase after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.35]: see [0109.0.0.27]

[0110.0.35.35] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with YDR513W protein activity, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, application no. 35 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, column 5, application no. 35 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, column 7, application no. 35, can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.35] see [0111.0.0.27]

[0112.0.35.35] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with YDR513W protein activity and conferring gadoleic acid increase, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, application no. 35 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, column 5, application no. 35, or of their homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XI or XII, column 7, application no. 35.

[0113.0.32.35] to [0147.0.32.35]: see [0113.0.0.32] to [0147.0.32.32]

[0148.0.35.35] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence shown in table XI, application no. 35, columns 5 or 7, or a functional portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular having a the fine chemical, in particular gadoleic acid-increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of an YDR513W gene product, e.g. a gene encoding a protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, application no. 35 or comprising or expressing a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, column 5, application no.

35, or of their homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XI or XII, column 7, application no.

35.

[0149.0.35.35] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences shown in table XI, application no. 35, columns 5 or 7 or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of the fine chemical, and optionally, the activity of YDR513W, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, application no. 35 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, column 5, application no. 35, or of their homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XI or XII, column 7, application no. 35.

[00149.1.35.35] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7, application no. 35, preferably of Table XI B, columns 5 or 7, application no. 35 has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table XII, column 3, application no. 35.

[0150.0.35.35] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences shown in table XI, application no. 35, columns 5 or 7 for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of gadoleic acid if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., in table XI, application no. 35, columns 5 or 7, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., set forth in table XI, application no. 35, columns 5 or 7, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primers pairs shown in Table XIII, application no. 35, column 7 will result in a fragment of gene product with the activity of a YDR513W protein, e.g. of a gene encoding of a protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, application no. 35 or expressing a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, column 5, application no. 35 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, column 7, application no. 35.

[0151.0.32.35] to [0230.0.32.35] see [0151.0.0.32] to [0230.0.0.32]

[0231.0.35.35] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a gadoleic acid degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.32.35] to [0552.0.32.35]: see [0232.0.0.32] to [0552.0.0.32]

[0553.0.35.35] We claim:

-   1. A process for the production of gadoleic acid, which comprises     -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as         indicated in Table XII, application no. 35, columns 5 or 7, or a         functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism, or in one         or more parts thereof; and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of gadoleic acid in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of gadoleic acid, comprising the     increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the     expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a     nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table XII, application no. 35, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of gadoleic         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table XI, application no. 35, columns 5 or 7;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 35,         columns 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 35, column         7, and conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid in         an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         gadoleic acid in an organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound gadoleic acid. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         gadoleic acid produced by the selected mutated organisms or         parts thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table XII, application no. 35, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of gadoleic         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table XI, application no. 35, columns 5 or 7;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 35,         column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 35, column         7, and conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid in         an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         gadoleic acid in an organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 35, columns 5         or 7, by one or more nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     XII, application no. 35, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids -   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid in an     organism or a part thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid         in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a         sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions         which permit the expression the polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the gadoleic acid level or the polypeptide         expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or         the media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured         or maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured gadoleic acid level or polypeptide expression level         with a standard gadoleic acid or polypeptide expression level         measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample         comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased         level over the standard indicates that the compound or the         sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and         a decreased level over the standard indicates that the compound         or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an         antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased gadoleic acid production in a plant or microorganism,     comprising the steps:     -   (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of gadoleic acid in an organism or a part thereof and a         readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under         suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the         polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a         compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and         capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the         binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which         permit the expression of said readout system and of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6         conferring an increase in the amount of gadoleic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in gadoleic acid production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in gadoleic acid after expression with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing gadoleic acid;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the gadoleic acid level in the host cells; and     -   (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the gadoleic acid level in the         host cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild         type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in gadoleic acid production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the gadoleic acidamount or         level in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and         which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing gadoleic acid;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the gadoleic acidlevel in the host cells; and     -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the gadoleic acid level in the         host cell after expression compared to the wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     gadoleic acid after expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of gadoleic acid levels in an organism. -   25. Cosmetical, pharmaceutical, food or feed composition comprising     the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14,     the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9,     the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the     antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20. -   26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20 for the protection of vegetable fats, oils or waxes.

27. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20 for the production of industrial oils, fats or waxes.

28. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20 for the production of detergents, cleaning agents, cosmetics, dye additives, lubricating agents, hydraulic oils, preservation agents, flavoring agents, plastic softeners, formulation agents, flotation agents, wetting agents, emulsifiers or lubricating agents.

-   29. The plant of claim 16, which has a low level of erucic acid. -   30. The plant of claim 16, which has a high level or erucic acid. -   31. The plant of any one of claim 16, 29 or 30, which has a low     level of gluconsinolate.

[0554.0.0.35] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.27]

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.36.36] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.36] to [0002.0.0.36]: see [0001.0.0.27] to [0002.0.0.27]

[0002.1.36.36] L-alanine is used in various pharmaceutical and veterinary applications. For example, it is included, together with other amino acids, in preparations for infusion solutions or preparations for parenteral administration as clinical preoperative and postoperative foods, as well as an animal feed supplement. Furthermore, alanine is used as a food additive on account of its sweet taste. L-phenylalanine and L-aspartic acid have very important markets as key components in the manufacture of the sweetener aspartame. Aspartame (C₁₄H₁₈N₂O₅), L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester, is a compound of three components, which are methanol, aspartic acid and phenylalanine. L-aspartic acid is further used as a flavoring agent.

The amino acid L-citrulline is a metabolite in the urea cycle. Other amino acids in this cycle are L-arginine and L-ornithine.L-citrulline is involved in liver detoxification of ammonia, and has been shown to speed recover from fatigue. It has also been utilized in the treatment of Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency and other Urea Cycle disorders. In cell metabolism, L-arginine and L-citrulline might serve as endogenous N sources (Ludwig et al., PLANT PHYSIOLOGY, Vol 101, Issue 2 429-434, 1993). Glycineis a valuable compound of wide use as food additives for processed foodstuffs and raw materials for agricultural chemicals and medicines. Glycineis the simplest amino acid, and is used in crop production as a chelating agent for micronutrients and has been used as a nitrogen fertilizer, at least on an experimental basis. As such, it is representative of amino acids used in crop production. Practically all commercial glycine is produced by synthetic processes such as the Strecker Synthesis, the reaction of formaldehyde, ammonia, and hydrogen cyanide, and hydrolysis of the resulting aminonitrile. Glycineis used as chelating/complexing agent for cation nutrients, plant growth regulators, substrate for microbiological products, fertilizer source of nitrogen. Serine is a primary intermediate in the biosynthesis of a wide variety of cellular metabolites including such economically important compounds as choline, glycine, cysteine and tryptophan. In addition, serine acts as a single carbon donor and is responsible for 60% to 75% of the total need of the cell for Cl units through the production of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate from tetrahydrofolate. These Cl units are used in a wide variety of biosynthetic pathways including the synthesis of methionine, inosine monophosphate, other purines and some pyrimidines (e.g., thymidine and hydroxymethyl cytidine). The glycine-serine interconversion, catalysed by glycine decarboxylase and serine hydroxymethyltransferase, is an important reaction of primary metabolism in all organisms including plants, by providing one-carbon units for many biosynthetic reactions. In plants, in addition, it is an integral part of the photorespiratory metabolic pathway and produces large amounts of photorespiratory CO2 within mitochondria (Bauwe et al., Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol. 54, No. 387, pp. 1523-1535, Jun. 1, 2003.) The enzymatic conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine is known in eukaryotes. Human phenylalanine hydroxylase is specifically expressed in the liver to convert L-phenylalanine to L-tyrosine (Wang et al. J. Biol. Chem. 269 (12): 9137-46 (1994)). Deficiency of the PAH enzyme causes classic phenylketonurea, a common genetic disorder. Tyrosine and and their derivatives are also used in organic synthesis. For example, tyrosine is starting material in the synthesis of chatecolamines or DOPA (dihydroxy-phenyl-alanine) as well as a precursor of adrenaline, dopamine and norepinepherine. A variety of beta-amino-gamma-keto acids can be prepared from commercially available 5-Oxoproline, also named as pyroglutamic acid PCA and slats like sodium-PCA, is used as cosmetic ingredient, such as hair and skin conditioning agent. One optical isomer of PCA (the L form) is a naturally occurring component of mammalian tissue. 5-Oxoproline is further used as templates in the synthesis of homochiral glutamate antagonists.

[0003.0.0.36] to [0008.0.0.36]: see [0003.0.0.27] to [0008.0.0.27]

[0008.1.36.36]U.S. Pat. No. 5,498,532 disclose the production of various L-amino acids like glutamic acid, glutamine, lysine, threonine, isoleucine, valine, leucine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, tyrosine, histidine, arginine, ornithine, citrulline and proline by direct fermentation using, coryneform bacteria belonging to the genus Corynbacterium or Brevibacterium, which are inherently unable to assimilate lactose, but due to recombinant DNA technology able to assimilate lactose, which represent the carbon source.

The coproduction of glutamic acid and other amino acids including lysine, aspartic acid, alanine by an auxotroph of Bacillus methanolicus is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,713.

According to the teaching of U.S. Pat. No. 5,677,156 L-aspartic acid can be efficiently produced from maleic acid or fumaric acid by adding the aspartase-containing microorganism, like Brevibacterium flavum AB-41 strain (FERM BP-1498) and Eschirichia coli ATCC 11303.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,672 discloses a method of producing tyrosine, methionine, or phenylalanine by transiently incorporating a DNA inversion gene into the host cell, Escherichia coli cells, which induce hypersecretion of amino acids. Known is also the production of citrulline in the small intestine as a product of glutamine metabolism, or in the arginine biosynthetic pathway, where ornithine carbamoyltransferases catalyse the production of citrulline from carbamoyl-phosphate and ornithine. Benninghoff et al. disclose the production of citrulline and ornithine by interferon-gamma treated macrophages (International Immunology, Vol 3, 413-417, 1991).

There disclosed is a method for producing glycine in US 20030040085, which comprises subjecting an aqueous solution of glycinonitrile to a hydrolysis reaction in a hydrolysis reaction system under the action of a microbial enzyme, thereby converting the glycinonitrile to glycine while by-producing ammonia. US 20040157290 discloses a process for preparing a serine-rich foreign protein comprising culturing a bacterium containing the cysteine synthase (cysK) gene and a gene encoding the foreign protein. US 20030079255 disclose the production of Para-hydroxycinnamic acid by introducing genes encoding phenylalanine ammonia-lyase from C. violaceum or R. glutinis tyrosine into a host microorganism and as intermediates, tyrosine and cinnamic acid are also produced.

Production of single cell protein and selected amino acids by microbial fermentation is known, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,652,527. One amino acid which has been produced on an industrial scale is lysine, see Tosaka et al., Trends in Biotechnology, 1: 70-74 (1983), Tosaka and Takinami, Progress in Industrial Microbiology, Ch. 24, pp. 152-172 (Aida et al., 1986). Another example is glutamic acid which has been produced using bacteria of the genera Corynebacterium, Brevibacterium, Microbacterium, and Arothrobacter by fermentation on molasses and starch hydrozylates. Aspartic acid and alanine are produced by enzymatic means from fumaric acid and ammonia. Bacillus species have been used in fermentation processes to produce amino acids, Tosaka et al.; Tosaka and Takinami, as named above.

[0009.0.36.36] As described above, the amino acids are necessary for humans and many mammals, for example for livestock or other applications in the health care area. L-aspartic acid is one of the amino acids that is difficult to produce directly by fermentation. Consequently today the enzyme catalyzed addition of ammonia to fumaric acid is employed commercially in the production of aspartic acid. As chelating agents, amino acids increase the biological availability of different metals. Chelating agents in general can enhance nutrient uptake, but may also increase the uptake of toxic metals if those are also present. If cation impurities are present in micronutrient sources (e.g. Cadmium), chelation of those metals would make those contaminants more readily assimilated by plants than in less available forms.

[0010.0.0.36] to [0011.0.0.36]: see [0010.0.0.27] to [0011.0.0.27]

[0012.0.36.36] It is an object of the present invention to develop an inexpensive process for the synthesis of 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine. Amino acids are (depending on the organism) one of the most frequently limiting components of food or feed.

[0013.0.0.36] see [0013.0.0.27]

[0014.0.36.36] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine”. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine.

[0015.0.36.36] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine, preferably the amino acid of the present invention in the L configuration, meaning L-5-oxoproline, L-alanine, L-aspartic acid, L-citrulline, L-glycine, L-phenylalanine, L-serine and/or L-tyrosine. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine, preferably the amino acid of the present invention in the L configuration, its salts, ester or amids in free form or bound to proteins. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means L-5-oxoproline, L-alanine, L-aspartic acid, L-citrulline, L-glycine, L-phenylalanine, L-serine and/or L-tyrosine in free form or its salts or bound to proteins.

[0016.0.36.36] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more of a     protein as shown in table XII, application no. 36, column 3 encoded     by the nucleic acid sequences as shown in table XI, application no.     36, column 5, in a non-human organism or in one or more parts     thereof or -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus amino acids of the invention     or fine chemicals comprising amino acids of the invention, in said     organism or in the culture medium surrounding the organism.

[0016.1.36.36] Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means in one embodiment “5-oxoproline” in relation to all sequences listed in Table XI to XIV, application no. 36 line 24 or homologs thereof and

means in one embodiment “alanine” in relation to all sequences listed in Tables XI to XIV, lines 25 and/or 26 or homologs thereof and means in one embodiment “aspartic acid” in relation to all sequences listed in Table XI to XIV, lines 27 and/or 28, or homologs thereof and means in one embodiment “citrulline” in relation to all sequences listed in Table XI to XIV, lines 22 and/or 29 to 30 or homologs thereof and means in one embodiment “glycine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table XI to XIV, line 31 or homologs thereof and means in one embodiment “phenylalanine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table XI to XIV, lines 32 and/or 33 or homologs thereof and means in one embodiment “serine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table XI to XIV, line 23 or homologs thereof and means in one embodiment “tyrosine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table XI to XIV, line 34 or homologs thereof.

Accordingly, in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “5-oxoproline” and “alanine”, “5-oxoproline” and “aspartic acid”, “aspartic acid” and “alanine” and/or “5-oxoproline” and “alanine” and “aspartic acid” in relation to all sequences listed in Table XI to XIV, lines 24, 25 and/or 27; in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means “phenylalanineand “tyrosine” in relation to all sequences listed in Table XI to XIV, lines 33 and/or 34; in one embodiment the term “the fine chemical” means one fine chemical or any combination of two or three fine chemicals selected from the group consisting of “glycine”, and “phenylalanine” and “alanine” and “aspartic acid”, in relation to all sequences listed in Table XI to XIV, lines 26, 28, 31 and/or 32;

Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” can mean “5-oxoproline”, “alanine”, “aspartic acid”, “citrulline”, “glycine”, “ ”, “phenylalanine”, “serine” and/or “tyrosine”, owing to circumstances and the context. In order to illustrate that the meaning of the term “the fine chemical” means “5-oxoproline”, “alanine”, “aspartic acid”, “citrulline”, “glycine”, “ ”, “phenylalanine”, “serine” and/or “tyrosine” the term “the respective fine chemical” is also used.

[0017.0.0.36] to [0019.0.0.36]: see [0017.0.0.27] to [0019.0.0.27]

[0020.0.36.36] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Zea mays protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, line 22 in a plant conferred an increase in citrulline content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of citrulline.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Zea mays protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, line 23 in plant conferred an increase in serine content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of serine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Linum usitatissimum protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, line 24, 25 and/or 27 in a plant conferred an increase in 5-oxoplroline, alanine and/or aspartic acid content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of 5-oxoproline in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of alanine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of aspartic acid, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: 5-oxoproline, alanine and/or aspartic acid.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Hordeum vulgare protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, lines 26, 28, 31 and/or 32 in a plant conferred an increase in alanine, aspartic acid, glycine and/or phenylalanine. content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of alaninein one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of aspartic aicd, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glycine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of phenylalanine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: alanine, aspartic acid, glycine and/or phenylalanine.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Brassica napus protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, line 29 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred an increase in citrulline content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of citrulline.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Helianthus annuus protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, lines 30 in thaliana plant conferred an increase in citrulline content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of citrulline.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Hordeum vulgare protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, lines 33 and 34 in thaliana plant conferred an increase in phenylalanine and/or tyrosine (or the respective fine chemical) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of phenylalanine; in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of tyrosine, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of one or more fine chemical selected from the group consisting of: phenylalanine and/or tyrosine.

[0021.0.0.36] see [0021.0.0.27]

[0022.0.36.36] The sequence of YOR245C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Dujon, et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 98-102 (1997), and Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its activity is being defined as a Acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase, preferably of the Caenorhabditis elegans hypothetical protein KO7B1.4 superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of Caenorhabditis elegans hypothetical protein KO7B1.4 superfamily, preferably such protein is having a Acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the the respective fine chemical, meaning of citrulline, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a Acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a plant or a homolog thereof. The sequence of YKR057W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996) and Dujon, Nature 369 (6479), 371-378 (1994) and its activity is being defined as a ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation, preferably of the rat ribosomal protein S21 superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the rat ribosomal protein S21 superfamily, preferably such protein is having a ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of serine, in particular for increasing the amount of serine, preferably of serine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a ribosomal protein, similar to S21 ribosomal proteins, involved in ribosome biogenesis and translation is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a plant or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b1343 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has been defined as a ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA from E. coli or from a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of alanine, 5-oxoproline and/or aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine, in particular for increasing the amount of 5-oxoproline, in particular for increasing the amount of aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and 5-oxoproline, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of 5-oxoproline and aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and 5-oxoproline and aspartic acid, preferably of alanine, 5-oxoproline and/or aspartic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2426 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative oxidoreductase with NAD(P)-binding domain, preferably of the ribitol dehydrogenase, short-chain alcohol dehydrogenase homology superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a putative oxidoreductase with NAD(P)-binding domain from E. coli or from a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of citrulline, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline, preferably citrulline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b2576 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has been defined as a ATP-dependent RNA helicase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the ATP-dependent RNA helicase from E. coli or from a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of alanine, glycine, aspartic acid and/or phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine, in particular for increasing the amount of glycine, in particular for increasing the amount of aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and glycine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of glycine and aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of glycine and phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of aspartic acid and phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and glycine and aspartic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and glycine and phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and aspartic acid and phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of glycine and aspartic acid and phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of alanine and glycine and aspartic acid and phenylalanine, preferably of alanine, glycine, aspartic acid and/or phenylalanine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b3983 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity has been defined as a 50S ribosomal subunit protein L12, preferably of the Escherichia coli ribosomal protein L11 superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the 50S ribosomal subunit protein L12 from E. coli or from a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of phenylalanine and/or tyrosine, in particular for increasing the amount of phenylalanine, in particular for increasing the amount of tyrosine, in particular for increasing the amount of phenylalanine and tyrosine, preferably of phenylalanine and/or tyrosine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b4269 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative alcohol dehydrogenase with NAD(P)-binding and GroES domains. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of a putative alcohol dehydrogenase with NAD(P)-binding and GroES domains from E. coli or from a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of citrulline, in particular for increasing the amount of citrulline, preferably citrulline in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

[0022.1.0.36] to [0023.0.0.36] see [0022.1.0.27] to [0023.0.0.27]

[0023.1.36.36] Homologs of the polypeptide disclosed in table XII, application no. 36, column 5, may have the activity of a protein as disclosed in Table XI or XII, application no. 36, column 3 and may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in table XI, application no. 36, column 7, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in table XII, application no. 36, column 7, resp.

[0024.0.0.36] see [0024.0.0.27]

[0025.0.36.36] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein as shown in table XII, application no. 36, column 3 “if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased in the level of the fine chemical indicated in the respective line of table XII, application no. 36, column 6 “metabolite” in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism. Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 36, column 3, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic or biological activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to a protein as shown in the respective line of table XII, application no. 36, column 3 of of a E. coli or

Saccharomyces cerevisae, respectively, protein as mentioned in table XI to XIV, column 3 respectively and as disclosed in paragraph [0022] of the respective invention.

[0025.1.0.36] to [0033.0.0.36]: see [0025.1.0.27] to [0033.0.0.27]

[0034.0.36.36] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity, preferably of the activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a respective protein as shown in table XII, application no. 36, column 3 its biochemical or genetical causes and the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.36] to [0044.0.0.36]: see [0035.0.0.27] to [0044.0.0.27]

[0045.0.36.36] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein. as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 36, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, column 6 of the respective line, between 10% and 50%, 10% and 100%, 10% and 200%, 10% and 300%, 10% and 400%, 10% and 500%, 20% and 50%, 20% and 250%, 20% and 500%, 50% and 100%, 50% and 250%, 50% and 500%, 500% and 1000% or more

[0046.0.36.36] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 36, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, column 6 of the respective line confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further amino acids or their precursors.

[0047.0.0.36] to [0048.0.0.36]: see [0047.0.0.27] to [0048.0.0.27]

[0049.0.36.36] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fine chemical, has in one embodiment the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of the polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 36, column 7 or of the polypeptide as shown in the amino acid sequences as disclosed in table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 and 7 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by the nucleic acid molecule as shown in table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 and 7 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.36.36] For the purposes of the present invention “the respective fine chemical” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium, amonium or sodium salts of the respective fine chemical or the respective amino acid hydrochloride or sulfateof 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine.

[0051.0.0.36] to [0052.0.0.36]: see [0051.0.0.27] to [0052.0.0.27]

[0053.0.36.36] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps:

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having the     activity of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 36,     columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity having herein-mentioned     amino acids of the invention increasing activity; and/or -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention as     shown in table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 and 7, e.g. a     nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having the activity of     a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 36, columns 5     and 7 or its homologs activity or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide     of the present invention having herein-mentioned amino acids of the     invention increasing activity; and/or -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned amino acid increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation of the     polypeptide of the invention; and/or -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned amino acids of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned amino acids of the invention increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors to the     organisms or parts thereof; and/or -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned amino acids of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned amino acids of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   h) increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having the activity     of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 36, columns     5 and 7 or its homologs activity, by adding positive expression or     removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination     can be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like     for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor     elements form regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods     can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity     of positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced     in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be     identified in which the positive elements have be integrated near to     a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby     enhanced; and/or -   i) modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical production;     and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.36.36] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical as indicated in column 6 of application no. 36 in Table XI to XIV, resp., after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity as the protein as shown in table XII, application no. 36, column 3 or its homologs.

[0055.0.0.36] to [0071.0.0.36]: see [0055.0.0.27] to [0071.0.0.27]

[0072.0.36.36] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine further amino acids or the respective precursors.

[0073.0.36.36] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process which comprises:

-   -   a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a         non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal         tissue or a plant;     -   b) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or a         homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no.         36, columns 5 or 7, or of a polypeptide being encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and described         below, i.e. conferring an increase of the respective fine         chemical in the organism, preferably in a microorganism, a         non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal         tissue or a plant,     -   c) growing the organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human         animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a         plant, under conditions which permit the production of the         respective fine chemical in the organism, preferably the         microorganism, the plant cell, the plant tissue or the plant;         and     -   d) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or         bound the respective fine chemical as indicated in any one of         Tables XI to XIV, application no. 36, column 6 “metabolite” and,         optionally further free and/or bound amino acids synthetized by         the organism, the microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant         or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.0.36] to [0084.0.0.36]: see [0074.0.0.27] to [0084.0.0.27]

[0085.0.36.36] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no.     36, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative     thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.36] to [0088.1.0.36]: see [0086.0.0.27] to [0088.1.0.27]

[0089.0.0.36] to [0097.0.0.36]: see [0089.0.0.27] to [0097.0.0.27]

[0098.0.36.36] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical (5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine) are produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, are isolated. The production of further amino acids and of amino acid mixtures or mixtures with other compounds by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.0.36] to [0102.0.0.36]: see [0099.0.0.27] to [0102.0.0.27]

[0103.0.36.36] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table XII,     application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof, which     confers an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in     an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7.; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table XIII, application no. 36, columns 7, and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus columns 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domaine of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no.     36, columns 5 or 7 and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[00103.1.36.36.] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7 by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7.

[0104.0.36.36] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7.

[0105.0.0.36] to [0107.0.0.36]: see [0105.0.0.27] to [0107.0.0.27]

[0108.0.36.36] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from a amino acid sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 36, columns 7, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, column 3, 5 or 7, or e.g. conferring a increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.36]: see [0109.0.0.27]

[0110.0.36.36] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, column 5, being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, column 5, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, column 7 can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.36]: see [0111.0.0.27]

[0112.0.36.36] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, column 3, or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 and 7, and conferring a 5-oxoproline and/or alanine and/or aspartic acid and/or citrulline and/or glycine and/or phenylalanine and/or serine and/or tyrosine increase.

[0113.0.0.36] to [0120.0.0.36]: see [0113.0.0.27] to [0120.0.0.27]

[0121.0.36.36] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity.

[0122.0.0.36] to [0127.0.0.36]: see [0122.0.0.27] to [0127.0.0.27]

[0128.0.36.36] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 36, column 7, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, or the sequences derived from sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7.

[0129.0.36.36] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequences indicated in Table XIV, application no. 36, column 7, are derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.36.36] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of amino acids, e.g. of 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, serine and/or tyrosine after increasing its expression or activity of the protein comprising said fragment.

[0131.0.0.36] to [0138.0.0.36]: see [0131.0.0.27] to [0138.0.0.27]

[0139.0.36.36] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical level, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to a sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the respective fine chemical, in particular, of 5-oxoproline and/or alanine and/or aspartic acid and/or citrulline and/or glycine and/or phenylalanine and/or serine and/or tyrosine resp., increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.36] to [0146.0.0.36]: see [0140.0.0.27] to [0146.0.0.27]

[0147.0.36.36] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences s such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.36.36] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7 or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular, of arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.36.36] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity and as indicated in indicated in Table XII.

[0150.0.36.36] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of arginine and/or glutamate and/or proline and/or glutamine, resp., if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 36, column 7, will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7 or its gene product.

[0151.0.0.36] see [0151.0.0.27]

[0152.0.36.36] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular an activity increasing the level of 5-oxoproline and/or alanine and/or aspartic acid and/or citrulline and/or glycine and/or phenylalanine and/or serine and/or tyrosine as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.36.36] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, column 3.

[0154.0.36.36] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.36] to [0156.0.0.36]: see [0155.0.0.27] to [0156.0.0.27]

[0157.0.36.36] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7 (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptides comprising the consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 36, column 7 or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7 or their functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, a consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 36, column 7, or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 36, column 7, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7. Preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7.

[0158.0.0.36] to [0160.0.0.36]: see [0158.0.0.27] to [0160.0.0.27]

[0161.0.36.36] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.36] see [0162.0.0.27]

[0163.0.36.36] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the respective fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of an protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.36] see [0164.0.0.27]

[0165.0.36.36] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7.

[0166.0.0.36] to [0167.0.0.36]: see [0166.0.0.27] to [0167.0.0.27]

[0168.0.36.36] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7.

[0169.0.0.36] to [0172.0.0.36]: see [0169.0.0.27] to [0172.0.0.27]

[0173.0.36.36] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108476 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108476 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.36] see [0174.0.0.27]

[0175.0.36.36] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108477 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108477 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.36.36] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7.

[0177.0.36.36] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7.

[0178.0.0.36]: see [0178.0.0.27]

[0179.0.36.36] A nucleic acid molecule encoding an homologous to a protein sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences of a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.36] to [0183.0.0.36]: see [0180.0.0.27] to [0183.0.0.27]

[0184.0.36.36] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.36.36] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7,

Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7.

[0187.0.36.36] In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7.

[0188.0.36.36] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential biological or enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7 and is expressed under identical conditions.

[0189.0.36.36] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7 also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.36] to [0203.0.0.36]: see [0190.0.0.27] to [0203.0.0.27]

[0204.0.36.36] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no.     36, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical, in particular according     to table XII, application no. 36, column 6 in an organism or a part     thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI,     application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to -   (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in     an organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no.     36, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, in particular according to table XII B,     application no. 36, column 6 in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 36,     columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, in particularaccording to table XII,     application no. 36, column 6 in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, in     particular according to table XII, application no. 36, column 6 in     an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, or a     nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature form     of, a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36,     columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical according to table XII B, application no.     36, column 6 in an organism or a part thereof; or which encompasses     a sequence which is complementary thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI,     application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. In     one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not consist of the     sequence shown and indicated in Table XI, application no. 36,     columns 5 or 7, In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule is less     than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence     indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7.

In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7.

In an other embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7.

In a further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the differs at least in one or more residues from a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention encodes a polypeptide, which differs at least in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7.

In another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7.

In a further embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical to a protein sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, more preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7.

[0205.0.0.36] to [0226.0.0.36]: see [0205.0.0.27] to [0226.0.0.27]

[0227.0.36.36] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the amino acid biosynthetic pathway such as for amino acid precursors is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.0.36] to [0230.0.0.36]: see [0228.0.0.27] to [0230.0.0.27]

[00231.0.36.36] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a protein degrading 5-oxoproline and/or alanine and/or aspartic acid and/or citrulline and/or glycine and/or phenylalanine and/or serine and/or tyrosine resp., is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.36] to [0282.0.0.36]: see [0232.0.0.27] to [0282.0.0.27]

[0283.0.36.36] Moreover, a native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, e.g. an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, column 3, or an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing polypeptides comprising or consisting of above mentioned sequences, e.g. the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies.

[0284.0.0.36] see [0284.0.0.27]

[0285.0.36.36] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, or as coded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.36.36] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 36, column 7.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 36, column 7, whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 36, column 7.

[0287.0.0.36] to [0290.0.0.36]: see [0287.0.0.27] to [0290.0.0.27]

[0291.0.36.36] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids.

In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, by more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII A, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7.

[0292.0.0.36]: see [0292.0.0.27]

[0293.0.36.36] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof and being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7.

[0294.0.36.36] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, column 3, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.36] to [0297.0.0.36]: see [0295.0.0.27] to [0297.0.0.27]

[0297.1.36.36] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 3, 5 or 7.

[0298.0.36.36] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to confer the activity of the present invention. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7.

[0299.0.36.36] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.36.36] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7.

[0301.0.0.36] see [0301.0.0.27]

[0302.0.36.36] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.36] see [0303.0.0.27]

[0304.0.36.36] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, column 3, but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.36] to [0308.0.0.36]: see [0305.0.0.27] to [0308.0.0.27]

[0309.0.36.36] In one embodiment, an reference to a “protein (=polypeptide)” of the invention or as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, column 3, and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.36] to [0334.0.0.36]: see [0310.0.0.27] to [0334.0.0.27]

[0335.0.36.36] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence of one of the sequences as indicated in Table Xl, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.36] to [0342.0.0.36]: see [0336.0.0.27] to [0342.0.0.27]

[0343.0.36.36] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.36] to [0361.0.0.36]: see [0344.0.0.27] to [0361.0.0.27]

[0362.0.36.36] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, e.g. encoding a polypeptide having protein activity, as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 3. Due to the above mentioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7, means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, column 3, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7 is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention

[0363.0.0.36] to [0384.0.0.36]: see [0363.0.0.27] to [0384.0.0.27]

[0385.0.36.36] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine, normally have a dry matter content of from 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, at least at the end, but especially over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 3 g/l during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it. The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

An other method for purification the amino acids of the invention, in particular 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine is a process by means of electrodialysis as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,551,803.

[0386.0.0.36] to [0392.0.0.36]: see [0386.0.0.27] to [0392.0.0.27]

[0393.0.36.36] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   (a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or     7, and, optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete     genomic clone; -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the fine chemical; -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   (e) assaying the the fine chemical level in the host cells; and -   (f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the the fine chemical level in the     host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.36] to [0460.0.0.36]: see [0394.0.0.27] to [0460.0.0.27]

[0461.0.36.36] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 108476 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.36] see [0462.0.0.27]

[0463.0.36.36] SEQ ID NO: 108476 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.36] to [0466.0.0.36]: see [0464.0.0.27] to [0466.0.0.27]

[0467.0.36.36] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 108476:

-   -   i) forward primer SEQ ID NO: 108478     -   ii) reverse primer SEQ ID NO: 108479

[0468.0.0.36] to [0479.0.0.36]: see [0468.0.0.27] to [0479.0.0.27]

[0480.0.36.36] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 108476

[0481.0.0.36] to [0552.0.0.36]: see [0481.0.0.27] to [0552.0.0.27]

[0553.0.36.36]

1. A process for the production of 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., which comprises

-   -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as         indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 36         resp., or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human         organism, or in one or more parts thereof; and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline,         glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp. in said         organism.         2. A process for the production of 5-oxoproline, alanine,         aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or         tyrosine resp., comprising the increasing or generating in an         organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one         nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule         selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 36 resp., or a         fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         ccchemical, e.g of 5-oxoproline, anine, aspartic acid,         citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine         resp., in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7,         application no. 36 resp.,     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as         indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of 5-oxoproline, alanine,         aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or         tyrosine resp., in an organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as         indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of 5-oxoproline, alanine,         aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or         tyrosine resp., in an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of         5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine,         phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an organism or a         part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 36,         column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g ofthe         5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine,         phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an organism or a         part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of         5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine,         phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an organism or a         part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no.         36, column 7, resp., and conferring an increase in the amount of         the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of         5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine,         phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an organism or a         part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of         5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine,         phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an organism or a         part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto.         3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the         free or bound 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline,         glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp.         4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the         following steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine,         phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., produced by the         selected mutated organisms or parts thereof.         5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity         of said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule         is increased or generated transiently or stably.         6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid         molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7., or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of         5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine,         phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an organism or a         part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7,         resp.,     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as         indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of 5-oxoproline, alanine,         aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or         tyrosine resp., in an organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as         indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of 5-oxoproline, alanine,         aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or         tyrosine resp., in an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of         5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine,         phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an organism or a         part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 36,         column 7, resp., and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of         5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine,         phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an organism or a         part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of         5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine,         phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an organism or a         part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no.         36, column 7, resp., and conferring an increase in the amount of         the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of         5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine,         phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an organism or a         part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of         5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine,         phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an organism or a         part thereof.         whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 36, columns 5         or 7 resp., by one or more nucleotides.         7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more         regulatory elements.         8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in         claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7.         9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid         molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for         the expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a         prokaryotic and eukaryotic, host.         10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or         transiently with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the         nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid         construct of claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one         of claims 2 to 5.         11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell.         12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an         animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a         prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium.         13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the         polypeptide is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of         claims 10 to 12.         14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13         or encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6         whereby the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as         indicated in Table XII, application no. 36, columns 5 or 7,         resp., by one or more amino acids         15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as         claimed in claim 14.         16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or         a plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is         plant cell or an Agrobacterium.         17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the         activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of 5-oxoproline,         alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine,         serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an organism or a part thereof         comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 5 conferring an increase in the amount of 5-oxoproline,         alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine,         serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an organism or a part thereof         with a candidate compound or a sample comprising a plurality of         compounds under conditions which permit the expression the         polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid,         citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine         resp., level or the polypeptide expression level in the cell,         tissue, plant or microorganism or the media the cell, tissue,         plant or microorganisms is cultured or maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline,         glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., level or         polypeptide expression level with a standard 5-oxoproline,         alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine,         serine and/or tyrosine resp., or polypeptide expression level         measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample         comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased         level over the standard indicates that the compound or the         sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and         a decreased level over the standard indicates that the compound         or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an         antagonist.         18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring         increased 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline,         glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., production         in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps:     -   (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline,         glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an         organism or a part thereof and a readout system capable of         interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which         permit the interaction of the polypeptide with dais readout         system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a         plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable         signal in response to the binding of a compound to said         polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of said         readout system and of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic         acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of         5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine,         phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., in an organism or a         part thereof;     -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system.         19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring         an increase in 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline,         glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., production         in a cell, comprising the following steps:     -   (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline,         glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., after         expression with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic         acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine         resp.;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid,         citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine         resp., level in the host cells; and     -   (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the 5-oxoproline, alanine,         aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or         tyrosine resp., level in the host cell in the host cell after         expression compared to the wild type.         20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring         an increase in 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline,         glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., production         in a cell, comprising the following steps:     -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the 5-oxoproline, alanine,         aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or         tyrosine resp., amount or level in an organism or a part thereof         after expression, and which are at least 20% homolog to the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic         acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine         resp.;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid,         citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosineresp.,         level in the host cells; and     -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the 5-oxoproline, alanine,         aspartic acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or         tyrosine resp., level in the host cell after expression compared         to the wild type.         21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition         comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20         and formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17         to 20 in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture.         22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim         6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of         claim 7, the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or         agonist identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim         18, the gene product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim         15, and optionally an agricultural acceptable carrier.         23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for         the identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an         increase of 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic acid, citrulline,         glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine resp., after         expression.         24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid         construct claim 7 or the gene product identified according to         the method of claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable         of conferring a modulation of 5-oxoproline, alanine, aspartic         acid, citrulline, glycine, phenylalanine, serine and/or tyrosine         resp., levels in an organism.         25. Food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic         acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the         antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the         antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the         harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12         or the gene product identified according to the method of claim         19 or 20.         26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide         of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector         of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according         to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue         of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, the host cell         of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to         the method of claim 19 or 20 for the protection of a plant         against a 5-oxoproline and/or alanine and/or aspartic acid         and/or citrulline and/or glycine and/or homoserine and/or         phenylalanine and/or serine and/or tyrosine synthesis inhibiting         herbicide.

[0554.0.0.36] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.27]

NEW GENES FOR A PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.37.37] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.37] see [0001.0.0.27]

[0002.0.37.37] Oils and fats, which chemically are glycerol esters of fatty acids (triacylglycerols (TAGs)), play a major role in nutrition but more and more in nonfood applications such as lubricants, hydraulic oil, biofuel, or oleochemicals for coatings, plasticizer, soaps, and detergents (W. Lohs and W. Friedt, in Designer Oil Crops, D. J. Murphy, Ed. (VCH, Weinheirn, Gerrnany, 1993)). The ideal oil for industrial application would consist of a particular type of fatty acid that could be supplied constantly at a competitively low price as compared with raw materials based on mineral oil products. Furthermore, such a fatty acid may have a reactive group in addition to the carboxyl function to provide an additional target for chemical modifications (Topfer et al., Science, Vol. 268, 681-686, 1995).

[0003.0.32.37] to [0004.0.32.37] see paragraph [0003.0.32.32] to [0004.0.32.32] above

[0005.0.37.37] Further sources of fatty acids are membrane lipids of organisms. Preferably lipids are phopholipids and/or glycolipids, more preferably glycerophospholipids, galactolipids and/or sphingolipids.

[0006.0.37.37.] Margaric acid was first mentioned in the early 1800s. 1813 M. E. Chevreul discovered that fats are composed of fatty acids and named one of these “margaric acid” because it glistened with lustrous pearly drops that reminded him of the Greek word for pearl, margaron or margarites. In the middle of the 1800s W. H. Heintz showed that “margaric acid” discovered by Chevreul was an indefinite mixture of palmitic and stearic acids.

Today, the term “margaric acid” is the trivial name for heptadecanoic acid (17:0), which is naturally occurring in minor amounts.

The fatty acid with odd number of carbon atoms is present in trace amounts in plants, in triglycerides from Brazil-nut oil, Dracocephalum moldavica oil, Poppy-seed, Palm, Almond, Sunflower or Soyabean. Margaric acid can be isolated from tallow (1%), specially from subcutaneous adipose tissue in subcutaneous fat from lambs.

Margaric acid can be ingredient of satiety agents or fungicide composition. It is further used as ingredient in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and in feed and food, like baking adjuvants as disclosed in US 20030143312 or accordind to US 20040097392 as component in surfactant systems.

The heptadecanoic acid is mainly used as an internal standard in quantification of fatty acids. It can be further useful in treatment of neurological diseases which may be caused by yeast, fungi or prions based on yeast or fungal etiology (U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,866) or in antikeratolytic-wound healing compositions (U.S. Pat. No. 5,641,814). Heptadecanoic acid was produced up to now in higher amount primarily by organic synthesis.

[0007.0.37.37.] ./.

[0008.0.32.37] see [0008.0.32.32]

[0009.0.37.37.] Further poly unsaturated ω-3- and/or ω-6-fatty acids important part of animal feed and human food are delta 7,10 hexadecadienic acid (16:2(n-6)) and delta 7,10, 13 hexadecatrienic acid (16:3(n-3)). Hexadecadienic acid is a minor component of some seed and fish oils, and of plant leaves but the precursor of hexadecatrienic acid 16:3(n-3), which is a common constituent of leaf lipids. This acid is known to occur in photosynthetic leaves, such as for example Arabidopsis thaliana, rape leaves, fern lipid, ginko leaves, potato leaves, tomato leaves and spinach. It may also occur in the leaves of Brassicaceae plants, such as horse radish, cabbage, turnip, Chinese mustard, cauliflower and watercress.

In higher plants, the galactolipids contain a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, up to 95% of which can be linolenic acid (18:3(n-3)). In this instance, the most abundant molecular species of mono- and digalactosyldiacylglycerols must have 18:3 at both sn-I and sn-2 positions of the glycerol backbone. Plants such as the pea, which have 18:3 as almost the only fatty acid in the monogalactosyldiacylglycerols, have been termed “18:3 plants”. Other species, and Arabidopsis thaliana is an example, contain appreciable amounts of hexadecatrienoic acid (16:3(n-3)) in the monogalactosyldiacylglycerols, and they are termed “16:3 plants”.

As mentioned, polyunsaturated fatty acid are further used in the cosmetic industry. The application US 20030039672 discloses a cosmetic method for treating aged, sensitive, dry, flaky, wrinkled and/or photodamaged skin through topical application of a composition which comprises an unsaturated C16 fatty acid having at least three double bonds, which may be preferably hexadecatrienoic acid.

[0010.0.32.37.] to [0011.0.32.37] see [0010.0.32.32] to [0011.0.32.32] above

[0012.0.37.37] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes which participate in the biosynthesis of fatty acids and make it possible to produce certain fatty acids specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.37] see [0013.0.0.27]

[0014.0.37.37] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is heptadecanoic acid (C17:0, margaric acid) and/or and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid (C16:3 (n-3), cis 7-cis 10-cis 13-hexadecatrienoic acid, hiragonic acid) or tryglycerides, lipids, oils or fats containing heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid”. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or triglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid.

[0015.0.37.37] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, oils and/or fats containing heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic and its salts, ester, thioester or heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid in free form or bound to other compounds such as triglycerides, glycolipids, phospholipids etc. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or 2-hydroxy-tetracosenoic-acid and/or hexadecadienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10 hexadecadienoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid, in free form or its salts or bound to a glycerol backbone or to glycerol-3-phosphate backbone or to a sphingosine-phosphate backbone or to sphingosine-mono- or oligosaccharide backbone or to a glycerol-3-mono- or disaccharide backbone. Triglycerides, lipids, oils, fats or lipid mixture thereof shall mean any triglyceride, lipid, oil and/or fat containing any bound or free heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid for example sphingolipids, phosphoglycerides, lipids, glycerophospholipids, galactolipids, glycolipids such as glycosphingolipids, phospholipids such as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol or diphosphatidylglycerol, or as monoacylglyceride, diacylglyceride or triacylglyceride or other fatty acid esters such as acetyl-Coenzym A thioester, which contain further saturated or unsaturated fatty acids in the fatty acid molecule.

[0016.0.37.37] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more of a     protein as shown in table XII, application no. 37, column 3 encoded     by the nucleic acid sequences as shown in table XI, application no.     37, column 5, in a non-human organism or in one or more parts     thereof or -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus fatty acid of the invention or     fine chemicals comprising the fatty acids of the invention, in said     organism or in the culture medium surrounding the organism.

[0017.0.0.37] to [0019.0.0.37] see [0017.0.0.27] to [0019.0.0.27]

[0020.0.37.37] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Brassica napus protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, column 5, line 35 in a plant conferred an increase in Margaric Acid (C17:0) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of Margaric Acid (C17:0).

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Brassica napus protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, column 5, line 36 in thaliana plant conferred an increase in Hexadeca-trienoic Acid (C16:3) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of Hexadeca-trienoic Acid (C16:3).

[0021.0.0.37] see [0021.0.0.27]

[0022.0.37.37] The sequence of YDR513W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78 (1997) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity has been characterized as a glutathione reductase, preferably of the glutaredoxin superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the glutaredoxin superfamily, preferably a protein with a glutathione reductase activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of heptadecanoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing heptadecanoic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of heptadecanoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing margaric acid, preferably heptadecanoic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the YDR513W protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the lipid biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of fatty acids or encoding a fatty acid transporter protein or a compound, which functions as a sink for the respective fatty acid. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein of the glutaredoxin superfamily, preferably of a glutathione reductase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a plant or a homolog thereof.

The sequence of b3430 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase, preferably of the a glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase superfamily. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the a glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase superfamily, preferably such protein is having a a glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase activity from E. coli or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of hexydecatrienoic acid (C16:3, preferably C16:3 delta 7,10, 13) and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing hexydecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of hexydecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or tryglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing hexydecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one further embodiment the b3430 protein expression is increased together with the increase of another gene of the lipid biosynthesis pathway, preferably with a gene encoding a protein being involved in the production of galactolipids, preferably of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a a glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a plant or a homolog thereof.

[0022.1.0.37] to [0023.0.0.37] see [0022.1.0.27] to [0023.0.0.27]

[0023.1.37.37] Homologs of the polypeptide disclosed in table XII, application no. 37, column 5, may have the activity of a protein as disclosed in Table XI or XII, application no. 37, column 3 and may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in table XI, application no. 37, column 7, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in table XII, application no. 37, column 7, resp.

[0024.0.0.37] see [0024.0.0.27]

[0025.0.37.37] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein as shown in table XII, application no. 37, column 3 “if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased in the level of the fine chemical indicated in the respective line of table XII, application no. 37, column 6 “metabolite” in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism.

Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 37, column 3, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic or biological activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to a protein as shown in the respective line of table XII, application no. 37, column 3 of a E. coli or Saccharomyces cerevisae, respectively, protein as mentioned in table XI to XIV, column 3 respectively and as disclosed in paragraph [0022] of the respective invention.

[0026.0.0.37] to [0033.0.0.37] see [0026.0.0.27] to [0033.0.0.27]

[0034.0.37.37] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity, preferably of the activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a respective protein as shown in table XII, application no. 37, column 3 its biochemical or genetical causes and the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.37] to [0036.0.0.37] see [0035.0.0.27] to [0036.0.0.27]

[0037.0.37.37] A series of mechanisms exists via which a modification of the a protein, e.g. the polypeptide of the invention can directly or indirectly affect the yield, production and/or production efficiency of the fatty acid.

[0038.0.0.37] to [0044.0.0.37] see [0038.0.0.27] to [0044.0.0.27]

[0045.0.37.37] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein. as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 37, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, column 6 of the respective line, between 10% and 50%, 10% and 100%, 10% and 200%, 10% and 300%, 10% and 400%, 10% and 500%, 20% and 50%, 20% and 250%, 20% and 500%, 50% and 100%, 50% and 250%, 50% and 500%, 500% and 1000% or more

[0046.0.37.37] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 37, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, column 6 of the respective line confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further fatty acid or their precursors.

[0047.0.0.37] and [0048.0.0.37] see [0047.0.0.27] and [0048.0.0.27]

[0049.0.37.37] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fine chemical, has in one embodiment the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of the polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 37, column 7 or of the polypeptide as shown in the amino acid sequences as disclosed in table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 and 7 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by the nucleic acid molecule as shown in table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 and 7 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.37.37] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “heptadecanoic acid”, and/or “hexadecatrienoic acid”, preferably “delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid” and/or C24:1 fatty acid also encompasses the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of the above named fatty acids or the salts of the above named fatty acids with amines such as diethylamine or the esters the above named fatty acids.

[0051.0.37.37] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free chemical free or bound, e.g fatty acid compositions. Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of various fatty acids can be produced.

[0052.0.0.37] see [0052.0.0.27]

[0053.0.37.37] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps:

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having the     activity of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 37,     columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity having herein-mentioned     fatty acid of the invention increasing activity; and/or -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention as     shown in table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 and 7, e.g. a     nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having the activity of     a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 37, columns 5     and 7 or its homologs activity or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide     of the present invention having herein-mentioned fatty acid of the     invention increasing activity; and/or -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned fatty acid increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation of the     polypeptide of the invention; and/or -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned fatty acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned fatty acid of the invention increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors to the     organisms or parts thereof; and/or -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned fatty acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned fatty acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   h) increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having the activity     of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 37, columns     5 and 7 or its homologs activity, by adding positive expression or     removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination     can be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like     for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor     elements form regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods     can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity     of positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced     in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be     identified in which the positive elements have be integrated near to     a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby     enhanced; and/or -   i) modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical production;     and/or -   k) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.37.37] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein according to Table XII, application no. 37, column 3, or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7.

[0055.0.0.37] to [0069.0.0.37] see [0055.0.0.27] to [0069.0.0.27]

[0070.0.37.37] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolites composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous fatty acid composition comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritonal physiology limited) fatty acids, like heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid.

[0071.0.32.37] see [0071.0.32.32]

[0072.0.37.37] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid, triglycerides, lipids, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids, oils and/or fats containing heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid compounds like other fatty acids such as palmitate, stearate, palmitoleate, oleate, linoleate and/or linoleate or erucic acid and/or, arachidonic acid.

[0073.0.37.37] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

-   -   (a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism,         a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal         tissue or a plant;     -   (b) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or         a homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application         no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or of a polypeptide being encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and described         below, i.e. conferring an increase of the respective fine         chemical in the organism, preferably in a microorganism, a         non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal         tissue or a plant,     -   (c) growing the organism, preferably the microorganism, the         non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal         tissue or the plant under conditions which permit the production         of the fine chemical in the organism, preferably the         microorganism, the plant cell, the plant tissue or the plant;         and     -   (d) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free         and/or bound the fine chemical and, optionally further free         and/or bound fatty acids synthesized by the organism, the         microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell,         the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.37.37] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound the fine chemical or the free and bound the fine chemical but as option it is also possible to produce, recover and, if desired isolate, other free or/and bound fatty acids.

[0075.0.0.37] to [0077.0.0.37] see [0075.0.0.27] to [0077.0.0.27]

[0078.0.0.37] to [0084.0.0.37]: see [0078.0.0.27] to [0084.0.0.27]

[0085.0.37.37] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   -   a) the nucleic acid sequence as shown in table XI, application         no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative thereof, or     -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which         is functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as shown         table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative         thereof, or     -   c) (a) and (b)         is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or         has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods,         it being possible for the modification to be, by way of example,         a substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of         one or more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the         natural chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the         presence in a genomic library. In the case of a genomic library,         the natural, genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is         preferably at least partially still preserved. The environment         flanks the nucleic acid sequence at least on one side and has a         sequence length of at least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp,         particularly preferably at least 1000 bp, very particularly         preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.37] to [0087.0.0.37] see [0086.0.0.27] to [0087.0.0.27]

[0088.0.37.37] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose fatty acid content is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for animals is dependent on the abovementioned fatty acids and the general amount of fatty acids as energy source in feed. After the above mentioned protein activity has been increased or generated, or after the expression of nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide according to the invention has been generated or increased, the transgenic plant generated thus is grown on or in a nutrient medium or else in the soil and subsequently harvested.

[0089.0.32.37] to [0097.0.32.37] see [0089.0.0.32] to [0097.0.0.32]

[0098.0.37.37] In a preferred embodiment, the fine chemical (heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid) is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further fatty acids such as palmitoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, nervonic acid and/or linolenic acid mixtures thereof or mixtures of other fatty acids by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.32.37] to [0102.0.32.37] see [0099.0.32.32] to [0102.0.32.32]

[0102.1.37.37] An other analytical method is described by Summit et al, (Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program, Scientific Results Volume 169, 2000). The fatty acid methyl esters are analyzed by capillary gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. Various mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids can further be individually distinguished and quantified in one sample without prior separation by semi-selective HSQC (heteronuclear single quantum coherence)-NMR (Willker et al., Magn. Reson. Chem. 36, S79-S84 (1998)).

Fatty acid compositions, preferably of monogalactosyl diacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyl diacylglycerol (DGDG) can be investigated using HPLC/ESI-MS combined with in-source (or cone voltage) fragmentation, negative-ion electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry interfaced with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (Kim et al., Bull. Korean Chem. Soc. 2003, Vol. 24, No. 8).

[0103.0.37.37] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the         mature form, of the polypeptide shown in Table XII, application         no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof, which confers an         increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a         part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the         mature form, of the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table XI,         application no. 37, columns 5 or 7;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at         least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide         being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or         more amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide         encoded by the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably         to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a         polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid         molecules of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and         conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule         which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a         cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers shown in         Table XIII, application no. 37, column 7, and conferring an         increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a         part thereof;     -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated, e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of         monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of         the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to         (c), and and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising         the consensus sequence shown in Table XIV, application no. 37,         columns 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic         acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide         encoding a domain of the polypeptide shown in Table XII,         application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase         in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part         thereof; and     -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable library under stringent conditions with a probe         comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule         of (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of         at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt         or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to         (k), preferably to

-   (a) to (c), and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0104.0.37.37] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process distinguishes over the sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides or does not consist of the sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of the sequence shown in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7.

[0105.0.0.37] to [0107.0.0.37] see [0105.0.0.27] to [0107.0.0.27]

[0108.0.37.37] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from the amino acid sequences shown in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in Table XIV, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XI, application no. 37, column 3, 5 or 7, or e.g. conferring a increase in the respective fine chemical after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.37.37] In one embodiment, said sequences are cloned into nucleic acid constructs, either individually or in combination. These nucleic acid constructs enable an optimal synthesis of the fatty acids produced in the process according to the invention.

[0110.0.0.37] see [0110.0.0.27]

[0111.0.0.37] see [0111.0.0.27]

[0112.0.37.37] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XI, application no. 37, column 3, or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 and 7, and conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0113.0.0.37] to [0120.0.0.37] see [0113.0.0.27] to [0120.0.0.27]

[0121.0.37.37] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e.

conferring an increase in the level of heptadecanoic acid after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 37;

or conferring increase in the level of hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7.

[0122.0.0.37] to [0127.0.0.37] see [0122.0.0.27] to [0127.0.0.27]

[0128.0.37.37] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 37, columns 7, resp., by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, resp., or the sequences derived from sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, resp.

[0129.0.37.37] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequences indicated in Table XIV, application no. 37, columns 7, resp., are derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.37.37] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of fatty acids, e.g. of heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid after increasing its expression or activity of the protein comprising said fragment.

[0131.0.0.37] to [0138.0.0.37] see [0131.0.0.27] to [0138.0.0.27]

[0139.0.37.37] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical level, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to a sequences indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7 resp., under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.37] to [0146.0.0.37]: see [0140.0.0.27] to [0146.0.0.27]

[0147.0.37.37] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences s such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.37.37] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence shown in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular having a heptadecanoic acid hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid delta 15 fatty acid-increasing activity after increasing its activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequence or its homologs.

[0149.0.37.37] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, e.g. of heptadecanoic acid and/or 2 and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and optionally the activity of a protein indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, column 5,

[00149.1.37.37] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7, has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, column 3,

[0150.0.37.37] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences shown in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, resp., for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., set forth in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, resp., or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primers shown in Table XIII, application no. 37, column 7, resp., will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7.

[0151.0.0.37] see [0151.0.0.27]

[0152.0.37.37] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, resp., such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular an activity increasing the level of amino acids, in particular of heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.37.37] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, column 3.

[0154.0.37.37] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.37] to [0156.0.0.37]: see [0155.0.0.27] to [0156.0.0.27]

[0157.0.37.37] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of a nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptides encoded by the sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 37, columns, or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or their functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, a consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 37, columns 7, or of the polypeptide as as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7.

[0158.0.0.37] to [0160.0.0.37]: see [0158.0.0.27] to [0160.0.0.27]

[0161.0.37.37] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.37] see [0162.0.0.27]

[0163.0.37.37] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7, corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the respective fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.37] see [0164.0.0.27]

[0165.0.37.37] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7.

[0166.0.0.37] to [0167.0.0.37] see [0166.0.0.27] to [0167.0.0.27]

[0168.0.37.37] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7 more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7 and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7.

[0169.0.0.37] to [0172.0.0.37] see [0169.0.0.27] to [0172.0.0.27]

[0173.0.32.37] to [0175.0.32.37] see [0173.0.32.32] to [0175.0.32.32]

[0176.0.37.37] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7.

[0177.0.37.37] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of a polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7 according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7

[0178.0.0.37] see [0178.0.0.27]

[0179.0.37.37] A nucleic acid molecule encoding a homologous to a protein sequence of as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table XIB, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7 such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences of a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.37] to [0183.0.0.37] see [0180.0.0.27] to [0183.0.0.27]

[0184.0.37.37] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7, or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.37.37] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7, In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotide sequences not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7,

[0186.0.37.37] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encode a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7.

[0187.0.37.37] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7.

[0188.0.37.37] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential biological or enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, preferably compared to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, column 5, and expressed under identical conditions.

[0189.0.37.37] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.37] to [0203.0.0.37] see [0190.0.0.27] to [0203.0.0.27]

[0204.0.37.37] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the         mature form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII,         application no. 37, columns 5 or 7 or a fragment thereof         conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine         chemical, i.e. heptadecanoic acid and/or and/or hexadecatrienoic         acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the         mature form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table         XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof         conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine         chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence         has at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in         an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide         being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or         more amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide         encoded by the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably         to (a) to (c), and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a         polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid         molecules of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring         an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or         a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule         which is obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic         library using primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table         XIII, application no. 37, column 7, and conferring an increase         in the amount of the respective fine chemical, i.e.         heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably         delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated, e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of         monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of         the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a)         to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical in an organism or a part thereof;     -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising         a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no.         37, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the         respective fine chemical i.e. heptadecanoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid in an organism or a         part thereof;     -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a         polypeptide encoding a domaine of a polypeptide as indicated in         Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an         increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical i.e.         heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably         delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid in an organism or a part         thereof; and     -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at         least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or         500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (h)         or of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI,         application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or a nucleic acid molecule         encoding, preferably at least the mature form of, the         polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37,         columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the         respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof;         whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)         to (l) distinguishes over a sequence depicted in as indicated in         Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, by one or more         nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the         invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table         XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, In an other embodiment,         the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at least         30% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99%         identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no.         37, columns 5 or 7, In a further embodiment the nucleic acid         molecule does not encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in         Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, Accordingly, in         one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present         invention encodes in one embodiment a polypeptide which differs         at least in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide indicated         in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, In another         embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI,         application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, does not encode a protein of         a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5         or 7, Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded by a         sequences of a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does not         consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no.         37, columns 5 or 7, In a further embodiment, the protein of the         present invention is at least 30% identical to a protein         sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5         or 7, and less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99%         or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95%         identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application         no. 37, columns 5 or 7.

[0205.0.0.37] to [0206.0.0.37]: see [0205.0.0.27] to [0206.0.0.27]

[0207.0.37.37] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes are genes of the fatty acid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acid metabolism, of triacylglycerol or lipid, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids biosynthesis or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.37] to [0226.0.0.37] see [0208.0.0.27] to [0226.0.0.27]

[0227.0.37.37] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to the sequence mentioned in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway such as for palmitate, stearate, palmitoleate, oleate, linoleate and/or linolenate or of the of triacylglycerol or lipid, preferably glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids and/or galactolipids biosynthetic pathway is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine the sequences shown in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organism, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.32.37] to [0229.0.32.37] see [0228.0.32.32] [0229.0.32.32]

[0229.1.37.37] Further nucleic acid sequences which can be expressed in combination with the sequences used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes are the sequences encoding further genes of the saturated, unsaturated, polyunsaturated and/or hydroxylated fatty acid biosynthesis such as the FA2H gene encoding a fatty acid 2-hydroxylase (Alderson et al., J. Biol. Chem. Vol. 279, No. 47, Issue of November 19, pp. 48562-48568, 2004), ω-3-desaturases encoded by FAD2 and FAD3 (US 20030221217), delta-12 fatty acid desaturase, delta-15 fatty acid desaturase as disclosed by Okuley, et al., Plant Cell 6:147-158 (1994), Lightner et al., WO94/11516, Yadav, N., et al., Plant Physiol., 103:467-476 (1993), WO 93/11245 and Arondel, V. et al., Science, 258:1353-1355 (1992), US 20040083503.

[0230.0.0.37] see [0230.0.0.27]

[0231.0.37.37] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a heptadecanoic acid and/or and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.37] to [0276.0.0.37] see [0232.0.0.27] to [0276.0.0.27]

[0277.0.32.37] see paragraph [0277.0.32.32]

[0278.0.0.37] to [0282.0.0.37] see [0278.0.0.27] to [0282.0.0.27]

[0283.0.37.37] Moreover, a native polypeptide conferring the increase of the fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, in particular, an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, column 3, e.g. an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing polypeptides comprising or consisting of above mentioned sequences, e.g. the polypeptide of the present invention or fragment thereof. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies.

[0284.0.0.37] see [0284.0.0.27]

[0285.0.37.37] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or as coded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.37.37] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 37, column 7, and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 37, column 7, whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid, or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 37, column 7.

[0287.0.0.37] to [0290.0.0.37] see [0287.0.0.27] to [0290.0.0.27]

[0291.0.37.37] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table.

[0292.0.0.37] see [0292.0.0.27]

[0293.0.37.37] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, column 5 and/or 7, by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7.

[0294.0.37.37] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, column 3, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.37] to [0297.0.0.37] see [0295.0.0.27] to [0297.0.0.27]

[00297.1.37.37] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicalsare e.g. polypeptides having not the activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7.

[0298.0.37.37] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to confer the activity of the present invention. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7.

[0299.0.37.37] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the amino acid sequences as shown in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence of Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.37.37] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from the sequences shown in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence shown in table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7.

[0301.0.0.37] see [0301.0.0.27]

[0302.0.37.37] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., the amino acid sequence shown in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.37] see [0303.0.0.27]

[0304.0.37.37] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention, may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table, application no. 37, column 3, but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.37] to [0308.0.0.37] see [0305.0.0.27] to [0308.0.0.27]

[0309.0.37.37] In one embodiment, an reference to a “protein (=polypeptide)” of the invention or as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, column 3, and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.37] to [0334.0.0.37] see [0310.0.0.27] to [0334.0.0.27]

[0335.0.37.37] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of the nucleic acid sequences of the table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7 and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of the nucleic acid sequences of the Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence of one of the Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.37] to [0342.0.0.37] see [0336.0.0.27] to [0342.0.0.27]

[0343.0.37.37] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence of one of the sequences shown in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence of one of sequences shown in Table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.37] to [0361.0.0.37] see [0344.0.0.27] to [0361.0.0.27]

[0362.0.37.37] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7. Due to the above mentioned activity the fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. In one embodiment, transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, column 3, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.37] to [0373.0.0.37] see [0363.0.0.27] to [0373.0.0.27]

[0374.0.32.37] see [0374.0.32.32]

[0375.0.0.37] to [0376.0.0.37] see [0375.0.0.27] to [0376.0.0.27]

[0377.0.32.37] see [0377.0.32.32]

[0378.0.0.37] to [0379.0.0.37] see [0378.0.0.27] to [0379.0.0.27]

[0379.1.37.37] In one embodiment, the amino acid, in particular, heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid resp., is a mixture comprising of one or more the respective fine chemicals. In one embodiment, the respective fine chemical means here amino acid, in particular heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid. In one embodiment, amino acid means here a mixture of the respective fine chemicals.

[0380.0.32.37] to [0392.0.32.37] see [0380.0.32.32] to [0392.0.0.32]

[0393.0.37.37] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   -   (a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a         sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a         nucleic acid library, which can contain a candidate gene         encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the fine         chemical after expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the         present invention;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of the present invention in particular to the nucleic         acid molecule sequence shown in table XI, application no. 37,         columns 5 or 7, and, optionally, isolating the full length cDNA         clone or complete genomic clone;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells, preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism,         appropriate for producing the fine chemical;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the fine chemical level in the host cells; and     -   (f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product         which expression confers an increase in the fine chemical level         in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.32.37] to [0552.0.32.37] see [0394.0.0.32] to [0552.0.0.32]

[0553.0.37.37]

-   1. A process for the production of heptadecanoic acid and/or     hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic     acid which comprises     (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as indicated     in Table XII application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or a functional     equivalent thereof in a non-human organism, or in one or more parts     thereof; and     (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid,     preferably delta 7,10, 13 hexadecatrienoic acid in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of heptadecanoic acid and/or     hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic     acid, comprising the increasing or generating in an organism or a     part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule     comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group     consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of the polypeptide shown in         table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably         delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of the nucleic acid molecule         shown in table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of heptadecanoic acid         and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13         hexadecatrienoic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of heptadecanoic acid         and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13         hexadecatrienoic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of         heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably         delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers as         shown in Table XIII, application no. 37, column 7, and         conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of heptadecanoic         acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13         hexadecatrienoic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising the         consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 37,         column 7., and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof.         or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably     delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably         delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid produced by the selected         mutated organisms or parts thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of the polypeptide shown in         table XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably         delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of the nucleic acid molecule         shown in table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of heptadecanoic acid         and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13         hexadecatrienoic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of heptadecanoic acid         and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10, 13         hexadecatrienoic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of heptadecanoic acid         and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13         hexadecatrienoic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers as         shown in Table XIII, application no. 37, column 7, and         conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of heptadecanoic         acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13         hexadecatrienoic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising the         consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 37,         column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine         chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the         fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as shown in table XI, application no. 37, columns 5 or         7, by one or more nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over the sequence as shown in table     XII, application no. 37, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids -   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of heptadecanoic acid     and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13     hexadecatrienoic acid in an organism or a part thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of heptadecanoic         acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic         acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid in an         organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a sample         comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions which         permit the expression the polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the palmitic acid level or the polypeptide         expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or         the media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured         or maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured palmitic acid level or polypeptide expression level         with a standard palmitic acid or polypeptide expression level         measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample         comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased         level over the standard indicates that the compound or the         sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and         a decreased level over the standard indicates that the compound         or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an         antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid,     preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid and/or 24:1 fatty     acid, preferably C24:1 delta 15 fatty acid production in a plant or     microorganism, comprising the steps:     -   (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid,         preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid in an organism or         a part thereof and a readout system capable of interacting with         the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the         interaction of the polypeptide with dais readout system in the         presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of         compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in         response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under         conditions which permit the expression of said readout system         and of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of heptadecanoic         acid and/or and/or hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta         7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid,     preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid production in a cell,     comprising the following steps:     -   (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in heptadecanoic acid hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably         delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid after expression with the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing heptadecanoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the heptadecanoic acid and/or and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid level in the host cells; and     -   (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the heptadecanoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid level in the host cell in the host cell after expression         compared to the wild type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in heptadecanoic acid and/or and/or hexadecatrienoic acid,     preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid production in a cell,     comprising the following steps:     -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the heptadecanoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10, 13         hexadecatrienoic acid amount or level in an organism or a part         thereof after expression, and which are at least 20% homolog to         the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing heptadecanoic acid acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic         acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid level in         the host cells; and     -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the heptadecanoic acid and/or         hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic         acid level in the host cell after expression compared to the         wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     heptadecanoic acid and/or 2-hydroxy palmitic acid and/or     hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic     acid after expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of heptadecanoic acid and/or hexadecatrienoic acid,     preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic acid levels in an     organism. -   25. Food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the     plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim     16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified     according to the method of claim 19 or 20. -   26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20 for the protection of a plant against a heptadecanoic acid and/or     hexadecatrienoic acid, preferably delta 7,10,13 hexadecatrienoic     acid synthesis inhibiting herbicide.

[0554.0.0.37] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.27]

PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS Description

[0000.0.38.38] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.38] see [0001.0.0.27]

[0002.0.38.38]

The malic acid oxaloacetate shuttle is characteristic for plant cells. It transports redox equivalents intracellularly.

Malic acid is not only a central metabolite in intermediary flow of carbon in organisms. In higher plants, vacuolar malic acid accumulation, and hence, transtonoplast malic acid transport, also plays a paramount role in many physiological functions. These include adjustment of osmotic and turgor potentials in extension growth and movements of stomata and pulvini, pH-regulation, e.g. during nitrate reduction, and others (for review, see Luttge et al, Plant Physiol, 124(2000), 1335-1348).

Osawa and Matsumoto, Plant Physiol, 126(2001), 411-420 discuss the involvement malic acid in aluminium resistance in plants.

Malic acid is a common constituent of all plants, and its formation is controlled by an enzyme (protein catalyst) called malic acid dehydrogenase (MDH).

Malic acid occupies a central role in plant metabolism. Its importance in plant mineral nutrition is reflected by the role it plays in symbiotic nitrogen fixation, phosphorus acquisition, and aluminum tolerance.

During phosphorus deficiency, malic acid is frequently secreted from roots to release unavailable forms of phosphorus.

In nitrogen-fixing root nodules, malic acid is the primary substrate for bacteroid respiration, thus fueling nitrogenase.

Trihydroxibutanoic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid lacton can be regarded as hypothetic precusors of pheromone like metabolites in plants.

Due to these interesting physiological roles and agrobiotechnological potential of malic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid there is a need to identify the genes of enzymes and other proteins involved in malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid metabolism, and to generate mutants or transgenic plant lines with which to modify the malic acid, or trihydroxybutanoic acid content.

[0003.0.38.38] to [0007.0.38.38] -/-

[0008.0.38.38] One way to increase the productive capacity of biosynthesis is to apply recombinant DNA technology. Thus, it would be desirable to produce malic acid, or trihydroxybutanoic acid in plants. That type of production permits control over quality, quantity and selection of the most suitable and efficient producer organisms. The latter is especially important for commercial production economics and therefore availability to consumers. In addition it is desirable to produce malic acid, or trihydroxybutanoic acid in plants in order to increase plant productivity and resistance against biotic and abiotic stress as discussed before.

Methods of recombinant DNA technology have been used for some years to improve the production of fine chemicals in microorganisms and plants by amplifying individual biosynthesis genes and investigating the effect on production of fine chemicals. It is for example reported, that the xanthophyll astaxanthin could be produced in the nectaries of transgenic tobacco plants. Those transgenic plants were prepared by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of tobacco plants using a vector that contained a ketolase-encoding gene from H. pluvialis denominated crtO along with the Pds gene from tomato as the promoter and to encode a leader sequence. Those results indicated that about 75 percent of the carotenoids found in the flower of the transformed plant contained a keto group.

[0009.0.38.38] Thus, it would be advantageous if an algae, plant or other microorganism were available which produce large amounts malic acid, ortrihydroxybutanoic acid. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganisms.

It would also be advantageous if plants were available whose roots, leaves, stem, fruits or flowers produced large amounts of glyceric malic acid, or trihydroxybutanoic acid. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed plants.

[0010.0.38.38] Therefore improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the food-and-feed industry. This is necessary since, for example malic acid, or trihydroxybutanoic acid, as mentioned above, which occur in plants and some microorganisms are limited with regard to the supply of mammals. Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible a specific malic acid, or trihydroxybutanoic acid profile in the diet since an excess of malic acid, or trihydroxybutanoic acid above a specific concentration in the food has a positive effect. A further increase in quality is only possible via addition of further malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid, which are limiting.

[0011.0.38.38] To ensure a high quality of foods and animal feeds, it is therefore necessary to add malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid in a balanced manner to suit the organism.

[0012.0.38.38] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes or other proteins which participate in the biosynthesis of, malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid and make it possible to produce them specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted by-products forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of, malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid; on the other hand as less as possible by-products should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.38] see [0013.0.0.27]

[0014.0.38.38] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is a malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to a malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid.

Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising, malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid.

[0015.0.38.38] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means at least one chemical compound with malic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid activity.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means malic acid. In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means trihydroxybutanoic acid depending on the context in which the term is used. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means malic acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid, its salts, ester, thioester or in free form or bound to other compounds such sugars or sugar polymers, like glucoside, e.g. diglucoside.

In particular it is known to the skilled that anionic compounds as acids are present in an equilibrium of the acid and its salts according to the pH present in the respective compartment of the cell or organism and the pK of the acid. Thus, the term “the fine chemical”, the term “the respective fine chemical”, the term “acid” or the use of a demonination referring to a neutralized anionic compound respectivley relates the anionic form as well as the neutralised status of that compound. Thus, malic acid also relates to malate, or trihydroxybutanoic acid relates also to trihydroxybutanoic.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” and the term “the respective fine chemical” mean at least one chemical compound with an activity of the above mentioned fine chemical

[0016.0.38.38] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more     -   of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 38, column 3         encoded by the nucleic acid sequences as shown in table XI,         application no. 38, column 5, in a non-human organism or in one         or more parts thereof or -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus organic acid of the invention     or fine chemicals comprising the organic acids of the invention, in     said organism or in the culture medium surrounding the organism.

[0017.0.0.38] to [0018.0.0.38]: see [0017.0.0.27] to [0018.0.0.27]

[0019.0.38.38] Advantageously the process for the production of the respective fine chemical leads to an enhanced production of the fine respective chemical. The terms “enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, preferably at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%, more preferably 150%, 200%, 300%, 400% or 500% or more percent higher production of the respective fine chemical in comparison to the reference as defined below, e.g. that means in comparison to an organism without the aforementioned modification of the activity of a protein having the activity of a protein indicated in Table XII, column 3, application 14 or encoded by nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7, application 14.

[0020.0.38.38] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Brassica napus protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, column 5, line 37 in a plant conferred an increase in Malic Acid content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of Malic Acid.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Llnum usitatissimum protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, column 5, line 38 in thaliana plant conferred an increase in Trihydroxybutanoic acid content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of Trihydroxybutanoic acid.

[0021.0.0.38] see [0021.0.0.27]

[0022.0.38.38] The sequence of b1343 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA” from E. coli or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of trihydroxybutanoic acid and/or compositions containing trihydroxybutanoic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of trihydroxybutanoic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein having an activity in rRNA processing or translation is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a plant or a homolog thereof. Accordingly, in one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a ATP-dependent RNA helicase, stimulated by 23S rRNA or its homolog is increased for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of trihydroxybutanoic acid, in particular for increasing the amount of trihydroxybutanoic acid in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YFR007W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Goffeau, A. et al. Science 274 (5287), 546-547 (1996) and its activity is being defined as an unclassified protein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of said unclassified protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of fumaric acid preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the unclassified protein YFR007W is increased.

[0022.1.0.38] to [0023.0.0.38] see [0022.1.0.38] to [0023.0.0.38]

[0023.1.38.38] Homologs of the polypeptide disclosed in table XII, application no. 38, column 5, may have the activity of a protein as disclosed in Table XI or XII, application no. 38, column 3 and may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in table XI, application no. 38, column 7, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in table XII, application no. 38, column 7, resp.

[0024.0.0.38] see [0024.0.0.27]

[0025.0.38.38] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein as shown in table XII, application no. 38, column 3 “if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased in the level of the fine chemical indicated in the respective line of table XII, application no. 38, column 6 “metabolite” in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism.

Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 38, column 3, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic or biological activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to a protein as shown in the respective line of table XII, application no. 38, column 3 of a E. coli or Saccharomyces cerevisae, respectively, protein as mentioned in table XI to XIV, column 3 respectively and as disclosed in paragraph [0022] of the respective invention.

[0025.1.0.38] and [0025.2.0.38] see [0025.1.0.27] and [0025.2.0.27]

[0025.3.38.38] In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary close to the organism indicated in Table XI, column 4 and is expressed in an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the origin organism. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums whereas origin and the organism indicated in Table XI, column 4 are derived from the same families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0026.0.0.38] to [0033.0.0.38]: see [0026.0.0.27] to [0033.0.0.27]

[0034.0.38.38] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity, preferably of the activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a respective protein as shown in table XII, application no. 38, column 3 its biochemical or genetical causes and the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.38] to [0044.0.0.38]: see [0035.0.0.27] to [0044.0.0.27]

[0045.0.38.38] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein. as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 38, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, column 6 of the respective line, between 10% and 50%, 10% and 100%, 10% and 200%, 10% and 300%, 10% and 400%, 10% and 500%, 20% and 50%, 20% and 250%, 20% and 500%, 50% and 100%, 50% and 250%, 50% and 500%, 500% and 1000% or more

[0046.0.38.38] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 38, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, column 6 of the respective line confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further organic acid or their precursors.

[0047.0.0.38] to [0048.0.0.38]: see [0047.0.0.27] to [0048.0.0.27]

[0049.0.38.38] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fine chemical, has in one embodiment the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of the polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 38, column 7 or of the polypeptide as shown in the amino acid sequences as disclosed in table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 and 7 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by the nucleic acid molecule as shown in table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 and 7 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.38.38] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “the respective fine chemical” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid, resp., or their ester, or glucoside thereof, e.g the diglucoside thereof.

[0051.0.38.38] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the respective fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free chemical free or bound, e.g. compositions comprising malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid. Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of organic acids or there salts, e.g. malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid can be produced.

[0052.0.0.38] see [0052.0.0.27]

[0053.0.38.38] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps:

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having the     activity of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 38,     columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity having herein-mentioned     organic acid of the invention increasing activity; and/or -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention as     shown in table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 and 7, e.g. a     nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having the activity of     a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 38, columns 5     and 7 or its homologs activity or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide     of the present invention having herein-mentioned organic acid of the     invention increasing activity; and/or -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned organic acid increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation of the     polypeptide of the invention; and/or -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned organic acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned organic acid of the invention increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors to the     organisms or parts thereof; and/or -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned organic acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned organic acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   h) increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having the activity     of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 38, columns     5 and 7 or its homologs activity, by adding positive expression or     removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination     can be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like     for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor     elements form regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods     can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity     of positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced     in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be     identified in which the positive elements have be integrated near to     a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby     enhanced; and/or -   i) modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical production;     and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.38.38] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 3 or 5, resp., or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp.

[0055.0.0.38] to [0067.0.0.38]: see [0055.0.0.27] to [0067.0.0.27]

[0068.0.38.38] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.38] see [0069.0.0.27]

[0070.0.38.38] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolite composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous composition of malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid or their biochemical derivatives, e.g. comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid or their derivatives.

[0071.0.0.38] see [0071.0.0.27]

[0072.0.38.38] %

[0073.0.38.38] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

-   a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a     non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue     or a plant; and -   b) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or used     in the process of the invention or a homolog thereof, e.g. as     indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, or of a     polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention and described below, e.g. conferring an increase     of the respective fine chemical in an organism, preferably in a     microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant     or animal tissue or a plant, and -   c) growing an organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human     animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant     under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine     chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant     cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and -   d) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or     bound the respective fine chemical synthesized by the organism, the     microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the     plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.38.38] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound respective fine chemical.

[0075.0.0.38] to [0077.0.0.38]: see [0075.0.0.27] to [0077.0.0.27]

[0078.0.38.38] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, the respective fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications. The fermentation broth, fermentation products, plants or plant products can be purified with methods known to the person skilled in the art. Products of these different work-up procedures are malic acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid or comprising compositions of malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid still comprising fermentation broth, plant particles and cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably below 50% by weight.

[0079.0.0.38] to [0084.0.0.38]: see [0079.0.0.27] to [0084.0.0.27]

[0084.0.38.38] -/-

[0085.0.38.38] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no.     38, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative     thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.38] to [0087.0.0.38]: see [0086.0.0.27] to [0087.0.0.27]

[0088.0.38.38] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose content of the respective fine chemical is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for poultry is dependent on the abovementioned fine chemicals or the plants are more resistant to biotic and abiotic stress and the yield is increased.

[0088.1.0.38] see [0088.1.0.27]

[0089.0.0.38] to [0094.0.0.38]: see [0089.0.0.27] to [0094.0.0.27]

[0095.0.38.38] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the pure respective fine chemical and/or to obtain increased resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses and to obtain higher yield.

[0096.0.38.38] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptid or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired fine chemical, for example in the organism, is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0097.0.38.38] -/-

[0098.0.38.38] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated.

[0099.0.38.38] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned desired fine chemical may accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, and spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the respective fine chemical comprising compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.38.38] Transgenic plants which comprise the fine chemicals such as malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the fine chemicals synthesized to be isolated. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue.

However, the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, as extracts, e.g. ether, alcohol, or other organic solvents or water containing extract and/or free fine chemicals. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts. To increase the efficiency of extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, specifically the seeds, they can previously be comminuted, steamed or roasted. Seeds, which have been pre-treated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents such as warm hexane. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. Thereafter, the resulting products can be processed further, i.e. degummed and/or refined. In this process, substances such as the plant mucilages and suspended matter can be first removed. What is known as desliming can be affected enzymatically or, for example, chemico-physically by addition of acid such as phosphoric acid.

Because malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid in microorganisms are localized intracellular, their recovery essentially comes down to the isolation of the biomass. Well-established approaches for the harvesting of cells include filtration, centrifugation and coagulation/flocculation as described herein. Of the residual hydrocarbon, adsorbed on the cells, has to be removed. Solvent extraction or treatment with surfactants have been suggested for this purpose.

[0101.0.38.38] The identity and purity of the compound(s) isolated can be determined by prior-art techniques. They encompass high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assays or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are compiled in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11 27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19:67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Bd. A27, VCH Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michal, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 17.

[0102.0.38.38] Malic acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid can for example be detected advantageously via HPLC, LC or GC separation methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of malic acidand/or trihydroxybutanoic acid containing products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MS, MS or TLC. The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding, cooking, or via other applicable methods.

[0103.0.38.38] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table     XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof,     which confers an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridization conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table XIII, application no. 38, columns 7, and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table XIV,     application no. 38, columns 7, and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no.     38, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[00103.1.38.38] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7: In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7.

[0104.0.38.38] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the present invention or used in the the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7.

[0105.0.0.38] to [0107.0.0.38]: see [0105.0.0.27] to [0107.0.0.27]

[0108.0.38.38] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from an amino acid sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7 or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 38, column 7, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, column 3, 5 or 7, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical, meaning malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid, resp., after increasing its expression or activity, are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.38.38] In one embodiment, said sequences are cloned into nucleic acid constructs, either individually or in combination. These nucleic acid constructs enable an optimal synthesis of the respective fine chemicals, in particular malic acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid, produced in the process according to the invention.

[0110.0.0.38] see [0110.0.0.27]

[0111.0.0.38] see [0111.0.0.27]

[0112.0.38.38] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, column 3, or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 and 7 and conferring an increase in the malic acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid level.

[0113.0.0.38] to [0114.0.0.38]: see [0113.0.0.27] to [0114.0.0.27]

[0115.0.0.38] see [0115.0.0.27]

[0116.0.0.38] to [0120.0.0.38] see [0116.0.0.27] to [0120.0.0.27]

[0120.1.38.38]: -/-

[0121.0.38.38] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a malic acid level or conferring a trihydroxybutanoic acid increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7,

[0122.0.0.38] to [0127.0.0.38]: see [0122.0.0.27] to [0127.0.0.27]

[0128.0.38.38] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 38, columns 7, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, or the sequences derived from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7.

[0129.0.38.38] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence indicated in Table XIV, application no. 38, columns 7 is derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.38.38] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid after increasing the expression or activity the protein comprising said fragment.

[0131.0.0.38] to [0138.0.0.38]: see [0131.0.0.27] to [0138.0.0.27]

[0139.0.38.38] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical level increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridise to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, for trihydroxybutanoic acid under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the respective fine chemical, i.e. malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid, resp., increasing-activity.

[0140.0.0.38] to [0146.0.0.38]: see [0140.0.0.27] to [0146.0.0.27]

[0147.0.38.38] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridise to one of said nucleotide sequences, thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.38.38] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular having a malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.38.38] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7 or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring a of glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid increase, resp., and optionally, the activity of protein indicated in Table XII, column 5, lines 190 to 226 or lines 564 to 594, preferably in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 7.

[00149.1.38.38] Optionally, in one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, column 3.

[0150.0.38.38] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid, resp., if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 38, column 7 will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7 or its gene product. [0151.0.0.38]: see [0151.0.0.27]

[0152.0.38.38] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular a malic acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid increasing activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.38.38] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7 such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, column 3.

[0154.0.38.38] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.38] to [0156.0.0.38]: see [0155.0.0.27] to [0156.0.0.27]

[0157.0.38.38] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 38, columns 7, or as polypeptides depicted in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, an amino acid sequence of a consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 38, columns 7, or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7

[0158.0.0.38] to [0160.0.0.38]: see [0158.0.0.27] to [0160.0.0.27]

[0161.0.38.38] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.38] see [0162.0.0.27]

[0163.0.38.38] Preferably, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7 corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the amount of the respective fine chemical in a organism or a part thereof, e.g. a tissue, a cell, or a compartment of a cell, after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.38] see [0164.0.0.27]

[0165.0.38.38] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7 resp.

[0166.0.0.38] to [0167.0.0.38]: see [0166.0.0.27] to [0167.0.0.27]

[0168.0.38.38] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, preferably in Table XII, columns 7, resp., yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7.

[0169.0.0.38] to [0172.0.0.38]: see [0169.0.0.27] to [0172.0.0.27]

[0173.0.38.38] For example a sequence, which has 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108417 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108417 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.38]: see [0174.0.0.27]

[0175.0.38.38] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108418 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108418 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.38.38] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7 resp.

[0177.0.38.38] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp.

[0178.0.0.38] see [0178.0.0.27]

[0179.0.38.38] A nucleic acid molecule encoding a homologous to a protein sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences for example into sequences of nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.38] to [0183.0.0.38]: see [0180.0.0.27] to [0183.0.0.27]

[0184.0.38.38] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.38.38] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp.

[0186.0.38.38] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7 resp.

[0187.0.38.38] In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7 resp.

[0188.0.38.38] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7 resp., preferably compared to a sequence as indicated in preferably in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, and is expressed under identical conditions.

[0189.0.38.38] Homologues of a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7 resp., or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.38]: see [0190.0.0.27]

[0191.0.0.38] see [0191.0.0.27]

[0191.0.38.38] The organisms or part thereof produce according to the herein mentioned process of the invention an increased level of free and/or bound the respective fine chemical compared to said control or selected organisms or parts thereof.

[0192.0.0.38] to [0203.0.0.38]: see [0192.0.0.27] to [0203.0.0.27]

[0204.0.38.38] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no.     38, columns 5 or 7, resp.; or a fragment thereof conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, i.e. malic     acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid, resp., in an organism or a part     thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI,     application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., or a fragment thereof     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no.     38, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, i.e. malic acid or trihydroxybutanoic     acid, resp., in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 38,     columns 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, or trihydroxybutanoic acidresp., in an     organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domain of a polypeptide as indicated in Table     XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, i.e. malic     acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid resp., in an organism or a part     thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp.,     or a nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form of, a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no.     38, columns 5 or 7, resp., and conferring an increase in the amount     of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; or     which encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XI,     application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., by one or more     nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the     invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table XI,     application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp. In an other embodiment,     the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at least 30%     identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99%     identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no.     38, columns 5 or 7, resp. In a further embodiment the nucleic acid     molecule does not encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in     Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp. Accordingly, in     one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention     encodes in one embodiment a polypeptide which differs at least in     one or more amino acids from a polypeptide indicated in Table XII,     application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, does not encode a protein of a     sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5     or 7. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded by a     sequences of a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does not consist     of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns     5 or 7. In a further embodiment, the protein of the present     invention is at least 30% identical to a protein sequence indicated     in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, and less than     100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably     less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as     indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7.

[0205.0.0.38] to [0206.0.0.38]: see [0205.0.0.27] to [0206.0.0.27]

[0207.0.38.38] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes, are genes of the glutamic acid metabolism, the phosphoenolpyruvate metabolism, the amino acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acid metabolism or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.38] to [0226.0.0.38]: see [0208.0.0.27] to [0226.0.0.27]

[0227.0.38.38] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms. In addition to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7 or its derivatives, it is advantageous to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the glutamic acid or phosphoenolpyruvate metabolic pathway, is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the fine chemicals desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine one or more of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organism, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.38.38] In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore, organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of at least one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteins directly or indirectly involved in the glutamic acid or phosphoenolpyruvate metabolism.

[0229.0.38.38] %

[0230.0.0.38] see [230.0.0.27]

[0231.0.38.38] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.38] to [0276.0.0.38]: see [0232.0.0.27] to [0276.0.0.27]

[0277.0.38.38] The respective fine chemical produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker are familiar, for example via extraction, salt precipitation, and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously.

[0278.0.0.38] to [0282.0.0.38]: see [0278.0.0.27] to [0282.0.0.27]

[0283.0.38.38] Moreover, native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells, for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, e.g. an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, column 3, resp., or an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., or an antigenic part thereof which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing polypeptides comprising or consisting of above mentioned sequences, e.g. the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies specifically binding to polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7.

[0284.0.0.38] see [0284.0.0.27]

[0285.0.38.38] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., or as coded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.38.38] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 38, columns 7, and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 38, columns 7, whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a poylpeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 38, column 7.

[0287.0.0.38] to [0289.0.0.38]: see [0287.0.0.27] to [0289.0.0.27]

[00290.0.38.38] The alignment was performed with the Software AlignX (Sep. 25, 2002) a component of Vector NTI Suite 8.0, InforMax™, Invitrogen™ life science software, U.S. Main Office, 7305 Executive Way, Frederick, Md. 21704, USA with the following settings: For pair wise alignments: gap opening penalty: 10.0; gap extension penalty 0,1. For multiple alignments: Gap opening penalty: 10.0; Gap extension penalty: 0.1; Gap separation penalty range: 8; Residue substitution matrix: blosum62; Hydrophilic residues: G P S N D Q E K R; Transition weighting: 0,5; Consensus calculation options: Residue fraction for consensus: 0.9. Presettings were selected to allow also for the alignment of conserved amino acids

[0291.0.38.38] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, esp., by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7.

[0292.0.0.38] see [0292.0.0.27]

[0293.0.38.38] In one embodiment, the invention relates to a polypeptide conferring an increase in the fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7 resp. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7 resp.

[0294.0.38.38] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, column 3, resp., which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.38] to [0296.0.0.38]: see [0295.0.0.27] to [0296.0.0.27]

[0297.0.0.38] see [0297.0.0.27]

[00297.1.38.38] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity and/or amino acid sequence of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 3, 5 or 7

[0298.0.38.38] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7 resp.

[0299.0.38.38] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7 resp., or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.38.38] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7

[0301.0.0.38] see [0301.0.0.27]

[0302.0.38.38] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.38] see [0303.0.0.27]

[0304.0.38.38] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, column 3, but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.38] to [0308.0.0.38]: see [0305.0.0.27] to [0308.0.0.27]

[00306.1.27.27] In one embodiment, the compound is a composition comprising the repective fine chemical, i.e. said organic acids, or a recovered fine chemical, i.e. said organic acid free or in protein-bound form.

[0309.0.38.38] In one embodiment, a reference to a protein (=polypeptide) of the invention or as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas an “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, column 3 resp., and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, an “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof. In one embodiment, a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7 resp., does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.38] to [0334.0.0.38]: see [0310.0.0.27] to [0334.0.0.27]

[0335.0.38.38] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived there from), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of a protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.38] to [0342.0.0.38]: see [0336.0.0.27] to [0342.0.0.27]

[0343.0.38.38] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.38] to [0361.0.0.38]: see [0344.0.0.27] to [0361.0.0.27]

[0362.0.38.38] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., e.g. encoding a polypeptide having protein activity, as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 3, resp., Due to the abovementioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide used in the method of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, column 3, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, resp., is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.38] see [0363.0.0.27]

[0364.0.38.38] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of a promoter of a gene encoding a polypeptide of the invention as indicated in Table XII, application no. 38, column 3, resp. with the corresponding protein-encoding sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, column 5, resp., becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modified by non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example, mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

[0365.0.0.38] to [0373.0.0.38]: see [0365.0.0.27] to [0373.0.0.27]

[0374.0.38.38] Transgenic plants comprising the respective fine chemical synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid, in particular the respective fine chemical, produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid, in particular the free respective fine chemical, or bound in or to compounds or moieties, like glucosides, e.g. diglucosides.

The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography or other chromatographic methods of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.38] to [0376.0.0.38]: see [0375.0.0.27] to [0376.0.0.27]

[0377.0.38.38] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process whereby the produced malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid is isolated.

[0378.0.38.38] In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid produced in the process can be isolated. The resulting malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.38.38] In one embodiment, gamma-aminobutyric acid and shikimate are a mixture of the respective fine chemicals.

[0380.0.38.38] The malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid obtained in the process are suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates a method for the production of pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid composition produced or the respective fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the malic acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals or for the production of malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid e.g. after isolation of the respective fine chemical or without, e.g. in situ, e.g. in the organism used for the process for the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0381.0.0.38] to [0382.0.0.38]: see [0381.0.0.27] to [0382.0.0.27]

[0383.0.38.38] -/-

[0384.0.0.38] see [0384.0.0.27]

[0385.0.38.38] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular malic acid, and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid in mixtures with other organic acids, amino acids, polypeptides or polysaccarides, normally have a dry matter content of from 1 to 70% by weight, preferably 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, e.g. at the end, for example over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 10 g/l, preferably to 0 to 3 g/I during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed or isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it.

The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

[0386.0.38.38] Accordingly, it is possible to purify the glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid produced according to the invention further. For this purpose, the product-containing composition is subjected for example to separation via e.g. an open column chromatography or HPLC in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use.

[0387.0.0.38] to [0392.0.0.38]: see [0387.0.0.27] to [0392.0.0.27]

[0393.0.38.38] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or     7, resp., and, optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or     complete genomic clone; -   c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the respective fine chemical; -   d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   e) assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host cells;     and -   f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the respective fine chemical level     in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.38] to [0398.0.0.38]: see [0394.0.0.27] to [0398.0.0.27]

[0399.0.38.38] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to process for the identification of a compound conferring increase of the respective fine chemical production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps:

culturing a cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide according to the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding said polypeptide and a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of said readout system and the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the invention; and

identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said readout system.

The screen for a gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production can be performed by growth of an organism for example a microorganism in the presence of growth reducing amounts of an inhibitor of the synthesis of the respective fine chemical. Better growth, e.g. higher dividing rate or high dry mass in comparison to the control under such conditions would identify a gene or gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in respective fine chemical production.

[00399.1.0.38] see [0399.1.0.27]

[0400.0.0.38] to [0415.0.0.38]: see [0400.0.0.27] to [0415.0.0.27]

[0416.0.0.38] see [0416.0.0.27]

[0417.0.38.38] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect an organism such as a microorganism or a plant against inhibitors, which block the glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid synthesis.

[0418.0.0.38] to [0423.0.0.38]: see [0418.0.0.27] to [0423.0.0.27]

[0424.0.38.38] Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention or used in the method of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the respective fine chemical or of the respective fine chemical and one or more other organic acids. Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the respective fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0425.0.0.38] to [0434.0.0.38]: see [0425.0.0.27] to [0434.0.0.27]

[0435.0.38.38] Example 3 In-Vivo and In-Vitro Mutagenesis

[0436.0.38.38] An in vivo mutagenesis of organisms such as Saccharomyces, Mortierella, Escherichia and others mentioned above, which are beneficial for the production of glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid can be carried out by passing a plasmid DNA (or another vector DNA) containing the desired nucleic acid sequence or nucleic acid sequences, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the vector of the invention, through E. coli and other microorganisms (for example Bacillus spp. or yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which are not capable of maintaining the integrity of its genetic information. Usual mutator strains have mutations in the genes for the DNA repair system [for example mutHLS, mutD, mutT and the like; for comparison, see Rupp, W. D. (1996) DNA repair mechanisms in Escherichia coli and Salmonella, pp. 2277-2294, ASM: Washington]. The skilled worker knows these strains. The use of these strains is illustrated for example in Greener, A. and Callahan, M. (1994) Strategies 7; 32-34.

In-vitro mutation methods such as increasing the spontaneous mutation rates by chemical or physical treatment are well known to the skilled person. Mutagens like 5-bromo-uracil, N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (=NTG), ethyl methanesulfonate (=EMS), hydroxylamine and/or nitrous acid are widely used as chemical agents for random in-vitro mutagenesis. The most common physical method for mutagenesis is the treatment with UV irradiation. Another random mutagenesis technique is the error-prone PCR for introducing amino acid changes into proteins. Mutations are deliberately introduced during PCR through the use of error-prone DNA polymerases and special reaction conditions known to a person skilled in the art. For this method randomized DNA sequences are cloned into expression vectors and the resulting mutant libraries screened for altered or improved protein activity as described below.

Site-directed mutagensis method such as the introduction of desired mutations with an M13 or phagemid vector and short oligonucleotides primers is a well-known approach for site-directed mutagensis. The clou of this method involves cloning of the nucleic acid sequence of the invention into an M13 or phagemid vector, which permits recovery of single-stranded recombinant nucleic acid sequence. A mutagenic oligonucleotide primer is then designed whose sequence is perfectly complementary to nucleic acid sequence in the region to be mutated, but with a single difference: at the intended mutation site it bears a base that is complementary to the desired mutant nucleotide rather than the original. The mutagenic oligonucleotide is then allowed to prime new DNA synthesis to create a complementary full-length sequence containing the desired mutation. Another site-directed mutagensis method is the PCR mismatch primer mutagensis method also known to the skilled person. Dpnl site-directed mutagensis is a further known method as described for example in the Stratagene Quickchange™ site-directed mutagenesis kit protocol. A huge number of other methods are also known and used in common practice.

Positive mutation events can be selected by screening the organisms for the production of the desired respective fine chemical.

[0437.0.38.38] Example 4 DNA Transfer Between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Mortierella alpina

[0438.0.38.38] Shuttle vectors such as pYE22m, pPAC-ResQ, pClasper, pAUR224, pAMH10, pAML10, pAMT10, pAMU10, pGMH10, pGML10, pGMT10, pGMU10, pPGAL1, pPADH1, pTADH1, pTAex3, pNGA142, pHT3101 and derivatives thereof which allow the transfer of nucleic acid sequences between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or Mortierella alpina are available to the skilled worker. An easy method to isolate such shuttle vectors is disclosed by Soni R. and Murray J. A. H. [Nucleic Acid Research, vol. 20 no. 21, 1992: 5852]: If necessary such shuttle vectors can be constructed easily using standard vectors for E. coli (Sambrook, J. et al., (1989), “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons) and/or the aforementioned vectors, which have a replication origin for, and suitable marker from, Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Mortierella alpina added. Such replication origins are preferably taken from endogenous plasmids, which have been isolated from species used in the inventive process. Genes, which are used in particular as transformation markers for these species are genes for kanamycin resistance (such as those which originate from the Tn5 or Tn-903 transposon) or for chloramphenicol resistance (Winnacker, E. L. (1987) “From Genes to Clones—Introduction to Gene Technology”, VCH, Weinheim) or for other antibiotic resistance genes such as for G418, gentamycin, neomycin, hygromycin or tetracycline resistance.

[0439.0.38.38] Using standard methods, it is possible to clone a gene of interest into one of the above-described shuttle vectors and to introduce such hybrid vectors into the microorganism strains used in the inventive process. The transformation of Saccharomyces can be achieved for example by LiCI or sheroplast transformation (Bishop et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 6, 1986: 3401-3409; Sherman et al., Methods in Yeasts in Genetics, [Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y.] 1982, Agatep et al., Technical Tips Online 1998, 1:51: P01525 or Gietz et al., Methods Mol. Cell. Biol. 5, 1995: 255f) or electroporation (Delorme E., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., vol. 55, no. 9, 1989: 2242-2246).

[0440.0.38.38] If the transformed sequence(s) is/are to be integrated advantageously into the genome of the microorganism used in the inventive process for example into the yeast or fungi genome, standard techniques known to the skilled worker also exist for this purpose. Solinger et al. (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA., 2001 (15): 8447-8453) and Freedman et al. (Genetics, Vol. 162, 15-27, September 2002) teaches a homolog recombination system dependent on rad 50, rad51, rad54 and rad59 in yeasts. Vectors using this system for homologous recombination are vectors derived from the Ylp series. Plasmid vectors derived for example from the 2μ-Vector are known by the skilled worker and used for the expression in yeasts. Other preferred vectors are for example pART1, pCHY21 or pEVP11 as they have been described by McLeod et al. (EMBO J. 1987, 6:729-736) and Hoffman et al. (Genes Dev. 5, 1991: :561-571.) or Russell et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 258, 1983: 143-149.). Other beneficial yeast vectors are plasmids of the REP, REP-X, pYZ or RIP series.

[0441.0.0.38] to [0443.0.0.38] see [0441.0.0.27] to [0443.0.0.27]

[0444.0.38.38] Example 6 Growth of Genetically Modified Organism: Media and Culture Conditions

[0445.0.38.38] Genetically modified Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are grown in synthetic or natural growth media known by the skilled worker. A number of different growth media for Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are well known and widely available. A method for culturing Mortierella is disclosed by Jang et al. [Bot. Bull. Acad. Sin. (2000) 41:41-48]. Mortierella can be grown at 20° C. in a culture medium containing: 10 g/l glucose, 5 g/l yeast extract at pH 6.5. Furthermore Jang et al. teaches a submerged basal medium containing 20 g/l soluble starch, 5 g/l Bacto yeast extract, 10 g/l KNO₃, 1 g/l KH₂PO₄, and 0.5 g/l MgSO₄.7H₂O, pH 6.5.

[0446.0.0.38] to [0450.0.0.38]: see [0446.0.0.27] to [0450.0.0.27]

[0451.0.0.38] see [0451.0.5.5]

[0452.0.0.38] to [0453.0.0.38]: see [0452.0.0.27] to [0453.0.0.27]

[0454.0.38.38] Analysis of the effect of the nucleic acid molecule on the production of glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid

[0455.0.38.38] The effect of the genetic modification in plants, fungi, algae, ciliates or on the production of a desired compound (such as a glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid) can be determined by growing the modified microorganisms or the modified plant under suitable conditions (such as those described above) and analyzing the medium and/or the cellular components for the elevated production of desired product (i.e. of glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid). These analytical techniques are known to the skilled worker and comprise spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, various types of staining methods, enzymatic and microbiological methods and analytical chromatography such as high-performance liquid chromatography (see, for example, Ullman, Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. A2, p. 89-90 and p. 443-613, VCH: Weinheim (1985); Fallon, A., et al., (1987) “Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry” in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 17; Rehm et al. (1993) Biotechnology, Vol. 3, Chapter III: “Product recovery and purification”, p. 469-714, VCH: Weinheim; Better, P. A., et al. (1988) Bioseparations: downstream processing for Biotechnology, John Wiley and Sons; Kennedy, J. F., and Cabral, J. M. S. (1992) Recovery processes for biological Materials, John Wiley and Sons; Shaeiwitz, J. A., and Henry, J. D. (1988) Biochemical Separations, in: Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. B3; Chapter 11, p. 1-27, VCH: Weinheim; and Dechow, F. J. (1989) Separation and purification techniques in biotechnology, Noyes Publications).

[0456.0.0.38]: see [0456.0.0.27]

[0457.0.38.38] Example 9 Purification of Glyceric Acid, Citramalic Acid, Fumaric Acid, Malic Acid, Pyruvic Acid, Succinic Acid, Trihydroxybutyric Acid or Trihydroxybutanoic Acid

[0458.0.38.38] Abbreviations; GC-MS, gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; TLC, thin-layer chromatography.

The unambiguous detection for the presence of glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MSMS or TLC, as described. The total amount produced in the organism for example in yeasts used in the inventive process can be analysed for example according to the following procedure:

The material such as yeasts, E. coli or plants to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods.

Plant material is initially homogenized mechanically by comminuting in a pestle and mortar to make it more amenable to extraction.

A typical sample pre-treatment consists of a total lipid extraction using such polar organic solvents as acetone or alcohols as methanol, or ethers, saponification, partition between phases, separation of non-polar epiphase from more polar hypophasic derivatives and chromatography.

For analysis, solvent delivery and aliquot removal can be accomplished with a robotic system comprising a single injector valve Gilson 232XL and a 402 2S1V diluter [Gilson, Inc. USA, 3000 W. Beltline Highway, Middleton, Wis.]. For saponification, 3 ml of 50% potassium hydroxide hydro-ethanolic solution (4 water—1 ethanol) can be added to each vial, followed by the addition of 3 ml of octanol. The saponification treatment can be conducted at room temperature with vials maintained on an IKA HS 501 horizontal shaker [Labworld-online, Inc., Wilmington, N.C.] for fifteen hours at 250 movements/minute, followed by a stationary phase of approximately one hour.

Following saponification, the supernatant can be diluted with 0 0.17 ml of methanol. The addition of methanol can be conducted under pressure to ensure sample homogeneity. Using a 0.25 ml syringe, a 0.1 ml aliquot can be removed and transferred to HPLC vials for analysis.

For HPLC analysis, a Hewlett Packard 1100 HPLC, complete with a quaternary pump, vacuum degassing system, six-way injection valve, temperature regulated autosampler, column oven and Photodiode Array detector can be used [Agilent Technologies available through Ultra Scientific Inc., 250 Smith Street, North Kingstown, R.I.]. The column can be a Waters YMC30, 5-micron, 4.6×250 mm with a guard column of the same material [Waters, 34 Maple Street, Milford, Mass.]. The solvents for the mobile phase can be 81 methanol: 4 water: 15 tetrahydrofuran (THF) stabilized with 0.2% BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol). Injections were 20 l. Separation can be isocratic at 30° C. with a flow rate of 1.7 ml/minute. The peak responses can be measured by absorbance at 447 nm.

[0459.0.38.38] If required and desired, further chromatography steps with a suitable resin may follow. Advantageously, the glyceric acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid and/or trihydroxybutanoic acid can be further purified with a so-called RTHPLC. As eluent acetonitrile/water or chloroform/acetonitrile mixtures can be used. If necessary, these chromatography steps may be repeated, using identical or other chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the selection of suitable chromatography resin and the most effective use for a particular molecule to be purified.

[0460.0.0.38] see [0460.0.0.27]

[0461.0.38.38] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 108417 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.38] see [0462.0.0.27]

[0463.0.38.38] SEQ ID NO: 108417 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.0.38] to [0466.0.0.38]: see [0464.0.0.27] to [0466.0.0.27]

[0466.1.38.38] In case the Herculase enzyme can be used for the amplification, the PCR amplification cycles were as follows: 1 cycle of 2-3 minutes at 94° C., followed by 25-30 cycles of in each case 30 seconds at 94° C., 30 seconds at 55-60° C. and 5-10 minutes at 72° C., followed by 1 cycle of 10 minutes at 72° C., then 4° C.

[0467.0.38.38] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 108417:

i) forward primer (SEQ ID NO: 108419) ii) reverse primer (SEQ ID NO: 108420)

[0468.0.0.38] to [0470.0.0.38]: see [0468.0.0.27] to [0470.0.0.27]

[0470.1.38.38] The PCR-products, produced by Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase, were phosphorylated using a T4 DNA polymerase using a standard protocol (e.g. MBI Fermentas) and cloned into the processed binary vector.

[0471.0.0.38] see [0471.0.0.27]

[0471.1.38.38] The DNA termini of the PCR-products, produced by Herculase DNA polymerase, were blunted in a second synthesis reaction using Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The composition for the protocol of the blunting the DNA-termini was as follows: 0.2 mM blunting dTTP and 1.25 u Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The reaction was incubated at 72° C. for 30 minutes. Then the PCR-products were phosphorylated using a T4 DNA polymerase using a standard protocol (e.g. MBI Fermentas) and cloned into the processed vector as well.

[0472.0.0.38] to [0479.0.0.38]: see [0472.0.0.27] to [0479.0.0.27]

[0480.0.38.38] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO:108417

[0481.0.0.38] to [0513.0.0.38]: see [0481.0.0.27] to [0513.0.0.27]

[0514.0.38.38] As an alternative, the organic acids can be detected as described in Farré E. et al., Plant Physiol, 2001, Vol. 127, pp. 685-700.

[0515.0.0.38] to [0552.0.0.38]: see [0515.0.0.27] to [0552.0.0.27]

[0553.0.38.38]

-   1. A process for the production of malic acid, or trihydroxybutanoic     acid, which comprises     a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as indicated     in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, or a functional     equivalent thereof in a non-human organism or in one or more parts     thereof; and     b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the production     of malic acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of malic acid, or trihydroxybutanoic     acid, comprising the increasing or generating in an organism or a     part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule     comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group     consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of malic acid         or trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of malic acid, or         trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of malic acid or         trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of malic acid or         trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 38,         columns 5 or 7 and conferring an increase in the amount of malic         acid, or trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a part         thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of malic acid,         or trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 38, columns         5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of malic acid,         or trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of malic         acid, or trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a part         thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound malic acid, or trihydroxybutanoic acid. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound malic         acid, trihydroxybutanoic acid produced by the selected mutated         organisms or parts thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7 or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of glyceric         acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid,         succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table XI, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of malic acid, or         trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of malic acid, or         trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of malic acid, or         trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 38,         column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of glyceric         acid. citramalic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid,         succinic acid, trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of malic acid,         or trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 38, column         7, and conferring an increase in the amount of in an organism or         a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of malic         acid, or trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a part         thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7, by one or         more nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     XII, application no. 38, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. -   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of malic acid, or     trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a part thereof comprising:     (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which     express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of malic acid or     trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a part thereof with a     candidate compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds     under conditions which permit the expression the polypeptide;     (b) assaying the malic acid, or trihydroxybutanoic acid level or the     polypeptide expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or     microorganism or the media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms     is cultured or maintained in; and     (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the malic acid,     or trihydroxybutanoic acid level or polypeptide expression level     with a standard malic acid, or trihydroxybutanoic acid or     polypeptide expression level measured in the absence of said     candidate compound or a sample comprising said plurality of     compounds, whereby an increased level over the standard indicates     that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality of     compounds is an agonist and a decreased level over the standard     indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality     of compounds is an antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring malic     acid, or trihydroxybutanoic acid production in a plant or     microorganism, comprising the steps:     (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining     a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of malic     acid, or trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a part thereof     and a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide     under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the     polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a compound     or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable of     providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a     compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the     expression of said readout system and of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the     amount of malic acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid in an organism or a     part thereof;     (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting     the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said     readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in malic acid, or trihydroxybutanoic acid production in a     cell, comprising the following steps:     (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can     contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an     increase in malic acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid after expression     with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of claim     6;     (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells     appropriate for producing malic acid, or trihydroxybutanoic acid;     (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells;     (e) assaying the malic acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid level in the     host cells; and     (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the malic acid, or     trihydroxybutanoic acid level in the host cell in the host cell     after expression compared to the wild type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in malic acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid production in a     cell, comprising the following steps:     -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the malic acid, or         trihydroxybutanoic acid amount or level in an organism or a part         thereof after expression, and which are at least 20% homolog to         the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing malic acid or trihydroxybutanoic         acid;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the malic acid, or trihydroxybutanoic acid level in         the host cells; and     -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the glyceric acid. citramalic         acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, pyruvic acid, succinic acid,         trihydroxybutyric acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid level in the         host cell after expression compared to the wild type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     malic acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid after expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of malic acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid levels in an     organism. -   25. Agrochemical, pharmaceutical, food or feed composition     comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20. -   26. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid     construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or     agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15,     the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of     claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product     identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the     fine chemical is malic acid or trihydroxybutanoic acid.

[0554.0.0.38] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.27]

NEW GENES FOR A PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS Description

[0000.0.39.39] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.39] see [0001.0.0.27]

[0002.0.39.39] Gamma-aminobutyric acid is used to enhance growth of specified plants, prevent development of powdery mildew on grapes, and suppress certain other plant diseases. Humans and animals normally ingest and metabolize gamma-aminobutyric acid in variable amounts. Gamma-aminobutyric acid was registered (licensed for sale) as growth enhancing pesticidal active ingredient in 1998. Gamma-aminobutyric acid is an important signal which helps to regulate mineral availability in plants. Minerals support the biochemical pathways governing growth and reproduction as well as the pathways that direct plant's response to a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses. Mineral needs are especially high during times of stress and at certain stages of plant growth. Gamma-aminobutyric acid levels in plants naturally increase at these times.

Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), a nonprotein amino acid, is often accumulated in plants following environmental stimuli that can also cause ethylene production. Exogenous GABA causes up to a 14-fold increase in the ethylene production rate after about 12 h. GABA causes increases in ACC synthase mRNA accumulation, ACC levels, ACC oxidase mRNA levels and in vitro ACC oxidase activity. Possible roles of GABA as a signal transducer are suggested, see Plant Physiol. 115(1):129-35(1997)

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a four-carbon non-protein amino acid, is a significant component of the free amino acid pool in most prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. In plants, stress initiates a signal-transduction pathway, in which increased cytosolic Ca²+ activates Ca²+/calmodulin-dependent glutamate decarboxylase activity and GABA synthesis. Elevated H+ and substrate levels can also stimulate glutamate decarboxylase activity. GABA accumulation probably is mediated primarily by glutamate decarboxylase. Experimental evidence supports the involvement of GABA synthesis in pH regulation, nitrogen storage, plant development and defence, as well as a compatible osmolyte and an alternative pathway for glutamate utilization, see Trends Plant Sci. 4(11):446-452(1999).

Gamma-aminobutyric acid enhances nutrient uptake by roots and leaves so that plant nutrient levels are higher than those achieved by using nutrients alone. When plants are stressed and nutrient uptake is limited, it is believed that gamma-aminobutyric acid facilitates nutrient utilization, thereby enhancing growth during stress.

Rapid GABA accumulation in response to wounding may play a role in plant defense against insects (Ramputh and Brown, Plant Physiol. 111(1996): 1349-1352). The development of gamma aminobutyrate (GABA) as a potential control agent in plant-invertebrate pest systems has been reviewed in She1p et al., Canadien Journal of Botany (2003) 81, 11, 1045-1048. The authors describe that available evidence indicates that GABA accumulation in plants in response to biotic and abiotic stresses is mediated via the activation of glutamate decarboxylase. More applied research, based on the fact that GABA acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in invertebrate pests, indicates that ingested GABA disrupts nerve functioning and causes damage to oblique-banded leaf roller larvae, and that walking or herbivory by tobacco budworm and oblique-banded leaf roller larvae stimulate GABA accumulation in soybean and tobacco, respectively. In addition, elevated levels of endogenous GABA in genetically engineered tobacco deter feeding by tobacco budworm larvae and infestation by the northern root-knot nematode. Therefore the author concluded that genetically engineered crop species having high GABA-producing potential may be an alternative strategy to chemical pesticides for the management of invertebrate pests.

During angiosperm reproduction, pollen grains form a tube that navigates through female tissues to the micropyle, delivering sperm to the egg. In vitro, GABA stimulates pollen tube growth. The Arabidopsis POP2 gene encodes a transaminase that degrades GABA and contributes to the formation of a gradient leading up to the micropyle, see Cell. 114(1):47-59(2003).

Due to these interesting physiological roles and agrobiotechnological potential of GABA there is a need to identify the genes of enzymes and other proteins involved in GABA metabolism, and to generate mutants or transgenic plant lines with which to modify the GABA content in plants.

[0003.0.39.39] %

[0004.0.39.39] %

[0005.0.39.39] %

[0006.0.39.39] %

[0007.0.39.39] %

[0008.0.39.39] One way to increase the productive capacity of biosynthesis is to apply recombinant DNA technology. Thus, it would be desirable to produce gamma-aminobutyric acid in plants. That type of production permits control over quality, quantity and selection of the most suitable and efficient producer organisms. The latter is especially important for commercial production economics and therefore availability to consumers. In addition it is desireable to produce gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate in plants in order to increase plant productivity and resistance against biotic and abiotic stress as discussed before.

Methods of recombinant DNA technology have been used for some years to improve the production of fine chemicals in microorganisms and plants by amplifying individual biosynthesis genes and investigating the effect on production of fine chemicals. It is for example reported, that the xanthophyll astaxanthin could be produced in the nectaries of transgenic tobacco plants. Those transgenic plants were prepared by Argobacterium tumifaciens-mediated transformation of tobacco plants using a vector that contained a ketolase-encoding gene from H. pluvialis denominated crtO along with the Pds gene from tomato as the promoter and to encode a leader sequence. Those results indicated that about 75 percent of the carotenoids found in the flower of the transformed plant contained a keto group.

[0009.0.39.39] Thus, it would be advantageous if an algae, plant or other microorganism were available which produce large amounts gamma-aminobutyric acid. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganisms.

It would also be advantageous if plants were available whose roots, leaves, stem, fruits or flowers produced large amounts of gamma-aminobutyric acid. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed plants.

[0010.0.39.39] Therefore improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the food-and-feed industry. This is necessary since, for example gamma-aminobutyric acid, as mentioned above, which occur in plants and some microorganisms are limited with regard to the supply of mammals. Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible a specific gamma-aminobutyric acid profile in the diet since an excess of gamma-aminobutyric acid above a specific concentration in the food has a positive effect. A further increase in quality is only possible via addition of further gamma-aminobutyric acid, which are limiting.

[0011.0.39.39] To ensure a high quality of foods and animal feeds, it is therefore necessary to add gamma-aminobutyric acid in a balanced manner to suit the organism.

[0012.0.39.39] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes or other proteins which participate in the biosynthesis of gamma-aminobutyric acid and make it possible to produce them specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of gamma-aminobutyric acid, on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.39] see [0013.0.0.27]

[0014.0.39.39] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is a gamma-aminobutyric acid. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to a gamma-aminobutyric acid. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising gamma-aminobutyric acid.

[0015.0.39.39] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means at least one chemical compound with gamma-aminobutyric acid.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means a gamma-aminobutyric acid. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means gamma-aminobutyric acid, its salts, ester, thioester or in free form or bound to other compounds such sugars or sugarpolymers, like glucoside, e.g. diglucoside.

[0016.0.39.39] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more of a     protein as shown in table XII, application no. 39, column 3 encoded     by the nucleic acid sequences as shown in table XI, application no.     39, column 5, in a non-human organism or in one or more parts     thereof or -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus GABA of the invention or fine     chemicals comprising amino acids of the invention, in said organism     or in the culture medium surrounding the organism

[0017.0.0.39] to [0019.0.0.39]: see [0017.0.0.27] to [0019.0.0.27]

[0020.0.39.39] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Helianthus annuus protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, column 5, line 39 in a plant conferred an increase in gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA).

[0021.0.0.39] see [0021.0.0.27]

[0022.0.39.39] The sequence of b0651 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a pyrimidine specific nucleoside hydrolase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein with pyrimidine specific nucleoside hydrolase activity from Escherichia coli K12 or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a protein with pyrimidine specific nucleoside hydrolase activity, is increased.

[0022.1.0.39] to [0023.0.0.39] see [0022.1.0.27] [0023.0.0.27]

[0023.1.39.39] Homologs of the polypeptide disclosed in table XII, application no. 39, column 5, may have the activity of a protein as disclosed in Table XI or XII, application no. 39, column 3 and may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in table XI, application no. 39, column 7, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in table XII, application no. 39, column 7, resp.

[0024.0.0.39] see [0024.0.0.27]

[0025.0.39.39] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein as shown in table XII, application no. 39, column 3 “if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased in the level of the fine chemical indicated in the respective line of table XII, application no. 39, column 6 “metabolite” in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism.

Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 39, column 3, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic or biological activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to a protein as shown in the respective line of table XII, application no. 39, column 3 of a E. coli or Saccharomyces cerevisae, respectively, protein as mentioned in table XI to XIV, column 3 respectively and as disclosed in paragraph [0022] of the respective invention.

[0025.1.0.39] see [0025.1.0.27]

[0026.0.0.39] to [0033.0.0.39]: see [0026.0.0.27] to [0033.0.0.27]

[0034.0.39.39] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity, preferably of the activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a respective protein as shown in table XII, application no. 39, column 3 its biochemical or genetical causes and the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.39] to [0038.0.0.39]: see [0035.0.0.27] to [0038.0.0.27]

[0039.0.0.39]: see [0039.0.0.27]

[0040.0.0.39] to [0044.0.0.39]: see [0040.0.0.27] to [0044.0.0.27]

[0045.0.39.39] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein. as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 39, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, column 6 of the respective line, between 10% and 50%, 10% and 100%, 10% and 200%, 10% and 300%, 10% and 400%, 10% and 500%, 20% and 50%, 20% and 250%, 20% and 500%, 50% and 100%, 50% and 250%, 50% and 500%, 500% and 1000% or more

[0046.0.39.39] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 39, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, column 6 of the respective line confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further GABA or their precursors.

[0047.0.0.39] to [0048.0.0.39]: see [0047.0.0.27] to [0048.0.0.27]

[0049.0.39.39] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fine chemical, has in one embodiment the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of the polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 39, column 7 or of the polypeptide as shown in the amino acid sequences as disclosed in table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 and 7 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by the nucleic acid molecule as shown in table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 and 7 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.39.39] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “the respective fine chemical” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of gamma-aminobutyric acid, or their ester, or glucoside thereof, e.g the diglucoside thereof.

[0051.0.39.39] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the respective fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free chemical free or bound, e.g compositions comprising gamma-aminobutyric acid. Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of gamma-aminobutyric acid can be produced.

[0052.0.0.39] see [0052.0.0.27]

[0053.0.39.39] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps:

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having the     activity of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 39,     columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity having herein-mentioned     GABA of the invention increasing activity; and/or -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention as     shown in table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 and 7, e.g. a     nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having the activity of     a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 39, columns 5     and 7 or its homologs activity or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide     of the present invention having herein-mentioned GABAof the     invention increasing activity; and/or -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned GABA increasing activity, e.g. of     a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated in table     XII, application no. 39, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity,     or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation of the polypeptide of the     invention; and/or -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned GABA of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned GABA of the invention increasing activity, e.g. of     a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated in table     XII, application no. 39, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity,     by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors to the organisms or     parts thereof; and/or -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned GABA of the invention increasing     activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as     indicated in table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 and 7 or its     homologs activity, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned GABA of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   h) increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having the activity     of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 39, columns     5 and 7 or its homologs activity, by adding positive expression or     removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination     can be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like     for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor     elements form regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods     can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity     of positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced     in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be     identified in which the positive elements have be integrated near to     a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby     enhanced; and/or -   i) modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical production;     and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.39.39] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 3 or 5, or its homologs activity, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7.

[0055.0.0.39] to [0067.0.0.39]: see [0055.0.0.27] to [0067.0.0.27]

[0068.0.39.39] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.39] see [0069.0.0.27]

[0070.0.39.39] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding a protein of the invention into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolite composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous composition ofgamma-aminobutyric acid and shikimate or their biochemical derivatives, e.g. comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) gamma-aminobutyric acid and shikimate or putrescine or their derivatives.

[0071.0.0.39] see [0071.0.0.27]

[0072.0.39.39] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to shikimate their biochemical derivatives like chorismate, prephenate, anthranilate, phenylpyruvate, phenylalanine, 4-hydroxyphenylbutyrate, tyrosine, tryptophan, vanillin, salicylic acid, lawsone or scopletin.

[0073.0.39.39] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

-   a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a     non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue     or a plant; -   b) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or a     homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39,     columns 5 or 7, or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic     acid molecule of the present invention and described below, e.g.     conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in an     organism, preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant     or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant, -   c) growing an organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human     animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant     under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine     chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant     cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and -   d) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or     bound the respective fine chemical synthesized by the organism, the     microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the     plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.39.39] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound respective fine chemical.

[0075.0.0.39] to [0077.0.0.39]: see [0075.0.0.27] to [0077.0.0.27]

[0078.0.39.39] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, the respective fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications. The fermentation broth, fermentation products, plants or plant products can be purified with methods known to the person skilled in the art. Products of these different work-up procedures are gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine or comprising compositions of gamma-butyric acid or shikimate or putrescine still comprising fermentation broth, plant particles and cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably below 50% by weight.

[0079.0.0.39] to [0084.0.0.39]: see [0079.0.0.27] to [0084.0.0.27]

[0084.0.39.39] %

[0085.0.39.39] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no.     39, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative     thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.39] to [0087.0.0.39]: see [0086.0.0.27] to [0087.0.0.27]

[0088.0.39.39] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose content of the respective fine chemical is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for poultry is dependent on the abovementioned fine chemicals or the plants are more resistant to biotic and abiotic stress and the yield is increased.

[0088.1.0.39] see [0088.1.0.27]

[0089.0.0.39] to [0090.0.0.39]: see [0089.0.0.27] to [0090.0.0.27]

[0091.0.0.39] see [0091.0.0.27]

[0092.0.0.39] to [0094.0.0.39]: see [0092.0.0.27] to [0094.0.0.27]

[0095.0.39.39] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the pure respective fine chemical and/or to obtain increased resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses and to obtain higher yield.

[0096.0.39.39] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptid or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired fine chemical, for example in the organism, is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0097.0.39.39] %

[0098.0.39.39] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated.

[0099.0.39.39] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned desired fine chemical may accumulate in the medium and/or the cells.

If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, and spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the respective fine chemical comprising compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.39.39] Transgenic plants which comprise the fine chemicals such as gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the fine chemicals synthesized to be isolated. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue.

However, the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, as extracts, e.g. ether, alcohol, or other organic solvents or water containing extract and/or free fine chemicals. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts. To increase the efficiency of extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, specifically the seeds, they can previously be comminuted, steamed or roasted. Seeds, which have been pretreated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents such as warm hexane. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. Thereafter, the resulting products can be processed further, i.e. degummed and/or refined. In this process, substances such as the plant mucilages and suspended matter can be first removed. What is known as desliming can be affected enzymatically or, for example, chemico-physically by addition of acid such as phosphoric acid.

Because gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine in microorganisms are localized intracellular, their recovery essentially comes down to the isolation of the biomass. Well-established approaches for the harvesting of cells include filtration, centrifugation and coagulation/flocculation as described herein. Of the residual hydrocarbon, adsorbed on the cells, has to be removed. Solvent extraction or treatment with surfactants have been suggested for this purpose.

[0101.0.39.39] The identity and purity of the compound(s) isolated can be determined by prior-art techniques. They encompass high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assays or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are compiled in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11 27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19:67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Bd. A27, VCH Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michal, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 17.

[0102.0.39.39] Gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine can for example be detected advantageously via HPLC, LC or GC separation methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate containing or putrescine products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MS, MS or TLC). The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding, cooking, or via other applicable methods.

[0103.0.39.39] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table     XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof,     which confers an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridization     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table XIII, application no. 39, columns 7, and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table XIV,     application no. 39, columns 7, and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no.     39, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0104.0.39.39] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the present invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7.

[0105.0.0.39] to [0107.0.0.39]: see [0105.0.0.27] to [0107.0.0.27]

[0108.0.39.39] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from an amino acid sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 39, column 7, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, column 3, 5 or 7, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical, meaning gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine, resp., after increasing its expression or activity, are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.39.39] In one embodiment, said sequences are cloned into nucleic acid constructs, either individually or in combination. These nucleic acid constructs enable an optimal synthesis of the respective fine chemicals, in particular gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine, produced in the process according to the invention.

[0110.0.0.39] see [0110.0.0.27]

[0111.0.0.39] see [0111.0.0.27]

[0112.0.39.39] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, column 3, or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 and 7, and conferring an increase in the gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine level.

[0113.0.0.39] to [0114.0.0.39]: see [0113.0.0.27] to [0114.0.0.27]

[0115.0.0.39] see [0115.0.0.27]

[0116.0.0.39] to [0120.0.0.39] see [0116.0.0.27] to [0120.0.0.27]

[0120.1.39.39]: %

[0121.0.39.39] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a gamma-aminobutyric acid level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7,

[0122.0.0.39] to [0127.0.0.39]: see [0122.0.0.27] to [0127.0.0.27]

[0128.0.39.39] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 39, columns 7, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or the sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7.

[0129.0.39.39] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence indicated in Table XIV, application no. 39, columns 7, is derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.39.39] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g.

conferring the increase of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate after increasing the expression or activity the protein comprising said fragment.

[0131.0.0.39] to [0138.0.0.39]: see [0131.0.0.27] to [0138.0.0.27]

[0139.0.39.39] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical level increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridise to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the respective fine chemical, i.e. gamma-aminobutyric acid increasing-activity.

[0140.0.0.39] to [0146.0.0.39]: see [0140.0.0.27] to [0146.0.0.27]

[0147.0.39.39] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences such that it can hybridise to one of said nucleotide sequences, thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.39.39] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular having a gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.39.39] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring a of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine increase, resp., and optionally, the activity of protein indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, column 5.

[00149.1.39.39] Optionally, in one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, column 3.

[0150.0.39.39] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of gamma-aminobutyric acid if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 39, column 7, will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or its gene product.

[0151.0.0.39]: see [0151.0.0.27]

[0152.0.39.39] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular a gamma-aminobutyric acid increasing activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.39.39] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7 such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, column 3.

[0154.0.39.39] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.39] to [0156.0.0.39]: see [0155.0.0.27] to [0156.0.0.27]

[0157.0.39.39] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as polypeptides comprising the sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 39, columns 7, or as polypeptides depicted in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, an amino acid sequence of a consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 39, columns 7, or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7.

[0158.0.0.39] to [0160.0.0.39]: see [0158.0.0.27] to [0160.0.0.27]

[0161.0.39.39] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.39] see [0162.0.0.27]

[0163.0.39.39] Preferably, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the amount of the respective fine chemical in a organism or a part thereof, e.g. a tissue, a cell, or a compartment of a cell, after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.39] see [0164.0.0.27]

[0165.0.39.39] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7.

[0166.0.0.39] to [0167.0.0.39]: see [0166.0.0.27] to [0167.0.0.27]

[0168.0.39.39] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, resp., yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7.

[0169.0.0.39] to [0172.0.0.39]: see [0169.0.0.27] to [0172.0.0.27]

[0173.0.39.39] For example a sequence, which has 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108175 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108175 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.39]: see [0174.0.0.27]

[0175.0.39.39] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108176 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108176 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.39.39] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7.

[0177.0.39.39] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7.

[0178.0.0.39] see [0178.0.0.27]

[0179.0.39.39] A nucleic acid molecule encoding a homologous to a protein sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7 can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.39] to [0183.0.0.39]: see [0180.0.0.27] to [0183.0.0.27]

[0184.0.39.39] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.39.39] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7.

[0186.0.39.39] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7.

[0187.0.39.39] In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7., comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7.

[0188.0.39.39] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, and is expressed under identical conditions.

[0189.0.39.39] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.39]: see [0190.0.0.27]

[0191.0.39.39] The organisms or part thereof produce according to the herein mentioned process of the invention an increased level of free and/or bound the respective fine chemical compared to said control or selected organisms or parts thereof.

[0192.0.0.39] to [0203.0.0.39]: see [0192.0.0.27] to [0203.0.0.27]

[0204.0.39.39] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no.     39, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical, i.e. gamma-aminobutyric     in an organism or a part thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI,     application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no.     39, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, i.e. gamma-aminobutyric acid in an     organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 39,     columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, i.e. gamma-aminobutyric acid in an     organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, i.e.     gamma-aminobutyric acid in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or a     nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature form     of, a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39,     columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; or which     encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XI,     application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. In     one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention does not     consist of the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no.     39, columns 5 or 7. In an other embodiment, the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention is at least 30% identical and less     than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence as     indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, resp. In     a further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a     polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39,     columns 5 or 7. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention encodes in one embodiment a     polypeptide which differs at least in one or more amino acids from a     polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or     7, does not encode a protein of a sequence as indicated in Table     XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7. Accordingly, in one     embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid     according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated     in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7. In a further     embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at least 30%     identical to a protein sequence indicated in Table XII, application     no. 39, columns 5 or 7, and less than 100%, preferably less than     99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 98%, 97%,     96% or 95% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII,     application no. 39, columns 5 or 7.

[0205.0.0.39] to [0206.0.0.39]: see [0205.0.0.27] to [0206.0.0.27]

[0207.0.39.39] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes, are genes of the glutamic acid metabolism, the phosphoenolpyruvate metabolism, the amino acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acid metabolism or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.39] to [0226.0.0.39]: see [0208.0.0.27] to [0226.0.0.27]

[0227.0.39.39] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or its derivatives, it is advantageous to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the glutamic acid or phosphoenolpyruvate metabolic pathway, is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the fine chemicals desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine one or more of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.39.39] In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore, organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of at least one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteins directly or indirectly involved in the glutamic acid or phosphoenolpyruvate metabolism.

[0229.0.39.39] Further advantageous nucleic acid sequences which can be expressed in combination with the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes are the sequences encoding further genes of the aromatic amino acid pathway, such as tryptophan, phenylalanine or tyrosine. These genes can lead to an increased synthesis of the essential amino acids tryptophan, phenylalanine or tyrosine.

[0230.0.0.39] see [230.0.0.27]

[0231.0.39.39] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a gamma-aminobutyric acid degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene. A person skilled in the art knows for example, that the inhibition of an enzyme or a gene of the biosynthesis of the essential aromatic amino acids tryptophan, tyrosine or phenylalanine may increase the amount of shikimate accumulating in an organism, in particular in plants. Furthermore the inhibition of tryptophan, phenylalanine or tyrosine degrading enzymes also may result in an increased shikimate accumulation in the organism.

[0232.0.0.39] to [0276.0.0.39]: see [0232.0.0.27] to [0276.0.0.27]

[0277.0.39.39] The respective fine chemical produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker are familiar, for example via extraction, salt precipitation, and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously.

[0278.0.0.39] to [0282.0.0.39]: see [0278.0.0.27] to [0282.0.0.27]

[0283.0.39.39] Moreover, native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells, for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, e.g. an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, column 3, or an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies.

[0284.0.0.39] see [0284.0.0.27]

[0285.0.39.39] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or as coded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.39.39] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 39, column 7, and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 39, column 7, whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 39, column 7.

[0287.0.0.39] to [0289.0.0.39]: see [0287.0.0.27] to [0289.0.0.27]

[00290.0.39.39] The alignment was performed with the Software AlignX (Sep. 25, 2002) a component of Vector NTI Suite 8.0, InforMax™, Invitrogen™ life science software, U.S. Main Office, 7305 Executive Way, Frederick, Md. 21704, USA with the following settings: For pairwise alignments: gap opening penalty: 10.0; gap extension penalty 0,1. For multiple alignments: Gap opening penalty: 10.0; Gap extension penalty: 0.1; Gap separation penalty range: 8; Residue substitution matrix: blosum62; Hydrophilic residues: G P S N D Q E K R; Transition weighting: 0,5; Consensus calculation options: Residue fraction for consensus: 0.9. Presettings were selected to allow also for the alignment of conserved amino acids

[0291.0.39.39] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%.

[0292.0.0.39] see [0292.0.0.27]

[0293.0.39.39] In one embodiment, the invention relates to a polypeptide conferring an increase in the fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or by a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7.

[0294.0.39.39] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, column 3, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.39] to [0296.0.0.39]: see [0295.0.0.27] to [0296.0.0.27]

[0297.0.0.39] see [0297.0.0.27]

[00297.1.39.39] %

[0298.0.39.39] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7.

[0299.0.39.39] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.39.39] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7 in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7.

[0301.0.0.39] see [0301.0.0.27]

[0302.0.39.39] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.39] see [0303.0.0.27]

[0304.0.39.39] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, column 3, but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.39] to [0308.0.0.39]: see [0305.0.0.27] to [0308.0.0.27]

[0309.0.39.39] In one embodiment, a reference to a protein (=polypeptide) of the invention or as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas an “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, —e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, column 3, and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, an “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.39] to [0334.0.0.39]: see [0310.0.0.27] to [0334.0.0.27]

[0335.0.39.39] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived there from), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of aprotein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.39] to [0342.0.0.39]: see [0336.0.0.27] to [0342.0.0.27]

[0343.0.39.39] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.39] to [0350.0.0.39]: see [0344.0.0.27] to [0350.0.0.27]

[0351.0.0.39] to [0361.0.0.39]: see [0351.0.0.27] to [0361.0.0.27]

[0362.0.39.39] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, e.g. encoding a polypeptide having protein activity, as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 3. Due to the abovementioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, column 3, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.39] see [0363.0.0.27]

[0364.0.39.39] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of a promoter of a gene encoding a polypeptide of the invention as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, column 3, with the corresponding protein-encoding sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, column 5, becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modified by non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example, mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

[0365.0.0.39] to [0373.0.0.39]: see [0365.0.0.27] to [0373.0.0.27]

[0374.0.39.39] Transgenic plants comprising the respective fine chemical synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate, in particular the respective fine chemical, produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free gamma-aminobutyric acid, in particular the free respective fine chemical, or bound in or to compounds or moieties, like glucosides, e.g. diglucosides. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography or other chromatographic methods of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.39] to [0376.0.0.39]: see [0375.0.0.27] to [0376.0.0.27]

[0377.0.39.39] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process whereby the produced gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate is isolated.

[0378.0.39.39] In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate produced in the process can be isolated. The resulting gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.39.39] In one embodiment, gamma-aminobutyric acid and shikimate are a mixture of the respective fine chemicals.

[0380.0.39.39] The gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate obtained in the process are suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates a method for the production of pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate composition produced or the respective fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals or for the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate e.g. after isolation of the respective fine chemical or without, e.g. in situ, e.g in the organism used for the process for the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0381.0.0.39] to [0382.0.0.39]: see [0381.0.0.27] to [0382.0.0.27]

[0383.0.39.39] %

[0384.0.0.39] see [0384.0.0.27]

[0385.0.39.39] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate in mixtures with other organic acids, aminoacids, polypeptides or polysaccarides, normally have a dry matter content of from 1 to 70% by weight, preferably 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, e.g. at the end, for example over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 10 g/l, preferably to 0 to 3 g/I during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed or isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it.

The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

[0386.0.39.39] Accordingly, it is possible to purify the gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate produced according to the invention further. For this purpose, the product-containing compositions subjected for example to separation via e.g. an open column chromatography or HPLC in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use.

[0387.0.0.39] to [0392.0.0.39]: see [0387.0.0.27] to [0392.0.0.27]

[0393.0.39.39] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   a. contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   b. identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or     7, and, optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete     genomic clone; -   c. introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the respective fine chemical; -   d. expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   e. assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host cells;     and -   f. identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the respective fine chemical level     in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.39] to [0398.0.0.39]: see [0394.0.0.27] to [0398.0.0.27]

[0399.0.39.39] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to process for the identification of a compound conferring increase of the respective fine chemical production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps:

a) culturing a cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide according to the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding said polypeptide and a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of said readout system and the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the invention; and b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said readout system.

The screen for a gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production can be performed by growth of an organism for example a microorganism in the presence of growth reducing amounts of an inhibitor of the synthesis of the respective fine chemical. Better growth, e.g. higher dividing rate or high dry mass in comparison to the control under such conditions would identify a gene or gene product or an agonist conferring an increase in respective fine chemical production.

[00399.1.39.39] One can think to screen for increased production of the respective fine chemical by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the respective fine chemical and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7 or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotype of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.39] to [0415.0.0.39]: see [0400.0.0.27] to [0415.0.0.27]

[0416.0.0.39] see [0416.0.0.27]

[0417.0.39.39] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect an organism such as a microorganism or a plant against inhibitors, which block the gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine synthesis.

[0418.0.0.39] to [0423.0.0.39]: see [0418.0.0.27] to [0423.0.0.27]

[0424.0.39.39] Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the respective fine chemical or of the respective fine chemical and one or more other organic acids. Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the respective fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0425.0.0.39] to [0434.0.0.39]: see [0425.0.0.27] to [0434.0.0.27]

[0435.0.39.39] Example 3 In-Vivo and In-Vitro Mutagenesis

[0436.0.39.39] An in vivo mutagenesis of organisms such as Saccharomyces, Mortierella, Escherichia and others mentioned above, which are beneficial for the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine can be carried out by passing a plasmid DNA (or another vector DNA) containing the desired nucleic acid sequence or nucleic acid sequences, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the vector of the invention, through E. coli and other microorganisms (for example Bacillus spp. or yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which are not capable of maintaining the integrity of its genetic information. Usual mutator strains have mutations in the genes for the DNA repair system [for example mutHLS, mutD, mutT and the like; for comparison, see Rupp, W. D. (1996) DNA repair mechanisms in Escherichia coli and Salmonella, pp. 2277-2294, ASM: Washington]. The skilled worker knows these strains. The use of these strains is illustrated for example in Greener, A. and Callahan, M. (1994) Strategies 7; 32-34.

In-vitro mutation methods such as increasing the spontaneous mutation rates by chemical or physical treatment are well known to the skilled person. Mutagens like 5-bromo-uracil, N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (=NTG), ethyl methanesulfonate (=EMS), hydroxylamine and/or nitrous acid are widly used as chemical agents for random in-vitro mutagensis. The most common physical method for mutagensis is the treatment with UV irradiation. Another random mutagenesis technique is the error-prone PCR for introducing amino acid changes into proteins. Mutations are deliberately introduced during PCR through the use of error-prone DNA polymerases and special reaction conditions known to a person skilled in the art. For this method randomized DNA sequences are cloned into expression vectors and the resulting mutant libraries screened for altered or improved protein activity as described below.

Site-directed mutagensis method such as the introduction of desired mutations with an M13 or phagemid vector and short oligonucleotides primers is a well-known approach for site-directed mutagensis. The clou of this method involves cloning of the nucleic acid sequence of the invention into an M13 or phagemid vector, which permits recovery of single-stranded recombinant nucleic acid sequence. A mutagenic oligonucleotide primer is then designed whose sequence is perfectly complementary to nucleic acid sequence in the region to be mutated, but with a single difference: at the intended mutation site it bears a base that is complementary to the desired mutant nucleotide rather than the original. The mutagenic oligonucleotide is then allowed to prime new DNA synthesis to create a complementary full-length sequence containing the desired mutation. Another site-directed mutagensis method is the PCR mismatch primer mutagensis method also known to the skilled person. Dpnl site-directed mutagensis is a further known method as described for example in the Stratagene Quickchange™ site-directed mutagenesis kit protocol. A huge number of other methods are also known and used in common practice.

Positive mutation events can be selected by screening the organisms for the production of the desired respective fine chemical.

[0437.0.39.39] Example 4 DNA Transfer Between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Mortierella alpina

[0438.0.39.39] Shuttle vectors such as pYE22m, pPAC-ResQ, pClasper, pAUR224, pAMH10, pAML10, pAMT10, pAMU10, pGMH10, pGML10, pGMT10, pGMU10, pPGAL1, pPADH1, pTADH1, pTAex3, pNGA142, pHT3101 and derivatives thereof which allow the transfer of nucleic acid sequences between Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and/or Mortierella alpina are available to the skilled worker. An easy method to isolate such shuttle vectors is disclosed by Soni R. and Murray J. A. H. [Nucleic Acid Research, vol. 20 no. 21, 1992: 5852]: If necessary such shuttle vectors can be constructed easily using standard vectors for E. coli (Sambrook, J. et al., (1989), “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press or Ausubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley & Sons) and/or the aforementioned vectors, which have a replication origin for, and suitable marker from, Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Mortierella alpina added. Such replication origins are preferably taken from endogenous plasmids, which have been isolated from species used in the inventive process. Genes, which are used in particular as transformation markers for these species are genes for kanamycin resistance (such as those which originate from the Tn5 or Tn-903 transposon) or for chloramphenicol resistance (Winnacker, E. L. (1987) “From Genes to Clones—Introduction to Gene Technology”, VCH, Weinheim) or for other antibiotic resistance genes such as for G418, gentamycin, neomycin, hygromycin or tetracycline resistance.

[0439.0.39.39] Using standard methods, it is possible to clone a gene of interest into one of the above-described shuttle vectors and to introduce such hybrid vectors into the microorganism strains used in the inventive process. The transformation of

Saccharomyces can be achieved for example by LiCI or sheroplast transformation (Bishop et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 6, 1986: 3401-3409; Sherman et al., Methods in Yeasts in Genetics, [Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y.] 1982, Agatep et al., Technical Tips Online 1998, 1:51: P01525 or Gietz et al., Methods Mol. Cell. Biol. 5, 1995: 255f) or electroporation (Delorme E., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., vol. 55, no. 9, 1989: 2242-2246).

[0440.0.39.39] If the transformed sequence(s) is/are to be integrated advantageously into the genome of the microorganism used in the inventive process for example into the yeast or fungi genome, standard techniques known to the skilled worker also exist for this purpose. Solinger et al. (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA., 2001 (15): 8447-8453) and Freedman et al. (Genetics, Vol. 162, 15-27, September 2002) teaches a homolog recombination system dependent on rad 50, rad51, rad54 and rad59 in yeasts. Vectors using this system for homologous recombination are vectors derived from the Ylp series. Plasmid vectors derived for example from the 2μ-Vector are known by the skilled worker and used for the expression in yeasts. Other preferred vectors are for example pART1, pCHY21 or pEVP11 as they have been described by McLeod et al. (EMBO J. 1987, 6:729-736) and Hoffman et al. (Genes Dev. 5, 1991: :561-571.) or Russell et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 258, 1983: 143-149.). Other beneficial yeast vectors are plasmids of the REP, REP-X, pYZ or RIP series.

[0441.0.0.39] see [0441.0.0.27]

[0442.0.0.39] see [0442.0.0.27]

[0443.0.0.39] see [0443.0.0.27]

[0444.0.39.39] Example 6 Growth of Genetically Modified Organism: Media and Culture Conditions

[0445.0.39.39] Genetically modified Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are grown in synthetic or natural growth media known by the skilled worker. A number of different growth media for Yeast, Mortierella or Escherichia coli are well known and widely available. A method for culturing Mortierella is disclosed by Jang et al. [Bot. Bull. Acad. Sin. (2000) 41:41-48]. Mortierella can be grown at 20° C. in a culture medium containing: 10 g/l glucose, 5 g/l yeast extract at pH 6.5. Furthermore Jang et al. teaches a submerged basal medium containing 20 g/l soluble starch, 5 g/l Bacto yeast extract, 10 g/l KNO₃, 1 g/l KH₂PO₄, and 0.5 g/l MgSO₄.7H₂O, pH 6.5.

[0446.0.0.39] to [0450.0.0.39]: see [0446.0.0.27] to [0450.0.0.27]

[0451.0.0.39] see [0451.0.5.5]

[0452.0.0.39] to [0453.0.0.39]: see [0452.0.0.27] to [0453.0.0.27]

[0454.0.39.39] Analysis of the effect of the nucleic acid molecule on the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine

[0455.0.39.39] The effect of the genetic modification in plants, fungi, algae, ciliates or on the production of a desired compound (such as a gamma-aminobutyric acid) can be determined by growing the modified microorganisms or the modified plant under suitable conditions (such as those described above) and analyzing the medium and/or the cellular components for the elevated production of desired product (i.e. of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine). These analytical techniques are known to the skilled worker and comprise spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, various types of staining methods, enzymatic and microbiological methods and analytical chromatography such as high-performance liquid chromatography (see, for example, Ullman, Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. A2, p. 89-90 and p. 443-613, VCH: Weinheim (1985); Fallon, A., et al., (1987) “Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry” in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 17; Rehm et al. (1993) Biotechnology, Vol. 3, Chapter III: “Product recovery and purification”, p. 469-714, VCH: Weinheim; Belter, P. A., et al. (1988) Bioseparations: downstream processing for Biotechnology, John Wiley and Sons; Kennedy, J. F., and Cabral, J. M. S. (1992) Recovery processes for biological Materials, John Wiley and Sons; Shaeiwitz, J. A., and Henry, J. D. (1988) Biochemical Separations, in: Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. B3; Chapter 11, p. 1-27, VCH: Weinheim; and Dechow, F. J. (1989) Separation and purification techniques in biotechnology, Noyes Publications).

[0456.0.0.39]: see [0456.0.0.27]

[0457.0.39.39] Example 9 Purification of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

[0458.0.39.39] Abbreviations; GC-MS, gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; TLC, thin-layer chromatography.

The unambiguous detection for the presence of gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MSMS or TLC, as described. The total amount produced in the organism for example in yeasts used in the inventive process can be analysed for example according to the following procedure:

The material such as yeasts, E. coli or plants to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods.

Plant material is initially homogenized mechanically by comminuting in a pestle and mortar to make it more amenable to extraction.

A typical sample pretreatment consists of a total lipid extraction using such polar organic solvents as acetone or alcohols as methanol, or ethers, saponification, partition between phases, separation of non-polar epiphase from more polar hypophasic derivatives and chromatography.

For analysis, solvent delivery and aliquot removal can be accomplished with a robotic system comprising a single injector valve Gilson 232XL and a 402 2S1V diluter [Gilson, Inc. USA, 3000 W. Beltline Highway, Middleton, Wis.]. For saponification, 3 ml of 50% potassium hydroxide hydro-ethanolic solution (4 water—1 ethanol) can be added to each vial, followed by the addition of 3 ml of octanol. The saponification treatment can be conducted at room temperature with vials maintained on an IKA HS 501 horizontal shaker [Labworld-online, Inc., Wilmington, N.C.] for fifteen hours at 250 movements/minute, followed by a stationary phase of approximately one hour.

Following saponification, the supernatant can be diluted with 0.17 ml of methanol. The addition of methanol can be conducted under pressure to ensure sample homogeneity. Using a 0.25 ml syringe, a 0.1 ml aliquot can be removed and transferred to HPLC vials for analysis.

For HPLC analysis, a Hewlett Packard 1100 HPLC, complete with a quaternary pump, vacuum degassing system, six-way injection valve, temperature regulated autosampler, column oven and Photodiode Array detector can be used [Agilent Technologies available through Ultra Scientific Inc., 250 Smith Street, North Kingstown,

RI]. The column can be a Waters YMC30, 5-micron, 4.6×250 mm with a guard column of the same material [Waters, 34 Maple Street, Milford, Mass.]. The solvents for the mobile phase can be 81 methanol: 4 water: 15 tetrahydrofuran (THF) stabilized with 0.2% BHT (2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol). Injections were 20 l. Separation can be isocratic at 30° C. with a flow rate of 1.7 ml/minute. The peak responses can be measured by absorbance at 447 nm.

[0459.0.39.39] If required and desired, further chromatography steps with a suitable resin may follow. Advantageously, the gamma-aminobutyric acid can be further purified with a so-called RTHPLC. As eluent acetonitrile/water or chloroform/acetonitrile mixtures can be used. If necessary, these chromatography steps may be repeated, using identical or other chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the selection of suitable chromatography resin and the most effective use for a particular molecule to be purified.

[0460.0.0.39] see [0460.0.0.27]

[0461.0.39.39] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 108175 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.39] see [0462.0.0.27]

[0463.0.39.39] SEQ ID NO: 108175 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.0.39] to [0466.0.0.39]: see [0464.0.0.27] to [0466.0.0.27]

[0466.1.39.39] In case the Herculase enzyme can be used for the amplification, the PCR amplification cycles were as follows: 1 cycle of 2-3 minutes at 94° C., followed by 25-30 cycles of in each case 30 seconds at 94° C., 30 seconds at 55-60° C. and 5-10 minutes at 72° C., followed by 1 cycle of 10 minutes at 72° C., then 4° C.

[0467.0.39.39] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 108175:

i) forward primer SEQ ID NO: 108177 ii) reverse primer SEQ ID NO: 108178

[0468.0.0.39] to [0470.0.0.39]: see [0468.0.0.27] to [0470.0.0.27]

[0470.1.39.39] The PCR-products, produced by Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase, were phosphorylated using a T4 DNA polymerase using a standard protocol (e.g. MBI Fermentas) and cloned into the processed binary vector.

[0471.0.39.39] see [0471.0.0.27]

[0471.1.39.39] The DNA termini of the PCR-products, produced by Herculase DNA polymerase, were blunted in a second synthesis reaction using Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The composition for the protocol of the blunting the DNA-termini was as follows: 0.2 mM blunting dTTP and 1.25 u Pfu Turbo DNA polymerase. The reaction was incubated at 72° C. for 30 minutes. Then the PCR-products were phosphorylated using a T4 DNA polymerase using a standard protocol (e.g. MBI Fermentas) and cloned into the processed vector as well.

[0472.0.39.39] to [0479.0.39.39]: see [0472.0.0.27] to [0479.0.0.27]

[0480.0.39.39] Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 108175

[0481.0.0.39] to [0513.0.0.39]: see [0481.0.0.27] to [0513.0.0.27]

[0514.0.39.39] As an alternative, gamma-aminobutyric acid can be detected as described in Haak and Reineke, Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 19(3): 493(1981)

As an alternative, shikimate can be detected as described in Gould and Erickson, J Antibiot 41(5), 688-9 (1988).

As an alternative, putrescine can be detected as described in Endo Y., Anal Biochem. 89(1):235-46(1978).

[0515.0.0.39] to [0552.0.0.39]: see [0515.0.0.27] to [0552.0.0.27]

[0553.0.39.39]

-   1. A process for the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid, which     comprises     -   a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as         indicated in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, or a         functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism or in one         or more parts thereof; and     -   b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of gamma-aminobutyric acid in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid or     shikimate or putrescine, comprising the increasing or generating in     an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic     acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the     group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7 or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         gamma-aminobutyric acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of gamma-aminobutyric         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation         conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of         gamma-aminobutyric acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 39,         columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of         gamma-aminobutyric acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of         gamma-aminobutyric acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 39, column         7, and conferring an increase in the amount of         gamma-aminobutyric acid in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         gamma-aminobutyric acid in an organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound gamma-aminobutyric acid. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         gamma-aminobutyric acid produced by the selected mutated         organisms or parts thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7 or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of         gamma-aminobutyric acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of gamma-aminobutyric         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of gamma-aminobutyric         acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 39,         column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of         gamma-aminobutyric acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of         gamma-aminobutyric acid in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 39, column         7, and conferring an increase in the amount of         gamma-aminobutyric acid in an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         gamma-aminobutyric acid in an organism or a part thereof.     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 39, columns 5         or 7, by one or more nucleotides. -   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements. -   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. -   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host. -   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. -   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. -   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. -   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12. -   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     XII, application no. 39, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. -   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14. -   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium. -   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of gamma-aminobutyric     acid in an organism or a part thereof comprising:     (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which     express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of gamma-aminobutyric     acid in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a     sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions which     permit the expression the polypeptide;     (b) assaying the gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine     level or the polypeptide expression level in the cell, tissue, plant     or microorganism or the media the cell, tissue, plant or     microorganisms is cultured or maintained in; and     (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the measured     gamma-aminobutyric acid or shikimate or putrescine level or     polypeptide expression level with a standard gamma-aminobutyric acid     or polypeptide expression level measured in the absence of said     candidate compound or a sample comprising said plurality of     compounds, whereby an increased level over the standard indicates     that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality of     compounds is an agonist and a decreased level over the standard     indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality     of compounds is an antagonist. -   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased gamma-aminobutyric acid or production in a plant or     microorganism, comprising the steps:     (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining     a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of     gamma-aminobutyric acid in an organism or a part thereof and a     readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under     suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide     with said readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample     comprising a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a     detectable signal in response to the binding of a compound to said     polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of said     readout system and of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of     gamma-aminobutyric acid in an organism or a part thereof;     (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting     the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said     readout system. -   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in gamma-aminobutyric acid production in a cell, comprising     the following steps:     (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can     contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an     increase in gamma-aminobutyric acid after expression with the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6;     (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of claim     6;     (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells     appropriate for producing gamma-aminobutyric acid;     (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells;     (e) assaying the gamma-aminobutyric acid level in the host cells;     and     (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the gamma-aminobutyric acid level     in the host cell in the host cell after expression compared to the     wild type. -   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in gamma-aminobutyric acid production in a cell, comprising     the following steps:     -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the gamma-aminobutyric acid         amount or level in an organism or a part thereof after         expression, and which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic         acid molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing gamma-aminobutyric acid;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the gamma-aminobutyric acid level in the host         cells; and     -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the gamma-aminobutyric acid         level in the host cell after expression compared to the wild         type. -   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. -   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier. -   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     gamma-aminobutyric acid after expression. -   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid levels in an organism. -   25. Agrochemical, pharmaceutical, food or feed composition     comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20. -   26. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, the nucleic acid     molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid     construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or     agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15,     the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of     claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product     identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the     fine chemical is gamma-aminobutyric acid.

[0554.0.0.39] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.27]

NEW GENES FOR A PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS Description

[0000.0.40.40] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.40.40] The present invention relates to a process for the production of the fine chemical in a microorganism, a plant cell, a plant, a plant tissue or in one or more parts thereof. The invention furthermore relates to nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, nucleic acid constructs, vectors, antisense molecules, antibodies, host cells, plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material, plants, microorganisms as well as agricultural compositions and to their use.

[0002.0.40.40] Coenzymes are molecules that cooperate in the catalytic action of an enzyme. Like enzymes, coenzymes are not irreversibly changed during catalysis; they are either unmodified or regenerated. Each kind of coenzyme has a particular chemical function. Coenzymes may either be attached by covalent bonds to a particular enzyme or exist freely in solution, but in either case they participate intimately in the chemical reactions catalyzed by the enzyme.

[0003.0.40.40] Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ 10) or ubiquinone is essentially a vitamin or vitamin-like substance. Disagreements on nomenclature notwithstanding, vitamins are defined as organic compounds essential in minute amounts for normal body function acting as coenzymes or precursors to coenzymes. Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 belongs to a family of substances called ubiquinones. Ubiquinones, also known as coenzymes Q and mitoquinones, are lipophilic, water-insoluble substances involved in electron transport and energy production in mitochondria. The basic structure of ubiquinones consists of a benzoquinone “head” and a terpinoid “tail.” The “head” structure participates in the redox activity of the electron transport chain. The major difference among the various coenzymes Q is in the number of isoprenoid units (5-carbon structures) in the “tail.” Coenzymes Q contain one to 12 isoprenoid units in the “tail”; 10 isoprenoid units are common in animals. Coenzymes Q occur in the majority of aerobic organisms, from bacteria to plants and animals. Two numbering systems exist for designation of the number of isoprenoid units in the terpinoid “tail”: coenzyme Qn and coenzyme Q(x). N refers to the number of isoprenoid side chains, and x refers to the number of carbons in the terpinoid “tail” and can be any multiple of five. Thus, coenzyme Q10 refers to a coenzyme Q having 10 isoprenoid units in the “tail.” Since each isoprenoid unit has five carbons, coenzyme Q10 can also be designated coenzyme Q(50). The structures of coenzymes Q are analogous to those of vitamin K2. Coenzyme Q10 is also known as Coenzyme Q(50), CoQ10, CoQ(50), ubiquinone (50), ubiquinol-10 and ubidecarerone.

They are present naturally in foods and sometimes are also synthesized in the body. CoQ10 likewise is found in small amounts in a wide variety of foods and is synthesized in all tissues. The biosynthesis of CoQ10 from the amino acid tyrosine is a multistage process requiring at least eight vitamins and several trace elements. Coenzymes are cofactors upon which the comparatively large and complex enzymes absolutely depend for their function. Coenzyme Q10 is the coenzyme for at least three mitochondrial enzymes (complexes I, II and III) as well as enzymes in other parts of the cell. Mitochondrial enzymes of the oxidative phosphorylation pathway are essential for the production of the high-energy phosphate, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), upon which all cellular functions depend. The electron and proton transfer functions of the quinone ring are of fundamental importance to all life forms; ubiquinone in the mitochondria of animals, plastoquinone in the chloroplast of plants, and menaquinone in bacteria. The term “bioenergetics” has been used to describe the field of biochemistry looking specifically at cellular energy production. In the related field of free radical chemistry, CoQ10 has been studied in its reduced form as a potent antioxidant. The bioenergetics and free radical chemistry of CoQ10 are reviewed in Gian Paolo Littarru's book, Energy and Defense, published in 1994. The precise chemical structure of CoQ10 is 2,3 dimethoxy-5 methyl-6 decaprenyl benzoquinone

[0004.0.40.40] Discovered in 1957, CoQ-10 is also called ubiquinone because it belongs to a class of compounds called quinones, and because it's ubiquitous in living organisms, especially in the heart, liver, and kidneys. It plays a crucial role in producing energy in cells. And it acts as a powerful antioxidant, meaning that it helps neutralize cell-damaging molecules called free radicals. Manufactured by all cells in the body, CoQ-10 is also found in small amounts in foods, notably meat and fish. By the mid-1970's, the industrial technology to produce pure CoQ10 in quantities sufficient for larger clinical trials was established. Principally CoQ10 can be isolated from microorganisms or plants or algae; in particular mitochondria are a common source for CoQ10. Alternatively, they are obtained advantageously from animals or fish.

[0005.0.40.40] Since the actions of supplemental CoQ10 have yet to be clarified, the mechanism of these actions is a matter of speculation. However, much is known about the biochemistry of CoQ10. CoQ10 is an essential cofactor in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, where it accepts electrons from complex I and II, an activity that is vital for the production of ATP. CoQ10 has antioxidant activity in mitochondria and cellular membranes, protecting against peroxidation of lipid membranes. It also inhibits the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol. LDL-cholesterol oxidation is believed to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. CoQ10 is biosynthesized in the body and shares a common synthetic pathway with cholesterol.

CoQ10 levels decrease with aging in humans. Why this occurs is not known but may be due to decreased synthesis and/or increased lipid peroxidation which occurs with aging. Significantly decreased levels of CoQ10 have been noted in a wide variety of diseases in both animal and human studies. CoQ10 deficiency may be caused by insufficient dietary CoQ10, impairment in CoQ10 biosynthesis, excessive utilization of CoQ10 by the body, or any combination of the three. Decreased dietary intake is presumed in chronic malnutrition and cachexia.

[0006.0.40.40] The relative contribution of CoQ10 biosynthesis versus dietary CoQ10 is under investigation. Karl Folkers takes the position that the dominant source of CoQ10 in man is biosynthesis. This complex, 17 step process, requiring at least seven vitamins (vitamin B2-riboflavin, vitamin B3-niacinamide, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and pantothenic acid) and several trace elements, is, by its nature, highly vulnerable. Karl Folkers argues that suboptimal nutrient intake in man is almost universal and that there is subsequent secondary impairment in CoQ10 biosynthesis. This would mean that average or “normal” levels of CoQ10 are really suboptimal and the very low levels observed in advanced disease states represent only the tip of a deficiency “ice berg”.

Supplemental CoQ10 may have cardioprotective, cytoprotective and neuroprotective activities. There are claims that it has positive effects in cancer, muscular dystrophy and immune dysfunction. Similarly, it may inhibit obesity or enhance athletic performance.

[0007.0.40.40] HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors used to treat elevated blood cholesterol levels by blocking cholesterol biosynthesis also block CoQ10 biosynthesis. The resulting lowering of blood CoQ10 level is due to the partially shared biosynthetic pathway of CoQ10 and cholesterol. In patients with heart failure this is more than a laboratory observation. It has a significant harmful effect which can be negated by oral CoQ10 supplementation.

Increased body consumption of CoQ10 is the presumed cause of low blood CoQ10 levels seen in excessive exertion, hypermetabolism, and acute shock states. It is likely that all three mechanisms (insufficient dietary CoQ10, impaired CoQ10 biosynthesis, and excessive utilization of CoQ10) are operable to varying degrees in most cases of observed CoQ10 deficiency.

[0008.0.40.40] In nature, Coenzymes Q0 to Q9 are found as well. E.g. Coenzyme Q9 is a derivative of CoQ10 found e.g. in the chloroplast of plants. Coenzyme Q9 has a shorter aliphatic group bound to the ring structure. Due to the high structural homology of Coenzymes Q0 to Q9 are expected to provide the same or very similar activities as CoQ10 in cells or organisms. However, Matsura et al., Biochim Biophys Acta, 1992, 1123(3) pp. 309-15 concluded from their study that CoQ9 constantly acts as a potential antioxidant in hepatocytes whereas CoQ10 manly exhibit its antioxidant activity in cells containing CoQ10 as the predominate CoQ homolog. Coenzyme Q10 is actual a very common ingredient in different types of cosmetics, due to its protective role against radicals and its predicted function in skin tautening.

[0009.0.40.40] Thus, Coenzymes, in particular CoQ10 or CoQ9 can be used in a lot of different applications, for example in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and in feed and food.

[0010.0.40.40] Therefore improving the productivity of said Coenzymes and improving the quality of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs and animal feeds, in particular of nutrition supplements, is an important task of the different industries.

[0011.0.40.40] To ensure a high productivity of said Coenzymes in plants or microorganism, it is necessary to manipulate the natural biosynthesis of said Coenzymes in said organisms.

[0012.0.40.40] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes or other regulators which participate in the biosynthesis of said Coenzymes and make it possible to produce certain said Coenzymes specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of said Coenzymes on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.40] It was now found that this object is achieved by providing the process according to the invention described herein and the embodiments characterized in the claims.

[0014.0.40.40] It was found that the overexpression of the nucleic acid molecules characterized herein confers an increase in the content of Coenzyme Q10 or Coenzyme Q9 in plants. Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9. Accordingly, in a further embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to “Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9”. Further, in another embodiment the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to compositions of the fine chemicals comprising Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9.

[0015.0.40.40] In one embodiment, the term “the respective fine chemicals” means Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9, depending on the context. For example, the increase of the gene product of a gene with activity of the Gene/ORF Locus name or its homologs as mentioned confers the increase of the level of coenzymes CoQ9 in plants or parts thereof. For example, the increase of the gene product of a gene with the ORF name b2426 from E. coli or a plant or its homologs confer the increase of the level of coenzymes CoQ9 and CoQ10 in plants or parts thereof.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the term “the respective fine chemicals” means Coenzyme Q10 and Coenzyme Q9. In one embodiment, the term “the respective fine chemical” means Coenzyme Q10 or Coenzyme Q9. In a further embodiment, the term “the respective fine chemical” means Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 and their salts, ester, or thioester or Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 in free form or bound to protein(s), e.g. enzyme(s), or peptide(s), e.g. polypeptide(s) or to membranes or parts thereof, e.g. in the form of oils or waxes or in compositions with lipids, oils, fats or lipid mixture, as well as Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 in its reduced or oxidized form. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the respective fine chemical” means Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ9, in free form or its salts or bound to peptide(s) or protein(s). Lipids, oils, waxes, fats or lipid mixture shall mean any, lipid, oil, wax and/or fat containing any bound or free Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” and the term “the respective fine chemical” mean at least one chemical compound with an activity of the above mentioned fine chemical.

[0016.0.40.40] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more     -   of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 40, column 3         encoded by the nucleic acid sequences as shown in table XI,         application no. 40, column 5, in a non-human organism or in one         or more parts thereof or -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus Coenzyme of the invention or     fine chemicals comprising coenzyme of the invention, in said     organism or in the culture medium surrounding the organism

[0016.1.40.40] In one embodiment, the method of the present invention confers the increase of the content of more than one of the respective fine chemicals, i.e. of Coenzyme Q9 and/or Coenzyme Q10.

Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” can mean “Coenzyme Q9”, and/or “Coenzyme Q10”, owing to circumstances and the context. In order to illustrate that the meaning of the term “the fine chemical” means “Coenzyme Q9” and/or “Coenzyme Q10” the term “the respective fine chemical” is also used.

[0017.0.0.40] to [0019.0.0.40] see [0017.0.0.27] to [0019.0.0.27]

[0019.0.40.40]

[0020.0.40.40] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Brassica napus protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 5, line 40 in a plant conferred an increase in Coenzyme Q9 content of the transformed plants.

Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of Coenzyme Q9.

Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Brassica napus protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 5, line 41 in a plant conferred an increase in Coenzyme Q9 content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of Coenzyme Q9.

[0021.0.0.40] see [0021.0.0.27]

[0022.0.40.40] The sequence of b2426 (Accession number NP_(—)416921) from

Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a putative oxidoreductase with NAD(P)-binding domain. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the “ribitol dehydrogenase, short-chain alcohol dehydrogenase homology” superfamily, preferably being involved in C-compound and carbohydrate utilization, metabolism of vitamins, cofactors and prosthetic groups, biosynthesis of secondary products derived from primary amino acids, aerobic aromate catabolism, anaerobic aromate catabolism, and/or catabolism of secondary metabolites, biosynthesis of the cysteine-aromatic group and/or degradation of amino acids of the cysteine-aromatic group, aromate anabolism, more preferred a protein with the activity of a putative oxidoreductase with NAD(P)-binding domain from E. coli or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein in Table XII, column 5 or 7, line 40 or as encoded by the nucleic acid molecule shown in Table XI, column 5 or 7, line 40, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of Coenzyme Q9, in particular for increasing the amount of Coenzyme Q9, preferably Coenzyme Q9 in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of YDR513W (ACCESSION NP_(—)010801) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78 (1997) and in Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996 and its cellular activity has characterized as glutathione reductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of glutathione reductase or a protein of the glutaredoxin superfamily, in particular of a protein having a deoxyribonucleotide metabolism, cytoplasm, stress response, detoxification, and/or electron transport and membrane-associated energy conservation activity for the production of Coenzyme Q9. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of protein with tha activity of YDR513W from Saccharomyces cerevisiaeor a plant, e.g. as indicated herein in Table XII, line 41, columns 5, or its homologue, e.g. as shown herein in Table XII, line 41, column 7, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of Coenzyme Q9, in particular for increasing the amount of reduced and/or oxidized Coenzyme Q9 and/or Coenzyme Q9 in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a glutathione reductase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a plant or a homolog thereof.

[0022.1.0.40] to [0023.0.40.40] see [0022.1.0.27] to [0023.0.0.27]

[0023.1.40.40] Homologs of the polypeptide disclosed in table XII, application no. 40, column 5, may have the activity of a protein as disclosed in Table XI or XII, application no. 40, column 3 and may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in table XI, application no. 40, column 7, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in table XII, application no. 40, column 7, resp.

[0024.0.0.40] see [0024.0.0.27]

[0025.0.40.40] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein as shown in table XII, application no. 40, column 3 “if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased in the level of the fine chemical indicated in the respective line of table XII, application no. 40, column 6 “metabolite” in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism.

Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 40, column 3, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic or biological activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to a protein as shown in the respective line of table XII, application no. 40, column 3 of E. coli or Saccharomyces cerevisae, respectively, protein as mentioned in table XI to XIV, column 3 respectively and as disclosed in paragraph [0022] of the respective invention.

[0025.1.40.40] In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention confers said activity, e.g. the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, if it is derived from an organism, which is evolutionary close to the organism indicated in Table XI, column 4 and is expressed in an organism, which is evolutionary distant to the origin organism. For example origin and expressing organism are derived from different families, orders, classes or phylums whereas origin and the organism indicated in Table XI, column 4 are derived from the same families, orders, classes or phylums.

[0025.2.0.40] see [0025.2.0.27]

[0025.1.0.40] see [0025.1.0.27]

[0026.0.0.40] to [0033.0.0.40] see[0026.0.0.27] to [0033.0.0.27]

[0034.0.40.40] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity, preferably of the activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a respective protein as shown in table XII, application no. 40, column 3 its biochemical or genetical causes and the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.40] to [0044.0.0.40] see [0035.0.0.27] to [0044.0.0.27]

[0045.0.40.40] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein. as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 40, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 6 of the respective line, between 10% and 50%, 10% and 100%, 10% and 200%, 10% and 300%, 10% and 400%, 10% and 500%, 20% and 50%, 20% and 250%, 20% and 500%, 50% and 100%, 50% and 250%, 50% and 500%, 500% and 1000% or more

[0046.0.40.40] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 40, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 6 of the respective line confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further Coenzyme or their precursors.

[0047.0.0.40] to [0048.0.0.40] see [0047.0.0.27] to [0048.0.0.27]

[0049.0.40.40] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fine chemical, has in one embodiment the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of the polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 40, column 7 or of the polypeptide as shown in the amino acid sequences as disclosed in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 and 7 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by the nucleic acid molecule as shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 and 7 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.40.40] ./.

[0051.0.40.40] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the respective fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free chemical free or bound, e.g. hydrophobic or lipophilic compositions. Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of the respective fine chemical and various other coenzymes, vitamins and/or antioxidants, e.g. vitamin B6 or vitamin E, can be produced.

[0052.0.0.40] see [0052.0.0.27]

[0053.0.40.40] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps:

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having the     activity of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 40,     columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity having herein-mentioned     Coenzyme of the invention increasing activity; and/or -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention as     shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 and 7, e.g. a     nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having the activity of     a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5     and 7 or its homologs activity or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide     of the present invention having herein-mentioned Coenzyme of the     invention increasing activity; and/or -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned Coenzyme increasing activity, e.g.     of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated in     table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation of the     polypeptide of the invention; and/or -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned Coenzyme of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned Coenzyme of the invention increasing activity, e.g.     of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated in     table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors to the     organisms or parts thereof; and/or -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned Coenzyme of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned Coenzyme of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   h) increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having the activity     of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 40, columns     5 and 7 or its homologs activity, by adding positive expression or     removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination     can be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like     for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor     elements form regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods     can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity     of positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced     in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be     identified in which the positive elements have be integrated near to     a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby     enhanced; and/or -   i) modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical production;     and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.40.40] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity is the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring the increase of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 5, encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, column 5, or of their homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XI or XII, application no. 40, column 7.

[0055.0.0.40] to [0067.0.0.40] see [0055.0.0.27] to [0067.0.0.27]

[0068.0.40.40] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of the Coenzyme Q9 and/or Coenzyme Q10 is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.40] see [0069.0.0.27]

[0070.0.40.40] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding the protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 5, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, column 5, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 7, into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolites composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous hydrophopic composition comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) coenzymes, vitamins and/or antioxidants, e.g.

vitamin B6 and/or vitamin E. In one embodiment, the expression of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 5, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, column 5, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 7, conferring an increase of coenzymes, in particular of Coenzyme Q9 and/or Coenzyme Q10, and preferably of further coenzymes, vitamins, and/or antioxidants.

[0071.0.40.40] Preferably the composition further comprises higher amounts of metabolites positively affecting or lower amounts of metabolites negatively affecting the nutrition or health of animals or humans provided with said compositions or organisms of the invention or parts thereof. Likewise, the number or activity of further genes which are required for the import or export of nutrients or metabolites, including amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, coenzymes, antioxidants etc. or any one of their precursors, required for the cell's biosynthesis of the respective fine chemical may be increased so that the concentration of necessary or relevant precursors, e.g. of isoprenoids, acetyl CoA, HMG-CoA, mevalonate, Isopentenyl pyrophosphate, Geranyl pyrophosphate, Farnesyl Pyrophosphate, or other cofactors or intermediates within the organelle, e.g. in mitochondria or plastids, resp., within (a) cell(s) or within the corresponding storage compartments is increased. Owing to the increased or novel generated activity of the polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention or owing to the increased number of nucleic acid sequences of the invention or used in the method of the invention and/or to the modulation of further genes which are involved in the biosynthesis of the respective fine chemical, e.g. by increasing the activity of enzymes synthesizing precursors, e.g. Lovastatin, HMG-CoA Reductase, Mevalonate Kinase, or by destroying the activity of one or more genes which are involved in the breakdown of the respective fine chemical, it is possible to increase the yield, production and/or production efficiency of the respective fine chemical in the host organism, such as plants or the microorganisms.

[0072.0.40.40] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are antioxidants, further coenzymes, vitamins, e.g. vitamin B6 or vitamin E, or triglycerides, fatty acids, lipids, oils and/or fats containing Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9.

[0073.0.40.40] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

-   a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a     non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, an organelle, a plant or     animal tissue or a plant; -   b) increasing the protein activity or of a polypeptide being encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and described     below, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no.     40, column 5 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated     in Table XI, application no. 40, column 5 or of its homologs, e.g.     as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 7, and     conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in the     organism, preferably in the microorganism, the non-human animal, the     plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue, the organelle or     the plant, -   c) growing the organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human     animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant     under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine     chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant     cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and -   d) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or     bound the respective fine chemical and, optionally further free     and/or bound vitamins, coenzymes or antioxidants synthesized by the     organism, the microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or     animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.40.40] The organism, in particular the microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue, the organelle or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound the respective fine chemical or the free and bound the respective fine chemical but as option it is also possible to produce, recover and, if desired isolate, other free or/and bound antioxidants, vitamins or coenzymes and mixtures thereof.

[0075.0.0.40] to [0077.0.0.40] see [0075.0.0.27] to [0077.0.0.27]

[0078.0.40.40] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications, for example according to the disclosures made in the following US patent publications: U.S. Pat. No. 6,380,252: Use of L-acetylcarnitine, L-isovalerylcarnitine, L-propionylcarnitine for increasing the levels of IGF-1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,198: Dentifrice for the mineralization and remineralization of teeth, U.S. Pat. No. 6,368,617: Dietary supplement, U.S. Pat. No. 6,350,473: Method for treating hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerosis, U.S. Pat. No. 6,335,361: Method of treating benign forgetfulness, U.S. Pat. No. 6,329,432: Mesozeaxanthin formulations for treatment of retinal disorders, U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,987: Cosmetic skin care compositions containing alpha interferon, U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,703: Compressed lecithin preparations, U.S. Pat. No. 6,306,392: Composition comprising a carnitine and glutathione, useful to increase the absorption of glutathione and synergize its effects, U.S. Pat. No. 6,303,586: Supportive therapy for diabetes, hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, U.S. Pat. No. 6,297,281: Association of no syntase inhibitors with trappers of oxygen reactive forms, U.S. Pat. No. 6,294,697: Discrete-length polyethylene glycols, U.S. Pat. No. 6,277,842: Dietary supplemental method for fat and weight reduction, U.S. Pat. No. 6,261,250: Method and apparatus for enhancing cardiovascular activity and health through rhythmic limb elevation, U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,855: Method of retarding and ameliorating carpal tunnel syndrome, U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,848: Methods and compositions for increasing insulin sensitivity, U.S. Pat. No. 6,258,847: Use of 2-mercaptoethanolamine (2-MEA) and related aminothiol compounds and copper(II)-3,5 di-isopropyl salicylates and related compounds in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, U.S. Pat. No. 6,255,354: Preparation of a pulmonary surfactant for instillation and oral application, U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,547: Breath methylated alkane contour: a new marker of oxidative stress and disease, U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,552: Enzyme-based assay for determining effects of exogenous and endogenous factors on cellular energy production, U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,363: Solid carriers for improved delivery of active ingredients in pharmaceutical compositions, U.S. Pat. No. 6,245,800: Method of preventing or treating statin-induced toxic effects using L-carnitine or an alkanoyl L-carnitine, U.S. Pat. No. 6,245,378: Nutritional supplement for facilitating skeletal muscle adaptation to strenuous exercise and counteracting defatigation in asthenic individuals, U.S. Pat. No. 6,242,491: Use of creatine or creatine compounds for skin preservation, U.S. Pat. No. 6,232,346: Composition for improvement of cellular nutrition and mitochondrial energetics, U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,836: Folic acid dentifrice, U.S. Pat. No. 6,228,891: Use of 2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-6-decaprenyl-1,4-benzoquinone, U.S. Pat. No. 6,228,402: Xylitol-containing non-human foodstuff and method, U.S. Pat. No. 6,228,347: Antioxidant gel for gingival conditions, U.S. Pat. No. 6,218,436: Pharmaceutically active carotenoids, U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,818: Nutritional supplement for cardiovascular health, U.S. Pat. No. 6,200,550: Oral care compositions comprising coenzyme Q10, U.S. Pat. No. 6,191,172: Water-soluble compositions of bioactive lipophilic compounds, U.S. Pat. No. 6,184,255: Pharmaceutical composition comprising coenzyme Q10, U.S. Pat. No. 6,166,077: Use of L-acetylcarnitine, L-isovalerylcarnitine, L-propionylcarnitine for increasing the levels of IGF-1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,162,419: Stabilized ascorbyl compositions, U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,508: Xylitol-containing non-human foodstuff and method, U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,476: Herbal supplement for increased muscle strength and endurance for athletes, U.S. Pat. No. 6,153,582: Defined serumfree medical solution for ophthalmology, U.S. Pat. No. 6,136,859: Pharmaceutical formulation for treating liver disorders, U.S. Pat. No. 6,107,281: Compounds and their combinations for the treatment of influenza infection, U.S. Pat. No. 6,106,286: Method and device for administering medicine to the periodontium, U.S. Pat. No. 6,099,854: Dry composition containing flavonol useful as a food supplement, U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,910: Food supplements, U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,788: Composition for improvement of cellular nutrition and mitochondrial energetics, U.S. Pat. No. 6,069,167: Use of antioxidant agents to treat cholestatic liver disease, U.S. Pat. No. 6,063,820: Medical food for diabetics, U.S. Pat. No. 6,054,261: Coenzyme Q.sub.10 compositions for organ protection during perfusion, U.S. Pat. No. 6,051,250: Process for the stabilization of vesicles of amphiphilic lipid(s) and composition for topical application containing the said stabilized vesicles,

The fermentation broth, fermentation products, plants or plant products can be purified in the customary manner by hydrolysis with strong bases, extraction and crystallization or via thin layer chromatography and other methods known to the person skilled in the art and described herein below. Products of these different work-up procedures are fatty acids or fatty acid compositions which still comprise fermentation broth, plant particles and cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably between below 50% by weight.

[0079.0.0.40] to [0084.0.0.40] see [0079.0.0.27] to [0084.0.0.27]

[0084.2.40.40] Coenzyme Q10 production was reported in Agrobacterium sp., Protaminobacter rubber and Paracoccus denitrificans. Coenzyme Q9 production was reported in Candida tropicalis. Production of ubiquiones with side chain length of 6-10 units, e.g. including Coenzyme Q10 and Coenzyme Q9 was reported for controlled continuous culture of phototrophic bacteria (wild-type strains of Rhodobacter capsulatus, Rhodobacter sphaeroides, Thiocapsa roseopersicina and Ectothiorhodospira shaposhnikovii. Cells mostly contained one main ubiquinone, whereby the content and composition dependent on growth conditions, substrates and other factors. Preferred is a production of more than 0,1, preferably more than 1 to 6 mg/g dry cells in one of said organisms or in any other microorganism, even more preferred are more than 10 mg/g dry cells, 20 mg/g dry cells, 50 mg/g dry cells, 100 mg/g dry cells, 200 mg/g dry cells, 300 mg/g dry cells, 500 mg/g dry cells or more.

[0084.0.0.40] see [0084.0.0.27]

[0085.0.40.40] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as shown in table XI, application no. 40,     columns 5 or 7 or a derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as shown table XI,     application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 or a derivative thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.40] to [0087.0.0.40] see [0086.0.0.27] to [0087.0.0.27]

[0088.0.40.40] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose Coenzyme content, in particular its Coenzyme Q9 and/or Coenzyme Q10 content is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for feed or nutrition is dependent on the abovementioned coenzymes, in particular on the essential coenzyme Q10, and the general amount of coenzymes as source in feed or food. After the activityof a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 5, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, column 5, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 7 has been increased or generated, or after the expression of nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide according to the invention has been generated or increased, the transgenic plant generated thus is grown on or in a nutrient medium or else in the soil and subsequently harvested.

[0088.1.0.40] see [0088.1.0.27]

[0089.0.0.40] to [0094.0.0.40] see [0089.0.0.27] to [0094.0.0.27]

[0095.0.40.40] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of the respective fine chemical in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the essentially pure fine chemical.

[0096.0.40.40] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptid for example a coenzyme precursor (e.g. isoprenoids, acetyl CoA, HMG-CoA, mevalonate, isopentyl pyrophosphate, geranyl pyrophosphate, farnesyl pyrophosphate, etc.) transporter protein or a compound, which increases the production of Coenzyme precursors is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical (see Bao and Ohlrogge, Plant Physiol. 1999 August; 120 (4): 1057-1062).

[0097.0.40.40] In may also be advantageous to increase the content of the lipid bound respective fine chemical.

[0098.0.40.40] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further antioxidants, vitamins or coenzymes such as coenzymes Q0, Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, Q5, Q6, Q7, and/or Q8 or Q10 or retinal, vitamin E, vitamin B6, or other fat soluble vitamins or mixtures thereof by the process according to the invention is advantageous, e.g. for the production of compositions used in food and/or feed or cosmetic production.

[0099.0.40.40] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned coenzymes may accumulate in membrane fragments and/or in the lipophilic or hydrophobic fraction. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the Coenzymes or the lipophilic or hydrophobic compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.40.40] Transgenic plants which comprise Coenzyme Q9 and Coenzyme Q10 synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the membrane fragments, cells, cell fragments, organelles, plastids, waxes, oils, lipids or fats comprising the respective fine chemical to be isolated. For example, as coenzymes may be isolated from membranes, e.g. mitochondrial or plastid membranes, it can be sufficient to isolate only cell fractions comprising said membrane or fragments of said membranes. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. However, the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, in the form of their cells, cell fragments, plastids, organelles, membranes, membrane fragments, waxes oils, fats, lipids and/or fatty acids. Coenzyme Q9 or Coenzyme Q10 produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds. To increase the efficiency of oil extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material especially the seeds. In this context, oils, fats, lipids, waxes and/or fatty acids fractions can be obtained by what is known as cold beating or cold pressing without applying heat. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. Chemically pure the fine chemical comprising compositions are advantageous for applications in the food or feed industry sector, the cosmetic sector and especially the pharmacological industry sector.

[0101.0.0.40] see [0101.0.0.27]

[0102.0.40.40] Coenzymes can for example be detected advantageously via LC separation methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of Coenzymes products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods like LC-MS, LC-MSMS, or TLC. The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding, cooking, or via other applicable methods; see also Biotechnology of Vitamins, Pigments and Growth Factors, Edited by Erik J. Vandamme, London, 1989, p. 96 to 103.

[0103.0.40.40] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide shown in table XII, application no. 40,     columns 5 or 7 or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of the nucleic acid molecule shown in table XI, application     no. 40, columns 5 or 7; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a     part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers shown in Table XIII, application     no. 40, column 7 and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 40, column 7     and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide shown in table XII, application no. 40,     columns 5 or 7 and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0103.1.40.40] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7: In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7.

[0103.2.40.40] ./.

[0104.0.40.40] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule or the invention or used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 by one or more nucleotides or does not consist of the sequence shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of the sequence shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7.

[0105.0.0.40] to [0107.0.0.40] see [0105.0.0.27] to [0107.0.0.27]

[0108.0.40.40] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from the amino acid sequences shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 40, column 7, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of an protein as shown in table XII, application no. 40, column 5 or 7, or conferring a Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 increase dependent on its expression or its activity, are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.40] see [0109.0.0.27]

[0110.0.40.40] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 5, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, column 5, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 7, can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.40] see [0111.0.0.27]

[0112.0.40.40] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with protein activity as shown in table XI, application no. 40, column 3, and conferring Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 increase, e.g. a protein as indicated in Table XII, as shown in table XII, application no. 40, column 5 or 7, column 5, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, column 5, or of their homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XI or XII, application no. 40, column 7.

[0113.0.0.40] to [0117.0.0.40] see [0113.0.0.27] to [0117.0.0.27]

[0118.1.40.40] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention or used in the process of the invention originates from a plant with a high Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 content. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention or used in the process of the invention originates from and/or is transformed into a plant with a high Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 content.

[0118.0.0.40] to [0120.0.0.40] see [0118.0.0.27] to [0120.0.0.27]

[0121.0.40.40] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a respective fine chemical increase after increasing its activity, e.g. having the activity of an protein, as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 5 or 3, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, column 5, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 7.

[0122.0.0.40] to [0127.0.0.40] see [0122.0.0.27] to [0127.0.0.27]

[0128.0.40.40] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs shown in Table XIII, application no. 40, column 7, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 or the sequences derived from table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7.

[0129.0.40.40] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 40, column 7 is derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.40.40] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical, in particular of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 after increasing the expression or activity or having an activity as shown in table XI, application no. 40, column 3, or further functional homologs of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. homologs from a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 5, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, column 5, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 7, from other organisms.

[0131.0.0.40] to [0138.0.0.40] see [0131.0.0.27] to [0138.0.0.27]

[0139.0.40.40] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to the sequences shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the respective fine chemical-increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.40] to [0146.0.0.40] see [0140.0.0.27] to [0146.0.0.27]

[0147.0.40.40] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 such that it can hybridize to one of the nucleotide sequences shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7, thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.40.40] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence shown in table XI application no.

40, columns 5 or 7, or a functional portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular having a the respective fine chemical, in particular Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9-increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of an gene product as shown in table XI, application no. 40, column 3, e.g. a gene encoding a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 5, or comprising or expressing a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, column 5, or of their homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XI or XII, application no. 40, column 7.

[0149.0.40.40] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of the fine chemical, and optionally, the activity ofa protein e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 5, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, column 5, or of their homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XI or XII, application no. 40, column 7.

[00149.1.40.40] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7, has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 3.

[0150.0.40.40] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences shown in table XI, application no. 40, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., in table XI, application no. 40, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., set forth in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primers pairs shown in Table XIII, lines 231 to 234 and/or 235 to 242 and/or 599 to 602, column 7 will result in a fragment of a gene product, e.g. of a gene encoding of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 5, or expressing a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, column 5, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 7.

[0151.0.0.40] see [0151.0.0.27]

[0152.0.40.40] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to the amino acid sequence shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular a Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 increasing the activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.40.40] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7, has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 3.

[0154.0.40.40] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence of table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 and having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.40] to [0156.0.0.40] see [0155.0.0.27] to [0156.0.0.27]

[0157.0.40.40] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptide comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 40, column 7, resp., or of the polypeptides encoded by the sequence shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 or the functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 40, column 7, resp., or as shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 or the functional homologues. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of the sequence shown in table XI, application no. 40,

[0158.0.0.40] to [0160.0.0.40] see [0158.0.0.27] to [0160.0.0.27]

[0161.0.40.40] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.40] see [0162.0.0.27]

[0163.0.40.40] Preferably, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the respective fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.40] see [0164.0.0.27]

[0165.0.40.40] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. shown in table XI, application no. 40.

[0166.0.0.40] to [0167.0.0.40] see [0166.0.0.27] to [0167.0.0.27]

[0168.0.40.40] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in the sequences shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence shown in table XII, application no. 40. and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to the sequence shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, 95% homologous to the sequence shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7.

[0169.0.0.40] to [0172.0.0.40] see [0169.0.0.27] to [0172.0.0.27]

[0173.0.32.40] to [0175.0.32.40] see [0173.0.32.32] to [0175.0.32.32]

[0176.0.40.40] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7.

[0177.0.40.40] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of a polypeptides as shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7.

[0178.0.0.40] see [0178.0.0.27]

[0179.0.40.40] A nucleic acid molecule encoding an homologous to a protein sequence of table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7, can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular of table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7, such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences of table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7, by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.40] to [0183.0.0.40] see [0180.0.0.27] to [0183.0.0.27]

[0184.0.40.40] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from a sequences shown, preferably from table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.40.40] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more of the sequences shown in any of the table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule use in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7.

[0186.0.40.40] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment used in the inventive process, the encoded polypeptide is identical to a sequence shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7.

[0187.0.40.40] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7, and comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence of a sequence shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7.

[0188.0.40.40] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7, expressed under identical conditions.

[0189.0.40.40] Homologues of nucleic acid sequences shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 or of the derived sequences shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.40] to [0191.0.0.40] see [0190.0.0.27] to [0191.0.0.27]

[0191.1.40.40] In one embodiment, the organisms or a part thereof provides according to the herein mentioned process of the invention an increased level of the fine chemical bound to any wax, triglycerides, lipid, oil and/or fat or any composition thereof containing any bound or free Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9, for example bound to lipids, lipoproteins, membrane fractions, sphingolipids, phosphoglycerides, lipids, glycolipids such as glycosphingolipids, phospholipids such as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol or diphosphatidylglycerol, or as monoacylglyceride, diacylglyceride or triacylglyceride, compared to said control or selected organisms or parts thereof.

[0192.0.0.40] to [0203.0.0.40] see [0192.0.0.27] to [0203.0.0.27]

[0204.0.40.40] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule, which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide shown in table XII, application no. 40,     columns 5 or 7; or a fragment thereof conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule shown in table XI, application no.     40, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to -   (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using the     primers or primer pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 40,     column 7 and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective     fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 40, column 7     and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domain of the polypeptide shown in table XII,     application no. 40, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of the nucleic acid molecule     shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 or a nucleic     acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature form of, a     polypeptide shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7,     and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; or which encompasses a     sequence which is complementary thereto;     whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)     to (l) distinguishes over a sequence depicted in table XI,     application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 by one or more nucleotides. In     one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used     in the method of the invention does not consist of a sequence shown     in table XI, columns 5 or 7. In an other embodiment, the nucleic     acid molecule of the present invention is at least 30% identical and     less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a     sequence shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7. In a     further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a     polypeptide sequence shown in table XII, columns 5 or 7.     Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention encodes in one embodiment a polypeptide which     differs at least in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide shown     in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 but does not encode     a protein of a sequence shown in table XII, application no. 40,     columns 5 or 7. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded     by a sequence of a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does not     consist of a sequence shown in table XII, application no. 40,     columns 5 or 7. In a further embodiment, the protein of the present     invention is at least 30% identical to protein sequence depicted in     table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 and less than 100%,     preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less     than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence shown in     table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7.

[0205.0.0.40] to [0226.0.0.40] see [0205.0.0.27] to [0226.0.0.27]

[0227.0.40.40] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence mentioned in table XI, application no. 40, column 7, columns 5 or 7 or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway such as for acetyl CoA, HMG-CoA, Mevalonate, Isopentyl pyrophosphate, Geranyl pyrophosphate, Farnesyl pyrophosphate e.g. HMG-CoA Reductase, Mevalonate, Kinase, etc., is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the isoprenoids, coenzyme precursor or coenzymes, preferably Q9 and/or Q10, as desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine one or more sequences shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organism, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0227.1.40.40] In addition to the sequence mentioned in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to knock out and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. E.g. it may be advantageous, if one or more genes of the catabolic pathway for isoprenoids or quinones are reduced, deleted or in another way knocked out in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms.

[0228.0.40.40] In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore, organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of at least one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteins involved in the isoprenoid metabolism, in particular in Coenzyme Q9 or Coenzyme Q10 synthesis.

[0229.0.40.40] ./.

[0230.1.40.40] ./.

[0230.2.40.40] ./.

[0230.0.0.40] see [0230.0.0.27]

[0231.0.40.40] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.40] to [0276.0.0.40] see [0232.0.0.27] to [0276.0.0.27]

[0277.0.40.40] The coenzymes produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker is familiar, for example, via extraction, salt precipitation and/or different chromatography methods, e.g. as mentioned above. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously. The respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can be isolated as mentioned above from the organisms, advantageously plants, in the form of their waxes, membrane fractions, oils, fats, lipids and/or fatty acids. Fractions comprising the coenzymes produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds.

[0278.0.0.40] to [0283.0.0.40] see [0278.0.0.27] to [0283.0.0.27]

[0283.0.40.40] Moreover, a native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, in particular, an anti-protein as shown in table XI, application no. 40, column 3-antibody or an antibody against a polypeptide as shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 or a antigenic part thereof, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing the polypeptid of the present invention or characterized in the process of the present invention or fragment thereof, i.e., the polypeptide of this invention. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies specifically binding to a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7.

[0284.0.0.40] see [0284.0.0.27]

[0285.0.40.40] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 or as coded by a nucleic acid molecule shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.40.40] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 40, column 7 and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 40, column 7 whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 40, column 7.

[0287.0.0.40] to [0289.0.0.40] see [0287.0.0.27] to [0289.0.0.27]

[0290.0.0.40] see [0290.0.0.27]

[0291.0.40.40] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention distinguishes over a sequence shown in table XII, columns 5 or 7 by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form a sequence shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7.

[0292.0.0.40] see [0292.0.0.27]

[0293.0.40.40] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention and having a sequence which distinguishes from the sequence as shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 by one or more amino acids. In another embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by the nucleic acid molecules shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7.

[0294.0.40.40] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide protein activity as shown in table XI, application no. 40, column 3, which distinguishes over the sequence depicted in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.40] to [0296.0.0.40] see [0295.0.0.27] to [0296.0.0.27]

[0297.0.40.40] The language “substantially free of cellular material” includes preparations of the polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention in which the protein is separated from cellular components of the cells in which it is naturally or recombinantly produced. In one embodiment, the language “substantially free of cellular material” includes preparations having less than about 30% (by dry weight) of “contaminating protein”, more preferably less than about 20% of “contaminating protein”, still more preferably less than about 10% of “contaminating protein”, and most preferably less than about 5% “contaminating protein”. The term “Contaminating protein” relates to polypeptides, which are not polypeptides of the present invention. When the polypeptide of the present invention or biologically active portion thereof is recombinantly produced, it is also preferably substantially free of culture medium, i.e., culture medium represents less than about 20%, more preferably less than about 10%, and most preferably less than about 5% of the volume of the protein preparation. The language “substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals” includes preparations in which the polypeptide of the present invention is separated from chemical precursors or other chemicals, which are involved in the synthesis of the protein. The language “substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals” includes preparations having less than about 30% (by dry weight) of chemical precursors of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 5, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, column 5, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 7, or chemicals, more preferably less than about 20% chemical precursors of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 5, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, column 5, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 7, or of, still more preferably less than about 10% chemical precursors of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 5, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, column 5, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 7, or of and most preferably less than about 5% chemical precursors of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 5, I or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, column 5, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 7, or of. In preferred embodiments, isolated proteins or biologically active portions thereof lack contaminating proteins from the same organism from which the polypeptide of the present invention is derived. Typically, such proteins are produced by recombinant techniques.

[0298.0.40.40] A polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7.

[0299.0.40.40] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the amino acid sequences as shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence of table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.40.40] Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from the sequences shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 in amino acid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acid sequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7.

[0301.0.0.40] see [0301.0.0.27]

[0302.0.40.40] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., the amino acid sequence shown in table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.40] see [0303.0.0.27]

[0304.0.40.40] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention may result in the production of protein indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 5, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, column 5, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 7, having differences from the wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.40.40] Any mutagenesis strategies for the polypeptide of the present invention or the polypeptide used in the process of the present invention to result in increasing said activity are not meant to be limiting; variations on these strategies will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. Using such strategies, and incorporating the mechanisms disclosed herein, the nucleic acid molecule and polypeptide of the invention or used in the method of the invention may be utilized to generate plants or parts thereof, expressing wildtype proteins as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 5, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, column 5 or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 7, or a mutant of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 5 or 7, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, column 5, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 7, e.g. a mutated, and encoding nucleic acid molecules and polypeptide molecules of the invention or used in the method of the invention such that the yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of a desired compound is improved.

[0306.0.0.40] to [0308.0.0.40] see [0306.0.0.27] to [0308.0.0.27]

[0309.0.40.40] In one embodiment, an reference to a “protein (=polypeptide) of the invention” or as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table XII, application no.

40, column 3, and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7, does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.40] to [0334.0.0.40] see [0310.0.0.27] to [0334.0.0.27]

[0335.0.40.40] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of the nucleic acid sequences of the table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived there from), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences of the table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence of one of the table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.40] to [0342.0.0.40] see [0336.0.0.27] to [0342.0.0.27]

[0343.0.40.40] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence of one of the sequences shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence of one of sequences shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.40] to [0361.0.0.40] see [0344.0.0.27] to [0361.0.0.27]

[0362.0.40.40] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the method of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. encoding a polypeptide having an protein activity a protein as shown in table XI, application no. 40, column 3 or of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 5, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, column 5, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 7. Due to the above mentioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an protein activity a protein e.g. for a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 5, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, column 5, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 7, means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, the activity of a protein as shown in table XI, application no. 40, column 3 is increased in the cell or organism or part thereof, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 5, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, column 5, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, column 7. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.40] to [0376.0.0.40] see [0363.0.0.27] to [0376.0.0.27]

[0377.0.40.40] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process according to the present invention whereby the produced coenzymes are isolated to high purity, preferably, to purity of more than 70% w/w or more, more preferred are 80% or more, in particular preferred are 90% w/w or more, even more preferred are 95% w/w or more, e.g. 97% w/w or more, e.g. 98% w/w, 99% w/w, or 99.9% w/w.

[0378.0.40.40] In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the Coenzyme Q9 or Coenzyme Q10 produced in the process can be recovered, purified or isolated. The resulting coenzymes, e.g. compositions comprising the former, can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.40.40] In one embodiment, said coenzyme is the respective fine chemical, preferably reduced Coenzyme Q9 and/or Coenzyme Q10.

[0380.0.40.40] The Coenzyme Q9 or Coenzyme Q10 comprising fraction or the respective fine chemical obtained in the process are suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates a method for the production of a pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of Coenzyme Q9 or Coenzyme Q10 composition produced or the respective fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the respective fine chemical produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

[0381.0.0.40] to [0382.0.0.40] see [0381.0.0.27] to [0382.0.0.27]

[0383.0.40.40] For preparing antioxidant, coenzyme and/or vitamin-containing fine chemicals, in particular the respective fine chemical-comprising fine chemicals, it is possible to use as source organic compounds such as, for example, waxes, oils, fats and/or lipids or a membrane comprising fraction, in particular compositions comprising membranes of mitochondria or of plastids.

[0384.0.0.40] see [0384.0.0.27]

[0385.0.40.40] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular Coenzyme Q10 and/or Coenzyme Q9 in mixtures with other lipids, fats and/or oils and/or with other vitamins or coenzymes or antioxidants normally have a dry matter content of from, 1% to 50% by weight. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it. The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

[0386.0.40.40] However, it is also possible to further purify the fraction or composition comprising the respective fine chemical, e.g. Coenzyme Q9 and/or Coenzyme Q10, as produced. For this purpose, the product-containing composition is subjected for example to a thin layer chromatography on silica gel plates or to a chromatography such as a Florisil column (Bouhours J. F., J. Chromatrogr. 1979, 169, 462), in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use. An alternative method to purify the fatty acids is for example crystallization in the presence of urea. These methods can be combined with each other.

[0387.0.0.40] to [0392.0.0.40] see [0387.0.0.27] to [0392.0.0.27]

[0393.0.40.40] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

(a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical after expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule sequence shown in table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7 and, optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete genomic clone; (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells, preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for producing the respective fine chemical; (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (e) assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host cells; and (f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the respective fine chemical level in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.32.40] to [0552.0.32.40] see [0394.0.0.32] to [0552.0.0.32]

[0553.0.40.40]

-   1. A process for the production of Coenzyme Q9, which comprises     -   (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as         indicated in Table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7, or a         functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism, or in one         or more parts thereof; and     -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the         production of Coenzyme Q9 in said organism. -   2. A process for the production of Coenzyme Q9, comprising the     increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the     expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a     nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q9         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7,     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q9 in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q9 in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q9 in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 40,         column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme         Q9 in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q9         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 40, column         7, and conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q9 in an         organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         Coenzyme Q9 in an organism or a part thereof     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. -   3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or     bound Coenzyme Q9. -   4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following     steps:     -   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in claim 2;     -   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;     -   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said         polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with         the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the         selected organisms or the part thereof;     -   (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which         comprise an increased activity or expression level of said         polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part         thereof;     -   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the         parts thereof; and     -   (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound         Coenzyme Q9 produced by the selected mutated organisms or parts         thereof. -   5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of     said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is     increased or generated transiently or stably. -   6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid     molecule selected from the group consisting of:     -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated         in Table XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q9         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in

Table XI, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7;

-   -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q9 in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q9 in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q9 in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 40,         column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme         Q9 in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q9         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 40, column         7, and conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q9 in an         organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of         Coenzyme Q9 in an organism or a part thereof     -   whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the         sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 40, columns 5         or 7, by one or more nucleotides.

-   7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the     nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory     elements.

-   8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim     6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7.

-   9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid     molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the     expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and     eukaryotic, host.

-   10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently     with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid     molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of     claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5.

-   11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell.

-   12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an     animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a     prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium.

-   13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide     is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to     12.

-   14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or     encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby     the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table     XII, application no. 40, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids

-   15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as     claimed in claim 14.

-   16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a     plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant     cell or an Agrobacterium.

-   17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the     activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of     claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q9 in an     organism or a part thereof comprising:     -   (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which         express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule         of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q9         in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a         sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions         which permit the expression the polypeptide;     -   (b) assaying the Coenzyme Q9 level or the polypeptide expression         level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or the media         the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured or         maintained in; and     -   (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the         measured Coenzyme Q9 level or polypeptide expression level with         a standard Coenzyme Q9 or polypeptide expression level measured         in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample comprising         said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased level over the         standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising         said plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased level         over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample         comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist.

-   18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring     increased Coenzyme Q9 production in a plant or microorganism,     comprising the steps:     -   (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or         maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the         amount of Coenzyme Q9 CoQ 9 in an organism or a part thereof and         a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide         under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the         polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a         compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and         capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the         binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which         permit the expression of said readout system and of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6         conferring an increase in the amount of Coenzyme Q9 in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by         detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal         produced by said readout system.

-   19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in Coenzyme Q9 production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can         contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an         increase in Coenzyme Q9 after expression with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise         under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid         molecule of claim 6;     -   (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing Coenzyme Q9;     -   (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (e) assaying the Coenzyme Q9 level in the host cells; and     -   (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the Coenzyme Q9 level in the         host cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild         type.

-   20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an     increase in Coenzyme Q9 production in a cell, comprising the     following steps:     -   (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an         organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene         product conferring an increase in the Coenzyme Q9 amount or         level in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and         which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of         claim 6;     -   (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host         cells appropriate for producing Coenzyme Q9;     -   (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host         cells;     -   (d) assaying the Coenzyme Q9 level in the host cells; and     -   (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which         expression confers an increase in the Coenzyme Q9 level in the         host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

-   21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition     comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and     formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in     a form acceptable for an application in agriculture.

-   22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6,     the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7,     the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist     identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene     product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally     an agricultural acceptable carrier.

-   23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the     identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of     Coenzyme Q9 after expression.

-   24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct     claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of     claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a     modulation of Coenzyme Q9 levels in an organism.

-   25. Cosmetic, pharmaceutical, nutrition composition, food or feed     composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the     polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the     vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified     according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant     tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, the host     cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to     the method of claim 19 or 20.

-   26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of     claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim     8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17,     the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the     harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or     the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or     20 for the protection of vegetable fats, oils, lipids or waxes     comprising the respective fine chemical.

27. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20 for the production of oils, lipids, fats or waxes comprising the respective fine chemical derived from microorganisms.

28. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20 for the production of of a pharmaceutical agent for the treatment of congestive heart failure, heart muscle dysfunction, reduced platelet size, limited of platelet activity, idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, atigue, chest pain, dyspnea and palpitations, hypertension and other manifestations of cardiovascular disease, lowering levels of Coenzyme Q10 due to treatments with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, diseased gingival, gingival inflammation, cancer, AIDS, other immune dysfunctions, Muscular dystrophy associated with cardiac disease, exercise-related muscle exhaustion and damage, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, male infertility, chronic stable angina, significant reduction of plasma levels of lipid peroxidation, skin photoaging, lipid peroxidation or for reducing the size of tumors, for remission in metastatic breast cancer, for improving sperm motility, for protecting against oxidative stress, for stabilizing cell membranes or protecting seminal fluid or a cosmetic agent or a nutrition supplement for food or feed.

[0554.0.0.40] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.27]

NEW GENES FOR A PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS Description

[0000.0.41.41] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.41] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0001.0.0.27].

[0002.0.41.41] Plants produce several important secondary metabolites from phenylalanine through the phenylpropanoid pathway. Such substances include flavonoids, lignins, tannins, salicylic acid and hydroxycinnamic acid esters. Recent work on the phenylpropanoid pathway has shown that the traditional view of lignin biosynthesis is incorrect. Although the hydroxylation and methylation reactions of the pathway were long thought to occur at the level of the free hydroxycinnamic aicds, it turns now out, that the enzymes catalyzing phenylpropanoid 3-hydroxylation and 3-O-methylation reactions uses shikimate and CoA conjugates as substrates. The recent cloning of a aldehyde dehydrogenase involved in ferulic acid and sinapic acid biosynthesis suggest that both substances are derived at least in part through oxidation of coniferaldehyde and sinapaldehyde (see Nair et al., 2004, Plant Cell, 16, 544-554 and citations therein).

[0003.0.41.41] %

[0004.0.41.41] %

[0005.0.41.41] %

[0006.0.41.41] %

[0007.0.41.41] Cinnamic acids, which include caffeic and ferulic acids, are also powerful antioxidants. Experiments have found that these compounds can stop the growth of cancer cells.

In addition sinapic acid is an intermediate in syringyl lignin biosynthesis in angiosperms, and in some taxa serves as a precursor for soluble secondary metabolites. The biosynthesis and accumulation of the sinapate esters sinapoylglucose, sinapoylmalate, and sinapoylcholine are developmentally regulated in at least Arabidopsis and other members of the Brassicaceae (Ruegger et al., 1999, 119(1): 101-10, 1999).

Due to these interesting physiological roles and agrobiotechnological potential of sinapic acid there is a need to identify the genes of enzymes and other proteins involved in sinapic acid metabolism, and to generate mutants or transgenic plant lines with which to modify the sinapic acid content in plants.

[0008.0.41.41] One way to increase the productive capacity of biosynthesis is to apply recombinant DNA technology. Thus, it would be desirable to produce sinapic acid in plants. That type of production permits control over quality, quantity and selection of the most suitable and efficient producer organisms. The latter is especially important for commercial production economics and therefore availability to consumers. In addition it is desirable to produce sinapic acid in plants in order to increase plant productivity and resistance against biotic and abiotic stress as discussed before.

Methods of recombinant DNA technology have been used for some years to improve the production of fine chemicals in microorganisms and plants by amplifying individual biosynthesis genes and investigating the effect on production of fine chemicals. It is for example reported, that the xanthophyll astaxanthin could be produced in the nectaries of transgenic tobacco plants. Those transgenic plants were prepared by Argobacterium tumifaciens-mediated transformation of tobacco plants using a vector that contained a ketolase-encoding gene from H. pluvialis denominated crtO along with the Pds gene from tomato as the promoter and to encode a leader sequence. Those results indicated that about 75 percent of the carotenoids found in the flower of the transformed plant contained a keto group.

[0009.0.41.41] Thus, it would be advantageous if an algae, plant or other microorganism were available which produce large amounts sinapic acid. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganisms.

It would also be advantageous if plants were available whose roots, leaves, stem, fruits or flowers produced large amounts of sinapic acid. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed plants.

[0010.0.41.41] Therefore improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the food-and-feed industry. This is necessary since, for example sinapic acid, as mentioned above, which occur in plants and some microorganisms are limited with regard to the supply of mammals. Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible a specific sinapic acid profile in the diet since an excess of sinapic acid above a specific concentration in the food has a positive effect. A further increase in quality is only possible via addition of further sinapic acid, which are limiting.

[0011.0.41.41] To ensure a high quality of foods and animal feeds, it is therefore necessary to add sinapic acid in a balanced manner to suit the organism.

[0012.0.41.41] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes or other proteins which participate in the biosynthesis of sinapic acid and make it possible to produce them specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of sinapic acid; on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.41] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0013.0.0.27].

[0014.0.41.41] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is a sinapic acid. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to a sinapic acid. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising sinapic acid.

[0015.0.41.41] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means at least one chemical compound with sinapic acid activity.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means sinapic acid depending on the context in which the term is used. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means sinapic acid, its salts, ester, thioester or in free form or bound to other compounds such sugars or sugarpolymers, like glucoside, e.g. diglucoside.

[0016.0.41.41] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more of a     protein as shown in table XII, application no. 41, column 3 encoded     by the nucleic acid sequences as shown in table XI, application no.     41, column 5, in a non-human organism or in one or more parts     thereof or -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus sinapic acid of the invention     or fine chemicals comprising sinapic acid of the invention, in said     organism or in the culture medium surrounding the organism.

[0016.1.41.41] Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means in one embodiment “sinapic acid” in relation to all sequences listed in Tables XI to XIV, line 42 or homologs thereof.

[0017.0.0.41] to [0019.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0017.0.0.41] to [0019.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0017.0.0.27] to [0019.0.0.27] above.

[0020.0.41.41] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Brassica napus protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, line 42 in a plant conferred an increase in sinapic acid content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of sinapic acid.

[0021.0.0.41] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0021.0.0.27] above.

[0022.0.41.41]

The sequence of YDR513W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq, C. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having glutaredoxin (thioltransferase) (glutathione reductase) activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YDR513W having said activity, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of sinapic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YDR513W is increased.

[0022.1.0.41] to [0023.0.0.41] see [0022.1.0.27] to [0023.0.0.27]

[0023.1.41.41] Homologs of the polypeptide disclosed in table XII, application no. 41, column 5, may have the activity of a protein as disclosed in Table XI or XII, application no. 41, column 3 and may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in table XI, application no. 41, column 7, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in table XII, application no. 41, column 7, resp.

[0024.0.0.41] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0024.0.0.27] above.

[0025.0.41.41] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein as shown in table XII, application no. 41, column 3” if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased in the level of the fine chemical indicated in the respective line of table XII, application no. 41, column 6 “metabolite” in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism.

Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 41, column 3, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic or biological activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to a protein as shown in the respective line of table XII, application no. 41, column 3 of a E. coli or Saccharomyces cerevisae, respectively, protein as mentioned in table XI to XIV, column 3 respectively and as disclosed in paragraph [0022] of the respective invention.

[0025.1.0.41] and [0025.2.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0025.1.0.41] and [0025.2.0.41] see [0025.1.0.27] and [0025.2.0.27] above.

[0026.0.0.41] to [0033.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0026.0.0.41] to [0033.0.0.41] see [0026.0.0.27] to [0033.0.0.27] above.

[0034.0.41.41] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity, preferably of the activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a respective protein as shown in table XII, application no. 41, column 3 its biochemical or genetical causes and the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.41] to [0044.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0035.0.0.41] to [0044.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0035.0.0.27] to [0044.0.0.27] above.

[0045.0.41.41] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein. as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 41, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, column 6 of the respective line, between 10% and 50%, 10% and 100%, 10% and 200%, 10% and 300%, 10% and 400%, 10% and 500%, 20% and 50%, 20% and 250%, 20% and 500%, 50% and 100%, 50% and 250%, 50% and 500%, 500% and 1000% or more.

[0046.0.41.41] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 41, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, column 6 of the respective line confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further sinapic acid or their precursors.

[0047.0.0.41] and [0048.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0047.0.0.41] and [0048.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0047.0.0.27] and [0048.0.0.27] above.

[0049.0.41.41] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fine chemical, has in one embodiment the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of the polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 41, column 7 or of the polypeptide as shown in the amino acid sequences as disclosed in table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 and 7 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by the nucleic acid molecule as shown in table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 and 7 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.41.41] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “the respective fine chemical” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of sinapic acid, resp., or their ester, or glucoside thereof, e.g the diglucoside thereof.

[0051.0.41.41] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the respective fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free chemical free or bound, e.g compositions comprising sinapic acid. Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of sinapic acid can be produced.

[0052.0.0.41] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0052.0.0.27] above.

[0053.0.41.41] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps:

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having the     activity of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 41,     columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity having herein-mentioned     sinapic acid of the invention increasing activity; and/or -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention as     shown in table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 and 7, e.g. a     nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having the activity of     a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 41, columns 5     and 7 or its homologs activity or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide     of the present invention having herein-mentioned sinapic acid of the     invention increasing activity; and/or -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned sinapic acid increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation of the     polypeptide of the invention; and/or -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned sinapic acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned sinapic acid of the invention increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors to the     organisms or parts thereof; and/or -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned sinapic acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned sinapic acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   h) increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having the activity     of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 41, columns     5 and 7 or its homologs activity, by adding positive expression or     removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination     can be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like     for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor     elements form regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods     can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity     of positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced     in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be     identified in which the positive elements have be integrated near to     a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby     enhanced; and/or -   i) modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical production;     and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.41.41] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical as indicated in column 6 of application no. 41 in Table XI to XIV, resp., after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity as the protein as shown in table XII, application no. 41, column 3 or its homologs.

[0055.0.0.41] to [0067.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0055.0.0.41] to [0067.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0055.0.0.27] to [0067.0.0.27] above.

[0068.0.41.41] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of sinapic acid is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.41] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0069.0.0.27] above.

[0070.0.41.41] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding a protein of the invention into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolite composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous composition of sinapic acid or their biochemical derivatives, e.g. comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) sinapic acid or their derivatives.

[0071.0.0.41] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0071.0.0.27] above.

[0072.0.41.41] %

[0073.0.41.41] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

(a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant; (b) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or a homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and described below, e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism, preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant, (c) growing an organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and (d) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or bound the respective fine chemical synthesized by the organism, the microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.41.41] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound respective fine chemical.

[0075.0.0.41] to [0077.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0075.0.0.41] to [0077.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0075.0.0.27] to [0077.0.0.27] above.

[0078.0.41.41] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, the respective fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications. The fermentation broth, fermentation products, plants or plant products can be purified with methods known to the person skilled in the art. Products of these different work-up procedures are sinapic acid or comprising compositions of sinapic acid still comprising fermentation broth, plant particles and cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably below 50% by weight.

[0079.0.0.41] to [0084.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0079.0.0.41] to [0084.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0079.0.0.27] to [0084.0.0.27] above.

[0085.0.41.41] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no.     41, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative     thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.41] and [0087.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0086.0.0.41] and [0087.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0086.0.0.27] and [0087.0.0.27] above.

[0088.0.41.41] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose content of the respective fine chemical is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for animals such as poultry is dependent on the abovementioned fine chemicals or the plants are more resistant to biotic and abiotic stress and the yield is increased.

[0088.1.0.41] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0088.1.0.27] above.

[0089.0.0.41] to [0094.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0089.0.0.41] to [0094.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0089.0.0.27] to [0094.0.0.27] above.

[0095.0.41.41] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of sinapic acid in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the pure respective fine chemical and/or to obtain increased resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses and to obtain higher yield.

[0096.0.41.41] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptid or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired fine chemical, for example in the organism, is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0097.0.0.41] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0097.0.0.27] above.

[0098.0.41.41] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated.

[0099.0.41.41] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned desired fine chemical may accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, and spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the respective fine chemical comprising compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.41.41] Transgenic plants which comprise the fine chemicals such as sinapic acid synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the fine chemicals synthesized to be isolated. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue.

However, the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, as extracts, e.g. ether, alcohol, or other organic solvents or water containing extract and/or free fine chemicals. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts. To increase the efficiency of extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, specifically the seeds, they can previously be comminuted, steamed or roasted. Seeds, which have been pretreated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents such as warm hexane. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. Thereafter, the resulting products can be processed further, i.e. degummed and/or refined. In this process, substances such as the plant mucilages and suspended matter can be first removed. What is known as desliming can be affected enzymatically or, for example, chemico-physically by addition of acid such as phosphoric acid.

Because sinapic acid in microorganisms are localized intracellular, their recovery essentially comes down to the isolation of the biomass. Well-established approaches for the harvesting of cells include filtration, centrifugation and coagulation/flocculation as described herein. Of the residual hydrocarbon, adsorbed on the cells, has to be removed. Solvent extraction or treatment with surfactants have been suggested for this purpose.

[0101.0.41.41] The identity and purity of the compound(s) isolated can be determined by prior-art techniques. They encompass high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assays or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are compiled in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11 27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19:67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Bd. A27, VCH Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michal, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 17.

[0102.0.41.41] Sinapic acid can for example be detected advantageously via HPLC, LC or GC separation methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of sinapic acid containing products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MS, MS or TLC). The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding, cooking, or via other applicable methods.

[0103.0.41.41] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table     XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof,     which confers an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridization     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table XIII, application no. 41, columns 7, and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table XIV,     application no. 41, column 7, and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no.     41, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[00103.1.41.41] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7 by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7.

[0104.0.41.41] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the present invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7.

[0105.0.0.41] to [0107.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0105.0.0.41] to [0107.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0105.0.0.27] and [0107.0.0.27] above.

[0108.0.41.41] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from an amino acid sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 41, column 7, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, column 3, 5 or 7, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical, meaning sinapic acid, resp., after increasing its expression or activity, are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.41.41] In one embodiment, said sequences are cloned into nucleic acid constructs, either individually or in combination. These nucleic acid constructs enable an optimal synthesis of the respective fine chemicals, in particular sinapic acid, produced in the process according to the invention.

[0110.0.41.41] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as shown in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.41] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0111.0.0.27] above.

[0112.0.41.41] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, column 3, or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 and 7, and conferring an increase in the sinapic acid level.

[0113.0.0.41] to [0120.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0113.0.0.41] to [0120.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0113.0.0.27] and [0120.0.0.27] above.

[0121.0.41.41] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a sinapic acid level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7.

[0122.0.0.41] to [0127.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0122.0.0.41] to [0127.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0122.0.0.27] and [0127.0.0.27] above.

[0128.0.41.41] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 41, column 7, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or the sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7.

[0129.0.41.41] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence shown in Table XIV, application no. 41, column 7, is derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.0.41] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0130.0.0.27].

[0131.0.0.41] to [0138.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0131.0.0.41] to [0138.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0131.0.0.27] to [0138.0.0.27] above.

[0139.0.41.41] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical level increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridise to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, for sinapic acid under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the respective fine chemical, i.e. sinapic acid, resp., increasing-activity.

[0140.0.0.41] to [0146.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0140.0.0.41] to [0146.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0140.0.0.27] and [0146.0.0.27] above.

[0147.0.41.41] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences s such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.41.41] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7 or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular, of sinapic acid increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.41.41] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity and as indicated in indicated in Table XII.

[00149.1.41.41] Optionally, in one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7, lines 243 to 250 and 603 has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for a protein as indicated in Table XII, column 3, lines 243 to 250 and 603.

[0150.0.41.41] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of sinapic acid, resp., if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 41, column 7, will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7 or its gene product.

[0151.0.0.41]: for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0151.0.0.27] above.

[0152.0.41.41] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular a sinapic acid increasing activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.41.41] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, column 3.

[0154.0.41.41] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.41] and [0156.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0155.0.0.41] and [0156.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0155.0.0.27] and [0156.0.0.27] above.

[0157.0.41.41] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as polypeptides comprising the sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 41, column 7, or as polypeptides depicted in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, an amino acid sequence of a consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 41, column 7, or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 41, column 7, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7. Preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7.

[0158.0.0.41] to [0160.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0158.0.0.41] to [0160.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0158.0.0.27] to [0160.0.0.27] above.

[0161.0.41.41] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.41] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0162.0.0.27] above.

[0163.0.41.41] Preferably, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the amount of the respective fine chemical in a organism or a part thereof, e.g. a tissue, a cell, or a compartment of a cell, after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.41] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0164.0.0.27] above.

[0165.0.41.41] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7.

[0166.0.0.41] and [0167.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0166.0.0.41] and [0167.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0166.0.0.27] and [0167.0.0.27] above.

[0168.0.41.41] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7.

[0169.0.0.41] to [0172.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0169.0.0.41] to [0172.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0169.0.0.27] to [0172.0.0.27] above.

[0173.0.41.41] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108401 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108401 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.41]: for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0174.0.0.27] above.

[0175.0.41.41] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108402 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108402 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.41.41] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7.

[0177.0.41.41] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7.

[0178.0.0.41] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0178.0.0.27] above.

[0179.0.41.41] A nucleic acid molecule encoding a homologous to a protein sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.41] to [0183.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0180.0.0.41] to [0183.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0180.0.0.27] to [0183.0.0.27] above.

[0184.0.41.41] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.41.41] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7.

[0186.0.41.41] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7.

[0187.0.41.41] In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7.

[0188.0.41.41] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential biological or enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7 and is expressed under identical conditions.

[0189.0.41.41] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7 also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.41], [0191.0.0.41], [00191.1.0.41] and [0192.0.0.41] to [0203.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0190.0.0.41], [0191.0.0.41], [0191.1.0.41] and [0192.0.0.41] to [0203.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0190.0.0.27], [0191.0.0.27], [0191.1.0.27] and [0192.0.0.27] to [0203.0.0.27] above.

[0204.0.41.41] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no.     41, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical, in particular according     to Table XII, application no. 41, column 6 in an organism or a part     thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI,     application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no.     41, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, in particular according to Table XII,     application no. 41, column 6 in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 41,     columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, in particular according to table XII,     application no. 41, column 6 in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, in     particular accccording to table XII, application no. 41, column 6 in     an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or a     nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature form     of, a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41,     columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical according to Table XII, application no. 41,     column 6 in an organism or a part thereof;     -   or which encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;         whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)         to (l) distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI,         application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides.         In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not consist of         the sequence shown and indicated in Table XI, application no.         41, columns 5 or 7,

In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7.

In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7.

In an other embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7.

In a further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the differs at least in one or more residues from a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention encodes a polypeptide, which differs at least in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7.

In another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7.

In a further embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical to a protein sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, and less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7.

[0205.0.0.41] and [0206.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0205.0.0.41] and [0206.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0205.0.0.27] and [0206.0.0.27] above.

[0207.0.41.41] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes, are genes of the glutamic acid metabolism, the phosphoenolpyruvate metabolism, the amino acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acid metabolism or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.41] to [0226.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0208.0.0.41] to [0226.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0208.0.0.27] to [0226.0.0.27] above.

[0227.0.41.41] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or its derivatives, it is advantageous to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the glutamic acid or phosphoenolpyruvate metabolic pathway, is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the fine chemicals desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine one or more of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.41.41] %

[0229.0.41.41] Further advantageous nucleic acid sequences which can be expressed in combination with the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes are the sequences encoding further genes of the aromatic amino acid pathway, such as tryptophan, phenylalanine or tyrosine. These genes can lead to an increased synthesis of the essential amino acids tryptophan, phenylalanine or tyrosine.

[0230.0.0.41] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0230.0.0.27] above.

[0231.0.41.41] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a sinapic acid degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene. A person skilled in the art knows for example, that the inhibition or repression of a sinapic acid degrading enzyme will result in an increased sinapic acidaccumulation in the plant.

[0232.0.0.41] to [0276.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0232.0.0.41] to [0276.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0232.0.0.27] to [0276.0.0.27] above.

[0277.0.41.41] The respective fine chemical produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker are familiar, for example via extraction, salt precipitation, and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously.

[0278.0.0.41] to [0282.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0278.0.0.41] to [0282.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0278.0.0.27] to [0282.0.0.27] above.

[0283.0.41.41] Moreover, native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells, for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, e.g. an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, column 3, or an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies.

[0284.0.0.41] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0284.0.0.27] above.

[0285.0.41.41] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or as coded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.41.41] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 41, column 7, and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 41, column 7, whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid.

[0287.0.0.41] to [0290.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0287.0.0.41] to [0290.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0287.0.0.27] to [0290.0.0.27] above.

[0291.0.41.41] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences. In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids.

In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, by more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7.

[0292.0.0.41] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0292.0.0.27] above.

[0293.0.41.41] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof and being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7.

[0294.0.41.41] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, column 3, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.41] to [0297.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0295.0.0.41] to [0297.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0295.0.0.27] to [0297.0.0.27] above.

[00297.1.41.41] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity and/or the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 3, 5 or 7.

[0298.0.41.41] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7.

[0299.0.41.41] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.41.41] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, column 3, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0301.0.0.41] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0301.0.0.27] above.

[0302.0.41.41] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.41] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0303.0.0.27] above.

[0304.0.41.41] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, column 3, but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.41] to [0308.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0305.0.0.41] to [0308.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0305.0.0.27 to [0308.0.0.27] above.

[0309.0.41.41] In one embodiment, a reference to a protein (=polypeptide) of the invention or as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas an “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, column 3, and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, an “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.41] to [0334.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0310.0.0.41] to [0334.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0310.0.0.27] to [0334.0.0.27] above.

[0335.0.41.41] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived there from), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of aprotein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.41] to [0342.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0336.0.0.41] to [0342.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0336.0.0.27] to [0342.0.0.27] above.

[0343.0.41.41] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.41] to [0361.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0344.0.0.41] to [0361.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0344.0.0.27] to [0361.0.0.27] above.

[0362.0.41.41] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, e.g. encoding a polypeptide having protein activity, as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 3. Due to the abovementioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, column 3, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.41] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0363.0.0.27] above.

[0364.0.41.41] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of a promoter of a gene encoding a polypeptide of the invention as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, column 3, with the corresponding protein-encoding sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, column 5, becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modified by non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example, mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

[0365.0.0.41] to [0373.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0365.0.0.41], to [0373.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0365.0.0.27] to [0373.0.0.27] above.

[0374.0.41.41] Transgenic plants comprising the respective fine chemical synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. sinapic acid, in particular the respective fine chemical, produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free sinapic acid, in particular the free respective fine chemical, or bound in or to compounds or moieties, like glucosides, e.g. diglucosides. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography or other chromatographic methods of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.41] and [0376.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0375.0.0.41] and [0376.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0375.0.0.27] and [0376.0.0.27] above.

[0377.0.41.41] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process whereby the produced sinapic acid is isolated.

[0378.0.41.41] In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the sinapic acid produced in the process can be isolated. The resulting sinapic acid can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.41.41] In one embodiment, sinapic acid is a mixture of the respective fine chemicals.

[0380.0.41.41] The sinapic acid obtained in the process are suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates a method for the production of pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the sinapic acid composition produced or the respective fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the sinapic acid produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals or for the production of sinapic acid e.g. after isolation of the respective fine chemical or without, e.g. in situ, e.g in the organism used for the process for the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0381.0.0.41] to [0384.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0381.0.0.41], to [0384.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0381.0.0.27] to [0384.0.0.27] above.

[0385.0.41.41] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular sinapic acid in mixtures with other organic acids, aminoacids, polypeptides or polysaccarides, normally have a dry matter content of from 1 to 70% by weight, preferably 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, e.g. at the end, for example over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 10 g/l, preferably to 0 to 3 g/I during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed or isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it.

The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

[0386.0.41.41] Accordingly, it is possible to purify the sinapic acid produced according to the invention further. For this purpose, the product-containing composition is subjected for example to separation via e.g. an open column chromatography or HPLC in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use.

[0387.0.0.41] to [0392.0.0.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0387.0.0.41] to [0392.0.0.41] see paragraphs [0387.0.0.27] to [0392.0.0.27] above.

[0393.0.41.41] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or     7, and, optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete     genomic clone; -   c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the fine chemical; -   d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   e) assaying the the fine chemical level in the host cells; and -   f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the the fine chemical level in the     host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.32.41] to [0552.0.32.41] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0394.0.32.41] to [0552.0.32.41] see paragraphs [0394.0.0.32] to [0552.0.0.32] above.

[0553.0.41.41]

1. A process for the production of sinapic acid resp., which comprises (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism, or in one or more parts thereof; and (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the production of sinapic acid resp. in said organism. 2. A process for the production of sinapic acid resp., comprising the increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of: a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of sinapic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a) or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of sinapic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of sinapic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of sinapic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 41, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of sinapic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of sinapic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 41, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of sinapic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; and i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of sinapic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof. or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. 3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or bound sinapic acid resp. 4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following steps: (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized in claim 2; (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof; (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the selected organisms or the part thereof; (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which comprise an increased activity or expression level of said polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part thereof; (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the parts thereof; and (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound sinapic acid resp., produced by the selected mutated organisms or parts thereof. 5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is increased or generated transiently or stably. 6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of: a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of sinapic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a) or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of sinapic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of sinapic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of sinapic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 41, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of sinapic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of sinapic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 41, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of sinapic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; and i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of sinapic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof. whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. 7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory elements. 8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. 9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and eukaryotic, host. 10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. 11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. 12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. 13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12. 14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 41, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids 15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as claimed in claim 14. 16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant cell or an Agrobacterium. 17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of sinapic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof comprising: (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 5 conferring an increase in the amount of sinapic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions which permit the expression the polypeptide; (b) assaying the sinapic acid resp., level or the polypeptide expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or the media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured or maintained in; and (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the measured sinapic acid resp., level or polypeptide expression level with a standard sinapic acid resp., or polypeptide expression level measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased level over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased level over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist. 18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring increased sinapic acid resp., production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps: (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of sinapic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof and a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with dais readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of said readout system and of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of sinapic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said readout system. 19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in sinapic acid resp., production in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in sinapic acid resp., after expression with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells appropriate for producing sinapic acid resp.; (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (e) assaying the sinapic acid resp., level in the host cells; and (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the sinapic acid resp., level in the host cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type. 20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in sinapic acid resp., production in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the sinapic acid resp., amount or level in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells appropriate for producing sinapic acid resp.; (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (d) assaying the sinapic acid resp., level in the host cells; and (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the sinapic acid resp., level in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type. 21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. 22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally an agricultural acceptable carrier. 23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of sinapic acid resp., after expression. 24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a modulation of sinapic acid resp., levels in an organism. 25. Agrochemical, pharmaceutical, food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20. 26. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the fine chemical is sinapic acid.

[0554.0.0.41] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.27]

NEW GENES FOR A PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS Description

[0000.0.42.42] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.42] see [0001.0.0.27] [0002.0.42.42]

Plants produce very long chain fatty acids such as melissic acid (C30:0).

Very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) are synthesized by a membrane-bound fatty acid elongation complex (elongase, FAE) using acyl-CoA substrates. The first reaction of elongation involves condensation of malonyl-CoA with a long chain substrate producing a β-ketoacyl-CoA. Subsequent reactions are reduction of β-hydroxyacyl-CoA, dehydration to an enoyl-CoA, followed by a second reduction to form the elongated acyl-CoA. The β-ketoacyl-CoA synthase (KCS) catalyzing the condensation reaction plays a key role in determining the chain length of fatty acid products found in seed oils and is the rate-limiting enzyme for seed VLCFA production (Lassner et al., Plant Cell, 8(1996), 281-292).

The elongation process can be repeated to yield members that are 20, 22, and 24 carbons long. Although such very long chain fatty acids are minor components of the lipid membranes of the body, they undoubtedly perform valuable functions, apparently helping to stabilize membranes, especially those in peripheral nerve cells.

Melissic acid (C30:0) (triacontanoic acid) is a component of beeswax.

Beeswax (cera alba) is obtained from the product excreted by certain glands of the honeybee from which the honeycomb is made. It is freed of solid impurities by melting and centrifugation (cera flava). Finally, it is bleached completely white (cera alba). Beeswax consists of 10-15 percent paraffin carbohydrates, 35-37 percent esters of C16 to C36 fatty acids and about 15 percent cerotic acid, melissic acid and their homologues. Beeswax is used as a thickener and a humectant in the manufacture of ointments, creams, lipsticks and other cosmetics and skincare products as an emulsifier, emollient, moisturizer and film former.

Beeswax is also used for the production of candles.

Wax is a general term used to refer to the mixture of long-chain apolar lipids forming a protective coating (cutin in the cuticle) on plant leaves and fruits but also in animals (wax of honeybee, cuticular lipids of insects, spermaceti of the sperm whale, skin lipids, uropygial glands of birds, depot fat of planktonic crustacea), algae, fungi and bacteria.

Many of the waxes found in nature have commercial uses in the lubricant, food and cosmetic industry. Jojoba oil has long been suggested as a putative resource of wax, since this desert shrub is unusual in its capacity to produce waxes rather than triacylglycerols (TAG) as seed storage lipids. These waxes are esters of very-long-chain-fatty acids and fatty alcohols (Miwa, 1971, J Am Oil Chem Soc 48, 259-264). As the production cost for jojoba wax, which is primarily used for cosmetic applications, is high, there is a need to engineer crop plants to produce high level of wax esters in its seed oil.

Plant aerial surfaces are covered by epicuticular waxes, complex mixtures of very long (C₂₀-C₃₄) fatty acids, alkanes, aldehydes, ketones and esters. In addition to repelling atmospheric water they prevent dessication and are therefore an important determinant of drought resistance (Riederer and Schreiber, 2001, J. Exp. Bot 52, 2023-2032). Beside abiotic stress resistance the wax layer is part of the plant defense against biotic stressor, especially insects as for example described by Marcell and Beattie, 2002, Mol Plant Microbe Interact. 15(12), 1236-44. Furthermore they provide stability to pollen grains, thus influencing fertility and productivity.

Very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), consisting of more than 18 carbon atoms like melissic acid, are essential components for the vitality of higher plants. The key enzyme of VLCFA biosynthesis, the extraplastidary fatty acid elongase, is shown for to be the primary target site of chloroacetamide herbicides. With an analysis of the fatty acid composition and the metabolism of 14C-labelled precursors (sterate, malonate, acetate), the reduction of VLCFAs was determined in vivo. The inhibition of the recombinant protein substantiates the first and rate-limiting step of VLCFA biosynthesis, the condensation of acyl-CoA with malonyl-CoA to β-ketoacyl-CoA, to be the primary target site of chloroacetamides (150=10-100 nM). The concentration of VLCFAs within the untreated cell is low, the very-long-chain compounds are found mainly in plasma membrane lipids and epicuticular waxes. A shift of fatty acids towards shorter chain length or even the complete depletion of very-long-chain components is the consequence of the inhibition of VLCFA biosynthesis. Especially the loss of plasma membrane VLCFAs is involved in phytotoxic effects of chloroacetamides such as the inhibition of membrane biogenesis and mitosis (Matthes, B., http://www.ub.uni-konstanz.de/kops/volltexte/2001/661/).

Increased wax production in transgenic plants has for example been reported by Broun et al., 2004, Proc Natl. Acad. Sci, 101, 4706-4711. The authors overexpressed the transcriptional activator WIN1 in Arabidopsis, leading to increased wax load on anal organs. As this resulted in a complex change in the wax profile and the transgenic overexpressors had characteristic alterations in growth and development (Broun et al., 2004, Proc Natl. Acad. Sci, 101, 4706-4711) there is still a need for a more controlled increased production of defined VLCFAs.

Very long chain fatty alcohols obtained from plant waxes and beeswax have also been reported to lower plasma cholesterol in humans and existing data support the hypothesis that VLCFA exert regulatory roles in cholesterol metabolism in the peroxisome and also alter LDL uptake and metabolism (discussed in Hargrove et al., 2004, Exp Biol Med (Maywood), 229(3): 215-26).

Due to these interesting physiological roles and the nutritional, cosmetic and agrobiotechnological potential of melissic acid (C30:0) there is a need to identify the genes of enzymes and other proteins involved in melissic acid metabolism, and to generate mutants or transgenic plant lines with which to modify the melissic acid content in plants.

[0003.0.42.42] %

[0004.0.42.42] %

[0005.0.42.42] %

[0006.0.42.42] %

[0007.0.42.42] %

[0008.0.42.42] One way to increase the productive capacity of biosynthesis is to apply recombinant DNA technology. Thus, it would be desirable to produce melissic acid in plants. That type of production permits control over quality, quantity and selection of the most suitable and efficient producer organisms. The latter is especially important for commercial production economics and therefore availability to consumers. In addition it is desirable to produce melissic acid in plants in order to increase plant productivity and resistance against biotic and abiotic stress as discussed before.

Methods of recombinant DNA technology have been used for some years to improve the production of fine chemicals in microorganisms and plants by amplifying individual biosynthesis genes and investigating the effect on production of fine chemicals. It is for example reported, that the xanthophyll astaxanthin could be produced in the nectaries of transgenic tobacco plants. Those transgenic plants were prepared by Argobacterium tumifaciens-mediated transformation of tobacco plants using a vector that contained a ketolase-encoding gene from H. pluvialis denominated crtO along with the Pds gene from tomato as the promoter and to encode a leader sequence. Those results indicated that about 75 percent of the carotenoids found in the flower of the transformed plant contained a keto group.

[0009.0.42.42] Thus, it would be advantageous if an algae, plant or other microorganism were available which produce large amounts melissic acid. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganisms.

It would also be advantageous if plants were available whose roots, leaves, stem, fruits or flowers produced large amounts of melissic acid. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed plants.

[0010.0.42.42] Therefore improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the food-and-feed industry. This is necessary since, for example melissic acid, as mentioned above, which occur in plants and some microorganisms are limited with regard to the supply of mammals. Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible a specific melissic acid profile in the diet since an excess of melissic acid above a specific concentration in the food has a positive effect. A further increase in quality is only possible via addition of further melissic acid, which are limiting.

[0011.0.42.42] To ensure a high quality of foods and animal feeds, it is therefore necessary to add melissic acid in a balanced manner to suit the organism.

[0012.0.42.42] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes or other proteins which participate in the biosynthesis of melissic acid and make it possible to produce them specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of melissic acid; on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.42] see [0013.0.0.27]

[0014.0.42.42] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is a melissic acid. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to a melissic acid. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising melissic acid.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means melissic acid. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means melissic acid, its salts, ester, thioester or in free form or bound to other compounds such sugars or sugarpolymers, like glucoside, e.g. diglucoside.

[0016.0.42.42] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more     -   of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 42, column 3         encoded by the nucleic acid sequences as shown in table XI,         application no. 42, column 5, in a non-human organism or in one         or more parts thereof or -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus melissic acid of the invention     or fine chemicals comprising melissic acid of the invention, in said     organism or in the culture medium surrounding the organism.

[0016.1.42.42] Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means in one embodiment “melissic acid” in relation to all sequences listed in Tables XI to XIV, line 43 or homologs thereof.

[0017.0.0.42] to [0019.0.0.42]: see [0017.0.0.27] to [0019.0.0.27]

[0020.0.42.42] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Brassica napus protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, line 43 in a plant conferred an increase in melissic acid content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of melissic acid.

[0021.0.0.42] see [0021.0.0.27]

[0022.0.42.42]

The sequence of YDR513W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq, C. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having glutathione reductase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YDR513W or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of melissic acid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of the protein YDR513W is increased.

[0022.1.0.42] to [0023.0.42.42] see [0022.1.0.27] to [0023.0.0.27]

[0023.1.42.42] Homologs of the polypeptide disclosed in table XII, application no. 42, column 5, may have the activity of a protein as disclosed in Table XI or XII, application no. 42, column 3 and may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in table XI, application no. 42, column 7, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in table XII, application no. 42, column 7, resp.

[0024.0.0.42] see [0024.0.0.27]

[0025.0.42.42] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein as shown in table XII, application no. 42, column 3” if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased in the level of the fine chemical indicated in the respective line of table XII, application no. 42, column 6 “metabolite” in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism.

Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 42, column 3, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic or biological activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to a protein as shown in the respective line of table XII, application no. 42, column 3 of a E. coli or Saccharomyces cerevisae, respectively, protein as mentioned in table XI to XIV, column 3 respectively and as disclosed in paragraph [0022] of the respective invention.

[0025.1.0.42] see [0025.1.0.27]

[0026.0.0.42] to [0033.0.0.42]: see [0026.0.0.27] to [0033.0.0.27]

[0034.0.42.42] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity, preferably of the activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a respective protein as shown in table XII, application no. 42, column 3 its biochemical or genetical causes and the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.42] to [0038.0.0.42]: see [0035.0.0.27] to [0038.0.0.27]

[0039.0.0.42]: see [0039.0.0.27]

[0040.0.0.42] to [0044.0.0.42]: see [0040.0.0.27] to [0044.0.0.27]

[0045.0.42.42] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein. as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 42, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, column 6 of the respective line, between 10% and 50%, 10% and 100%, 10% and 200%, 10% and 300%, 10% and 400%, 10% and 500%, 20% and 50%, 20% and 250%, 20% and 500%, 50% and 100%, 50% and 250%, 50% and 500%, 500% and 1000% or more.

[0046.0.42.42] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 42, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, column 6 of the respective line confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further melissic acid or their precursors.

[0047.0.0.42] to [0048.0.0.42]: see [0047.0.0.27] to [0048.0.0.27]

[0049.0.42.42] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fine chemical, has in one embodiment the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of the polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 42, column 7 or of the polypeptide as shown in the amino acid sequences as disclosed in table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 and 7 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by the nucleic acid molecule as shown in table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 and 7 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.42.42] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “the respective fine chemical” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of melissic acid, resp., or their ester, or glucoside thereof, e.g the diglucoside thereof.

[0051.0.42.42] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the respective fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free chemical free or bound, e.g compositions comprising melissic acid. Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of melissic acid can be produced.

[0052.0.0.42] see [0052.0.0.27]

[0053.0.42.42] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps:

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having the     activity of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 42,     columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity having herein-mentioned     melissic acid of the invention increasing activity; and/or -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention as     shown in table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 and 7, e.g. a     nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having the activity of     a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 42, columns 5     and 7 or its homologs activity or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide     of the present invention having herein-mentioned melissic acid of     the invention increasing activity; and/or -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned wax component increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation of the     polypeptide of the invention; and/or -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned melissic acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned melissic acid of the invention increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors to the     organisms or parts thereof; and/or -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned melissic acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned melissic acid of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   h) increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having the activity     of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 42, columns     5 and 7 or its homologs activity, by adding positive expression or     removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination     can be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like     for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor     elements form regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods     can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity     of positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced     in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be     identified in which the positive elements have be integrated near to     a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby     enhanced; and/or -   i) modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical production;     and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.42.42] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical as indicated in column 6 of application no. 42 in Table XI to XIV, resp., after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity as the protein as shown in table XII, application no. 42, column 3 or its homologs.

[0055.0.0.42] to [0067.0.0.42]: see [0055.0.0.27] to [0067.0.0.27]

[0068.0.42.42] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of melissic acid is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.42] see [0069.0.0.27]

[0070.0.42.42] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding a protein of the invention into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolite composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous composition of melissic acid or their biochemical derivatives, e.g. comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) melissic acid or their derivatives.

[0071.0.0.42] see [0071.0.0.27]

[0072.0.42.42] %

[0073.0.42.42] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

-   a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a     non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue     or a plant; -   b) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or a     homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42,     columns 5 or 7, or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic     acid molecule of the present invention and described below, e.g.     conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in an     organism, preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant     or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant, -   c) growing an organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human     animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant     under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine     chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant     cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and -   d) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or     bound respective fine chemical synthesized by the organism, the     microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the     plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.42.42] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound respective fine chemical.

[0075.0.0.42] to [0077.0.0.42]: see [0075.0.0.27] to [0077.0.0.27]

[0078.0.42.42] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, respective fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications. The fermentation broth, fermentation products, plants or plant products can be purified with methods known to the person skilled in the art. Products of these different work-up procedures are melissic acid or comprising compositions of melissic acid still comprising fermentation broth, plant particles and cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably below 50% by weight.

[0079.0.0.42] to [0084.0.0.42]: see [0079.0.0.27] to [0084.0.0.27]

[0084.0.42.42] %

[0085.0.42.42] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no.     42, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative     thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.42] to [0087.0.0.42]: see [0086.0.0.27] to [0087.0.0.27]

[0088.0.42.42] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose content of the respective fine chemical is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for poultry is dependent on the abovementioned fine chemicals or the plants are more resistant to biotic and abiotic stress and the yield is increased.

[0088.1.0.42] see [0088.1.0.27]

[0089.0.0.42] to [0090.0.0.42]: see [0089.0.0.27] to [0090.0.0.27]

[0091.0.0.42] see [0091.0.0.27]

[0092.0.0.42] to [0094.0.0.42]: see [0092.0.0.27] to [0094.0.0.27]

[0095.0.42.42] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of melissic acid in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the pure respective fine chemical and/or to obtain increased resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses and to obtain higher yield.

[0096.0.42.42] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptid or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired fine chemical, for example in the organism, is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0097.0.42.42] %

[0098.0.42.42] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated.

[0099.0.42.42] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned desired fine chemical may accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, and spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the respective fine chemical comprising compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.42.42] Transgenic plants which comprise the fine chemicals such as melissic acid synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the fine chemicals synthesized to be isolated. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue.

However, the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, as extracts, e.g. ether, alcohol, or other organic solvents or water containing extract and/or free fine chemicals. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts. To increase the efficiency of extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, specifically the seeds, they can previously be comminuted, steamed or roasted. Seeds, which have been pretreated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents such as warm hexane. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. Thereafter, the resulting products can be processed further, i.e. degummed and/or refined. In this process, substances such as the plant mucilages and suspended matter can be first removed. What is known as desliming can be affected enzymatically or, for example, chemico-physically by addition of acid such as phosphoric acid.

Because melissic acid in microorganisms are localized intracellular, their recovery essentially comes down to the isolation of the biomass. Well-established approaches for the harvesting of cells include filtration, centrifugation and coagulation/flocculation as described herein. Of the residual hydrocarbon, adsorbed on the cells, has to be removed. Solvent extraction or treatment with surfactants have been suggested for this purpose.

[0101.0.42.42] The identity and purity of the compound(s) isolated can be determined by prior-art techniques. They encompass high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assays or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are compiled in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11 27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19:67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Bd. A27, VCH Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michel, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 17.

[0102.0.42.42] Melissic acid can for example be analyzed advantageously via HPLC, LC or GC separation and MS (masspectrometry) detection methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of melissic acid containing products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MS, MS or TLC). The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding, cooking, or via other applicable methods.

[0103.0.42.42] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table     XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof,     which confers an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridization conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primer pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table XIII, application no. 42, columns 7, and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having sequences as indicated in Table XIV,     application no. 42, column 7, and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no.     42, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0103.1.42.42] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7 by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7.

[0104.0.42.42] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the present invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7.

[0105.0.0.42] to [0107.0.0.42]: see [0105.0.0.27] to [0107.0.0.27]

[0108.0.42.42] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from an amino acid sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 42, column 7, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, column 3, 5 or 7, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical, meaning melissic acid, resp., after increasing its expression or activity, are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.42.42] In one embodiment, said sequences are cloned into nucleic acid constructs, either individually or in combination. These nucleic acid constructs enable an optimal synthesis of the respective fine chemicals, in particular melissic acid, produced in the process according to the invention.

[0110.0.0.42] see [0110.0.0.27]

[0111.0.0.42] see [0111.0.0.27]

[0112.0.42.42] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, column 3, or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 and 7, and conferring an increase in the melissic acid level.

[0113.0.0.42] to [0114.0.0.42]: see [0113.0.0.27] to [0114.0.0.27]

[0115.0.0.42] see [0115.0.0.27]

[0116.0.0.42] to [0120.0.0.42] see [0116.0.0.27] to [0120.0.0.27]

[0120.1.42.42]: %

[0121.0.42.42] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a melissic acid level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7.

[0122.0.0.42] to [0127.0.0.42]: see [0122.0.0.27] to [0127.0.0.27]

[0128.0.42.42] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 42, columns 7, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, or the sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7.

[0129.0.42.42] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence indicated in Table XIV, application no. 42, columns 7, is derived from such alignments.

[0130.0.42.42] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of melissic acid after increasing the expression or activity the protein comprising said fragment.

[0131.0.0.42] to [0138.0.0.42]: see [0131.0.0.27] to [0138.0.0.27]

[0139.0.42.42] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical level, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to a sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the respective fine chemical, in particular, of melissic acid resp., increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.42] to [0146.0.0.42]: see [0140.0.0.27] to [0146.0.0.27]

[0147.0.42.42] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences s such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.42.42] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7 or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular, of melissic acid increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.42.42] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity and as indicated in indicated in Table XII.

[00149.1.42.42] Optionally, in one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, preferably the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a functional homologue or identical to a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, column 3.

[0150.0.42.42] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of melissic acid, resp., if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 42, column 7, will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7 or its gene product.

[0151.0.0.42]: see [0151.0.0.27]

[0152.0.42.42] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular a melissic acid increasing activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.42.42] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, column 3.

[0154.0.42.42] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.42] to [0156.0.0.42]: see [0155.0.0.27] to [0156.0.0.27]

[0157.0.42.42] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as polypeptides comprising the sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 42, column 7, or as polypeptides depicted in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, an amino acid sequence of a consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 42, column 7, or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 42, column 7, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7.

[0158.0.0.42] to [0160.0.0.42]: see [0158.0.0.27] to [0160.0.0.27]

[0161.0.42.42] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.42] see [0162.0.0.27]

[0163.0.42.42] Preferably, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, e.g. a tissue, a cell, or a compartment of a cell, after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.42] see [0164.0.0.27]

[0165.0.42.42] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7.

[0166.0.0.42] to [0167.0.0.42]: see [0166.0.0.27] to [0167.0.0.27]

[0168.0.42.42] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7.

[0169.0.0.42] to [0172.0.0.42]: see [0169.0.0.27] to [0172.0.0.27]

[0173.0.42.42] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108401 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108401 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.42]: see [0174.0.0.27]

[0175.0.42.42] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108402 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108402 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.42.42] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7.

[0177.0.42.42] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7.

[0178.0.0.42] see [0178.0.0.27]

[0179.0.42.42] A nucleic acid molecule encoding a homologue to a protein sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.42] to [0183.0.0.42]: see [0180.0.0.27] to [0183.0.0.27]

[0184.0.42.42] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.42.42] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7.

[0186.0.42.42] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7.

[0187.0.42.42] In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7.

[0188.0.42.42] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential biological or enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7 and is expressed under identical conditions.

[0189.0.42.42] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7 also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.42]: see [0190.0.0.27]

[0191.0.42.42] The organisms or part thereof produce according to the herein mentioned process of the invention an increased level of free and/or bound the respective fine chemical compared to said control or selected organisms or parts thereof.

[0192.0.0.42] to [0203.0.0.42]: see [0192.0.0.27] to [0203.0.0.27]

[0204.0.42.42] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no.     42, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical, in particular according     to Table XII, application no. 42, column 6 in an organism or a part     thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI,     application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no.     42, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, in particular according to table XII,     application no. 42, column 6 in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 42,     columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, in particular according to table XII,     application no. 42, column 6 in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, in     particular accccording to table XII, application no. 42, column 6 in     an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, or a     nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature form     of, a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42,     columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical according to Table XII, application no. 42,     column 6 in an organism or a part thereof;     -   or which encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;         whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)         to (l) distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI,         application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides.         In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not consist of         the sequence shown and indicated in Table XI, application no.         42, columns 5 or 7,

In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7.

In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7.

In an other embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7. In a further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the differs at least in one or more residues from a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention encodes a polypeptide, which differs at least in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7.

In another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7.

In a further embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical to a protein sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, and less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7.

[0205.0.0.42] to [0206.0.0.42]: see [0205.0.0.27] to [0206.0.0.27]

[0207.0.42.42] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes, are genes of the glutamic acid metabolism, the phosphoenolpyruvate metabolism, the amino acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acid metabolism or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.42] to [0226.0.0.42]: see [0208.0.0.27] to [0226.0.0.27]

[0227.0.42.42] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, or its derivatives, it is advantageous to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the acetyl-CoA or malonyl-CoA metabolic pathway or a polypeptide having a very long chain fatty acid acyl (VLCFA) CoA synthase activity, is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the fine chemicals desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine one or more of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, with genes which generally support or enhance to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.42.42] %

[0229.0.42.42] Further advantageous nucleic acid sequences which can be expressed in combination with the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes are the sequences encoding further genes of the fatty acid pathway, such as acetyl-CoA or malonyl-CoA or a polypeptide having a very long chain fatty acid acyl (VLCFA) CoA synthase activity. These genes can lead to an increased synthesis of the VLCFAs.

[0230.0.0.42] see [230.0.0.27]

[0231.0.42.42] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a melissic acid degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene. A person skilled in the art knows for example, that the inhibition or repression of a melissic acid degrading enzyme will result in an increased accumulation of melissic acid in plants.

[0232.0.0.42] to [0276.0.0.42]: see [0232.0.0.27] to [0276.0.0.27]

[0277.0.42.42] The respective fine chemical produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker are familiar, for example via extraction, salt precipitation, and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously.

[0278.0.0.42] to [0282.0.0.42]: see [0278.0.0.27] to [0282.0.0.27]

[0283.0.42.42] Moreover, native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells, for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, e.g. an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, column 3, or an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies.

[0284.0.0.42] see [0284.0.0.27]

[0285.0.42.42] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, lines 251 to 261, 627, resp., or as coded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.42.42] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 42, column 7, and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 42, column 7, whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 42, column 7.

[0287.0.0.42] to [0289.0.0.42]: see [0287.0.0.27] to [0289.0.0.27]

[00290.0.42.42] The alignment was performed with the Software AlignX (Sep. 25, 2002) a component of Vector NTI Suite 8.0, InforMax™, Invitrogen™ life science software, U.S. Main Office, 7305 Executive Way, Frederick, Md. 21704, USA with the following settings: For pairwise alignments: gap opening penalty: 10.0; gap extension penalty 0,1. For multiple alignments: Gap opening penalty: 10.0; Gap extension penalty: 0.1; Gap separation penalty range: 8; Residue substitution matrix: blosum62; Hydrophilic residues: G P S N D Q E K R; Transition weighting: 0,5; Consensus calculation options: Residue fraction for consensus: 0.9. Presettings were selected to allow also for the alignment of conserved amino acids

[0291.0.42.42] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences. In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, by more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7.

[0292.0.0.42] see [0292.0.0.27]

[0293.0.42.42] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof and being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7.

In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7.

[0294.0.42.42] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, column 3, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.42] to [0296.0.0.42]: see [0295.0.0.27] to [0296.0.0.27]

[0297.0.0.42] see [0297.0.0.27]

[00297.1.42.42] %

[0298.0.42.42] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7.

[0299.0.42.42] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.42.42] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, column 3, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0301.0.0.42] see [0301.0.0.27]

[0302.0.42.42] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.42] see [0303.0.0.27]

[0304.0.42.42] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, column 3, but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.42] to [0308.0.0.42]: see [0305.0.0.27] to [0308.0.0.27]

[0309.0.42.42] In one embodiment, a reference to a protein (=polypeptide) of the invention or as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas an “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, column 3, and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, an “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.42] to [0334.0.0.42]: see [0310.0.0.27] to [0334.0.0.27]

[0335.0.42.42] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived there from), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of a protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.42] to [0342.0.0.42]: see [0336.0.0.27] to [0342.0.0.27]

[0343.0.42.42] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.42] to [0350.0.0.42]: see [0344.0.0.27] to [0350.0.0.27]

[0351.0.0.42] to [0361.0.0.42]: see [0351.0.0.27] to [0361.0.0.27]

[0362.0.42.42] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, e.g. encoding a polypeptide having protein activity, as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 3. Due to the above-mentioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, column 3, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.42] see [0363.0.0.27]

[0364.0.42.42] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of a promoter of a gene encoding a polypeptide of the invention as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, column 3, with the corresponding protein-encoding sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, column 5, becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modified by non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example, mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

[0365.0.0.42] to [0373.0.0.42]: see [0365.0.0.27] to [0373.0.0.27]

[0374.0.42.42] Transgenic plants comprising the respective fine chemical synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. melissic acid, in particular the respective fine chemical, produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free melissic acid, in particular the free respective fine chemical, or bound in or to compounds or moieties, like glucosides, e.g. diglucosides. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography or other chromatographic methods of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.42] to [0376.0.0.42]: see [0375.0.0.27] to [0376.0.0.27]

[0377.0.42.42] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process whereby the produced melissic acid is isolated.

[0378.0.42.42] In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the melissic acid produced in the process can be isolated. The resulting melissic acid can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.42.42] In one embodiment the product produced by the present invention is a mixture of the respective fine chemicals melissic acid.

[0380.0.42.42] The melissic acid obtained in the process by carrying out the invention is suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a method for the production of pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the melissic acid composition produced or the respective fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the melissic acid produced in the process or of the transgenic organism in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals or for the production of melissic acid e.g. after isolation of the respective fine chemical or without, e.g. in situ, e.g in the organism used for the process for the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0381.0.0.42] to [0382.0.0.42]: see [0381.0.0.27] to [0382.0.0.27]

[0383.0.42.42]

[0384.0.0.42] see [0384.0.0.27]

[0385.0.42.42] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular melissic acid in mixtures with other organic acids, amino acids, polypeptides or polysaccarides, normally have a dry matter content of from 1 to 70% by weight, preferably 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, e.g. at the end, for example over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 10 g/l, preferably to 0 to 3 g/l during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed or isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it.

The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

[0386.0.42.42] Accordingly, it is possible to purify the melissic acid produced according to the invention further. For this purpose, the product-containing composition is subjected for example to separation via e.g. an open column chromatography or HPLC in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use.

[0387.0.0.42] to [0392.0.0.42]: see [0387.0.0.27] to [0392.0.0.27]

[0393.0.42.42] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or     7, and, optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete     genomic clone; -   c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the fine chemical; -   d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   e) assaying the the fine chemical level in the host cells; and -   f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the the fine chemical level in the     host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.32.42] to [0552.0.32.42]: see [0394.0.0.32] to [0552.0.0.32]

[0553.0.42.42]

1. A process for the production of melissic acid resp., which comprises (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism, or in one or more parts thereof; and (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the production of melissic acid resp. in said organism. 2. A process for the production of melissic acid resp., comprising the increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of: a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of melissic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a) or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of melissic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of melissic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of melissic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 42, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of melissic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of melissic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 42, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of melissic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; and i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of melissic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof. or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. 3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or bound melissic acid resp. 4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following steps: (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized in claim 2; (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof; (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the selected organisms or the part thereof; (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which comprise an increased activity or expression level of said polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part thereof; (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the parts thereof; and (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound melissic acid resp., produced by the selected mutated organisms or parts thereof. 5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is increased or generated transiently or stably. 6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of: a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of melissic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a) or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of melissic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of melissic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of melissic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 42, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of melissic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of melissic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 42, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of melissic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; and i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of melissic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof. whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. 7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory elements. 8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. 9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and eukaryotic, host. 10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. 11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. 12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. 13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12. 14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 42, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids 15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as claimed in claim 14. 16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant cell or an Agrobacterium. 17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of melissic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof comprising: (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 5 conferring an increase in the amount of melissic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions which permit the expression the polypeptide; (b) assaying the melissic acid resp., level or the polypeptide expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or the media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured or maintained in; and (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the measured melissic acid resp., level or polypeptide expression level with a standard melissic acid resp., or polypeptide expression level measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased level over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased level over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist. 18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring increased melissic acid resp., production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps: (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of melissic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof and a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with dais readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of said readout system and of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of melissic acid resp., in an organism or a part thereof; (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said readout system. 19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in melissic acid resp., production in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in melissic acid resp., after expression with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells appropriate for producing melissic acid resp.; (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (e) assaying the melissic acid resp., level in the host cells; and (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the melissic acid resp., level in the host cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type. 20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in melissic acid resp., production in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the melissic acid resp., amount or level in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells appropriate for producing melissic acid resp.; (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (d) assaying the melissic acid resp., level in the host cells; and (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the melissic acid resp., level in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type. 21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. 22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally an agricultural acceptable carrier. 23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of melissic acid resp., after expression. 24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a modulation of melissic acid resp., levels in an organism. 25. Agrochemical, pharmaceutical, food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20. 26. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the fine chemical is melissic acid. 27. A host cell or plant according to any of the claims 10 to 12 which is resistant to a herbicide inhibiting the biosynthesis of melissic acid.

[0554.0.0.42] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.27]

NEW GENES FOR A PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS Description

[0000.0.43.43] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.43] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0001.0.0.27].

[0002.0.43.43] Plants produce glycerol. and glycerol-3-phosphate. Importantly lipids derived from glycerol are the major components of eukaryotic cells. In terms of dry weight they account for anywhere between 10% and 90% of the total mass of the cell. Triglycerol are the major source of store energy in eucaryotic organisms.

Glycerol-3-phosphate can be synthesized via two different routes in plants. In one route, it is formed from dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP), an intermediate of glycolysis, by the sequential action of triosephosphate isomerase, glyceraldehyd-phosphate phosphatase, glyeraldehyde reductase and glycerol kinase. The last enzyme of this pathway has been suggested as the rate-limiting step of this route for glycerol-3-phosphate synthesis. In an second pathway glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (NAD(+)-G-3-P oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.8) (GPDH) catalyses the reduction of dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) to form glycerol-3-phosphate (G-3-P). Based on enzymatic studies is has been suggested that this enzyme activity is probably the primary source of glycerol-3-phosphate at least in Brassica campestris seeds (Sharma et al., 2001, Plant Sci 160, 603-610).

[0003.0.43.43] In plants, at least two types of GPDH, a cytoplasmatic and a plastidial exist, which also differ in their reducing cosubstrate. The cytsolic GPDH uses NADH as the cosubstrate. The mitochondrial FAD-dependent glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (FAD-GPDH) of Arabidopsis forms a G-3-P shuttle, as previously established in other eukaryotic organisms, and links cytosolic G-3-P metabolism to carbon source utilization and energy metabolism in plants—also see Shen, W. et al., FEBS Lett. 2003 Feb. 11; 536(1-3): 92-6.

Glycerol-insensitive Arabidopsis mutants: glil seedlings lack glycerol kinase, accumulate glycerol and are more resistant to abiotic stress, see Eastmond P. J., HYPERLINK “http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bsc/tpj” \o “The Plant Journal” The Plant Journal, 2004, 37(4), 617-625. These data show that glycerol kinase is required for glycerol catabolism in Arabidopsis and that the accumulation of glycerol can enhance resistance to a variety of abiotic stresses associated with dehydration.

[0004.0.43.43] The major storage lipids (or oils) of seeds occur in the form of triacylglycerols (TAG), or three fatty acids linked to glycerol by ester bonds. Triacylglycerol synthesis involves diverse cellular compartments, including the cytoplasm, the mitochondria, the plastids, and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Glycerol-3-phosphate enters the ER for the final step in triacylglycerol synthesis. The newly formed triacylglycerols accumulate between the two layers of the double membrane of the ER, forming an oil body surrounded by a single (or half) unit membrane.

[0005.0.43.43] Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) is one of the most important enzymes in TAG biosynthesis, since it initiates TAG synthesis by catalyzing the acylation of the Sn-1 position of Sn-glycerol-3-phosphate, producing Sn-1-acyl-glycerol-3-phosphate. Lyso-phosphatidic acid (LPA) is then acetylated by LPA acyltransferases to produce phosphatidic acid (PA). Then diacylglycerol (DAG) is released through the dephosphorylation of PA by PA phosphohydrolase. Finally DAG becomes acylated by the activity of the DAG acyltransferase. In a second pathway phosphatidylcholine (PC) is formed and its acyl residues are desaturated further. The choline phosphate residue is then liberated by hydrolysis and the correspondinbg DAG acylated. This second pathway operates frequently in the synthesis of highly unsaturated TAG (Heldt 1997, Plant biochemistry and molecular biology. Oxford University Press, New York).

Additionally at present, many researches have proved that the GPAT is related to plant chilling-resistance, see Liu, Ji-Mei et al., Plant Physiol. 120(1999): 934.

Glycerol-3-phosphate is a primary substrate for triacylglycerol synthesis. Vigeolas and Geigenberger (Planta 219(2004): 827-835) have shown that injection of developing seeds with glycerol leads to increased glycerol-3-phosphate levels. These increased levels of glycerol-3-phosphate were accompanied by an increase in the flux of sucrose into total lipids and triacylglycerol providing evidence that the prevailing levels of glycerol-3-phosphate co-limit triacylglycerol production in developing seeds.

The direct acylation of glycerol by a glycerol: acyl-CoA acyltransferase to form mono-acyl-glycerol and, subsequently, diacylglycerol and triacylglycerol has been shown in myoblast and hepatocytes (Lee, D. P. et al. J. Lipid res. 42 (2001): 1979-1986). This direct acylation became more prominent when the glycerol-3-phosphate pathway was attenuated or when glycerol levels become elevated.

[0006.0.43.43] Glycerol is used together with water and alcohol (ethyl alcohol) in glycerinated water/alcohol plant extracts and phytoaromatic compounds. These products are used as food supplements, providing concentrates of the minerals, trace elements, active ingredients (alkaloids, polyphenols, pigments, etc.) and aromatic substances to be found in plants. Glycerin acts as a carrier for plant extracts. It is found in the end product (the fresh plant extract) in concentrations of up to 24% or 25%.

Raw glycerol is a by-product of the transesterification process of rape oil to rape methyl ester (RME) and used edible oil to used edible methyl ester (AME), both better known as Biodiesel.

Glycerol world production is estimated to be around 750.000 t/year. Around 90% is manufactured on the basis of natural oils and fats.

[0007.0.43.43] The green alga Dunaliella, for example, recently has been established in mass culture as a commercial source for glycerol. Dunaliella withstands extreme salinities while maintaing a low intracellular salt concentration. Osmotic adjustment is achieved by intracellular accumulation of glycerol to a level counterbalancing the external osmoticum.

The osmoregulatory isoform of dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) reductase (Osm-DHAPR) is an enzyme unique to Dunaliella tertiolecta and is the osmoregulatory isoform involved in the synthesis of free glycerol for osmoregulation in extreme environments, such as high salinity, see Ghoshal, D., et al., HYPERLINK “http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ap/pt;sessionid=708pg3rt74t81.victoria” \o “Protein Expression and Purification” Protein Expression and Purification, 2002, 24, (3), 404-411.

A unsolved problem in plant biochemistry is the understanding of metabolic regulation of glycerol-3-phosphate synthesis and its use in modifying glyceride metabolism or glycerol production. Practically it will have significance for rationally genetically engineering of plants for increased synthesis of triacylglycerols or for other value added products, and for introducing the glycerol synthesis capability into plants of economic importance for an elevated environmental stress tolerance—see: Durba, G. et al., J. Plant Biochemistry & Biotechnology 10(2001), 113-120.

[0008.0.43.43] One way to increase the productive capacity of biosynthesis is to apply recombinant DNA technology. Thus, it would be desirable to produce glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate in plants. That type of production permits control over quality, quantity and selection of the most suitable and efficient producer organisms. The latter is especially important for commercial production economics and therefore availability to consumers. In addition it is desirable to produce glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate in plants in order to increase plant productivity and resistance against biotic and abiotic stress as discussed before.

Methods of recombinant DNA technology have been used for some years to improve the production of fine chemicals in microorganisms and plants by amplifying individual biosynthesis genes and investigating the effect on production of fine chemicals. It is for example reported, that the xanthophyll astaxanthin could be produced in the nectaries of transgenic tobacco plants. Those transgenic plants were prepared by Argobacterium tumifaciens-mediated transformation of tobacco plants using a vector that contained a ketolase-encoding gene from H. pluvialis denominated crtO along with the Pds gene from tomato as the promoter and to encode a leader sequence. Those results indicated that about 75 percent of the carotenoids found in the flower of the transformed plant contained a keto group.

[0009.0.43.43] Thus, it would be advantageous if an algae, plant or other microorganism were available which produce large amounts of glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganisms.

It would also be advantageous if plants were available whose roots, leaves, stem, fruits or flowers produced large amounts of glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed plants.

Furthermore it would be advantageous if plants were available whose seed produced larger amounts of total lipids. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed plants.

[0010.0.43.43] Therefore improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the food-and-feed industry. This is necessary since, for example glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate, as mentioned above, which occur in plants and some microorganisms are limited with regard to the supply of mammals. Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible a specific glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate profile in the diet since an excess of glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate above a specific concentration in the food has a positive effect. A further increase in quality is only possible via addition of further glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate, which are limiting.

[0011.0.43.43] To ensure a high quality of foods and animal feeds, it is therefore necessary to add glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate in a balanced manner to suit the organism.

[0012.0.43.43] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes or other proteins which participate in the biosynthesis of glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate and make it possible to produce them specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate; on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

Furthermore there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes, which encode enzymes or other proteins, which participate in the biosynthesis of total lipids and make it possible to produce them specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of total lipids; on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

Glycerol or glycerol-3-phosphate is biosynthetic precusor for the biosynthesis of monoacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, triacylglycerols, phosphatidylglycerols and other glycerolipids (e.g. glycosylglycerides, diphosphatidylglycerols, phosphonolipids, phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylinositols, phytoglycolipids). Therefore the analysis of the glycerol content in cells, tissues or plant parts like seeds and leaves after total lipid extraction and lipid hydrolysis directly correlates with the analysis of the total lipid content. For example if the overexpression of a gene participating in the biosynthesis of triacylglycerols in the seed results in an increase in total lipid content in the seed or leaf this seed will also show an increased glycerol content after total lipid extraction and hydrolysis of the lipids.

Therefore the method as described below which leads to an increase in glycerol in the lipid fraction after cleavage of the ester functions for example with a mixture of methanol and hydrochloric acid clearly represents a method for an increased production of triacylglycerol or total lipids.

[0013.0.0.43] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0013.0.0.27].

[0014.0.43.43] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate.

[0015.0.43.43] In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means glycerol. In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means glycerol-3-phosphate depending on the context in which the term is used. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” means glycerol and/or glycerol-3-phosphate, its salts, ester, thioester or in free form or bound to other compounds such as sugars or sugarpolymers, like glucoside or polyols like myo-inositol.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means monoacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, triacylglycerols, phosphatidylglycerols and/or other glycerolipids (e.g. but not limited to glycosylglycerides, diphosphatidylglycerols, phosphonolipids, phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylinositols or phytoglycolipids) and is hereinafter referred to as “total lipids”.

[0016.0.43.43] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more     -   of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 43, column 3         encoded by the nucleic acid sequences as shown in table XI,         application no. 43, column 5, in a non-human organism or in one         or more parts thereof or -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus glycerol of the invention or     fine chemicals comprising glycerol of the invention, in said     organism or in the culture medium surrounding the organism.

[0016.1.43.43] Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means in one embodiment “glycerol” in relation to all sequences listed in Tables XI to XIV, line 44 and/or 45 and/or 46 or homologs thereof.

[0017.0.0.43] and [0019.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0017.0.0.43] and [0019.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0017.0.0.27] and [0019.0.0.27] above.

[0020.0.43.43] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Brassica napus protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, line 44 in a plant conferred an increase in glycerol content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glycerol. Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Zea mays protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, line 45 in a plant conferred an increase in glycerol content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glycerol. Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Glycine max protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, line 46 in a plant conferred an increase in glycerol content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of glycerol.

[0021.0.0.43] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0021.0.0.27] above.

[0022.0.43.43] The sequence of YDR513W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq, C. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78 (1997) and its activity is being defined as a protein having gluthatione reductase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YDR513W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of glycerol and/or total lipid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the YDR513W-protein-activity is increased.

The sequence of YGL237C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Tettelin, H. et al. Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 81-84 (1997) and its activity is being defined as transcriptional activator and global regulator of respiratory gene expression. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YGL237C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of glycerol and/or total lipid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the YGL237C-protein-activity a is increased.

The sequence of YMR015C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published Bowman, S. et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 90-93 (1997) and its activity. is being defined as a protein having C-22 sterol desaturase activity. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein YMR015C from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular for increasing the amount of glycerol and/or total lipid, preferably in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the YMR015C-protein-activity is increased.

[0022.1.0.43] and [0023.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0022.1.0.43] and [0023.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0022.1.0.27] and [0023.0.0.27] above.

[0023.1.0.43] Homologs of the polypeptide disclosed in table XII, application no. 43, column 5, may have the activity of a protein as disclosed in Table XI or XII, application no. 43, column 3 and may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in table XI, application no. 43, column 7, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in table XII, application no. 43, column 7, resp.

[0024.0.0.43] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0024.0.0.27] above.

[0025.0.43.43] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein as shown in table XII, application no. 43, column 3” if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased in the level of the fine chemical indicated in the respective line of table XII, application no. 43, column 6 “metabolite” in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism.

Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 43, column 3, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic or biological activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to a protein as shown in the respective line of table XII, application no. 43, column 3 of a E. coli or Saccharomyces cerevisae, respectively, protein as mentioned in table XI to XIV, column 3 respectively and as disclosed in paragraph [0022] of the respective invention.

[0025.1.0.43] and [0025.2.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0025.1.0.43] and [0025.2.0.43] see [0025.1.0.27] and [0025.2.0.27] above.

[0026.0.0.17] to [0033.0.0.17] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0026.0.0.17] to [0033.0.0.17] see [0026.0.0.27] to [0033.0.0.27] above.

[0034.0.43.43] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity, preferably of the activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a respective protein as shown in table XII, application no. 43, column 3 its biochemical or genetical causes and the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.43] to [0044.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0035.0.0.43] to [0044.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0035.0.0.27] to [0044.0.0.27] above.

[0045.0.43.43] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein. as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 43, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, column 6 of the respective line, between 10% and 50%, 10% and 100%, 10% and 200%, 10% and 300%, 10% and 400%, 10% and 500%, 20% and 50%, 20% and 250%, 20% and 500%, 50% and 100%, 50% and 250%, 50% and 500%, 500% and 1000% or more.

[0046.0.43.43] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 43, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, column 6 of the respective line confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further glycerol or their precursors.

[0047.0.0.43] and [0048.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0047.0.0.43] and [0048.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0047.0.0.27] and [0048.0.0.27] above.

[0049.0.43.43] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fine chemical, has in one embodiment the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of the polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 43, column 7 or of the polypeptide as shown in the amino acid sequences as disclosed in table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 and 7 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by the nucleic acid molecule as shown in table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 and 7 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.43.43] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “the respective fine chemical” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of glycerol-3-phosphate, resp., or their esters, e.g. monoacyl or diacyl fatty acids thereof.

%

[0051.0.43.43] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the respective fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free or bound, e.g compositions comprising glycerol and/or total lipid. Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of glycerol and/or total lipid can be produced.

[0052.0.0.43] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0052.0.0.27] above.

[0053.0.43.43] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps:

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having the     activity of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 43,     columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity having herein-mentioned     glycerol of the invention increasing activity; and/or -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention as     shown in table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 and 7, e.g. a     nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having the activity of     a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 43, columns 5     and 7 or its homologs activity or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide     of the present invention having herein-mentioned glycerol of the     invention increasing activity; and/or -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned gylcerol increasing activity, e.g.     of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated in     table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation of the     polypeptide of the invention; and/or -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned glycerol of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned glycerol of the invention increasing activity, e.g.     of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated in     table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors to the     organisms or parts thereof; and/or -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned glycerol of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned glycerol of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   h) increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having the activity     of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 43, columns     5 and 7 or its homologs activity, by adding positive expression or     removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination     can be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like     for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor     elements form regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods     can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity     of positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced     in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be     identified in which the positive elements have be integrated near to     a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby     enhanced; and/or -   i) modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical production;     and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.43.43] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical as indicated in column 6 of application no. 43 in Table XI to XIV, resp., after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity as the protein as shown in table XII, application no. 43, column 3 or its homologs.

[0055.0.0.43] to [0067.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0055.0.0.43] to [0067.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0055.0.0.27] to [0067.0.0.27] above.

[0068.0.43.43] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of the finde chemical, meaning glycerol and/or total lipid is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.43] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0069.0.0.27] above.

[0070.0.43.43] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding a protein of the invention into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolite composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous composition of glycerol or their biochemical derivatives, e.g. comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) glycerol or their derivatives including total lipids.

[0071.0.0.43] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0071.0.0.27] above.

[0072.0.43.43] %

[0073.0.43.43] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

-   -   (a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism,         a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal         tissue or a plant;     -   (b) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or         a homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application         no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or of a polypeptide being encoded by the         nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and described         below, e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine         chemical in an organism, preferably in a microorganism, a         non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal         tissue or a plant,     -   (c) growing an organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human         animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a         plant under conditions which permit the production of the         respective fine chemical in the organism, preferably the         microorganism, the plant cell, the plant tissue or the plant;         and     -   (d) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free         and/or bound respective fine chemical synthesized by the         organism, the microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or         animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.43.43] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0071.0.0.17] above.

[0075.0.0.43] to [0077.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0075.0.0.43] to [0077.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0075.0.0.27] to [0077.0.0.27] above.

[0078.0.43.43] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, respective fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications. The fermentation broth, fermentation products, plants or plant products can be purified with methods known to the person skilled in the art. Products of these different work-up procedures are glycerol and/or glycerol as a component of lipids or comprising compositions of glycerol and/or glycerol as a component of lipids still comprising fermentation broth, plant particles and cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably below 50% by weight.

[0079.0.0.43] to [0084.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0079.0.0.43] to [0084.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0079.0.0.27] to [0084.0.0.27] above.

[0085.0.43.43] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no.     43, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative     thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.43] and [0087.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0086.0.0.43] and [0087.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0086.0.0.27] and [0087.0.0.27] above.

[0088.0.43.43] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose content of the respective fine chemical is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for poultry is dependent on the abovementioned fine chemicals or the plants are more resistant to biotic and abiotic stress and the yield is increased.

[0088.1.0.43] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0088.1.0.27] above.

[0089.0.0.43] to [0094.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0089.0.0.43] to [0094.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0089.0.0.27] to [0094.0.0.27] above.

[0095.0.43.43] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of glycerol and/or total lipid in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the pure respective fine chemical and/or to obtain increased resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses and to obtain higher yield.

[0096.0.43.43] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptid or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired fine chemical, for example in the organism, is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0097.0.0.43] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0097.0.0.27] above.

[0098.0.43.43] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated.

[0099.0.43.43] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned desired fine chemical may accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, and spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the respective fine chemical comprising compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.43.43] Transgenic plants which comprise the fine chemicals such as glycerol and/or total lipids synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the fine chemicals synthesized to be isolated. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue.

However, the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, as extracts, e.g. ether, alcohol, or other organic solvents or water containing extract and/or free fine chemicals. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts. To increase the efficiency of extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, specifically the seeds, they can previously be comminuted, steamed or roasted. Seeds, which have been pretreated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents such as warm hexane. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. Thereafter, the resulting products can be processed further, i.e. degummed and/or refined. In this process, substances such as the plant mucilages and suspended matter can be first removed. What is known as desliming can be affected enzymatically or, for example, chemico-physically by addition of acid such as phosphoric acid.

Because glycerol and/or total lipids in microorganisms are localized intracellular, their recovery essentially comes down to the isolation of the biomass. Well-established approaches for the harvesting of cells include filtration, centrifugation and coagulation/flocculation as described herein. Of the residual hydrocarbon, adsorbed on the cells, has to be removed. Solvent extraction or treatment with surfactants have been suggested for this purpose.

[0101.0.43.43] The identity and purity of the compound(s) isolated can be determined by prior-art techniques. They encompass high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assays or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are compiled in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11 27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19:67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Bd. A27, VCH Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michal, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 17.

[0102.0.43.43] Glycerol can for example be analyzed advantageously via HPLC, LC or GC separation and MS (masspectrometry) detection methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of glycerol containing products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MS, MS or TLC). The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding, cooking, or via other applicable methods.

Total lipids in the seed of plants can for example be analyzed advantageously by lipid extraction as described by Bligh and Dyer (Can J Biochem Phys 1959, 37, 911-917) followed by the determination of the lipid content by gaschromatography as described by Benning and Sommerville (J Bacteriol 1992, 174, 6479-6487).

[0103.0.43.43] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table     XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof,     which confers an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridization conditions and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primer pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table XIII, application no. 43, column 7, and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having sequences as indicated in Table XIV,     application no. 43, column 7, and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no.     43, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[00103.1.43.43] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7 by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no.

43, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7.

[0104.0.43.43] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the present invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7.

[0105.0.0.43] to [0107.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0105.0.0.43] to [0107.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0105.0.0.27] to [0107.0.0.27] above.

[0108.0.43.43] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from an amino acid sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 43, column 7, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, column 3, 5 or 7, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical, meaning glycerol and/or total lipid, resp., after increasing its expression or activity, are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.43.43] In one embodiment, said sequences are cloned into nucleic acid constructs, either individually or in combination. These nucleic acid constructs enable an optimal synthesis of the respective fine chemicals, in particular glycerol and/or total lipids, produced in the process according to the invention.

[0110.0.43.43] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as shown in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7 or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.43] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0111.0.0.27] above.

[0112.0.43.43] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, column 3, lines 173, 262 to 274 and 628 to 632 or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 and 7, and conferring an increase in the glycerol and/or total lipid level.

[0113.0.0.43] to [0120.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0113.0.0.43] to [0120.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0113.0.0.27] and [0120.0.0.27] above.

[0121.0.43.43] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring a glycerol and/or total lipid level increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7.

[0122.0.0.43] to [0127.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0122.0.0.43] to [0127.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0122.0.0.27] and [0127.0.0.27] above.

[0128.0.43.43] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 43, column 7, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or the sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7.

[0129.0.43.43] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence indicated in Table XIV, application no. 43, columns 7, is derived from such alignments.

[0130.0.43.43] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of glycerol and/or total lipid after increasing the expression or activity the protein comprising said fragment.

[0131.0.0.43] to [0138.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0131.0.0.43] to [0138.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0131.0.0.27] to [0138.0.0.27] above.

[0139.0.43.43] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical level increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridise to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, for glycerol, and/or total lipid under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the respective fine chemical, i.e. glycerol and/or total lipids, resp., increasing-activity.

[0140.0.0.43] to [0146.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0140.0.0.43] to [0146.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0140.0.0.27] to [0146.0.0.27] above.

[0147.0.43.43] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences s such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.43.43] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7 or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular, of glycerol increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.43.43] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity and as indicated in indicated in Table XII.

[00149.1.43.43] Optionally, in one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, column 3.

[0150.0.43.43] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of glycerol, resp., if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 43, column 7, will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7 or its gene product.

[0151.0.0.43]: for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0151.0.0.27] above.

[0152.0.43.43] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular a glycerol and total lipid increasing activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.43.43] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, column 3.

[0154.0.43.43] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.43] and [0156.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0155.0.0.43] and [0156.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0155.0.0.27] and [0156.0.0.27] above.

[0157.0.43.43] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as polypeptides comprising the sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 43, column 7, or as polypeptides depicted in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, an amino acid sequence of a consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 43, column 7, or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 43, column 7, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7.

[0158.0.0.43] to [0160.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0158.0.0.43] to [0160.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0158.0.0.27] to [0160.0.0.27] above.

[0161.0.43.43] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no.

43, columns 5 or 7. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.43] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0162.0.0.27] above.

[0163.0.43.43] Preferably, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, e.g. a tissue, a cell, or a compartment of a cell, after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.43] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0164.0.0.27] above.

[0165.0.43.43] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7.

[0166.0.0.43] and [0167.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0166.0.0.43] and [0167.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0166.0.0.27] and [0167.0.0.27] above.

[0168.0.43.43] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7.

[0169.0.0.43] to [0172.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0169.0.0.43] to [0172.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0169.0.0.27] to [0172.0.0.27] above.

[0173.0.43.43] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108401 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108401 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.43]: for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0174.0.0.27] above.

[0175.0.43.43] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108402 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108402 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.43.43] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7.

[0177.0.43.43] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7.

[0178.0.0.43] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0178.0.0.27] above.

[0179.0.43.43] A nucleic acid molecule encoding a homologue to a protein sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.43] to [0183.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0180.0.0.43] to [0183.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0180.0.0.27] to [0183.0.0.27] above.

[0184.0.43.43] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.43.43] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7.

[0186.0.43.43] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7.

[0187.0.43.43] In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7.

[0188.0.43.43] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential biological or enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7 and is expressed under identical conditions.

[0189.0.43.43] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no.

43, columns 5 or 7, or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7 also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.43]: for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0190.0.0.27] above.

[0191.0.43.43] In one embodiment, the organisms or part thereof produce according to the herein mentioned process of the invention an increased level of free and/or bound the respective fine chemical compared to said control or selected organisms or parts thereof.

[0191.1.0.43]: for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0191.1.0.27] above.

[0192.0.0.43] to [0203.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0192.0.0.43] to [0203.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0192.0.0.27] to [0203.0.0.27] above.

[0204.0.43.43] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no.     43, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical, in particular according     to table XII, application no. 43, column 6 in an organism or a part     thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI,     application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no.     43, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, in particular according to table XII,     application no. 43, column 6 in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 43,     columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, in particular according to table XII,     application no. 43, column 6 in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, in     particular accccording to table XII, application no. 43, column 6 in     an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or a     nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature form     of, a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43,     columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical according to table XII, application no. 43,     column 6 in an organism or a part thereof;     -   or which encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;         whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)         to (l) distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI,         application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides.         In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not consist of         the sequence shown and indicated in Table XI, application no.         43, columns 5 or 7, In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule         is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a         sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or         7.

In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7.

In an other embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7.

In a further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the differs at least in one or more residues from a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention encodes a polypeptide, which differs at least in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7.

In another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7.

In a further embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical to a protein sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, and less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7.

[0205.0.0.43] to [0206.0.0.43]: see [0205.0.0.27] to [0206.0.0.27]

[0207.0.43.43] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes, are genes of the glutamic acid metabolism, the phosphoenolpyruvate metabolism, the amino acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acid metabolism or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.43] to [0226.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0208.0.0.43] to [0226.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0208.0.0.27] to [0226.0.0.27] above.

[0227.0.43.43] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or its derivatives, it is advantageous to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the acetyl-CoA or malonyl-CoA metabolic pathway or a polypeptide having a very long chain fatty acid acyl (VLCFA) CoA synthase activity, is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the fine chemicals desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine one or more of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, with genes which generally support or enhance to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.43.43] In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore, organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of at least one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteins involved in the glycerol metabolism, in particular in synthesis of glycerol.

[0229.0.43.43] Further advantageous nucleic acid sequences which can be expressed in combination with the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes are the sequences encoding further genes of the fatty acid pathway, such as acetyl-CoA or malonyl-CoA or a polypeptide having a very long chain fatty acid acyl (VLCFA) CoA synthase activity. These genes can lead to an increased synthesis of the VLCFAs.

[0230.0.0.43] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0230.0.0.27] above.

[0231.0.43.43] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a glycerol and/or a lipid degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene. A person skilled in the art knows for example, that the inhibition or repression of a glycerol or lipid degrading enzyme will result in an increased accumulation of glycerol and/or total lipids in plants.

[0232.0.0.43] to [0276.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0232.0.0.43] to [0276.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0232.0.0.27] to [0276.0.0.27] above.

[0277.0.43.43] The respective fine chemical produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker are familiar, for example via extraction, salt precipitation, and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously.

[0278.0.0.43] to [0282.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0278.0.0.43] to [0282.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0278.0.0.27] to [0282.0.0.27] above.

[0283.0.43.43] Moreover, native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells, for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, e.g. an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, column 3, or an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies specifically binding to polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, more preferred specifically binding to polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, column 5.

[0284.0.0.43] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0284.0.0.27] above.

[0285.0.43.43] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or as coded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.43.43] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 43, column 7, and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 43, column 7, whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 43, column 7.

[0287.0.0.43] to [0290.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0287.0.0.43] to [0290.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0287.0.0.27] to [0290.0.0.27] above.

[0291.0.43.43] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids.

In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, by more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7.

[0292.0.0.43] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0292.0.0.27] above.

[0293.0.43.43] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof and being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7.

[0294.0.43.43] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, column 3, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.43] to [0297.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0295.0.0.43] to [0297.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0295.0.0.27] to [0297.0.0.27] above.

[00297.1.43.43] Non polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 3, 5 or 7.

[0298.0.43.43] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7.

[0299.0.43.43] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.43.43] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, column 3, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0301.0.0.43] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0301.0.0.27] above.

[0302.0.43.43] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.43] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0303.0.0.27] above.

[0304.0.43.43] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, column 3, but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.43] to [0308.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0305.0.0.43] to [0308.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0305.0.0.27] to [0308.0.0.27] above.

[0306.1.43.43]%

[0309.0.43.43] In one embodiment, a reference to a protein (=polypeptide) of the invention or as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas an “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, column 3, and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, an “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.43] to [0334.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0310.0.0.43] to [0334.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0310.0.0.27] to [0334.0.0.27] above.

[0335.0.43.43] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived there from), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of a protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.43] to [0342.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0336.0.0.43] to [0342.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0336.0.0.27] to [0342.0.0.27] above.

[0343.0.43.43] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.43] to [0361.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0344.0.0.43] to [0361.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0344.0.0.27] to [0361.0.0.27] above.

[0362.0.43.43] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, e.g. encoding a polypeptide having protein activity, as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 3. Due to the above-mentioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, column 3, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.43] for the disclosure of this paragraph see paragraph [0363.0.0.27] above.

[0364.0.43.43] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of a promoter of a gene encoding a polypeptide of the invention as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, column 3, with the corresponding protein-encoding sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, column 5, becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modified by non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example, mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

[0365.0.0.43] to [0373.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0365.0.0.43], to [0373.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0365.0.0.27] to [0373.0.0.27] above.

[0374.0.43.43] Transgenic plants comprising the respective fine chemical synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. Glycerol, in particular the respective fine chemical, produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free glycerol, in particular the free respective fine chemical, or bound in or to compounds or moieties, as for example but not limited to in mono-, di- or triacylglyceroles, phosphoglycerides, monoacylglycerol phosphate or diacylglycerol phosphate. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography or other chromatographic methods of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.43] and [0376.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0375.0.0.43] and [0376.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0375.0.0.27] and [0376.0.0.27] above.

[0377.0.43.43] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process whereby the produced glycerol and/or total lipid is isolated.

[0378.0.43.43] In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the glycerol and/or total lipid produced in the process can be isolated. The resulting glycerol and/or total lipid can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.43.43] In one embodiment the product produced by the present invention is a mixture of the respective fine chemicals glycerol and total lipids.

[0380.0.43.43] The glycerol or total lipids obtained in the process by carrying out the invention is suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a method for the production of pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the glycerol composition produced or the respective fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the glycerol and/or total lipid produced in the process or of the transgenic organism in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals or for the production of glycerol e.g. after isolation of the respective fine chemical or without, e.g. in situ, e.g in the organism used for the process for the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0381.0.0.43] and [0382.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0381.0.0.43] and [0382.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0381.0.0.27] and [0382.0.0.27] above.

[0383.0.43.43] %

[0384.0.0.43] for the disclosure of this paragraph see [0384.0.0.27] above.

[0385.0.43.43] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular glycerol and/or total lipids in mixtures with other organic acids, amino acids, polypeptides or polysaccarides, normally have a dry matter content of from 1 to 70% by weight, preferably 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, e.g. at the end, for example over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 10 g/l, preferably to 0 to 3 g/l during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed or isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it.

The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

[0386.0.43.43] Accordingly, it is possible to purify the glycerol produced according to the invention further. For this purpose, the product-containing composition is subjected for example to separation via e.g. an open column chromatography or HPLC in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use.

[0387.0.0.43] to [0392.0.0.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0387.0.0.43] to [0392.0.0.43] see paragraphs [0387.0.0.27] to [0392.0.0.27] above.

[0393.0.43.43] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or     7, and, optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete     genomic clone; -   c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the fine chemical; -   d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   e) assaying the the fine chemical level in the host cells; and -   f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the the fine chemical level in the     host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.32.43] to [0552.0.32.43] for the disclosure of the paragraphs [0394.0.32.43] to [0552.0.32.43] see paragraphs [0394.0.0.32] to [0552.0.0.32] above.

[0553.0.43.43]

1. A process for the production of glycerol resp., which comprises (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism, or in one or more parts thereof; and (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the production of glycerol resp. in said organism. 2. A process for the production of glycerol resp., comprising the increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of: a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of glycerol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a) or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of glycerol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of glycerol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of glycerol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 43, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of glycerol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of glycerol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 43, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of glycerol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; and i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of glycerol resp., in an organism or a part thereof. or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. 3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or bound glycerol resp. 4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following steps: (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized in claim 2; (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof; (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the selected organisms or the part thereof; (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which comprise an increased activity or expression level of said polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part thereof; (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the parts thereof; and (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound glycerol resp., produced by the selected mutated organisms or parts thereof. 5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is increased or generated transiently or stably. 6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of: a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of glycerol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a) or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of glycerol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of glycerol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of glycerol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 43, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of glycerol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of glycerol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 43, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of glycerol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; and i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of glycerol resp., in an organism or a part thereof. whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. 7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory elements. 8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. 9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and eukaryotic, host. 10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. 11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. 12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. 13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12. 14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids 15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as claimed in claim 14. 16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant cell or an Agrobacterium. 17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of glycerol resp., in an organism or a part thereof comprising: (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 5 conferring an increase in the amount of glycerol resp., in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions which permit the expression the polypeptide; (b) assaying the glycerol resp., level or the polypeptide expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or the media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured or maintained in; and (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the measured glycerol resp., level or polypeptide expression level with a standard glycerol resp., or polypeptide expression level measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased level over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased level over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist. 18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring increased glycerol resp., production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps: (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of glycerol resp., in an organism or a part thereof and a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with dais readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of said readout system and of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of glycerol resp., in an organism or a part thereof; (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said readout system. 19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in glycerol resp., production in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in glycerol resp., after expression with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells appropriate for producing glycerol resp.; (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (e) assaying the glycerol resp., level in the host cells; and (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the glycerol resp., level in the host cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type. 20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in glycerol resp., production in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the glycerol resp., amount or level in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells appropriate for producing glycerol resp.; (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (d) assaying the glycerol resp., level in the host cells; and (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the glycerol resp., level in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type. 21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. 22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally an agricultural acceptable carrier. 23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of glycerol resp., after expression. 24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a modulation of glycerol resp., levels in an organism. 25. Agrochemical, pharmaceutical, food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20. 26. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the fine chemical is glycerol. 27. A host cell or plant according to any of the claims 10 to 12 which is resistant to a herbicide inhibiting the biosynthesis of glycerol. 28. A process for the increased production of total lipids, comprising the increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide as indicated in         Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment         thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of total lipids         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule         as indicated in Table XI, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7;     -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a         polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)         or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and         conferring an increase in the amount of total lipids in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has         at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the         polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c)         and conferring an increase in the amount of total lipids in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid         molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridisation conditions         and conferring an increase in the amount of total lipids in an         organism or a part thereof;     -   f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid         molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules         from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or         primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 43,         column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of total         lipids in an organism or a part thereof;     -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is         isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a         polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)         to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of total lipids         in an organism or a part thereof;     -   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a         consensus as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 43, column         7, and conferring an increase in the amount of total lipids in         an organism or a part thereof; and     -   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a         suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization         conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the         nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof         having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt,         200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized         in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of total         lipids in an organism or a part thereof.     -   or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto.         29. The use of the nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide         as indicated in Table XII, application no. 43, columns 5 or 7,         or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount         of total lipids in an organism or a part thereof for the         identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase         in the amount of total lipids after expression.

[0554.0.0.43] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.27]

NEW GENES FOR A PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.44.44] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.44] see [0001.0.0.27]

[0002.0.44.44] Carotenoids are red, yellow and orange pigments that are widely distributed in nature. Although specific carotenoids have been identified in photosynthetic centers in plants, in bird feathers, in crustaceans and in marigold petals, they are especially abundant in yellow-orange fruits and vegetables and dark green, leafy vegetables. Of the more than 700 naturally occurring carotenoids identified thus far, as many as 50 may be absorbed and metabolized by the human body. To date, only 14 carotenoids have been identified in human serum.

In animals some carotenoids (particularly beta-carotene) serve as dietary precursors to Vitamin A, and many of them may function as fat-soluble antioxidants. In plants carotenes serve for example as antioxidants to protect the highly reactive photosystems and act as accessory photopigments. In vitro experiments have shown that lycopene, alpha-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein and cryptoxanthin quench singlet oxygen and inhibit lipid peroxidation. The isolation and identification of oxidized metabolites of lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene provide direct evidence of the antioxidant action of these carotenoids.

Carotenoids are 40-carbon (C₄₀) terpenoids generally comprising eight isoprene (C₅) units joined together. Linking of the units is reversed at the center of the molecule. “Ketocarotenoid” is a general term for carotenoid pigments that contain a keto group in the ionene ring portion of the molecule, whereas “hydroxycarotenoid” refers to carotenoid pigments that contain a hydroxyl group in the ionene ring. Trivial names and abbreviations will be used throughout this disclosure, with IUPAC-recommended semi-systematic names usually being given in parentheses after first mention of a trivial name.

Carotenoids are synthesized from a five carbon atom metabolic precursor, isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP). There are at least two known biosynthetic pathways in the formation of IPP, the universal isoprene unit. One pathway begins with mevalonic acid, the first specific precursor of terpenoids, formed from acetyl-CoA via HMG-CoA (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA), that is itself converted to isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP). Later, condensation of two geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) molecules with each other produces colorless phytoene, which is the initial carotenoid. Studies have also shown the existence of an alternative, mevalonate-independent pathway for IPP formation that was characterized initially in several species of eubacteria, a green alga, and in the plastids of higher plants. The first reaction in this alternative pathway is the transketolase-type condensation reaction of pyruvate and D-glyceraldehylde-3-phosphate to yield 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate (DXP) as an intermediate.

Through a series of desaturation reactions, phytoene is converted to phytofluenell, -tcarotene, neurosporene and finally to lycopene. Subsequently, lycopene is converted by a cyclization reaction to β-carotene that contains two β-ionene rings. A keto-group and/or a hydroxyl group are introduced into each ring of β-carotene to thereby synthesize canthaxanthin, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin. A hydroxylase enzyme has been shown to convert canthaxanthin to astaxanthin. Similarly, a ketolase enzyme has been shown to convert zeaxanthin to astaxanthin. The ketolase also converts β-carotene to canthaxanthin and the hydroxylase converts β-carotene to zeaxanthin.

Carotenoids absorb light in the 400-500 nm region of the visible spectrum. This physical property imparts the characteristic red/yellow color of the pigments. A conjugated backbone composed of isoprene units is usually inverted at the center of the molecule, imparting symmetry. Changes in geometrical configuration about the double bonds result in the existence of many cis- and trans-isomers. Hydroxylated, oxidized, hydrogenated or ring-containing derivatives also exist. Hydrocarbon carotenoids are classified as carotenes while those containing oxygen are known as xanthophylls.

In animals, carotenoids are absorbed from the intestine with the aid of dietary fat and incorporated into chylomicrons for transport in the serum. The different structural features possessed by carotenoids account for selective distribution in organ tissue, biological activity and pro-vitamin A potency, or in vivo conversion to vitamin A. Due to the hydrophobic character, carotenoids are associated with lipid portions of human tissues, cells, and membranes. In general, 80-85% of carotenoids are distributed in adipose tissue, with smaller amounts found in the liver, muscle, adrenal glands, and reproductive organs. Approximately 1% circulate in the serum on high and low density lipoproteins. Serum concentrations are fairly constant and slow to change during periods of low intake. The estimated half-life was estimated to be 11-14 days for lycopene, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Evidence for the existence of more than one body pool has been published. The major serum carotenoids are alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene and cryptoxanthin. Smaller amounts of polyenes such as phytoene and phytofluene are also present.

Human serum levels reflect lifestyle choices and dietary habits within and between cultures. Approximately only 15 circulate in the blood, on HDL and LDL. Variations can be attributed to different intakes, unequal abilities to absorb certain carotenoids, and different rates of metabolism and tissue uptake. Decreased serum levels occur with alcohol consumption, the use of oral contraceptives, smoking and prolonged exposure to UV light.

Alpha-Carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin can be converted to retinol or vitamin A in the intestine and liver by the enzyme 15-15′-b-carotenoid dioxygenase. Such in vivo formation of retinol appears to be homeostatically controlled, such that conversion to retinol is limited in persons having adequate vitamin A status.

[0003.0.44.44] The established efficacy of beta-carotene in quenching singlet oxygen and intercepting deleterious free radicals and reactive oxygen species makes it part of the diverse antioxidant defense system in humans. Reactive oxygen species have been implicated in the development of many diseases, including ischemic heart disease, various cancers, cataracts and macular degeneration. Because the conjugated polyene portion of beta-carotene confers its antioxidant capability and all carotenoids possess this structural feature, research efforts have been directed at evaluating the efficacy of other carotenoids in the prevention of free radical-mediated diseases. Indeed, in vitro experiments have demonstrated that lycopene, alpha-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein and cryptoxanthin quench singlet oxygen and inhibit lipid peroxidation. The isolation and identification of oxidized metabolites of lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene may provide direct evidence of the antioxidant action of these carotenoids.

In addition to antioxidant capability, other biological actions of carotenoids include the ability to enhance immunocompetence and in vitro gap junction communication, reduce or inhibited mutagenesis and inhibit cell transformations in vitro.

Many epidemiological studies have established an inverse correlation between dietary intake of yellow-orange fruit and dark green, leafy vegetables and the incidence of various cancers, especially those of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, lung, stomach, cervix and bladder. While a number of protective compounds may be responsible for this observation, the co-incidence of carotenoids in these foods has been noted. Because nutritionists and medical professionals currently recognize the occurrence of a large number of distinct carotenoids in food, interest in their functions and biological impact on health is burgeoning.

Lutein exists in the retina. It functions to protect photoreceptor cells from light-generated oxygen radicals, and thus plays a key role in preventing advanced macular degeneration. Lutein possesses chemopreventive activity, induces gap junction communication between cells and inhibits lipid peroxidation in vitro more effectively than beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and lycopene. High levels of lutein in serum have been inversely correlated with lung cancer.

In addition to lutein, zeaxanthin exists in the retina and confers protection against macular degeneration. Zeaxanthin is also prevalent in ovaries and adipocyte tissue. This xanthophyll does not possess provitamin A activity.

Alcohol consumption has been shown to influence lipid peroxidation. Anhydrolutein, an oxidative by-product of lutein and zeaxanthin, was higher in plasma after alcohol ingestion, while concentrations of these xanthophylls were reduced. Lutein and zeaxanthin may therefore have protective effects against LDL oxidation.

The all-trans isomer of Lycopene is typically quantified in serum, although signals for 9-, 13- and 15-cis isomers are detectable and account for as much as 50% of the total lycopene. In experiments performed in vitro, lycopene quenched singlet oxygen more efficiently than alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein and cryptoxanthin.

Lycopene induces gap junction communication, inhibits lipid peroxidation and has displays chemopreventive activity. Serum levels of lycopene have been inversely related to the risk of cancer in the pancreas and cervix. This carotenoid has been identified in tissues of the thyroid, kidneys, adrenals, spleen, liver, heart, testes and pancreas. Lycopene is not converted to retinol in vivo.

beta-Cryptoxanthin is capable of quenching singlet oxygen. beta-Cryptoxanthin is used to color butter. beta-Cryptoxanthin exhibits provitamin A activity.

The all-trans isomer of this carotenoid is the major source of dietary retinoids, due to its high provitamin A activity. One molecule of trans-beta-carotene can theoretically provide two molecules of trans retinaldehyde in vivo. Signals for 13- and 15-cis isomers of beta-carotene are also observed in the carotenoid profile and account for 10% or less of the total beta-carotene in serum. beta-Carotene quenches singlet oxygen, induces gap junction communication and inhibits lipid peroxidation. High serum levels of beta-carotene are correlated with low incidences of cancer in the mouth, lung, breast, cervix, skin and stomach. beta-Carotene has been identified in tissues of the thyroid, kidney, spleen, liver, heart, pancreas, fat, ovaries and adrenal glands.

alpha-Carotene is similar to beta-carotene in its biological activity, but quenches singlet oxygen more effectively. alpha-Carotene improves gap junction communication, prevents lipid peroxidation and inhibits the formation and uptake of carcinogens in the body. High serum levels have been associated with lower risks of lung cancer. With one half the provitamin A potency of beta-carotene, alpha-carotene also restores normal cell growth and differentiation. Serum levels are usually between 10 and 20% of the values for total beta-carotene.

Alpha-Carotene, beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin can be converted to Vitamin A in the intestine and liver. Vitamin A is essential for the immune response and is also involved in other defenses against infectious agents. Nevertheless, in many individuals, this conversion is slow and ineffectual, particularly for older. Some individuals are known as non or low-responders because they do not convert beta-carotene to Vitamin

A at the rate as expected. A number of factors can inhibit this conversion of beta-carotene to Vitamin A. The major reason why so many Americans have a poor vitamin A status is the regular use of excessive alcohol. Intestinal parasites can be a factor. And, any prescription drug that requires liver metabolism will decrease the liver conversion of beta-carotene to retinol in the liver. Diabetics and individuals with hypothyroidism or even borderline hypothyroidism are likely to be low-responders.

[0004.0.44.44] In plants, approximately 80-90% of the carotenoids present in green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli, kale, spinach and brussel sprouts are xanthophylls, whereas 10-20% are carotenes. Conversely, yellow and orange vegetables including carrots, sweet potatoes and squash contain predominantly carotenes. Up to 60% of the xanthophylls and 15% of the carotenes in these foods are destroyed during microwave cooking. Of the xanthophylls, lutein appears to be the most stable.

Lutein occurs in mango, papaya, oranges, kiwi, peaches, squash, peas, lima beans, green beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, kale, lettuce, prunes, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and honeydew melon. Commercial sources are obtained from the extraction of marigold petals. Lutein does not possess provitamin A activity.

Dietary sources of Zeaxanthin include peaches, squash, apricots, oranges, papaya, prunes, pumpkin, mango, kale, kiwi, lettuce, honeydew melon and yellow corn.

The red color of fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, pink grapefruit, the skin of red grapes, watermelon and red guavas is due to lycopene. Other dietary sources include papaya and apricots.

beta-Cryptoxanthin occurs in oranges, mango, papaya, cantaloupe, peaches, prunes, squash.

Dietary sources of beta-Carotene include mango, cantaloupe, carrots, pumpkin, papaya, peaches, prunes, squash, sweet potato, apricots, cabbage, lima beans, green beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, kiwi, lettuce, peas, spinach, tomatoes, pink grapefruit, honeydew melon and oranges.

Dietary sources of alpha-Carotene include sweet potatoes, apricots, pumpkin, cantaloupe, green beans, lima beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, kale, kiwi, lettuce, peas, spinach, prunes, peaches, mango, papaya, squash and carrots.

[0005.0.44.44] Some carotenoids occur particularly in a wide variety of marine animals including fish such as salmonids and sea bream, and crustaceans such as crab, lobster, and shrimp. Because animals generally cannot biosynthesize carotenoids, they obtain those carotenoids present in microorganisms or plants upon which they feed.

Carotenoids e.g. xanthophylls, e.g. as astaxanthin, supplied from biological sources, such as crustaceans, yeast, and green alga is limited by low yield and costly extraction methods when compared with that obtained by organic synthetic methods. Usual synthetic methods, however, produce by-products that can be considered unacceptable. It is therefore desirable to find a relatively inexpensive source of carotenoids, in particular xantophylls, to be used as a feed supplement in aquaculture and as a valuable chemical for other industrial uses and for diets. Sources of Xanthophylls include crustaceans such as a krill in the Antarctic Ocean, cultured products of the yeast Phaffia, cultured products of a green alga Haematococcus pluvialis, and products obtained by organic synthetic methods. However, when crustaceans such as a krill or the like are used, a great deal of work and expense are required for the isolation of xanthophylls from contaminants such as lipids and the like during the harvesting and extraction. Moreover, in the case of the cultured product of the yeast Phaffia, a great deal of expense is required for the gathering and extraction of astaxanthin because the yeast has rigid cell walls and produces xantophylls only in a low yield. One approach to increase the productivity of some xantophylls' production in a biological system is to use genetic engineering technology.

[0006.0.44.44] In many plants, lycopene is a branch point in carotenoid biosynthesis. Thus, some of the plant's lycopene is made into beta-carotene and zeaxanthin, and sometimes zeaxanthin diglucoside, whereas remaining portions of lycopene are formed into alpha-carotene and lutein (3,3′-dihydroxy-α-carotene), another hydroxylated compound. Carotenoids in higher plants; i.e., angiosperms, are found in plastids; i.e., chloroplasts and chromoplasts. Plastids are intracellular storage bodies that differ from vacuoles in being surrounded by a double membrane rather than a single membrane. Plastids such as chloroplasts can also contain their own DNA and ribosomes, can reproduce independently and synthesize some of their own proteins. Plastids thus share several characteristics of mitochondria. In leaves, carotenoids are usually present in the grana of chloroplasts where they provide a photoprotective function. Beta-carotene and lutein are the predominant carotenoids, with the epoxidized carotenoids violaxanthin and neoxanthin being present in smaller amounts. Carotenoids accumulate in developing chromoplasts of flower petals, usually with the disappearance of chlorophyll. As in flower petals, carotenoids appear in fruit chromoplasts as they develop from chloroplasts. Most enzymes that take part in conversion of phytoene to carotenes and xanthophylls are labile, membrane-associated proteins that lose activity upon solubilization. In maize, cartonoids were present in horny endosperm (74% to 86%), floury endosperm (9%-23%) and in the germ and bran of the kernel.

[0007.0.44.44] At the present time only a few plants are widely used for commercial colored carotenoid production. However, the productivity of colored carotenoid synthesis in most of these plants is relatively low and the resulting carotenoids are expensively produced.

Dried marigold petals and marigold petal concentrates obtained from so-called xanthophyll marigolds are used as feed additives in the poultry industry to intensify the yellow color of egg yolks and broiler skin. The pigmenting ability of marigold petal meal resides largely in the carotenoid fraction known as the xanthophylls, primarily lutein esters. The xanthophyll zeaxanthin, also found in marigold petals, has been shown to be effective as a broiler pigmenter, producing a highly acceptable yellow to yellow-orange color. Of the xanthophylls, the pigments lutein and zeaxanthin are the most abundant in commercially available hybrids. Structural formulas for lutein and zeaxanthin are shown below.

Carotenoids have been found in various higher plants in storage organs and in flower petals. For example, marigold flower petals accumulate large quantities of esterified lutein as their predominant xanthophyll carotenoid (about 75 to more than 90 percent), with smaller amounts of esterified zeaxanthin. Besides lutein and zeaxanthin, marigold flower petals also typically exhibit a small accumulation of β-carotene and epoxidized xanthophylls, but do not produce or accumulate canthaxanthin or astaxanthin because a 4-keto-β-ionene ring-forming enzyme is absent in naturally-occurring marigolds or their hybrids.

[0008.0.44.44] One way to increase the productive capacity of biosynthesis is to apply recombinant DNA technology. Thus, it would be desirable to produce colored carotenoids generally and, with the use of recent advances in determining carotenoid biosynthesis from β-carotene to xanthophylls to control the production of carotenoids. That type of production permits control over quality, quantity and selection of the most suitable and efficient producer organisms. The latter is especially important for commercial production economics and therefore availability to consumers. Methods of recombinant DNA technology have been used for some years to improve the production of Xanthophylls in microorganisms, in particular algae or in plants by amplifying individual xanthophyll biosynthesis genes and investigating the effect on xanthophyll production. It is for example reported, that the five ketocarotenoids, e.g. the xanthophyll astaxanthin could be produced in the nectaries of transgenic tobacco plants. Those transgenic plants were prepared by Argobacterium tumifaciens-mediated transformation of tobacco plants using a vector that contained a ketolase-encoding gene from H. pluvialis denominated crtO along with the Pds gene from tomato as the promoter and to encode a leader sequence. The Pds gene was said by those workers to direct transcription and expression in chloroplasts and/or chromoplast-containing tissues of plants. Those results indicated that about 75 percent of the carotenoids found in the flower of the transformed plant contained a keto group. Further, in maize the phytonene synthase (Psy), Phytone desaturase (Pds), and the -carotene desaturase were identified and it was shown, that PSY activity is an important control point for the regulation of the flux.

Genes suitable for conversion of microorganisms have also been reported (U.S. Pat. No. 6,150,130 WO 99/61652). Two different genes that can convert a carotenoid β-ionene ring compound into astaxanthin have been isolated from the green alga Haematococcus pluvialis. Zeaxanthin or -carotene were also found in the marine bacteria Agrobacterium aurantiacum, Alcaligenes PC-1, Erwinia uredovora. An A. aurantiacum crtZ gene was introduced to an E. coli transformant that accumulated all-trans-β-carotene. The transformant so formed produced zeaxanthin. A gene cluster encoding the enzymes for a carotenoid biosynthesis pathway has been also cloned from the purple photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus. A similar cluster for carotenoid biosynthesis from ubiquitous precursors such as farnesyl pyrophosphate and geranyl pyrophosphate has been cloned from the non-photosynthetic bacteria Erwinia herbicola. Yet another carotenoid biosynthesis gene cluster has been cloned from Erwinia uredovora. It is yet unknown and unpredictable as to whether enzymes encoded by other organisms behave similarly to that of A. aurantiacum in vitro or in vivo after transformation into the cells of a higher plant.

[0009.0.44.44] In addition to the above said about the biological importance of carotenoids, e.g. in vision, bone growth, reproduction, immune function, gene expression, emboryonic expression, cell division and cell differation, and respiration, it should be mentioned that in the world, the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency ranges from 100 to 250 million children and an estimated 250.000 to 500.000 children go blind each year from vitamin A deficiency.

Thus, it would be advantageous if an algae or other microorganism were available who produce large amounts of β-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, or other carotenoids. It might be advantageous that only small amounts or no lutein is produced so that such organisms could be transformed with e.g. one or more of an appropriate hydroxylase gene and/or an appropriate ketolase gene to produce cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin or astaxanthin. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed prokaryotic or eukaryotic microorganisms. It would also be advantageous if a marigold or other plants were available whose flowers produced large amounts of β-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, or other carotenoids. It might be advantageous that only small amounts or no lutein is produced so that such plants could be transformed with one or more of an appropriate hydroxylase gene and an appropriate ketolase gene to produce cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin or astaxanthin from e.g the flowers of the resulting transformants. The invention discussed hereinafter relates in some embodiments to such transformed plants.

[0010.0.44.44] Therefore improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the food-and-feed industry. This is necessary since, for example, as mentioned above beta-carotene, which occur in plants and some microorganisms are limited with regard to the supply of mammals. Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible a carotenoids profile in the diet since a great excess of some carotenoids above a specific concentration in the food has only some positive effect. A further increase in quality is only possible via addition of further carotenoids, which are limiting.

[0011.0.44.44]

To ensure a high quality of foods and animal feeds, it is therefore necessary to add one or a plurality of carotenoids in a balanced manner to suit the organism.

[0012.0.44.44] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes which participate in the biosynthesis of carotenoids, e.g. beta-carotene or its/their precursor, e.g. isopentyl pyrophosphate (IPP), and make it possible to produce them specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming.

In the selection of genes for biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of carotenoids like beta-carotene; on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

[0013.0.0.44] see [0013.0.0.27]

[0014.0.44.44] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is a carotene or a precursor thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the fine chemical is beta-carotene, resp. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to a “carotene, in particular beta-carotene. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to fine chemicals comprising carotene, in particular beta-carotene.

[0015.0.44.44] In one embodiment, the term “carotene, in particular beta-carotene,” or “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means at least one chemical compound with a carotene-, in particular beta-carotene-like activity.

In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means a “carotene, in particular beta-carotene”. In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means beta-carotene depending on the context in which the term is used. Throughout the specification the term “the fine chemical” includes the free fine chemicals, its salts, ester, thioester or bound to other compounds such sugars or sugarpolymers, like glucoside, e.g. diglucoside. In one embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means beta-carotene, resp., in free form or their salts or their ester or bound to a glucoside, e.g a diglucoside, resp.

[0016.0.44.44] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more     -   of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 44, column 3         encoded by the nucleic acid sequences as shown in table XI,         application no. 44, column 5, in a non-human organism or in one         or more parts thereof or -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus beta-Carotene of the invention     or fine chemicals comprising beta-Carotene of the invention, in said     organism or in the culture medium surrounding the organism.

[0016.1.44.44] Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means in one embodiment “beta-Carotene” in relation to all sequences listed in Tables XI to XIV, line 47 or homologs thereof.

[0017.0.0.44] to [0019.0.0.44]: see [0017.0.0.27] to [0019.0.0.27]

[0020.0.44.44] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Brassica napus protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, line 47 in a plant conferred an increase in beta-Carotene content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of beta-Carotene.

[0021.0.0.44] see [0021.0.0.27]

[0022.0.44.44]

The sequence of YDR513W from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been published in Jacq et al., Nature 387 (6632 Suppl), 75-78, 1997, and Goffeau et al., Science 274 (5287), 546-547, 1996, and its activity is being defined as glutathione reductase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a protein of the superfamily of glutaredoxin, in particular being involved in deoxyribonucleotide metabolism, cytoplasm, stress response, detoxification, electron transport and membrane-associated energy conservation, preferably a glutathione reductase, or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the respective fine chemical, meaning of carotene, in particular beta-carotene, in particular for increasing the amount in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention said activity, e.g. the activity of a glutathione reductase is increased or generated, e.g. from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or a plant or a homolog thereof.

[0022.1.0.44] to [0023.0.0.44] see [0022.1.0.27] to [0023.0.0.27]

[0023.1.44.44] Homologs of the polypeptide disclosed in table XII, application no. 44, column 5, may have the activity of a protein as disclosed in Table XI or XII, application no. 44, column 3 and may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in table XI, application no. 44, column 7, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in table XII, application no. 44, column 7, resp.

[0024.0.0.44] see [0024.0.0.27]

[0025.0.44.44] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein as shown in table XII, application no. 44, column 3” if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased in the level of the fine chemical indicated in the respective line of table XII, application no. 44, column 6 “metabolite” in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism.

Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 44, column 3, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic or biological activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to a protein as shown in the respective line of table XII, application no. 44, column 3 of a E. coli or Saccharomyces cerevisae, respectively, protein as mentioned in table XI to XIV, column 3 respectively and as disclosed in paragraph [0022] of the respective invention.

[0025.1.0.44] see [0025.1.0.27]

[0026.0.0.44] to [0033.0.0.44]: see [0026.0.0.27] to [0033.0.0.27]

[0034.0.44.44] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity, preferably of the activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a respective protein as shown in table XII, application no. 44, column 3 its biochemical or genetical causes and the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.44] to [0038.0.0.44]: see [0035.0.0.27] to [0038.0.0.27]

[0039.0.0.44] see [0039.0.0.27]

[0040.0.0.44] to [0044.0.0.44]: see [0040.0.0.27] to [0044.0.0.27]

[0045.0.44.44] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein. as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 44, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, column 6 of the respective line, between 10% and 50%, 10% and 100%, 10% and 200%, 10% and 300%, 10% and 400%, 10% and 500%, 20% and 50%, 20% and 250%, 20% and 500%, 50% and 100%, 50% and 250%, 50% and 500%, 500% and 1000% or more.

[0046.0.44.44] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 44, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, column 6 of the respective line confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further beta-carotene or their precursors.

[0047.0.0.44] to [0048.0.0.44]: see [0047.0.0.27] to [0048.0.0.27]

[0049.0.44.44] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fine chemical, has in one embodiment the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of the polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 44, column 7 or of the polypeptide as shown in the amino acid sequences as disclosed in table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 and 7 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by the nucleic acid molecule as shown in table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 and 7 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.44.44] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “the respective fine chemical” also encompass the corresponding salts, such as, for example, the potassium or sodium salts of beta-carotene, resp., or their ester, or glucoside thereof, e.g the diglucoside thereof.

[0051.0.44.44] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the respective fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free chemical free or bound, e.g compositions comprising beta-carotene. Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of various beta-carotene can be produced.

[0052.0.0.44] see [0052.0.0.27]

[0053.0.44.44] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps:

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having the     activity of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 44,     columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity having herein-mentioned     beta-Carotenes of the invention increasing activity; and/or -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention as     shown in table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 and 7, e.g. a     nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having the activity of     a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 44, columns 5     and 7 or its homologs activity or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide     of the present invention having herein-mentioned beta-Carotenes of     the invention increasing activity; and/or -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned beta-Carotene increasing activity,     e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated     in table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs     activity, or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation of the     polypeptide of the invention; and/or -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned beta-Carotenes of the     invention increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the     activity of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 44,     columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned beta-Carotenes of the invention increasing     activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a protein as     indicated in table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 and 7 or its     homologs activity, by adding one or more exogenous inducing factors     to the organisms or parts thereof; and/or -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned beta-Carotenes of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity, and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned beta-Carotenes of the     invention increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the     activity of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 44,     columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity; and/or -   h) increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having the activity     of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 44, columns     5 and 7 or its homologs activity, by adding positive expression or     removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination     can be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like     for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor     elements form regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods     can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity     of positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced     in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be     identified in which the positive elements have be integrated near to     a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby     enhanced; and/or -   i) modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical production;     and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.44.44] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical as indicated in column 6 of application no. 44 in Table XI to XIV, resp., after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity as the protein as shown in table XII, application no. 44, column 3 or its homologs.

[0055.0.0.44] to [0064.0.0.44]: see [0055.0.0.27] to [0064.0.0.27]

[0065.0.0.44]: see [0065.0.0.27]

[0066.0.0.44] to [0067.0.0.44]: see [0066.0.0.27] to [0067.0.0.27]

[0068.0.44.44] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of the respective fine chemical, in particular beta-carotene is not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.44] see [0069.0.0.27]

[0070.0.44.44] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding a protein of the invention into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolites composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous composition of carotenoids, in particular carotenes, in particular beta-carotene, e.g. comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) carotenoids, in particular carotene, in particular beta-carotene.

[0071.0.0.44] see [0071.0.0.27]

[0072.0.44.44] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are further carotenoids, e.g. carotenes or carotene, e.g. ketocarentoids, or hydrocarotenoids, e.g. lutein, lycopene, alpha-carotene, or beta-carentene, or other compounds for which IPP is a precursor well known for the skilled.

[0073.0.44.44] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

(a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant; (b) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or a homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and described below, e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism, preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant, (c) growing an organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and (d) if desired, recovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or bound the respective fine chemical and, optionally further free and/or bound carotenoids, in particular carotene, in particular beta-carotene synthesized by the organism, the microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.44.44] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound the respective fine chemical or the free and bound the respective fine chemical but as option it is also possible to produce, recover and, if desired isolate, other free or/and bound carotenoids, in particular carotene, in particular beta-carotene.

[0075.0.0.44] to [0077.0.0.44]: see [0075.0.0.27] to [0077.0.0.27]

[0078.0.44.44] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, the respective fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications, for example according to the disclosures made in U.S. Pat. No. 6,399,115: Method and composition for the treatment of benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) and prevention of prostate cancer

U.S. Pat. No. 6,399,114: Nutritional system for nervous system disorders U.S. Pat. No. 6,399,060: Composition having nematicidal activity U.S. Pat. No. 6,399,046: Use of a content of catechins or a content of green tea extract in cosmetic preparations for tanning the skin U.S. Pat. No. 6,395,782: Method of increasing longevity and preventing body weight wasting in autoimmune disease by using conjugated linoleic acid U.S. Pat. No. 6,395,508: Peptide mixture and products thereof U.S. Pat. No. 6,395,315: Fermentation composition, process for preparing the same, and use thereof U.S. Pat. No. 6,395,311: Multicomponent biological vehicle U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,230: Sterol esters as food additives U.S. Pat. No. 6,391,640: Methods and compositions for cellular and metabolic engineering U.S. Pat. No. 6,391,332: Therapeutic micronutrient composition for severe trauma, burns and critical illness U.S. Pat. No. 6,391,321: Emulsifier-free finely disperse systems of the oil-in-water and water-in-oil type U.S. Pat. No. 6,391,319: Cosmetic and dermatological emulsions comprising alkyl glucosides and increased electrolyte concentrations U.S. Pat. No. 6,391,289: Use of sunscreen combinations comprising, as essential constituent, 4,4′-diarylbutadienes as photostable UV filters in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,961: Alkyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxyglucopyranoside and methods of emulsifying U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,927: Epothilone derivatives and their use as antitumor agents U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,883: Method for the prevention and treatment of cachexia and anorexia U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,878: Methods of treating intestinal ischemia using heparin-binding epidermal growth factor U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,862: Bleach compositions U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,418: Pomegranate extracts and methods of using thereof U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,370: Compositions containing extracts of Morinda citrifolia, red wine, prune, blueberry, pomegranate, apple and enzyme mixture U.S. Pat. No. 6,387,355: Use of sunscreen combinations comprising, as essential constituent, amino-substituted hydroxybenzophenones as photostable UV filters in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations U.S. Pat. No. 6,384,090: Preparation of active ingredient dispersions and apparatus therefor U.S. Pat. No. 6,384,085: Material separated from Ecklonia cava, method for extracting and purifying the same, and use thereof as antioxidants U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,751: Assessing lipid metabolism U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,543: Process for the extraction of an organic salt from plants, the salt, and other similar salts U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,524: Compositions and methods for enhancing therapeutic effects U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,523: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for managing skin conditions U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,503: PREPARATIONS OF THE W/O EMULSION TYPE WITH AN INCREASED WATER CONTENT, ADDITIONALLY COMPRISING ONE OR MORE ALKYLMETHICONE COPOLYOLS AND/OR ALKYLDIMETHICONE COPOLYOLS, AND, IF DESIRED, CATIONIC POLYMERS U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,474: Carotenoid preparation U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,473: Solid composition for reducing tooth erosion U.S. Pat. No. 6,380,442: Process for the isolation of mixed carotenoids from plants U.S. Pat. No. 6,380,232: Benzimidazole urea derivatives, and pharmaceutical compositions and unit dosages thereof U.S. Pat. No. 6,380,227: Fermentative preparation process for and crystal forms of cytostatics U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,697: Stabilization of photosensitive materials U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,683: Nanocapsules based on dendritic polymers U.S. Pat. No. 6,376,722: Lutein to zeaxanthin isomerization process and product U.S. Pat. No. 6,376,717: Preparation of astaxanthin U.S. Pat. No. 6,376,544: Nutritional product for a person having renal failure U.S. Pat. No. 6,376,498: Pharmaceutical, cosmetic and/or food composition with antioxidant properties U.S. Pat. No. 6,376,455: Quaternary ammonium compounds, compositions containing them, and uses thereof U.S. Pat. No. 6,376,005: Antimicrobial composition for food and beverage products U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,993: Pomegranate extracts and methods of using thereof U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,992: Methods of hydrating mammalian skin comprising oral administration of a defined composition U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,963: Bioadhesive hot-melt extruded film for topical and mucosal adhesion applications and drug delivery and process for preparation thereof U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,956: Strip pack U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,873: Process and apparatus for producing stably fine-particle powders U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,964: For higher basidiomycetes mushrooms grown as biomass in submerged culture U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,946: Preparation of 4,4′-diketo-.beta.-carotene derivatives

The cited literature describe some preferred embodiments. Said applications describe some advantageous embodiments without meant to be limiting.

The fermentation broth, fermentation products, plants or plant products can be purified as described in above mentioned applications and other methods known to the person skilled in the art, e.g. as described in Methods in Enzymology: Carotenoids, Part A: Chemistry, Separation, Quantitation and Antioxidation, by John N Abelson or Part B, Metabolism, Genetics, and Biochemistry, or described herein below. Products of these different work-up procedures are IPP and/or beta-carotenes and optional other carotenoids, comprising compositions which still comprise fermentation broth, plant particles and cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably between below 50% by weight.

[0079.0.0.44] to [0084.0.0.44]: see [0079.0.0.27] to [0084.0.0.27]

[0084.2.44.44] The invention also contemplates embodiments in which the β-carotene is present in the flowers of the flowering plant chosen as the host (for example, marigolds). The invention also contemplates embodiments in which a host plant's flowers lack β-carotene. In a plant of the latter type, the inserted DNA includes genes that code for carotenoid precursors (compounds that can be converted biologically into β-carotene) and a ketolase, as well as a hydroxylase, if otherwise absent.

In one embodiment, preferred flowering plants include, but are not limited to: Amaryllidaceae (Allium, Narcissus); Apocynaceae (Catharanthus); Asteraceae, alternatively Compositae (Aster, Calendula, Callistephus, Cichorium, Coreopsis, Dahlia, Dendranthema, Gazania, Gerbera, Helianthus, Helichrysum, Lactuca, Rudbeckia, Tagetes, Zinnia); Balsaminaceae (Impatiens); Begoniaceae (Begonia); Caryophyllaceae (Dianthus); Chenopodiaceae (Beta, Spinacia); Cucurbitaceae (Citrullus, Curcurbita, Cucumis); Cruciferae (Alyssum, Brassica, Erysimum, Matthiola, Raphanus); Gentinaceae (Eustoma); Geraniaceae (Pelargonium); Graminae, alternatively Poaceae, (Avena, Horedum, Oryza, Panicum, Pennisetum, Poa, Saccharum, Secale, Sorghum, Triticum, Zea); Euphorbiaceae (Poinsettia); Labiatae (Salvia); Leguminosae (Glycine, Lathyrus, Medicago, Phaseolus, Pisum); Liliaceae (Cilium); Lobeliaceae (Lobelia); Malvaceae (Abelmoschus, Gossypium, MaIva); Plumbaginaceae (Limonium); Polemoniaceae (Phlox); Primulaceae (Cyclamen); Ranunculaceae (Aconitum, Anemone, Aquilegia, Caltha, Delphinium, Ranunculus); Rosaceae (Rosa); Rubiaceae (Pentas); Scrophulariaceae (Angelonia, Antirrhinum, Torenia); Solanaceae (Capsicum, Lycopersicon, Nicotiana, Petunia, Solanum); Umbelliferae (Apium, Daucus, Pastinaca); Verbenaceae (Verbena, Lantana); Violaceae (Viola).

[0085.0.44.44] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no.     44, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative     thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.44] to [0087.0.0.44]: see [0086.0.0.27] to [0087.0.0.27]

[0088.0.44.44] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose content of the respective fine chemical is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for plant breeders since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for poultry is dependent on the abovementioned carotene, in particular beta-carotene and the general amount of xanthohylls as energy source in feed. Further, this is also important for the production of cosmetic compostions since, for example, the antioxidant level of plant extracts is dependent on the amount of th abovementioned carotene, in particular beta-carotene and/or the amount of carotenoids as antioxidants.

[0088.1.0.44] see [0088.1.0.27]

[0089.0.0.44] to [0090.0.0.44]: see [0089.0.0.27] to [0090.0.0.27]

[0091.0.44.44] Thus, the content of plant components and preferably also further impurities is as low as possible, and the abovementioned carotene, in particular beta-carotene, in particular the fine chemical, is/are obtained in as pure form as possible. In these applications, the content of plant components advantageously amounts to less than 10%, preferably 1%, more preferably 0.1%, very especially preferably 0.01% or less.

[0092.0.0.44] to [0094.0.0.44]: see [0092.0.0.27] to [0094.0.0.27]

[0095.0.44.44] It may be advantageous to increase the pool of said carotenoids, in particular carotene, in particular beta-carotene in the transgenic organisms by the process according to the invention in order to isolate high amounts of the pure respective fine chemical.

[0096.0.44.44] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptide or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired fine chemical, for example zeaxanthin or cryptoxanthin in the organism, is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical. It has been reported, that the inhibition of Lyopene production increases the amount of other carotene, in particular beta-carotene in the cell. Further it may be, that the inhibition of enzymes using zeaxanthin or cryptoxanthin as substrate increases the amount of said chemicals in a cell. For example, in one embodiment, it can be advantageous to inhibit the production of astaxanthin, if a high amount of cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin is desired.

[0097.0.44.44] Glucosides, in particular, dicglucosides of the zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin as well as other modification of zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin are known to a person skilled in the art. In may also be advantageous to increase the content of the bound respective fine chemical, e.g. of modification of zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin, in particular its glucosides, e.g. diglucosides.

[0098.0.44.44] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of further carotenoids, e.g. carotenes or carotene, in particular beta-carotene, in particular ketocarentoids or hydrocarotenoids, e.g. lutein, lycopene, alpha-carotene, or beta-carentene, or compounds for which the respective fine chemical is a biosynthesis precursor compounds, e.g. astaxanthin, or mixtures thereof or mixtures of other carotenoids, in particular of carotene, in particular beta-carotene, by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.44.44] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned desired fine chemical may accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, and spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the respective fine chemical comprising compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.44.44] Transgenic plants which comprise the carotenoids such as said carotene, in particular beta-carotene, e.g. cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin (or astaxanthin as it is synthesized from cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin) synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the carotenoids synthesized to be isolated. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue.

However, the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, (in the form of their oils, fats, lipids, as extracts, e.g. ether, alcohol, or other organic solvents or water containing extract and/or free carotene, in particular beta-carotene. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts. To increase the efficiency of extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material. E.g., oils, fats, and/or lipids comprising carotene, in particular beta-carotene can be obtained by what is known as cold beating or cold pressing without applying heat. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, specifically the seeds, they can previously be comminuted, steamed or roasted. Seeds, which have been pretreated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents such as warm hexane. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. Thereafter, the resulting products can be processed further, i.e. degummed and/or refined. In this process, substances such as the plant mucilages and suspended matter can be first removed. What is known as desliming can be affected enzymatically or, for example, chemico-physically by addition of acid such as phosphoric acid.

Because carotenoids in microorganisms are localized intracellular, their recovery essentials comes down to the isolation of the biomass. Well-established approaches for the harvesting of cells include filtration, centrifugation and coagulation/flocculation as described herein. Of the residual hydrocarbon, adsorbed on the cells, has to be removed. Solvent extraction or treatment with surfactants have been suggested for this purpose. However, it can be advantageous to avoid this treatment as it can result in cells devoid of most carotenoids.

[0101.0.44.44] The identity and purity of the compound(s) isolated can be determined by prior-art techniques. They encompass high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), spectroscopic methods, mass spectrometry (MS), staining methods, thin-layer chromatography, NIRS, enzyme assays or microbiological assays. These analytical methods are compiled in: Patek et al. (1994) Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 60:133-140; Malakhova et al. (1996) Biotekhnologiya 11 27-32; and Schmidt et al. (1998) Bioprocess Engineer. 19:67-70. Ulmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry (1996) Bd. A27, VCH Weinheim, pp. 89-90, pp. 521-540, pp. 540-547, pp. 559-566, 575-581 and pp. 581-587; Michal, G (1999) Biochemical Pathways: An Atlas of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Wiley and Sons; Fallon, A. et al. (1987) Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, vol. 17.

[0102.0.44.44] Carotene, in particular beta-carotene, in particular beta-cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin can for example be detected advantageously via HPLC, LC or GC separation methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of carotene, in particular beta-carotene, in particular beta-cryptoxanthin or zeaxanthin containing products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: LC, LC-MS, MS or TLC). The material to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding, cooking, or via other applicable methods.

[0103.0.44.44] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table     XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof,     which confers an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridization     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table XIII, application no. 44, columns 7, and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table XIV,     application no. 44, columns 7, and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no.     44, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[0103.1.44.44] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7 by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7.

[0104.0.44.44] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7.

[0105.0.0.44] to [0107.0.0.44]: see [0105.0.0.27] to [0107.0.0.27]

[0108.0.44.44] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from an amino acid sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 44, columns 7, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, column 3, 5 or 7, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical, meaning carotenoids, in particular carotene, in particular beta-carotene, resp., after increasing its expression or activity, are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.44.44] In one embodiment, said sequences are cloned into nucleic acid constructs, either individually or in combination. These nucleic acid constructs enable an optimal synthesis of the respective fine chemicals, in particular beta-carotene, produced in the process according to the invention.

[0110.0.0.44] see. [0110.0.0.27]

[0111.0.0.44] see [0111.0.0.27]

[0112.0.44.44] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, column 3, or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 and 7, and conferring an increase in the beta-carotene level, respectively.

[0113.0.0.44] to [0114.0.0.44]: see [0113.0.0.27] to [0114.0.0.27]

[0115.0.0.44] see [0115.0.0.27]

[0116.0.0.44] to [0120.0.0.44] see [0116.0.0.27] to [0120.0.0.27]

[0120.1.44.44] Production strains which are also advantageously selected in the process according to the invention are microorganisms selected from the group green algae, like Spongioccoccum exentricum, Chlorella sorokiniana (pyrenoidosa, 7-11-05), or form the group of fungi like fungi belonging to the Daccrymycetaceae family, or non-photosynthetic bacteria, like methylotrophs, flavobacteria, actinomycetes, like streptomyces chrestomyceticus, Mycobacteria like Mycobacterim phlei, or Rhodobacter capsulatus.

[0121.0.44.44] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity I.e. they confer a beta-carotene increase after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7.

[0122.0.0.44] to [0127.0.0.44]: see [0122.0.0.27] to [0127.0.0.27]

[0128.0.44.44] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 44, columns 7, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or the sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7.

[0129.0.44.44] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention are indicated in the alignments shown in the figures. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequence indicated in Table XIV, application no. 44, columns 7, is derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.44.44] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical after increasing the expression or activity the protein comprising said fragment.

[0131.0.0.44] to [0138.0.0.44]: see [0131.0.0.27] to [0138.0.0.27]

[0139.0.44.44] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the respective fine chemical level increase, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridise to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, for beta-carotene under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the respective fine chemical, i.e. beta-carotene, resp., —increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.44] to [0146.0.0.44]: see [0140.0.0.27] to [0146.0.0.27]

[0147.0.44.44] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences s such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.44.44] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7 or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular, of beta-Carotene increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.44.44] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity and as indicated in indicated in Table XII.

[00149.1.44.44] Optionally, in one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, column 3.

[0150.0.44.44] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of beta-Carotene, resp., if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 44, column 7, will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7 or its gene product.

[0151.0.0.44]: see [0151.0.0.27]

[0152.0.44.44] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular a beta-carotene increasing activity as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.44.44] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, has for example an activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, column 3.

[0154.0.44.44] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.44] to [0156.0.0.44]: see [0155.0.0.27] to [0156.0.0.27]

[0157.0.44.44] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as polypeptides comprising the sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 44, columns 7, or as polypeptides depicted in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, an amino acid sequence of a consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 44, columns 7, or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7.

[0158.0.0.44] to [0160.0.0.44]: see [0158.0.0.27] to [0160.0.0.27]

[0161.0.44.44] Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.44] see [0162.0.0.27]

[0163.0.44.44] Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the amount of the respective fine chemical in a organism or a part thereof, e.g. a tissue, a cell, or a compartment of a cell, after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.44] see [0164.0.0.27]

[0165.0.44.44] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7.

[0166.0.0.44] to [0167.0.0.44]: see [0166.0.0.27] to [0167.0.0.27]

[0168.0.44.44] Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7.

[0169.0.0.44] to [0172.0.0.44]: see [0169.0.0.27] to [0172.0.0.27]

[0173.0.44.44] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108401 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108401 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.44]: see [0174.0.0.27]

[0175.0.44.44] For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108402 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108402 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.44.44] Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7.

[0177.0.44.44] Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7.

[0178.0.0.44] see [0178.0.0.27]

[0179.0.44.44] A nucleic acid molecule encoding an homologous to a protein sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences of a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.44] to [0183.0.0.44]: see [0180.0.0.27] to [0183.0.0.27]

[0184.0.44.44] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.44.44] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7.

[0186.0.44.44] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7.

[0187.0.44.44] In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7.

[0188.0.44.44] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential biological or enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7 and is expressed under identical conditions.

[0189.0.44.44] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7 also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.44]: see [0190.0.0.27]

[0191.0.44.44] The organisms or part thereof produce according to the herein mentioned process of the invention an increased level of free and/or bound the respective fine chemical compared to said control or selected organisms or parts thereof.

[0192.0.0.44] to [0203.0.0.44]: see [0192.0.0.27] to [0203.0.0.27]

[0204.0.44.44] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no.     44, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical, in particular according     to tableTable XII, application no. 44, column 6 in an organism or a     part thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI,     application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no.     44, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, in particular according to tableTable XII,     application no. 44, column 6 in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 44,     columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, in particular according to table XII,     application no. 44, column 6 in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, in     particular accccording to table XII, application no. 44, column 6 in     an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or a     nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature form     of, a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44,     columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical according to tableTable XII, application     no. 44, column 6 in an organism or a part thereof;     -   or which encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;         whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)         to (l) distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI,         application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides.         In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not consist of         the sequence shown and indicated in Table XI, application no.         44, columns 5 or 7,

In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7.

In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7.

In an other embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7.

In a further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the differs at least in one or more residues from a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention encodes a polypeptide, which differs at least in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7.

In another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7.

In a further embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical to a protein sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, and less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7.

[0205.0.0.44] to [0206.0.0.44]: see [0205.0.0.27] to [0206.0.0.27]

[0207.0.44.44] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes, are genes of the carotenoid metabolism, the carotene, in particular beta-carotene metabolism, the astaxanthin metabolism, the amino acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acid metabolism or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.44] to [0226.0.0.44]: see [0208.0.0.27] to [0226.0.0.27]

[0227.0.44.44] The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or its derivatives, it is advantageous to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the carotenoid, in particular carotene biosynthetic pathway, e.g. one of the above mentioned genes of this pathway, or e.g. for the synthesis of astaxanthin or for another provitamin A or for another carotenoids or carotene, is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the amino acids desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine one or more of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.44.44] In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore, organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of at least one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteins involved in the carotenoid, in particular carotenes metabolism, in particular in synthesis of beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin or lutein.

[0229.0.44.44] Further advantageous nucleic acid sequences which can be expressed in combination with the sequences used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes are the sequences encoding further genes of the carotenoids biosynthetic pathway, such as phytoene synthase (Psy), which is an important control point for the regulation of the flux (Fraser et al., 2002), phytoene desaturase (Pds), z-carotene desaturase, above mentioned enzymes (s. introduction of the application), e.g. hydroxylases such as beta-carotene hydroxylase (U.S. Pat. No. 6,214,575), ketolases, or cyclases such as the beta-cyclase (U.S. Pat. No. 6,232,530) or oxygenases such as the beta-C4-oxygenase described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,218,599 or homologs thereof, astaxanthin synthase (U.S. Pat. No. 6,365,386), or other genes as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,150,130. These genes can lead to an increased synthesis of the essential carotenoids, in particular carotene, in particular beta-carotenes.

[0230.0.0.44] see [230.0.0.27].

[0231.0.44.44] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a beta-carotene degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.44] to [0276.0.0.44]: see [0232.0.0.27] to [0276.0.0.27]

[0277.0.44.44] The respective fine chemical produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker are familiar, for example via extraction, salt precipitation, and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously. The fine respective chemical, i.e. e.g. beta-carotene, and other carotenoids, in particular carotenes produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts

[0278.0.0.44] to [0282.0.0.44]: see [0278.0.0.27] to [0282.0.0.27]

[0283.0.44.44] Moreover, native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, e.g. an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, column 3, or an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof, i.e., the polypeptide of this invention. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies.

[0284.0.0.44] see [0284.0.0.27]

[0285.0.44.44] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or as coded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.44.44] In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, and in one another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid or, in an further embodiment, can be replaced and/or absent. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 44, column 7.

[0287.0.0.44] to [0289.0.0.44]: see [0287.0.0.27] to [0289.0.0.27]

[00290.0.44.44] The alignment was performed with the Software AlignX (Sep. 25, 2002) a component of Vector NTI Suite 8.0, InforMax™, Invitrogen™ life science software, U.S. Main Office, 7305 Executive Way, Frederick, Md. 21704, USA with the following settings: For pairwise alignments: gap opening penalty: 10.0; gap extension penalty 0,1. For multiple alignments: Gap opening penalty: 10.0; Gap extension penalty: 0.1; Gap separation penalty range: 8; Residue substitution matrix: blosum62; Hydrophilic residues: G P S N D Q E K R; Transition weighting: 0,5; Consensus calculation options: Residue fraction for consensus: 0.9. Presettings were selected to allow also for the alignment of conserved amino acids

[0291.0.44.44] In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences. In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, by more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7.

[0292.0.0.44] see [0292.0.0.27]

[0293.0.44.44] In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof and being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7. In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7.

[0294.0.44.44] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, column 3, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.44] to [0296.0.0.44]: see [0295.0.0.27] to [0296.0.0.27]

[0297.0.0.44] see [0297.0.0.27]

[00297.1.44.44] Non-polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 3, 5 or 7.

[0298.0.44.44] A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7.

[0299.0.44.44] Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.44.44] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, column 3, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0301.0.0.44] see [0301.0.0.27]

[0302.0.44.44] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.44] see [0303.0.0.27]

[0304.0.44.44] Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, column 3, but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.44] to [0308.0.0.44]: see [0305.0.0.27] to [0308.0.0.27]

[0309.0.44.44] In one embodiment, a reference to a protein (=polypeptide) of the invention or as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, column 3, and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof.

[0310.0.0.44] to [0334.0.0.44]: see [0310.0.0.27] to [0334.0.0.27]

[0335.0.44.44] The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived there from), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.44] to [0342.0.0.44]: see [0336.0.0.27] to [0342.0.0.27]

[0343.0.44.44] As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.44] to [0350.0.0.44]: see [0344.0.0.27] to [0350.0.0.27]

[0351.0.0.44] to [0361.0.0.44]: see [0351.0.0.27] to [0361.0.0.27]

[0362.0.44.44] Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, e.g. encoding a polypeptide having protein activity, as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 3. Due to the above mentioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, column 3, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention.

[0363.0.0.44] see [0363.0.0.27]

[0364.0.44.44] A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturally occurring combination of a promoter of a gene encoding a polypeptide of the invention as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, column 3, 5 or 7, with the corresponding protein-encoding sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, column 5 or 7, —becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modified by non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example, mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

[0365.0.0.44] to [0373.0.0.44]: see [0365.0.0.27] to [0373.0.0.27]

[0374.0.44.44] Transgenic plants comprising the respective fine chemical synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. The respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free beta-carotene or bound in or to compounds or moieties, like glucosides, e.g. diglucosides. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography or other chromatographic methods of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.44] to [0376.0.0.44]: see [0375.0.0.27] to [0376.0.0.27]

[0377.0.44.44] Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process according to the present invention whereby the produced carotenoids, e.g the fine chemical(s) comprising composition is isolated. In one embodiment, the produced respective fine chemical is isolated.

[0378.0.44.44] In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the respective fine chemical produced in the process can be isolated. The resulting respective fine chemical can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.44.44] In one embodiment, the product of the process is a mixture of the fine chemicals. In one embodiment, the product is a mixture of the respective fine chemicals with other carotenoids.

[0380.0.44.44] The respective fine chemicals obtained in the process are suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a method for the production of pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the respective fine chemical containing composition produced by the process of the invention or the respective fine chemical produced by the process of the invention—if desired—and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical or cosmetic acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the the respective fine chemical produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals or for the production of other carotenoids, e.g. in after isolation of the respective fine chemical or without, e.g. in situ, e.g within the organism used for the process for the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0381.0.0.44] to [0382.0.0.44]: see [0381.0.0.27] to [0382.0.0.27] [0383.0.44.44] ./.

[0384.0.0.44] see [0384.0.0.27]

[0385.0.44.44] The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular Beta-carotene in mixtures with other carotenoids, in particular with other carotenoids, in particular carotenes, or containing microorganisms or parts of microorganisms, like plastids, containing the respective fine chemical or the carotenoids produced in mixtures with other carotenoids, in particular with other carotene, normally have a dry matter content of from 1 to 70% by weight, preferably 7.5 to 25% by weight. Sugar-limited fermentation is additionally advantageous, e.g. at the end, for example over at least 30% of the fermentation time. This means that the concentration of utilizable sugar in the fermentation medium is kept at, or reduced to, 0 to 10 g/l, preferably to 0 to 3 g/l during this time. The fermentation broth is then processed further. Depending on requirements, the biomass can be removed or isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth or left completely in it.

The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

As carotenoids are often localized in membranes or plastids, in one embodiment it is advantageous to avoid a leaching of the cells when the biomass is isolated entirely or partly by separation methods, such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decantation, coagulation/flocculation or a combination of these methods, from the fermentation broth. The dry biomass can directly be added to animal feed, provided the carotenoids concentration is sufficiently high and no toxic compounds are present. In view of the instability of carentoids, conditions for drying, e.g. spray or flash-drying, can be mild and can be avoiding oxidation and cis/trans isomerization. For example antioxidants, e.g. BHT, ethoxyquin or other, can be added. In case the carotenoids concentration in the biomass is to dilute, solvent extraction can be used for their isolation, e.g. with alcohols, ether or other organic solvents, e.g. with methanol, ethanol, aceton, alcoholic potassium hydroxide, glycerol-phenol, liquefied phenol or for example with acids or bases, like trichloroacetatic acid or potassium hydroxide. A wide range of advantageous Methods and techniques for the isolation of carotenoids, in particular of the respective fine chemical, in particular of beta-carotene can be found in the state of the art. In case phenol is used it can for example be removed with ether and water extraction and the dry eluate comprises a mixture of the carotenoids of the biomass.

[0386.0.44.44] Accordingly, it is possible to further purify the respective fine chemicals or other carotenoids, in particular the carotenes produced according to the invention. For this purpose, the product-containing composition, e.g. a total or partial lipid extraction fraction using organic solvents, e.g. as described above, is subjected for example (without meaning to be limited) to a saponification to remove triglycerides, partition between e.g. hexane/methanol (separation of non-polar epiphase from more polar hypophasic derivates) and separation via e.g. an open column chromatography or HPLC in which case the desired product or the impurities are retained wholly or partly on the chromatography resin. These chromatography steps can be repeated if necessary, using the same or different chromatography resins. The skilled worker is familiar with the choice of suitable chromatography resins and their most effective use.

[0387.0.0.44] to [0392.0.0.44]: see [0387.0.0.27] to [0392.0.0.27]

[0393.0.44.44] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or     7, and, optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete     genomic clone; -   c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the fine chemical; -   d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   e) assaying the the fine chemical level in the host cells; and -   f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the the fine chemical level in the     host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.32.44] to [0552.0.32.44]: see [0394.0.0.32] to [0552.0.0.32]

[0553.0.44.44]

1. A process for the production of beta-Carotene resp., which comprises (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism, or in one or more parts thereof; and (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the production of beta-Carotene resp. in said organism. 2. A process for the production of beta-Carotene resp., comprising the increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of: a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Carotene resp., in an organism or a part thereof; b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a) or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Carotene resp., in an organism or a part thereof; d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Carotene resp., in an organism or a part thereof; e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Carotene resp., in an organism or a part thereof; f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 44, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Carotene resp., in an organism or a part thereof; g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Carotene resp., in an organism or a part thereof; h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 44, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Carotene resp., in an organism or a part thereof; and i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Carotene resp., in an organism or a part thereof. or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. 3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or bound beta-Carotene resp. 4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following steps: (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized in claim 2; (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof; (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the selected organisms or the part thereof; (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which comprise an increased activity or expression level of said polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part thereof; (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the parts thereof; and (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound beta-Carotene resp., produced by the selected mutated organisms or parts thereof. 5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is increased or generated transiently or stably. 6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of: a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Carotene resp., in an organism or a part thereof; b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a) or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Carotene resp., in an organism or a part thereof; d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Carotene resp., in an organism or a part thereof; e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Carotene resp., in an organism or a part thereof; f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 44, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Carotene resp., in an organism or a part thereof; g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Carotene resp., in an organism or a part thereof; h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 44, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Carotene resp., in an organism or a part thereof; and i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of beta-Carotene resp., in an organism or a part thereof. whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. 7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory elements. 8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. 9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and eukaryotic, host. 10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. 11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. 12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. 13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12. 14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 44, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids 15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as claimed in claim 14. 16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant cell or an Agrobacterium. 17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of beta-Carotene resp., in an organism or a part thereof comprising: (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 5 conferring an increase in the amount of beta-Carotene resp., in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions which permit the expression the polypeptide; (b) assaying the beta-Carotene resp., level or the polypeptide expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or the media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured or maintained in; and (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the measured beta-Carotene resp., level or polypeptide expression level with a standard beta-Carotene resp., or polypeptide expression level measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased level over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased level over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist. 18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring increased beta-Carotene resp., production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps: (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of beta-Carotene resp., in an organism or a part thereof and a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with dais readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of said readout system and of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of beta-Carotene resp., in an organism or a part thereof; (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said readout system. 19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in beta-Carotene resp., production in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in beta-Carotene resp., after expression with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells appropriate for producing beta-Carotene resp.; (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (e) assaying the beta-Carotene resp., level in the host cells; and (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the beta-Carotene resp., level in the host cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type. 20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in beta-Carotene resp., production in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the beta-Carotene resp., amount or level in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells appropriate for producing beta-Carotene resp.; (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (d) assaying the beta-Carotene resp., level in the host cells; and (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the beta-Carotene resp., level in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type. 21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. 22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally an agricultural acceptable carrier. 23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of beta-Carotene resp., after expression. 24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a modulation of beta-Carotene resp., levels in an organism. 25. Cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20. 26. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the carotene is beta-carotene 27. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20 for the protection of a plant against a oxidative stress. 28. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20 for the protection of a plant against a oxidative stress causing or a carotenoid synthesis inhibiting herbicide. 29. Use of the agonist identified according to claim 17, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, or the host cell of claim 10 to 12 for the production of a cosmetic composition.

[0554.0.0.44] Abstract: see [0554.0.0.27]

NEW GENES FOR A PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FINE CHEMICALS

[0000.0.45.45] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a further process for the production of fine chemicals as defined below and the corresponding embodiments as described herein as follows.

[0001.0.0.45] see [0001.0.0.27]

[0002.0.45.45] Carbohydrates are aldehyde or ketone compounds with multiple hydroxyl groups. Many carbohydrates have the empirical formula (CH₂O)n; some also contain nitrogen, phosphorus, or sulfur.

Carbohydrates are classsfied in monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides.

Monosaccharides, or simple sugars, consist of a single polyhydroxy aldehyde or ketone unit. Monosaccharides of more than four carbons tend to have cyclic structures.

Oligosaccharides consist of short chains of monosaccharide units, or residues, usually 2 to 19 units, joined by glycosidic bonds.

The polysaccharides are sugar polymers containing more than 20 or so monosaccharide units, and some have hundreds or thousands of units. Some polysaccharides are linear chains; others are branched.

Carbohydrates are called saccharides or, if they are relatively small, sugars.

In the present invention, saccharides means all of the aforementioned carbohydrate, e.g. monosaccharides, preferably fructose, glucose, inositol, galactose, arabinose xylose or other pentoses or hexoses; oligosaccharides, preferably disaccharides like sucrose, lactose or trisaccharides like raffinose; or polysaccharides like starch or cellulose.

[0003.0.45.45] Carbohydrates are the most abundant class of organic compounds found in living organisms.

They are a major source of metabolic energy, both for plants and for animals. Aside from the sugars and starches that meet this vital nutritional role, carbohydrates function in energy storage (for example starch or glycogen), in signaling (by glycoproteins and glycolipids, e.g. blood group determinants), fuel the nervous system, muscle and virtually all cells, are parts of nucleic acids (in genes, mRNA, tRNA, ribosomes), and as cell surface markers as recognition sites on cell surfaces and signaling in glycolipids and glycoproteins and also serve as a structural material for example as cell wall components (cellulose).

[0004.0.45.45] Glucose, also called dextrose, is the most widely distributed sugar in the plant and animal kingdoms and it is the sugar present in blood as “blood sugar. It occupies a central position in the metabolism of plants, animals, and many microorganisms. Glucose is rich in potential energy, and thus a good fuel; in the body is catabolised to produce ATP. It is stored as a high molecular weight polymer such as starch or glycogen or is converted to fatty acids. It is also a remarkably versatile precursor, capable of supplying a huge array of metabolic intermediates for biosynthetic reactions.

Based on its manifold features, glucose is used in nutrition and medicine. Fructose, also called levulose or “fruit sugar, is the most important ketose sugar. Fructose is a hexose and is a reducing sugar. Fructose is used a a sweetener by diabetics because it does not rise the blood sugar level, even in large amounts. Fructose and glucose are the main carbohydrate constituents of honey. Those hexoses are further the main components of many oligo- and polysaccharides, like sucrose, raffinose, stachyose, trehalose, starch, cellulose or dextran.

The most frequent disaccharide is sucrose (saccharose, b-D-fructofuranosyl-a-D-glucopyranosid, cane sugar, beet sugar, sugar in a narrow sense of a name for commercially available sucrose meaning sucrose is the sugar that is commonly called “sugar) which consists of the six-carbon sugars D-glucose and D-fructose. It is formed by plants but not by animals. Sucrose is a major intermediate product of photosynthesis; in many plants it is the principal form in which sugar is transported from the leaves to other parts of the plant body. In mammalians sucrose is an obligatory component of blood and its content in blood is kept at the stable level. It is strongly necessary for brain cells as well as for normal functioning of the central nervous system. Sugar is widely-known as a source of glycogen—a substance, feeding liver, heart and muscles. It is one of the most widely-used food products and is the major disaccharide in most diets. It is present in honey, maple sugar, fruits, berries, and vegetables. It may be added to food products as liquid or crystalline sucrose or as invert sugar. It is commercially prepared from sugar cane or sugar beets. Sucrose can provide a number of desirable functional qualities to food products including sweetness, mouth-feel, and the ability to transform between amorphous and crystalline states. High-concentrated sucrose is a natural preserving agent, it determines gel-formation processes, gives necessary viscosity to the products. Sucrose is a raw material for caramel, colour etc.

Sucrose is further an excellent fermentation feedstock, which is of specific interest for fermentation industry (including a number of non-food industries—pharmaceutical industries). The presence of eight hydroxyl groups in the sucrose molecule provides a theoretical possibility of a very large number of sucrose derivatives. Sucrose derivatives are used by industries in production of detergents, emulsifiers (sucrose+fatty acids) and adhesives (sucrose octa acetate).

Sucrose is a precursor to a group of carbohydrates in plants known as the raffinose family of oligosaccharides found in many plant seeds especially legumes. This family contains the trisaccharide raffinose, the tetrasaccharide stachyose and the pentasaccharide verbascose. Oligosaccharides of the raffinose-series are major components in many food legumes (Shallenberger et al., J. Agric. Food Chem., 9,1372; 1961). Raffinose (beta-D-fructofuranosyl-6-O-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosid, melitriose, gossypose, melitose), which consists of sucrose with α-galactose attached through its C-4 atom to the 1 position on the fructose residue and is thought to be second only to sucrose among the nonstructural carbohydrates with respect to abundance in the plant kingdom. It may be ubiquitous, at least among higher plants. Raffinose accumulate in significant quantities in the edible portion of many economically significant crop species. Examples include soybean, sugar beet, cotton, canola and all of the major edible leguminous crops including beans, peas, lentil and lupine.

An important key intermediates in the formation of raffinose and stachyose is myo-inositol (cyclohexan-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexaole), the most common cyclitol. Myo-inositol is fundamental to many different aspects of plant growth and development. In addition to its role as the precursor for phytic acid biosynthesis, myo-inositol is also used for uronide and pentose biosynthesis, it is also present in phosphoinositides of plant cell membranes, as well as other complex plant lipids including glycophosphoceramides. Furthermore, it is also a precursor of other naturally occurring inositol isomers, and many of these as well as myo-inositol are distributed as methyl ethers in a species specific pattern throughout the plant kingdom. Myo-inositol is an important growth factor.

The most carbohydrates found in nature occur as polysaccharides which are polymers of medium to high molecular weight. Polysaccharides, also called glycans, differ from each other in the identity of their recurring monosaccharide units, in the length of their chains, in the types of bonds linking the units, and in the degree of branching.

Starch is the most valuable polysaccharide. Normal native starches consist of a mixture of 15-30% amylose and 70-85% amylopectin. Amylose structurally is a linear polymer of anhydroglucose units, of molecular weight approximately between 40 000 and 340 000, the chains containing 250 to 2000 anhydroglucose units. Amylopectin is considered to be composed of anhydroglucose chains with many branch points; the molecular weight may reach as high as 80 000 000.

Starch is the most important, abundant, digestible food polysaccharide. It occurs as the reserve polysaccharide in the leaf, stem, root, seed, fruit and pollen of many higher plants. It occurs as discrete, partially-crystalline granules whose size, shape, and gelatinization temperature depend on the botanical source of the starch. Common food starches are derived from seed (wheat, maize, rice, barley) and root (potato, cassava/tapioca) sources. Starches have been modified to improve desired functional characteristics and are added in relatively small amounts to foods as food additives. Another important polysaccharide is cellulose. Cellulose is the most commonly seen polysaccharide and scientist estimate that over one trillion tons of cellulose are synthesized by plants each year. Cellulose forms the cell wall of plants. It is yet a third polymer of the monosaccharide glucose. Cellulose differs from starch and glycogen because the glucose units form a two-dimensional structure, with hydrogen bonds holding together nearby polymers, thus giving the molecule added stability. A single “cellulose fiber” can consist of up to 10000 individual anhydroglucose units. In cellulose, the individual fiber molecules are arranged in bundles and thus form so called micro fibrils which ultimately result in a “densely woven” net like structure of cellulose molecules. The strong cohesion between the individual cellulose fibers is due to the huge number of strong hydrogen bonds.

Cellulose is the major polysaccharide of grass, leaves and trees and is said to include around 50% of all biological carbon found on our planet. It is the basic material of natural substances such as wood, flax or cotton and consists of long, unbranched fiber molecules. Cellulose, as plant fiber, cannot be digested by human beings therefore cellulose passes through the digestive tract without being absorbed into the body. Some animals, such as cows and termites, contain bacteria in their digestive tract that help them to digest cellulose. Nevertheless, cellulose is of importance in human nutrition in that fiber is an essential part of the diet, giving bulk to food and promoting intestinal motility.

[0005.0.45.45] The polysaccharides starch and cellulose are the most important raw material in the industrial and commercial production of glucose. In the common procedure starch or cellulose are acidly or enzymatically hydrolysed to glucose.

Fructose is usually also produced from starch by enzymatically transforming it into glucose syrup and subsequently treating with isomerase, leading to a conversion of glucose to fructose.

Succrose is obtained commercially from the expressed juice of sugar cane or of sugar beet.

Myo-inositol exists in nature either in its free form (found, for example, in sugarcane, beet molasses, and almond hulls) or as a hexaphosphate called phytin (found, for example, in corn steep liquor). Industrial purification of phytin from corn steep liquor involves precipitation with calcium, followed by hydrolysis with a strong acid. Separation of free form inositols from plant extracts involves treatment with acid and separation of myo-inositol by column (U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,631) or the use of ion-exchange (U.S. Pat. No. 4,482,761).

Cellulose is a very important industrial product. As disclosed above, it serves as row material for monosaccharides. It is further used in the manufacture of paper, textiles, plastics, explosives, packaging material (Cellophane®), feed, food and fermentation products. Cellulose is obtained primarily by acid or alkaline hydrolize.

Starch occurs intracellularly as large clusters or granules. These granular starch consists of microscopic granules, which differ in size and shape, depending on the plant source. The granules are insoluble in water at room temperature. There is a quite number of methods known for the extraction of starch. For example a slurry of grinded starch containing plant material is heated, whereby the granules swell and eventually burst, dispersing the starch molecules into the solution. During the liquefaction step, the long-chained starch is further degraded into smaller branched and linear units (maltodextrins) by an alpha-amylase. A large number of processes have been described for converting starch to starch hydrolysates, such as maltose, glucose or specialty syrups, either for use as sweeteners or as precursors for other saccharides such as fructose. A process for enzymatic hydrolysis of granular starch into a soluble starch hydrolysate is disclosed in US 20050042737.

[0006.0.45.45] Carbohydrates play a major role in human and animal diets, comprising some 40-75% of energy intake. Their most important nutritional property is digestibility. Some of them are hydrolyzed by enzymes of the human gastrointestinal system to monosaccharides that are absorbed in the small intestine and enter the pathways of carbohydrate metabolism. Others can be digested by certain animals. Carbohydrates, fat and protein are the energy yielding nutrients in animal feed. In the average diet for farm animals, carbohydrates are included at levels of 70-80%. For example pig diets are mainly based on cereals which contain the main part of the energy providing nutrients that are essential for pigs.

With view to the increasing global demand for food because of the growing world population and at the same time the shrinking availability of arable land, it is important to increase the food and feed quality, particulary the availability of certain essential nutrients, preferably carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides like starch or cellulose and/or monosaccharides like myo-inositol. Nutritional improvements in foods and feeds could help to meet these demands for improved quality. Modern agricultural biotechnology, which involves the application of cellular and molecular techniques to transfer DNA that encodes a desired trait to food and feed crops, is a powerful complement to traditional methods to meet global food and feed requirements.

[0007.0.45.45] Furthermore the physicochemical properties such as viscosity and the capacity to bind water and ions, vary between different cereals. Consequently, different cereal properties affect digestion and fermentation as well as microbial populations in the gastro-intestinal tract in various ways. Gastro-intestinal disturbances comprise a major problem for health of humans and animals. There is a need for suitable dietary composition and food or feed ingredients, preferably cereals, legumes or fruits which promotes a beneficial gut environment and thereby preventing gastro-intestinal disorders.

Therefore improving the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is an important task of the food-and-feed industry. This is necessary since, for example, carbohydrates, which occur in plants and some microorganisms are limited with regard to the supply of mammals. Especially advantageous for the quality of foodstuffs and animal feeds is as balanced as possible a carbohydrate profile in the diet since a great excess of some sugars above a specific concentration in the food has only some or little or no positive effect.

[0008.0.45.45] Genetically modified plants having improved nutritional profiles are known in the state of art. US 20030070192 discloses a DNA expression cassette which alters the sugar alcohol of tranformed plants.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,975 concerns methods for synthesis and accumulation of fructose polymers in transgenic plants by selective expression of bacterial fructosyltransferase genes using tissue specific promoters and a vacuole targeting sequence.

WO89/12386 describes a method for the production of glucose and fructose polymers in transgenic tomato plants.

A stress tolerance sequences including proteins like galactinol synthase (GOLS) and raffinose synthase (RAFS), which are up regulated in response to stress and lead to the production of raffinose is disclosed in US 20050055748.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,887,708 provides nucleotide sequences encoding polypeptides having the function of GIGANTEA gene of Arabidopsis thaliana which allows the manipulation of the starch accumulation process in plants.

Grain having an embryo with a genotype heterozygous for two or more wild type genes (for example, Aa/Bb) and an endosperm having a genotype heterozygous for such genes and leading to plants with altered the normal starch synthesis pathway is disclosed in US 20050091716.

[0009.0.45.45] Nevertheles, there is a constant need for providing novel enzyme activities or direct or indirect regulators and thus alternative methods with advantageous properties for producing carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides like starch or cellulose and/or monosaccharides like myo-inositol or its precursor in organisms, e.g. in transgenic organisms.

[0010.0.45.45] Another problem is the seasonal change in carbohydrate composition of plants and optimum harvest periods for are complicated by issues of timing.

[0011.0.45.45] To ensure constantly a high quality of foods and animal feeds, it is necessary to add one or a plurality of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides like starch or cellulose and/or monosaccharides like myo-inositol in a balanced manner to suit the organism.

[0012.0.45.45] Accordingly, there is still a great demand for new and more suitable genes which encode enzymes which participate in the biosynthesis of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides like starch or cellulose and/or monosaccharides like myo-inositol and make it possible to produce them specifically on an industrial scale without unwanted byproducts forming. In the selection of genes for or regulators of biosynthesis two characteristics above all are particularly important. On the one hand, there is as ever a need for improved processes for obtaining the highest possible contents of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides like starch or cellulose and/or monosaccharides like myo-inositol; on the other hand as less as possible byproducts should be produced in the production process.

The added carbohydrates further beneficially affects the microflora by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of beneficial bacteria.

Another aspect is the significant reduction of cost of production and manufacturing not only to the nutrition, in particular sweetener industry, but also agriculture and cosmetic and health industry.

[0013.0.0.45] see [0013.0.0.27]

[0014.0.45.45] Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a process for the production of a fine chemical, whereby the fine chemical is carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol. Accordingly, in the present invention, the term “the fine chemical” as used herein relates to (a) “carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol. Further, the term “the fine chemicals” as used herein also relates to compositions of fine chemicals comprising carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol

[0015.0.45.45] In one embodiment, the term “carbohydrate” or “the fine chemical” or “the respective fine chemical” means at least one chemical compound with carbohydrate activity selected from the group of preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol. In an preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” or the term “carbohydrate” or the term “the respective fine chemical” means at least one chemical compound with carbohydrate activity selected from the group “carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol. An increased carbohydrate content normally means an increased total carbohydrate content. However, an increased carbohydrate content also means, in particular, a modified content of the above-described compounds with carbohydrate activity, without the need for an inevitable Xlncrease in the total carbohydrate content. In a preferred embodiment, the term “the fine chemical” means carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol in free form or its salts or its ester or its ether or bound to acylglycerol.

[0015.1.45.45] A measure for the content of the polysaccharides, preferably starch and cellulose, of the invention can be the content of anhydroglucose. This compound is the analyte which indicates the presence of the polysaccharides, preferably starch and cellulose, of the invention if the samples are prepared and measured as described in the examples.

[0016.0.45.45] Accordingly, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising

-   (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more of a     protein as shown in table XII, application no. 45, column 3 encoded     by the nucleic acid sequences as shown in table XI, application no.     45, column 5, in a non-human organism or in one or more parts     thereof or -   (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the     production of the fine chemical, thus myo-inositol and/or     anhydroglucose of the invention or fine chemicals comprising     myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose of the invention, in said     organism or in the culture medium surrounding the organism.

[0016.1.45.45] Accordingly, the term “the fine chemical” means in one embodiment “myo-inositol” in relation to all sequences listed in Tables XI to XIV, line 48 or homologs thereof and

means in one embodiment “anhydroglucose”, preferably “starch” and/or “cellulose” in relation to all sequences listed in Table XI to XIV, line 49 and/or 50 or homologs thereof.

[0017.0.45.45] to [0019.0.0.45]: see [0017.0.0.27] to [0019.0.0.27]

[0020.0.45.45] Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Brassica napus protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, line 48 in a plant conferred an increase in myo-inositol content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of myo-inositol. Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Brassica napus protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, line 49 in a plant conferred an increase in anhydroglucose content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of anhydroglucose. Surprisingly it was found, that the transgenic expression of the Glycine max protein as indicated in Table XII, column 5, line 50 in a plant conferred an increase in anhydroglucose-inositol content of the transformed plants. Thus, in one embodiment, said protein or its homologs are used for the production of anhydroglucose.

[0021.0.45.45] see [0021.0.0.27]

[0022.0.45.45]

The sequence of b3430 from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277(5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of the glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase superfamily, preferably a protein with a glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase activity or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, from Escherichia coli K12 or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of carbohydrate, preferably myo-inositol in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b1539 (Accession number NP_(—)416057) from Escherichia coli K12 has been published in Blattner et al., Science 277 (5331), 1453-1474, 1997, and its activity is being defined as a NADP-dependent L-serine/L-allo-threonine dehydrogenase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a gene product with an activity of ribitol dehydrogenase, short-chain alcohol dehydrogenase homology superfamily, preferably a protein with the activity of a NADP-dependent L-serine/L-allo-threonine dehydrogenase from E. coli or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of starch and/or cellulose, particular for increasing the amount of starch and/or cellulose, preferably starch and/or cellulose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

The sequence of b4232 from Escherichia coli K12 (ACCESSION No. NP_(—)416986) has been published in Blattner, Science 277(5331), 1453-1474,1997, and its activity is beeing defined as a fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the use of a “fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase” from E. coli or a plant or its homolog, e.g. as shown herein, for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of methionin, in particular for increasing the amount of methionine in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned. In one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a protein of the superfamily “fructose-bisphosphatase”, preferably having an activity in C-compound and carbohydrate metabolism, C-compound and carbohydrate utilization, energy, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, plastid, photosynthesis, more preferred having an “fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase”-activity, is increased or generated, e.g. from E. coli or a plant or a homolog thereof. Accordingly, in one embodiment, in the process of the present invention the activity of a “fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase” or its homolog is increased for the production of the fine chemical, meaning of starch and/or cellulose, in particular for increasing the amount of starch and/or cellulose in free or bound form in an organism or a part thereof, as mentioned.

[0022.1.0.45] to [0023.0.0.45]: see [0022.1.0.27] to [0023.0.0.27]

[0023.1.45.45] Homologs of the polypeptide disclosed in table XII, application no. 45, column 5, may have the activity of a protein as disclosed in Table XI or XII, application no. 45, column 3 and may be the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid molecules indicated in table XI, application no. 45, column 7, resp., or may be the polypeptides indicated in table XII, application no. 45, column 7, resp.

[0024.0.0.45] see [0024.0.0.27]

[0025.0.45.45] In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the “activity of an protein as shown in table XII, application no. 45, column 3” if its de novo activity, or its increased expression directly or indirectly leads to an increased in the level of the fine chemical indicated in the respective line of table XII, application no. 45, column 6 “metabolite” in the organism or a part thereof, preferably in a cell of said organism.

Throughout the specification the activity or preferably the biological activity of such a protein or polypeptide or an nucleic acid molecule or sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide is identical or similar if it still has the biological or enzymatic activity of a protein as shown in table XII, application no. 45, column 3, or which has at least 10% of the original enzymatic or biological activity, preferably 20%, particularly preferably 30%, most particularly preferably 40% in comparison to a protein as shown in the respective line of table XII, application no. 45, column 3 of a E. coli or Saccharomyces cerevisae, respectively, protein as mentioned in table XI to XIV, column 3 respectively and as disclosed in paragraph [0022] of the respective invention.

[0025.1.0.45]: see [0025.1.0.27]

[0026.0.0.45] to [0033.0.0.45]: see [0026.0.0.27] to [0033.0.0.27]

[0034.0.45.45] Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subject of the present invention only in the cellular activity, preferably of the activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as result of an increase in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or an increase of the specific activity of the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. by or in the expression level or activity of an protein having the activity of a respective protein as shown in table XII, application no. 45, column 3 its biochemical or genetical causes and the increased amount of the respective fine chemical.

[0035.0.0.45] to [0044.0.0.45]: see [0035.0.0.27] to [0044.0.0.27]

[0045.0.45.45] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein. as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 45, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, column 6 of the respective line, between 10% and 50%, 10% and 100%, 10% and 200%, 10% and 300%, 10% and 400%, 10% and 500%, 20% and 50%, 20% and 250%, 20% and 500%, 50% and 100%, 50% and 250%, 50% and 500%, 500% and 1000% or more.

[0046.0.45.45] In one embodiment, the activity of the protein as indicated in Table XII, columns 5 or 7, application no. 45, is increased conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, indicated in Table XII, column 6 of the respective line confers an increase of the respective fine chemical and of further myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose or their precursors.

[0047.0.0.45] to [0048.0.0.45]: see [0047.0.0.27] to [0048.0.0.27]

[0049.0.45.45] A protein having an activity conferring an increase in the amount or level of the fine chemical, has in one embodiment the structure of the polypeptide described herein, in particular of the polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence shown in table XIV, application no. 45, column 7 or of the polypeptide as shown in the amino acid sequences as disclosed in table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 and 7 or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention, for example by the nucleic acid molecule as shown in table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 and 7 or its herein described functional homologues and has the herein mentioned activity.

[0050.0.45.45] For the purposes of the present invention, the term “the respective fine chemical” also encompass the corresponding salts, ester and ethers, preferably etherificated with other mono-, di-oligo- or polysaccharides, with alkyl, alkenyl or alkinyl alcohols.

[0051.0.45.45] Owing to the biological activity of the proteins which are used in the process according to the invention and which are encoded by nucleic acid molecules according to the invention, it is possible to produce compositions comprising the respective fine chemical, i.e. an increased amount of the free chemical free or bound, e.g compositions comprising carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol resp., Depending on the choice of the organism used for the process according to the present invention, for example a microorganism or a plant, compositions or mixtures of various respective fine chemicals can be produced.

[0052.0.0.45] see [0052.0.0.27]

[0053.0.45.45] In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one or more of the following steps:

-   a) stabilizing a protein conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of     the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having the     activity of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 45,     columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity having herein-mentioned     myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose of the invention increasing     activity; and/or -   b) stabilizing a mRNA conferring the increased expression of a     protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention as     shown in table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 and 7, e.g. a     nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide having the activity of     a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 45, columns 5     and 7 or its homologs activity or of a mRNA encoding the polypeptide     of the present invention having herein-mentioned myo-inositol and/or     anhydroglucose of the invention increasing activity; and/or -   c) increasing the specific activity of a protein conferring the     increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the present     invention having herein-mentioned myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity, or decreasing the inhibiitory regulation     of the polypeptide of the invention; and/or -   d) generating or increasing the expression of an endogenous or     artificial transcription factor mediating the expression of a     protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by     the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned myo-inositol and/or     anhydroglucose of the invention increasing activity, e.g. of a     polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated in table     XII, application no. 45, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity;     and/or -   e) stimulating activity of a protein conferring the increased     expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention or a polypeptide of the present invention having     herein-mentioned myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose of the invention     increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the activity of a     protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 and     7 or its homologs activity, by adding one or more exogenous inducing     factors to the organisms or parts thereof; and/or -   f) expressing a transgenic gene encoding a protein conferring the     increased expression of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid     molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of the present     invention, having herein-mentioned myo-inositol and/or     anhydroglucose of the invention increasing activity, e.g. of a     polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated in table     XII, application no. 45, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity,     and/or -   g) increasing the copy number of a gene conferring the increased     expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of     the invention having herein-mentioned myo-inositol and/or     anhydroglucose of the invention increasing activity, e.g. of a     polypeptide having the activity of a protein as indicated in table     XII, application no. 45, columns 5 and 7 or its homologs activity;     and/or -   h) increasing the expression of the endogenous gene encoding the     polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide having the activity     of a protein as indicated in table XII, application no. 45, columns     5 and 7 or its homologs activity, by adding positive expression or     removing negative expression elements, e.g. homologous recombination     can be used to either introduce positive regulatory elements like     for plants the 35S enhancer into the promoter or to remove repressor     elements form regulatory regions. Further gene conversion methods     can be used to disrupt repressor elements or to enhance to activity     of positive elements. Positive elements can be randomly introduced     in plants by T-DNA or transposon mutagenesis and lines can be     identified in which the positive elements have be integrated near to     a gene of the invention, the expression of which is thereby     enhanced; and/or -   i) modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,     that the expression or activity of the gene encoding the protein of     the invention or the protein itself is enhanced for example     microorganisms or plants can be grown for example under a higher     temperature regime leading to an enhanced expression of heat shock     proteins, which can lead an enhanced fine chemical production;     and/or -   j) selecting of organisms with especially high activity of the     proteins of the invention from natural or from mutagenized resources     and breeding them into the target organisms, eg the elite crops.

[0054.0.45.45] Preferably, said mRNA is the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and/or the protein conferring the increased expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical as indicated in column 6 of application no. 45 in Table XI to XIV, resp., after increasing the expression or activity of the encoded polypeptide or having the activity of a polypeptide having an activity as the protein as shown in table XII, application no. 45, column 3 or its homologs.

[0055.0.0.45] to [0064.0.0.45]: see [0055.0.0.27] to [0064.0.0.27]

[0065.0.0.45]: see [0065.0.0.27]

[0066.0.0.45] to [0067.0.0.45]: see [0066.0.0.27] to [0067.0.0.27]

[0068.0.45.45] The mutation is introduced in such a way that the production of the carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositolis not adversely affected.

[0069.0.0.45] see [0069.0.0.27]

[0070.0.45.45] Owing to the introduction of a gene or a plurality of genes conferring the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention, for example the nucleic acid construct mentioned below, or encoding a protein of the invention into an organism alone or in combination with other genes, it is possible not only to increase the biosynthetic flux towards the end product, but also to increase, modify or create de novo an advantageous, preferably novel metabolites composition in the organism, e.g. an advantageous composition carbohydrates comprising a higher content of (from a viewpoint of nutritional physiology limited) preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol.

[0071.0.45.45] Preferably the composition further comprises higher amounts of metabolites positively affecting or lower amounts of metabolites negatively affecting the nutrition or health of animals or humans provided with said compositions or organisms of the invention or parts thereof. Likewise, the number or activity of further genes which are required for the import or export of nutrients or metabolites, including carbohydrates or its precursors, required for the cell's biosynthesis of carbohydratesmay be increased so that the concentration of necessary or relevant precursors, cofactors or intermediates within the cell(s) or within the corresponding storage compartments is increased. Owing to the increased or novel generated activity of the polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or owing to the increased number of nucleic acid sequences of the invention and/or to the modulation of further genes which are involved in the biosynthesis of the carbohydrates, e.g. by increasing the activity of enzymes synthesizing precursors or by destroying the activity of one or more genes which are involved in the breakdown of the carbohydrates, it is possible to increase the yield, production and/or production efficiency of carbohydratesin the host organism, such as the plants or the microorganims.

[0072.0.45.45] By influencing the metabolism thus, it is possible to produce, in the process according to the invention, further advantageous compounds. Examples of such compounds are, in addition to polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol, further carbohydrates, preferably saccharides.

[0073.0.45.45] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the invention relates to a process, which comprises:

a) providing a non-human organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant; b) increasing an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or a homolog thereof, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, or of a polypeptide being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and described below, e.g. conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism, preferably in a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant, c) growing an organism, preferably a microorganism, a non-human animal, a plant or animal cell, a plant or animal tissue or a plant under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine chemical in the organism, preferably the microorganism, the plant cell, the plant tissue or the plant; and d) if desired, revovering, optionally isolating, the free and/or bound the respective fine chemical and, optionally further free and/or bound carbohydrate(s) synthetized by the organism, the microorganism, the non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant.

[0074.0.45.45] The organism, in particular the microorganism, non-human animal, the plant or animal cell, the plant or animal tissue or the plant is advantageously grown in such a way that it is not only possible to recover, if desired isolate the free or bound the respective fine chemical or the free and bound the respective fine chemical but as option it is also possible to produce, recover and, if desired isolate, other free or/and bound carbohydrate(s).

[0075.0.0.45] to [0077.0.0.45]: see [0075.0.0.27] to [0077.0.0.27]

[0078.0.45.45] The organism such as microorganisms or plants or the recovered, and if desired isolated, respective fine chemical can then be processed further directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for other applications in nutrition or medicine or cosmetics, for example according to the disclosures made in U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,962: Starch microcapsules for delivery of active agents; US 20050042737: Starch process; US 20050054071: Enzymes for starch processing; US 20050091716: Novel plants and processes for obtaining them; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,096,594 and 5,482,631 discloses a method of purifying cyclitols; U.S. Pat. No. 4,997,489 discloses soaking almond hulls in water to obtain a syrup containing fructose, glucose, inositol, and sorbitol; U.S. Pat. No. 5,296,364 discloses a microbial method for producing inositol; U.S. Pat. No. 4,734,402; U.S. Pat. No. 4,788,065; U.S. Pat. No. 6,465,037 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,355,295: relates to soy food ingredient based on carbohydrates, U.S. Pat. No. 6,653,451; US 20040128713: pertains to soybean plants having in their seeds significantly lower contents of raffinose, stachyose and phytic acid and significantly higher contents of sucrose and inorganic phosphate; US 20050008713 discloses compositions of plant carbohydrates for dietary supplements and nutritional support; which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. The fermentation broth, fermentation products, plants or plant products can be treated and processed as described in above mentioned applications or by other methods known to the person skilled in the art and described herein below.

In the method for producing carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol according to the invention, the cultivation step of the genetically modified organisms, also referred to as transgenic organisms hereinbelow, is preferably followed by harvesting said organisms and isolating the respective carbohydrate(s) from said organisms.

The organisms are harvested in a manner known per se and appropriate for the particular organism. Microorganisms such as bacteria, mosses, yeasts and fungi or plant cells which are cultured in liquid media by fermentation may be removed, for example, by centrifugation, decanting or filtration. Plants are grown on solid media in a manner known per se and harvested accordingly.

Carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol are isolated from the harvested biomass in a manner known per se, for example by extraction and, where appropriate, further chemical or physical purification processes such as, for example, chemical and/or enzymatical degradation, precipitation methods, crystallography, thermal separation methods such as rectification methods or physical separation methods such as, for example, chromatography.

Products of these different work-up procedures are carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol comprising compositions, e.g. compostions comprising carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol which still comprise fermentation broth, plant particles and/or cell components in different amounts, advantageously in the range of from 0 to 99% by weight, preferably below 80% by weight, especially preferably between 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 20%, 10%, 5%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 05%, 0.1%, 0.01% and 0% by weight resp.

In one embodiment, preferred plants include, but are not limited to: sugar beet, sugar cane, soybeans and/or potato (Solanum tuberosum).

[0079.0.0.45] to [0084.0.0.45]: see [0079.0.0.27] to [0084.0.0.27]

[0085.0.45.45] With regard to the nucleic acid sequence as depicted a nucleic acid construct which contains a nucleic acid sequence mentioned herein or an organism (=transgenic organism) which is transformed with said nucleic acid sequence or said nucleic acid construct, “transgene” means all those constructs which have been brought about by genetic manipulation methods, preferably in which either

-   a) a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no.     45, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative thereof, or -   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is     functionally linked to the nucleic acid sequence as indicated in     Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, or a derivative     thereof, or -   c) (a) and (b)     is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or     has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it     being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a     substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or     more nucleotide. “Natural genetic environment” means the natural     chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence in a     genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,     genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at     least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic     acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at     least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at     least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

[0086.0.0.45] to [0087.0.0.45]: see [0086.0.0.27] to [0087.0.0.27]

[0088.0.45.45] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the organism takes the form of a plant whose content the respective fine chemical is modified advantageously owing to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention expressed. This is important for humans and animals since, for example, the nutritional value of plants for nutrition is dependent on the abovementioned carbohydrates and the general amount of saccharides as energy source in feed.

[0088.1.0.45] to [0095.0.0.45]: see [0088.1.0.27] to [0095.0.0.27]

[0096.0.45.45] In another preferred embodiment of the invention a combination of the increased expression of the nucleic acid sequence or the protein of the invention together with the transformation of a protein or polypeptide or a compound, which functions as a sink for the desired fine chemical, for example carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol in the organism, is useful to increase the production of the respective fine chemical.

[0097.0.0.45] see [0097.0.0.27]

[0098.0.45.45] In a preferred embodiment, the respective fine chemical (carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol) is produced in accordance with the invention and, if desired, is isolated. The production of carbohydrates, or mixtures thereof or mixtures with other compounds by the process according to the invention is advantageous.

[0099.0.45.45] In the case of the fermentation of microorganisms, the abovementioned carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol may accumulate in the medium and/or the cells. If microorganisms are used in the process according to the invention, the fermentation broth can be processed after the cultivation. Depending on the requirement, all or some of the biomass can be removed from the fermentation broth by separation methods such as, for example, centrifugation, filtration, decanting or a combination of these methods, or else the biomass can be left in the fermentation broth. The fermentation broth can subsequently be reduced, or concentrated, with the aid of known methods such as, for example, rotary evaporator, thin-layer evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. Afterwards advantageously further compounds for formulation can be added such as corn starch or silicates. This concentrated fermentation broth advantageously together with compounds for the formulation can subsequently be processed by lyophilization, spray drying, and spray granulation or by other methods. Preferably the respective fine chemical or the carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol compositions are isolated from the organisms, such as the microorganisms or plants or the culture medium in or on which the organisms have been grown, or from the organism and the culture medium, in the known manner, for example via extraction, distillation, crystallization, chromatography or a combination of these methods. These purification methods can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned methods such as the separation and/or concentration methods.

[0100.0.45.45] Transgenic plants which comprise the carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol synthesized in the process according to the invention can advantageously be marketed directly without there being any need for the oils, lipids or fatty acids synthesized to be isolated. Plants for the process according to the invention are listed as meaning intact plants and all plant parts, plant organs or plant parts such as leaf, stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, fruits, root hairs, stalks, embryos, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, plant tissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures which are derived from the actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about the transgenic plant. In this context, the seed comprises all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue.

However, the respective fine chemical produced in the process according to the invention can also be isolated from the organisms, advantageously plants, in the form of their extracts, e.g. water containing extract, or as fibre in case of starch and/or cellulose, as degradation products (chemical ar enzymatical degradation) or crystallisation product or as their ethers and/or esters and/or free carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol. The respective fine chemical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts, e.g. in the plant stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, fruits. To increase the efficiency of extraction it is beneficial to clean, to temper and if necessary to hull and to flake the plant material especially the stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, fruits. extracts and/carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol can be obtained by what is known as cold beating or cold pressing without applying heat. To allow for greater ease of disruption of the plant parts, specifically the stem, seeds, root, tubers, anthers, fibers, fruits, they can previously be comminuted, steamed or roasted. Plant parts, which have been pretreated in this manner can subsequently be pressed or extracted with solvents or water. The solvent is subsequently removed. In the case of microorganisms, the latter are, after harvesting, for example extracted directly without further processing steps or else, after disruption, extracted via various methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. Thereafter, the resulting products can be processed further, i.e. degradiated, crystallized and/or refined.

[0101.0.45.45] see [0101.0.0.27]

[0102.0.45.45] Carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol can for example be analyzed advantageously via HPLC or GC separation methods and detected by MS oder MSMS methods. The unambiguous detection for the presence of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositolcontaining products can be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: GC, GC-MS, LC, LC-MSMS or TLC, as described on several occasions. The carbohydrates can be analized further in plant extracts by anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (Cataldi et al., Anal Chem.; 72(16):3902-7, 2000), by enzymatic “BioAnalysis” usind test kits from R-Biopharm and Roche or from Megazyme, Ireland.

[0103.0.45.45] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for the production of the respective fine chemical comprising or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of the polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table     XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof,     which confers an increase in the amount of the respective fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in     Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least     50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded     by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or     a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as     indicated in Table XIII, application no. 45, column 7, and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from an expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (h), preferably to (a) to (c), and and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the     consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table XIV,     application no. 45, column 7, and conferring an increase in the     amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid     molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide encoding     a domain of the polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no.     45, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of     the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k), preferably     to (a) to (c), or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (k), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical     in an organism or a part thereof;     or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

[00103.1.45.45] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7 by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown in indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7.

[0104.0.45.45] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention does not consist of the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7.

[0105.0.0.45] to [0107.0.0.45]: see [0105.0.0.27] to [0107.0.0.27]

[0108.0.45.45] Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from an amino acid sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, or from polypeptides comprising the consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 45, column 7, or their derivatives or homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biological activity of an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, column 3, 5 or 7, or conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical, meaning carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol after increasing its expression or activity are advantageously increased in the process according to the invention.

[0109.0.0.45] see [0109.0.0.27]

[0110.0.45.45] Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process according to the invention and which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide of the invention or the polypeptide used in the method of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, column 5, or being encoded by a nucleic acid molecule indicated in

Table XI, application no. 45, column 5, or of its homologs, e.g. as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, column 7, can be determined from generally accessible databases.

[0111.0.0.45] see [0111.0.0.27]

[0112.0.45.45] The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encode polypeptides with an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, column 3, or having the sequence of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 and 7, and conferring an increase in the level of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol.

[0113.0.0.45] to [0120.0.0.45]: see [0113.0.0.27] to [0120.0.0.27]

[0121.0.45.45] However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differ in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences found in organisms, or in one or more amino acid molecules from polypeptide sequences found in organisms, in particular from the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof as described herein, preferably conferring above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring an increase in the level of the fine chemical of the invention after increasing the activity of the polypeptide sequences indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7.

[0122.0.0.45] to [0127.0.0.45]: see [0122.0.0.27] to [0127.0.0.27]

[0128.0.45.45] Synthetic oligonucleotide primers for the amplification, e.g. as the pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 45, columns 7, by means of polymerase chain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein, for example the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, or the sequences derived from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7.

[0129.0.45.45] Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from various organisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, in particular with sequences of the polypeptide of the invention, from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Conserved regions are those, which show a very little variation in the amino acid in one particular position of several homologs from different origin. The consensus sequences indicated in Table XIV, application no. 45, column 7, are derived from said alignments.

[0130.0.45.45] Degenerated primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification of fragments of novel proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol after increasing the expression or activity of the protein comprising said fragment.

[0131.0.0.45] to [0138.0.0.45]: see [0131.0.0.27] to [0138.0.0.27]

[0139.0.45.45] Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, i.e. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical level, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNA sequences which hybridize to a sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code on expression for peptides having the respective fine chemical, in particular, of starch and/or cellulose and/or myo-inositol, resp., increasing activity.

[0140.0.0.45] to [0146.0.0.45]: see [0140.0.0.27] to [0146.0.0.27]

[0147.0.45.45]: Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequences of above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. A nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of said nucleotide sequences s such that it can hybridize to one of said nucleotide sequences thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, the hybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions. However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences is preferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairing of nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example, the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C, resp. and visa versa. Modifications of the bases can influence the base-pairing partner.

[0148.0.45.45] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably at least about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%, 80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7 or a portion thereof and preferably has above mentioned activity, in particular, of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose increasing activity after increasing the activity or an activity of a product of a gene encoding said sequences or their homologs.

[0149.0.45.45] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, or a portion thereof and encodes a protein having above-mentioned activity and as indicated in indicated in Table XII.

[00149.1.45.45] Optionally, the nucleotide sequence, which hybridises to one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, has further one or more of the activities annotated or known for the a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, column 3.

[0150.0.45.45] Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only a portion of the coding region of one of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, for example a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a biologically active portion of the polypeptide of the present invention or of a polypeptide used in the process of the present invention, i.e. having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose, resp., if its activity is increased. The nucleotide sequences determined from the cloning of the present protein-according-to-the-invention-encoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designed for use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell types and organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one of the sequences set forth, e.g., as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences, e.g., as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on a nucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologues of the polypeptide of the invention or of the polypeptide used in the process of the invention, e.g. as the primers described in the examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples. A PCR with the primer pairs indicated in Table XIII, application no. 45, column 7, will result in a fragment of a polynucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7 or its gene product.

[0151.0.0.45]: see [0151.0.0.27]

[0152.0.45.45] The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide or portion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the respective fine chemical production, in particular an activity increasing the level of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol resp., as mentioned above or as described in the examples in plants or microorganisms is comprised.

[0153.0.45.45] As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers to proteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences which include a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues (e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an amino acid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the present invention) to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, such that the protein or portion thereof is able to participate in the increase of the respective fine chemical production. In one embodiment, a protein or portion thereof as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, has for example an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, column 3.

[0154.0.45.45] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of the present invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, and more preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and most preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, and has above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring preferably the increase of the respective fine chemical.

[0155.0.0.45] to [0156.0.0.45]: see [0155.0.0.27] to [0156.0.0.27]

[0157.0.45.45] The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules that differ from one of the nucleotide sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, (and portions thereof) due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular a polypeptide having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in a organism, e.g. as that polypeptides comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 45, column 7, or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, or their functional homologues. Advantageously, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention comprises, or in an other embodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, or in an other embodiment having, a consensus sequences as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 45, column 7, or of the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, column 7, or the functional homologues. In a still further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule used in the method of the invention encodes a full length protein which is substantially homologous to an amino acid sequence comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 45, column 7, or of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, or the functional homologues thereof. However, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7.

[0158.0.0.45] to [0160.0.0.45]: see [0158.0.0.27] to [0160.0.0.27]

[0161.0.45.45]: Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length. Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g. comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably at least 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

[0162.0.0.45]: see [0162.0.0.27]

[0163.0.45.45]: Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of the invention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occurs in nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the respective fine chemical increase after increasing the expression or activity thereof or the activity of a protein of the invention or used in the process of the invention.

[0164.0.0.45]: see [0164.0.0.27]

[0165.0.45.45] For example, nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at “non-essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention, e.g. as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7.

[0166.0.0.45] to [0167.0.0.45]: see [0166.0.0.27] to [0167.0.0.27]

[0168.0.45.45]: Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in the the respective fine chemical in an organisms or parts thereof that contain changes in amino acid residues that are not essential for said activity. Such polypeptides differ in amino acid sequence from a sequence contained in a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, yet retain said activity described herein. The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, and is capable of participation in the increase of production of the respective fine chemical after increasing its activity, e.g. its expression. Preferably, the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, more preferably at least about 70% identical to one of the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, even more preferably at least about 80%, 90%, or 95% homologous to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, and most preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7.

[0169.0.0.45] to [0172.0.0.45]: see [0169.0.0.27] to [0172.0.0.27]

[0173.0.45.45]: For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108333 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108333 by the above Gap program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0174.0.0.45]: see [0174.0.0.27]

[0175.0.45.45]: For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO: 108334 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 108334 by the above program algorithm with the above parameter set, has a 80% homology.

[0176.0.45.45]: Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention and are distinguished by essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7.

[0177.0.45.45]: Functional equivalents derived from a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology with one of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or according to the invention and encode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7.

[0178.0.0.45]: see [0178.0.0.27]

[0179.0.45.45]: A nucleic acid molecule encoding an homologous to a protein sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, can be created by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions or deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, in particular as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, such that one or more amino acid substitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encoded protein. Mutations can be introduced into the encoding sequences of a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, by standard techniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.

[0180.0.0.45] to [0183.0.0.45]: see [0180.0.0.27] to [0183.0.0.27]

[0184.0.45.45] Homologues of the nucleic acid sequences used, with a sequence as indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7, application no. 45, column 7, or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from a sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or the abovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues, derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompass in particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion, insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown, preferably from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, or from the derived nucleic acid sequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or the biological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized is advantageously retained or increased.

[0185.0.45.45] In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process of the invention comprises one or more sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possible other nucleotides not shown in any one of sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention is identical to a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7.

[0186.0.45.45] Also preferred is that one or more nucleic acid molecule(s) used in the process of the invention encodes a polypeptide comprising a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130, 100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment, the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5 further amino acids. In one embodiment, the encoded polypeptide used in the process of the invention is identical to the sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7.

[0187.0.45.45] In one embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the invention or used in the process encodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, and comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment, said nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process is identical to a coding sequence encoding a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7.

[0188.0.45.45] Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the essential biological or enzymatic activity of the polypeptide of the present invention conferring an increase of the respective fine chemical i.e. whose activity is essentially not reduced, are polypeptides with at least 10% or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, very especially preferably 80% or 90 or more of the wild type biological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity is essentially not reduced in comparison with the activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7 and is expressed under identical conditions.

[0189.0.45.45] Homologues of a sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, or of a derived sequences as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7 also mean truncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncoding DNA sequence. Homologues of said sequences are also understood as meaning derivatives, which comprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) without, however, interfering with the functionality or activity either of the promoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is increased by modification of their sequence, or that they are replaced completely by more active promoters, even promoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below.

[0190.0.0.45] see [0190.0.0.27]

[0191.0.0.45] see [0191.0.0.27]:

[0192.0.0.45] to [0203.0.0.45] see [0192.0.0.27] to [0203.0.0.27]

[0204.0.45.45] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature     form, of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no.     45, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof conferring an increase in     the amount of the respective fine chemical, in particular according     to table XII, application no. 45, column 6 in an organism or a part     thereof -   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature     form, of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI,     application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof conferring     an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a     polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a)     or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide whose sequence has     at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the     polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid     molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation     conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine     chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide     being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more     amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by     the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d), preferably to (a) to (c), and     conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an     organism or a part thereof; -   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a     polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules     of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an increase     in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; -   h) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is     obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using     primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no.     45, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, in particular according to table XII,     application no. 45, column 6 in an organism or a part thereof; -   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated,     e.g. from a expression library, with the aid of monoclonal     antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid     molecules of (a) to (g), preferably to (a) to (c) and conferring an     increase in the amount of the fine chemical in an organism or a part     thereof; -   j) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising a     consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 45,     columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical, in particular according to table XII,     application no. 45, column 6 in an organism or a part thereof; -   k) nucleic acid molecule encoding the amino acid sequence of a     polypeptide encoding a domaine of a polypeptide as indicated in     Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, and conferring an     increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical, in     particular accccording to table XII, application no. 45, column 6 in     an organism or a part thereof; and -   l) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable     nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a     probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule     of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20     nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid     molecule characterized in (a) to (h) or of a nucleic acid molecule     as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, or a     nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature form     of, a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45,     columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the     respective fine chemical according to table XII, application no. 45,     column 6 in an organism or a part thereof;     -   or which encompasses a sequence which is complementary thereto;         whereby, preferably, the nucleic acid molecule according to (a)         to (l) distinguishes over the sequence indicated in Table XI,         application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides.         In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not consist of         the sequence shown and indicated in Table XI, application no.         45, columns 5 or 7, In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule         is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a         sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or         7.

In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide of a sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7.

In an other embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical and less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7.

In a further embodiment the nucleic acid molecule does not encode a polypeptide sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the differs at least in one or more residues from a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention encodes a polypeptide, which differs at least in one or more amino acids from a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7.

In another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the protein encoded by a sequences of a nucleic acid according to (a) to (l) does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7.

In a further embodiment, the protein of the present invention is at least 30%, 40%, 50%, or 60% identical to a protein sequence indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, and less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95% identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XI, columns 5 or 7.

[0205.0.0.45] to [0206.0.0.45] see [0205.0.0.27] to [0206.0.0.27]

[0207.0.45.45] As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprise further genes, which are to be introduced into the organisms or cells. It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, the host organisms regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors or enzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in the regulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway. These genes can be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, further biosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genes may be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes, which are advantageously employed as biosynthesis genes, are genes of the carbohydrate or starch metabolism, the glucose metabolism, the saccharide metabolism, the metabolism of glycolysis, or their combinations. As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positive effect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thus increasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements may advantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strong transcription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition, however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example by increasing mRNA stability or by inserting a translation enhancer sequence.

[0208.0.0.45] to [0226.0.0.45]: see [0208.0.0.27] to [0226.0.0.27]

[0227.0.45.45]: The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleic acid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combination together with further genes, or else different genes are introduced by transforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (including plasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or a microorganisms.

In addition to a sequence indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, lines 290 to 294 and/or 604 to 607; or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to express and/or mutate further genes in the organisms. Especially advantageously, additionally at least one further gene of the carbohydrate biosynthetic pathway is expressed in the organisms such as plants or microorganisms. It is also possible that the regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously so that the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to the regulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to an increased synthesis of the carbohydrate desired since, for example, feedback regulations no longer exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might be advantageously to combine one or more of the sequences indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, with genes which generally support or enhances to growth or yield of the target organisms, for example genes which lead to faster growth rate of microorganisms or genes which produces stress-, pathogen, or herbicide resistant plants.

[0228.0.45.45: In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore, organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of at least one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteins involved in the carbohydrate metabolism, in particular in synthesis of polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol.

[0229.0.45.45]: Further advantageous nucleic acid sequences which can be expressed in combination with the sequences used in the process and/or the abovementioned biosynthesis genes are the sequences encoding further genes of the carbohydrate biosynthetic pathway. These genes can lead to an increased synthesis of the carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol resp.

[0230.0.0.45] see [0230.0.0.27]

[0231.0.45.45] In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention, the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously a carbohydrate degrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate of expression of the corresponding gene.

[0232.0.0.45] to [0276.0.0.45]: see [0232.0.0.27] to [0276.0.0.27]

[0277.0.45.45] The respective fine chemical produced can be isolated from the organism by methods with which the skilled worker is familiar. For example, via extraction, chemical or enzymatical deg radiation, crystallization, salt precipitation, and/or different chromatography methods. The process according to the invention can be conducted batchwise, semibatchwise or continuously. The respective fine chemcical produced by this process can be obtained by harvesting the organisms, either from the crop in which they grow, or from the field. This can be done via pressing or extraction of the plant parts

[0278.0.0.45] to [0282.0.0.45]: see [0278.0.0.27] to [0282.0.0.27]

[0283.0.45.45]: Moreover, a native polypeptide conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof can be isolated from cells (e.g., endothelial cells), for example using the antibody of the present invention as described below, e.g. an antibody against a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, column 3, or an antibody against a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, which can be produced by standard techniques utilizing the polypeptid of the present invention or fragment thereof, i.e., the polypeptide of this invention. Preferred are monoclonal antibodies.

[0284.0.0.45]: see [0284.0.0.27]

[0285.0.45.45]: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, or as encoded by a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, or functional homologues thereof.

[0286.0.45.45]: In one advantageous embodiment, in the method of the present invention the activity of a polypeptide is increased which comprises or consists of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 45, column 7. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 45, column 7, whereby 20 or less, preferably 15 or 10, preferably 9, 8, 7, or 6, more preferred 5 or 4, even more preferred 3, even more preferred 2, even more preferred 1, most preferred 0 of the amino acids positions indicated can be replaced by any amino acid and/or be absent.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the method of the present invention comprising a polypeptide or to a polypeptide comprising more than one consensus sequences (of an individual line) as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 45, column 7.

[0287.0.0.45] to [0290.0.0.45]: see [0287.0.0.27] to [0290.0.0.27]

[0291.0.45.45]: In one advantageous embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises the increasing of a polypeptide comprising or consisting of plant or microorganism specific consensus sequences.

In one embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes form a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, by more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids and, preferably, the sequence of the polypeptide of the invention distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, by not more than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or 50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred not more than 20% or 10%. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7.

[0292.0.0.45]: see [0292.0.0.27]

[0293.0.45.45]: In one embodiment, the invention relates to polypeptide conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical in an organism or part thereof and being encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule used in the process of the invention. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention has a sequence which distinguishes from a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids. In an other embodiment, said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7.

In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is less than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical. In one embodiment, said polypeptide does not consist of the sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecules as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7.

[0294.0.45.45] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, column 3, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, evenmore preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0295.0.0.45] to [0297.0.0.45]: see [0295.0.0.27] to [0297.0.0.27]

[0297.1.45.45] Non polypeptide of the invention-chemicals are e.g. polypeptides having not the activity of a polypeptide indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 3, 5 or 7.

[0298.0.45.45]: A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of the present invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprises preferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7. The portion of the protein is preferably a biologically active portion as described herein. Preferably, the polypeptide used in the process of the invention has an amino acid sequence identical to a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7.

[0299.0.45.45]: Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably at least about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferably possesses at least one of the activities according to the invention and described herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present invention includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to a nucleotide sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, or which is homologous thereto, as defined above.

[0300.0.45.45]: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide having an activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, column 3, which distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids, preferably by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferably by more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred are more than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids but even more preferred by less than 70% of the amino acids, more preferred by less than 50%, even more preferred my less than 30% or 25%, more preferred are 20% or 15%, even more preferred are less than 10%.

[0301.0.0.45] see [0301.0.0.27]

[0302.0.45.45] Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present invention include peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention, e.g., an amino acid sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologous thereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention or the full length protein which is homologous to an polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention depicted herein, and exhibit at least one activity of polypeptide of the present invention or used in the process of the present invention.

[0303.0.0.45]: see [0303.0.0.27]

[0304.0.45.45]: Manipulation of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may result in the production of a protein having essentially the activity of the polypeptides as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, column 3, but having differences in the sequence from said wild-type protein. These proteins may be improved in efficiency or activity, may be present in greater numbers in the cell than is usual, or may be decreased in efficiency or activity in relation to the wild type protein.

[0305.0.0.45] to [0308.0.0.45]: see [0305.0.0.27] to [0308.0.0.27]

[0309.0.45.45]: In one embodiment, a reference to a protein (=polypeptide) of the invention or as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to the polypeptide of the invention or used in the process of the invention, whereas a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous a polypeptide of the invention, preferably which is not substantially homologous to a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, e.g., a protein which does not confer the activity described herein or annotated or known for as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, column 3, and which is derived from the same or a different organism. In one embodiment, a “non-polypeptide of the invention” or “other polypeptide” not being indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, does not confer an increase of the respective fine chemical in an organism or part therof.

[0310.0.0.45] to [0334.0.0.45]: see [0310.0.0.27] to [0334.0.0.27]

[0335.0.45.45]: The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective and advantageous for reducing the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619, dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisense approaches. The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNA molecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism, advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derived therefrom), bring about altered metabolic activity by the reduction in the expression of a nucleic acid sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof. In a double-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence sequences as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, and/or homologs thereof, one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least part of a nucleic acid sequence, and the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

[0336.0.0.45] to [0342.0.0.45]: see [0336.0.0.27] to [0342.0.0.27]

[0343.0.45.45]: As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNA and a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, or its homolog is not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reduction in the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method is tolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as a consequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionary divergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has been generated starting from a sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, or homologs thereof of the one organism, may be used to suppress the corresponding expression in another organism.

[0344.0.0.45] to [0361.0.0.45]: see [0344.0.0.27] to [0361.0.0.27]

[0362.0.45.45]: Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for any nucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring the increase of the respective fine chemical in a cell or an organism or a part thereof, e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, e.g. encoding a polypeptide having protein activity, as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 3. Due to the above mentioned activity the respective fine chemical content in a cell or an organism is increased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellular activity of the polypeptide of the invention or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is increased, e.g. due to an increased expression or specific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Transgenic for a polypeptide having an activity of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, means herein that due to modulation or manipulation of the genome, an activity as annotated for a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, column 3, e.g. having a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, is increased in a cell or an organism or a part thereof. Examples are described above in context with the process of the invention [0363.0.0.45]: see [0363.0.0.27]

[0364.0.0.45]: see [0364.0.0.27]

[0365.0.0.45] to [0373.0.0.45]: see [0365.0.0.27] to [0373.0.0.27]

[0374.0.45.45]: Transgenic plants comprising the respective fine chemical synthesized in the process according to the invention can be marketed directly without isolation of the compounds synthesized. In the process according to the invention, plants are understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaf, stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvested material or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses all parts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells, endosperm or embryonic tissue. Carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol resp., produced in the process according to the invention may, however, also be isolated from the plant in the form of their free form or bound in or to compounds or moieties. Carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol resp., produced by this process can be harvested by harvesting the organisms either from the culture in which they grow or from the field. This can be done via expressing, grinding and/or extraction, salt precipitation and/or ion-exchange chromatography or other chromatographic methods of the plant parts, preferably the plant seeds, plant fruits, plant tubers and the like.

[0375.0.0.45] to [0376.0.0.45]: see [0375.0.0.27] to [0376.0.0.27]

[0377.0.45.45]: Accordingly, the present invention relates also to a process according to the present invention whereby the produced carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol comprising composition or the produced the respective fine chemical is isolated.

[0378.0.45.45]: In this manner, more than 50% by weight, advantageously more than 60% by weight, preferably more than 70% by weight, especially preferably more than 80% by weight, very especially preferably more than 90% by weight, of the carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol resp., produced in the process can be isolated. The resulting carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol resp., can, if appropriate, subsequently be further purified, if desired mixed with other active ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates, antibiotics and the like, and, if appropriate, formulated.

[0379.0.45.45]: In one embodiment, the carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol resp., is a mixture comprising of one or more the respective fine chemicals. In one embodiment, the respective fine chemical means here carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol. In one embodiment, carbohydrate means here a mixture of the respective fine chemicals.

[0380.0.45.45]: The carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol resp., obtained in the process are suitable as starting material for the synthesis of further products of value. For example, they can be used in combination with each other or alone for the production of pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, animal feeds or cosmetics. Accordingly, the present invention relates a method for the production of pharmaceuticals, food stuff, animal feeds, nutrients or cosmetics comprising the steps of the process according to the invention, including the isolation of the carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol comprising composition produced or the respective fine chemical produced if desired and formulating the product with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or formulating the product in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. A further embodiment according to the invention is the use of the carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol resp., produced in the process or of the transgenic organisms in animal feeds, foodstuffs, medicines, food supplements, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

[0381.0.0.45] to [0382.0.0.45]: see [0381.0.0.27] to [0382.0.0.27]

[0383.0.45.45]: ./.

[0384.0.0.45]: see [0384.0.0.27]

[0385.0.45.45]: The fermentation broths obtained in this way, containing in particular carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol, resp., in mixtures with other compounds, in particular with other carbohydrates, or fatty acids building lipids or containing microorganisms or parts of microorganisms, like plastids, containing carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol resp., in mixtures with other compounds, e.g. carbohydrates, normally have a dry matter content of from 7.5 to 25% by weight.

The fermentation broth can then be thickened or concentrated by known methods, such as, for example, with the aid of a rotary evaporator, thin-film evaporator, falling film evaporator, by reverse osmosis or by nanofiltration. This concentrated fermentation broth can then be worked up by freeze-drying, spray drying, spray granulation or by other processes.

[0386.0.0.45] -/-

[0387.0.0.45] to [0392.0.0.45]: see [0387.0.0.27] to [0392.0.0.27]

[0393.0.45.45]: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps:

-   a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a     sample, e.g. cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms or a nucleic     acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene     product conferring an increase in the fine chemical after     expression, with the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention; -   b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under     relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the     present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule     sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or     7, and, optionally, isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete     genomic clone; -   c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells,     preferably in a plant cell or a microorganism, appropriate for     producing the fine chemical; -   d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host     cells; -   e) assaying the the fine chemical level in the host cells; and -   f) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which     expression confers an increase in the the fine chemical level in the     host cell after expression compared to the wild type.

[0394.0.0.45] to [0399.0.0.45]: see [0394.0.0.27] to [0399.0.0.27]

[00399.1.45.45]: One can think to screen for increased production of the respective fine chemical by for example searching for a resistance to a drug blocking the synthesis of the respective fine chemical and looking whether this effect is dependent on the activity or expression of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, or a homolog thereof, e.g. comparing the phenotyp of nearly identical organisms with low and high activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, after incubation with the drug.

[0400.0.0.45] to [0416.0.0.45]: see [0400.0.0.27] to [0416.0.0.27]

[0417.0.45.45]: The nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the vector of the invention or the nucleic acid construct of the invention may also be useful for the production of organisms resistant to inhibitors of the carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol, resp., production biosynthesis pathways. In particular, the overexpression of the polypeptide of the present invention may protect an organism such as a microorganism or a plant against inhibitors, which block the carbohydrate, in particular the respective fine chemical synthesis in said organism. Examples of inhibitors or herbicides blocking the synthesis in organism such as microorganism or plants are for example the cellulose synthesis inhibitors 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile (DCB), N2-(1-ethyl-3-phenylpropyl)-6-(1-fluoro-1-methylethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine, called AE F150944 or isoxaben.

[0418.0.0.45] to [0423.0.0.45]: see [0418.0.0.27] to [0423.0.0.27]

[0424.0.45.45]: Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the agonist identified with the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention, can be used for the production of the respective fine chemical or of the respective fine chemical and one or more other carbohydrate.

Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, or the nucleic acid molecule identified with the method of the present invention or the complement sequences thereof, the polypeptide of the invention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the organisms, the host cell, the microorganisms, the plant, plant tissue, plant cell, or the part thereof of the invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identified with the method of the invention, the antibody of the present invention, the antisense molecule of the present invention, can be used for the reduction of the respective fine chemical in a organism or part thereof, e.g. in a cell.

[0425.0.0.45] to [0453.0.0.45]: see [0425.0.0.27] to [0453.0.0.27]

[0454.0.45.45] Example 8 Analysis of the Effect of the Nucleic Acid Molecule on the Production of the Fine Chemical Resp

[0455.0.45.45] The effect of the genetic modification in C. glutamicum or other microbial especially bacterial strains for carbohydrate production on the production of an carbohydrate can be determined by growing the modified microorganisms under suitable conditions (such as those described above) and analyzing the medium and/or the cellular components for the increased production of the amino acid. Such analytical techniques are well known to the skilled worker and encompass spectroscopy, thin-layer chromatography, various types of staining methods, enzymatic and microbiological methods and analytical chromatography such as high-performance liquid chromatography (see, for example, Ullman, Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry,

Vol. A2, pp. 89-90 and pp. 443-613, VCH: Weinheim (1985); Fallon, A., et al., (1987) “Applications of HPLC in Biochemistry” in: Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Vol. 17; Rehm et al. (1993) Biotechnology, Vol. 3, Chapter III: “Product recovery and purification”, pp. 469-714, VCH: Weinheim; Better, P. A. et al. (1988) Bioseparations: downstream processing for Biotechnology, John Wiley and Sons; Kennedy, J. F. and Cabral, J. M. S. (1992) Recovery processes for biological Materials, John Wiley and Sons; Shaeiwitz, J. A. and Henry, J. D. (1988) Biochemical Separations, in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. B3; chapter 11, pp. 1-27, VCH: Weinheim; and Dechow, F. J. (1989) Separation and purification techniques in biotechnology, Noyes Publications).

[0456.0.0.45]: see [0456.0.0.27]

[0457.0.45.45]: Example 9 Purification of the Carbohydrates, Preferably Polysaccharides, More Preferably Starch and/or Cellulose and/or Monosaccharides, More Preferably Myo-Inositol

[0458.0.45.45]: Abbreviations: GC-MS, gas liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; TLC, thin-layer chromatography.

The unambiguous detection for the presence of carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositolcan be obtained by analyzing recombinant organisms using analytical standard methods: GC, GC-MS or TLC, as described (1997, in: Advances on Lipid Methodology, Fourth Edition: Christie, Oily Press, Dundee, 119-169; 1998, Gaschromatographie-Massenspektrometrie-Verfahren [Gas chromatography/mass spectrometric methods], Lipide 33:343-353). The total carbohydrate produced in the organism for example in yeasts used in the inventive process can be analysed for example according to the following procedure: The material such as yeasts, E. coli or plants to be analyzed can be disrupted by sonication, grinding in a glass mill, liquid nitrogen and grinding or via other applicable methods.

Plant material is initially homogenized mechanically by comminuting in a pestle and mortar to make it more amenable to extraction.

[0459.0.45.45]: -/-

[0460.0.0.45] see [0460.0.0.27]

[0461.0.45.45] Example 10 Cloning SEQ ID NO: 108333 for the Expression in Plants

[0462.0.0.45]: see [0462.0.0.27]

[0463.45.45] SEQ ID NO: 108333 is amplified by PCR as described in the protocol of the Pfu Turbo or DNA Herculase polymerase (Stratagene).

[0464.0.0.45] to [0466.0.0.45]: see [0464.0.0.27] to [0466.0.0.27]

[0467.0.45.45] The following primer sequences were selected for the gene SEQ ID NO: 108333:

i) forward primer: SEQ ID NO: 108339 ii) reverse primer: SEQ ID NO: 108340

[0468.0.0.45] to [0479.0.0.45]: see [0468.0.0.27] to [0479.0.0.27]

[0480.0.45.45]: Example 11 Generation of Transgenic Plants which Express SEQ ID NO: 108333

[0481.0.0.45] to [0513.0.0.45]: see [0481.0.0.27] to [0513.0.0.27]

[0514.0.45.45]: As an alternative, the carbohydrates, preferably polysaccharides, more preferably starch and/or cellulose and/or monosaccharides, more preferably myo-inositol, can be detected advantageously as for example described by Sonnebald et al., (Nat Biotechnol. 1997 August; 15(8):794-7), or Panikulangara et al., Plant Physiol. 2004 October; 136(2):3148-58.

[0515.0.0.45] to [0552.0.0.45]: see [0515.0.0.27] to [0552.0.0.27]

[0553.0.45.45]

1. A process for the production of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., which comprises (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism, or in one or more parts thereof; and (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the production of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp. in said organism. 2. A process for the production of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., comprising the increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of: a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., in an organism or a part thereof; b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a) or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., in an organism or a part thereof; d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., in an organism or a part thereof; e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., in an organism or a part thereof; f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 45, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., in an organism or a part thereof; g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., in an organism or a part thereof; h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 45, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., in an organism or a part thereof; and i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., in an organism or a part thereof. or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto. 3. The process of claim 1 or 2, comprising recovering of the free or bound myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp. 4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the following steps: (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized in claim 2; (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof; (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the selected organisms or the part thereof; (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which comprise an increased activity or expression level of said polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part thereof; (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the parts thereof; and (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., produced by the selected mutated organisms or parts thereof. 5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the activity of said protein or the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is increased or generated transiently or stably. 6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of: a) nucleic acid molecule encoding of a polypeptide as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., in an organism or a part thereof; b) nucleic acid molecule comprising of a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, c) nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a) or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., in an organism or a part thereof; d) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., in an organism or a part thereof; e) nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) under under stringent hybridisation conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., in an organism or a part thereof; f) nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table XIII, application no. 45, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., in an organism or a part thereof; g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., in an organism or a part thereof; h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table XIV, application no. 45, column 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., in an organism or a part thereof; and i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment thereof having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the fine chemical as indicated in table XII, column 6, e.g of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., in an organism or a part thereof. whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the sequence as indicated in Table XI, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides. 7. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory elements. 8. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7. 9. The vector as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nucleic acid molecule is in operable linkage with regulatory sequences for the expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in a prokaryotic and eukaryotic, host. 10. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently with the vector as claimed in claim 8 or 9 or the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 or the nucleic acid construct of claim 7 or produced as described in claim any one of claims 2 to 5. 11. The host cell of claim 10, which is a transgenic host cell. 12. The host cell of claim 10 or 11, which is a plant cell, an animal cell, a microorganism, or a yeast cell, a fungus cell, a prokaryotic cell, an eukaryotic cell or an archaebacterium. 13. A process for producing a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide is expressed in a host cell as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12. 14. A polypeptide produced by the process as claimed in claim 13 or encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table XII, application no. 45, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids 15. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as claimed in claim 14. 16. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 which is plant cell or an Agrobacterium. 17. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., in an organism or a part thereof comprising: (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which express the a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 5 conferring an increase in the amount of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions which permit the expression the polypeptide; (b) assaying the myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., level or the polypeptide expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or the media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured or maintained in; and (c) identifying a agonist or antagonist by comparing the measured myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., level or polypeptide expression level with a standard myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., or polypeptide expression level measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased level over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased level over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist. 18. A process for the identification of a compound conferring increased myo-inositol, and/or anhydroglucose resp., production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps: (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., in an organism or a part thereof and a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with dais readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of said readout system and of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., in an organism or a part thereof; (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said readout system. 19. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., production in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., after expression with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells appropriate for producing myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp.; (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (e) assaying the myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., level in the host cells; and (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., level in the host cell in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type. 20. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., production in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., amount or level in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and which are at least 20% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells appropriate for producing myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp.; (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (d) assaying the myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., level in the host cells; and (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., level in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type. 21. A method for the production of an agricultural composition comprising the steps of the method of any one of claims 17 to 20 and formulating the compound identified in any one of claims 17 to 20 in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture. 22. A composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of any one of claim 8 or 9, an antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the compound of claim 18, the gene product of claim 19 or 20, the antibody of claim 15, and optionally an agricultural acceptable carrier. 23. Use of the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 for the identification of a nucleic acid molecule conferring an increase of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., after expression. 24. Use of the polypeptide of claim 14 or the nucleic acid construct claim 7 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20 for identifying compounds capable of conferring a modulation of myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose resp., levels in an organism. 25. Cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food or feed composition comprising the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20. 26. Use of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, the polypeptide of claim 14, the nucleic acid construct of claim 7, the vector of claim 8 or 9, the antagonist or agonist identified according to claim 17, the antibody of claim 15, the plant or plant tissue of claim 16, the harvested material of claim 16, the host cell of claim 10 to 12 or the gene product identified according to the method of claim 19 or 20 for the protection of a plant against a myo-inositol and/or anhydroglucose synthesis inhibiting herbicide.

Lengthy table referenced here US20140325709A1-20141030-T00001 Please refer to the end of the specification for access instructions.

Lengthy table referenced here US20140325709A1-20141030-T00002 Please refer to the end of the specification for access instructions.

Lengthy table referenced here US20140325709A1-20141030-T00003 Please refer to the end of the specification for access instructions.

Lengthy table referenced here US20140325709A1-20141030-T00004 Please refer to the end of the specification for access instructions.

Lengthy table referenced here US20140325709A1-20141030-T00005 Please refer to the end of the specification for access instructions.

Lengthy table referenced here US20140325709A1-20141030-T00006 Please refer to the end of the specification for access instructions.

Lengthy table referenced here US20140325709A1-20141030-T00007 Please refer to the end of the specification for access instructions.

Lengthy table referenced here US20140325709A1-20141030-T00008 Please refer to the end of the specification for access instructions.

Lengthy table referenced here US20140325709A1-20141030-T00009 Please refer to the end of the specification for access instructions.

Lengthy table referenced here US20140325709A1-20141030-T00010 Please refer to the end of the specification for access instructions.

Lengthy table referenced here US20140325709A1-20141030-T00011 Please refer to the end of the specification for access instructions.

Lengthy table referenced here US20140325709A1-20141030-T00012 Please refer to the end of the specification for access instructions.

Lengthy table referenced here US20140325709A1-20141030-T00013 Please refer to the end of the specification for access instructions.

Lengthy table referenced here US20140325709A1-20141030-T00014 Please refer to the end of the specification for access instructions.

Lengthy table referenced here US20140325709A1-20141030-T00015 Please refer to the end of the specification for access instructions.

Lengthy table referenced here US20140325709A1-20141030-T00016 Please refer to the end of the specification for access instructions.

Lengthy table referenced here US20140325709A1-20141030-T00017 Please refer to the end of the specification for access instructions.

Lengthy table referenced here US20140325709A1-20141030-T00018 Please refer to the end of the specification for access instructions.

LENGTHY TABLES The patent application contains a lengthy table section. A copy of the table is available in electronic form from the USPTO web site (http://seqdata.uspto.gov/?pageRequest=docDetail&DocID=US20140325709A1). An electronic copy of the table will also be available from the USPTO upon request and payment of the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.19(b)(3). 

What is claimed:
 1. A process for the production of a fine chemical as indicated in Table II and/or XII, column 6, which comprises (a) increasing or generating the activity of a protein as indicated in Table II and/or XII, application no. 0 to 45, columns 5 or 7, or a functional equivalent thereof in a non-human organism, or in one or more parts thereof; and (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the production of the respective fine chemical in said organism.
 2. A process for the production of a fine chemical as indicated in Table II and/or XII, column 6, comprising increasing or generating in an organism or a part thereof the expression of at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of: a) a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide as indicated in Table II and/or XII, application no. 0 to 45, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; b) a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I and/or XI, application no. 0 to 45, columns 5 or 7; c) a nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a) or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; d) a nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has at least 90% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; e) a nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridization conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; f) a nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table III and/or XIII, application no. 0 to 45, columns 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; g) a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; h) a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV and/or XIV, application no. 0 to 45, columns 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and i) a nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (h) or with a fragment thereof having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof. or comprising a sequence which is complementary thereto.
 3. The process of claim 1, comprising recovering the free or bound respective fine chemical.
 4. The process of claim 2, comprising the following steps: (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule characterized in claim 2; (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof; (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with the activity or the expression of said polypeptide of the selected organisms or the part thereof; (d) selecting the mutated organisms or parts thereof, which comprise an increased activity or expression level of said polypeptide compared to the selected organism or the part thereof; (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the parts thereof; and (f) recovering, and optionally isolating, the free or bound respective fine chemical produced by the selected mutated organisms or parts thereof.
 5. The process of claim 2, wherein the expression of said nucleic acid molecule is increased or generated transiently or stably.
 6. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of: a) a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide as indicated in Table II and/or XII, application no. 0 to 45, columns 5 or 7, or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical as indicated in the corresponding column 6 in an organism or a part thereof; b) a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule as indicated in Table I and/or XI, application no. 0 to 45, columns 5 or 7; c) a nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a) or (b) as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; d) a nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide which has at least 90% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; e) a nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridization conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; f) a nucleic acid molecule which encompasses a nucleic acid molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers or primer pairs as indicated in Table III and/or XIII, application no. 0 to 45, columns 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; g) a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (f) and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; h) a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising a consensus sequence as indicated in Table IV and/or XIV, application no. 0 to 45, columns 7, and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and i) a nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable nucleic acid library under stringent hybridization conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (h) or with a fragment thereof having at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (h) and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof, whereby the nucleic acid molecule distinguishes over the sequence as indicated in Table I and/or XI, application no. 0 to 45, columns 5 or 7, by one or more nucleotides.
 7. An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group of nucleic acid molecules as defined in claim 2 part a) to i).
 8. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6, comprising one or more regulatory elements.
 9. A nucleic acid construct which confers the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 7, comprising one or more regulatory elements.
 10. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim
 6. 11. A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim
 7. 12. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently with the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim
 6. 13. A host cell, which has been transformed stably or transiently with the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim
 7. 14. A process for producing a polypeptide, comprising expressing the polypeptide in a host cell as claimed in claim
 12. 15. A process for producing a polypeptide, comprising expressing the polypeptide in a host cell as claimed in claim
 13. 16. A polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 6 whereby the polypeptide distinguishes over a sequence as indicated in Table II and/or XII, application no. 0 to 45, columns 5 or 7, by one or more amino acids.
 17. A polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim
 7. 18. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as claimed in claim
 16. 19. An antibody, which binds specifically to the polypeptide as claimed in claim
 17. 20. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 12 wherein the host cell is a plant cell or an Agrobacterium.
 21. A plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material or a plant comprising the host cell as claimed in claim 13 wherein the host cell is a plant cell or an Agrobacterium.
 22. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof comprising: (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which express the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions which permit the expression of the polypeptide; (b) assaying the respective fine chemical level or the polypeptide expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or the media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured or maintained in; and (c) identifying an agonist or antagonist by comparing the measured fine chemical level or polypeptide expression level with a standard fine chemical or polypeptide expression level measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased level over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased level over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist.
 23. A method for screening for agonists and antagonists of the activity of a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 7 conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof comprising: (a) contacting cells, tissues, plants or microorganisms which express the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 7 conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof with a candidate compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions which permit the expression of the polypeptide; (b) assaying the respective fine chemical level or the polypeptide expression level in the cell, tissue, plant or microorganism or the media the cell, tissue, plant or microorganisms is cultured or maintained in; and (c) identifying an agonist or antagonist by comparing the measured fine chemical level or polypeptide expression level with a standard fine chemical or polypeptide expression level measured in the absence of said candidate compound or a sample comprising said plurality of compounds, whereby an increased level over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an agonist and a decreased level over the standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said plurality of compounds is an antagonist.
 24. A process for the identification of a compound conferring increased fine chemical production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps: (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof and a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of said readout system and of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6 conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said readout system.
 25. A process for the identification of a compound conferring increased fine chemical production in a plant or microorganism, comprising the steps: (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a plant expressing the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 7 conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof and a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of said readout system and of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 7 conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said readout system.
 26. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical after expression with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells appropriate for producing the respective fine chemical; (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (e) assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host cells; and (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the respective fine chemical level in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.
 27. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical after expression with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 7; (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridise under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 7; (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells appropriate for producing the respective fine chemical; (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (e) assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host cells; and (f) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the respective fine chemical level in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.
 28. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical amount or level in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and which are at least 90% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of claim 6; (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells appropriate for producing the respective fine chemical; (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (d) assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host cells; and (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the respective fine chemical level in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.
 29. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical production in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase in the respective fine chemical amount or level in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and which are at least 90% homolog to the nucleic acid molecule of claim 7; (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells appropriate for producing the respective fine chemical; (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (d) assaying the respective fine chemical level in the host cells; and (e) identifying nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase in the respective fine chemical level in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.
 30. A method for the production of an agricultural composition comprising the steps of the method of claim 24 and formulating the compound identified in claim 24 in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture.
 31. A method for the production of an agricultural composition comprising the steps of the method of claim 25 and formulating the compound identified in claim 25 in a form acceptable for an application in agriculture.
 32. A composition produced by the method of claim 30, wherein the composition is a food or feed composition.
 33. A composition produced by the method of claim 31, wherein the composition is a food or feed composition.
 34. A process for the control of the production of fine chemicals comprising (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more b0019, b0050, b0057, b0112, b0124, b0138, b0149, b0161, b0175, b0196, b0251, b0252, b0255, b0376, b0462, b0464, b0486, b0577, b0651, b0695, b0730, b0828, b0847, b0849, b0880, b0970, b0986, b1097, b1284, b1318, b1343, b1360, b1463, b1693, b1708, b1736, b1738, b1829, b1886, b1896, b1926, b1961, b2023, b2078, b2095, b2211, b2239, b2307, b2414, b2426, b2478, b2489, b2491, b2507, b2553, b2576, b2597, b2599, b2664, b2699, b2703, b2710, b2753, b2796, b2822, b3064, b3074, b3116, b3129, b3160, b3166, b3169, b3172, b3231, b3256, b3260, b3430, b3457, b3462, b3578, b3619, b3644, b3684, b3767, b3791, b3919, b3926, b3936, b3938, b3966, b3983, b4004, b4054, b4063, b4074, b4122, b4129, b4139, b4232, b4239, b4327, b4346, b4401, YAL049C, YBL015W, YBR084W, YBR089C-A, YBR184W, YBR204C, YCL038C, YCR012W, YCR059C, YDL127W, YDR271C, YDR316W, YDR447C, YDR513W, YEL045C, YEL046C, YER152C, YER156C, YER173W, YER174C, YFL019C, YFL050C, YFL053W, YFR007W, YFR042W, YGL205W, YGL237C, YGR101W, YGR104C, YGR261C, YHR072W, YHR072W-A, YHR130C, YHR189W, YHR201C, YIL150C, YJL055W, YJL072C, YJL099W, YKL132C, YKR057W, YLL013C, YLR082C, YLR089C, YLR224W, YLR255C, YLR375W, YOR024W, YOR044W, YOR084W, YOR245C, YOR317W, YOR344C, YOR350C, YPL099C, YPL268W, YPRO24W, YPR138C and/or YPR172W and/or b0021, b0043, b0134, b0186, b0186, b0328, b0677, b0734, b0763, b0895, b0895, b1054, b1183, b1217, b1249, b1292, b1874, b2110, b2696, b2901, b3025, b3091, b3335, b3709, b3825, b3924, b4101, b4113, b4242, b4359, YGL005C and/or YML005W protein(s) or homologs thereof, having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a corresponding nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7 or indicated in Table V columns 5 or 7, in a non-human organism or in one or more parts thereof; and (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the production of the fine chemical in said organism in a metabolic profile as indicated in Table X and/or IX, wherein, in the metabolic profile, a numerical value greater than “1” represents an increase of a metabolite content and a numerical value less than “1” represents a decrease of a metabolite content compared to the wild type cell, microorganism, plant cell, plant, plant tissue or one or more parts thereof, and no number in Table X means a numerical value of “1” concerning the metabolite profile which is essentially identical to the metabolite profile of the wild type.
 35. A process for the control of the production of fine chemicals comprising (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more b0019, b0050, b0057, b0112, b0124, b0138, b0149, b0161, b0175, b0196, b0251, b0252, b0255, b0376, b0462, b0464, b0486, b0577, b0651, b0695, b0730, b0828, b0847, b0849, b0880, b0970, b0986, b1097, b1284, b1318, b1343, b1360, b1463, b1693, b1708, b1736, b1738, b1829, b1886, b1896, b1926, b1961, b2023, b2078, b2095, b2211, b2239, b2307, b2414, b2426, b2478, b2489, b2491, b2507, b2553, b2576, b2597, b2599, b2664, b2699, b2703, b2710, b2753, b2796, b2822, b3064, b3074, b3116, b3129, b3160, b3166, b3169, b3172, b3231, b3256, b3260, b3430, b3457, b3462, b3578, b3619, b3644, b3684, b3767, b3791, b3919, b3926, b3936, b3938, b3966, b3983, b4004, b4054, b4063, b4074, b4122, b4129, b4139, b4232, b4239, b4327, b4346, b4401, YAL049C, YBL015W, YBR084W, YBR089C-A, YBR184W, YBR204C, YCL038C, YCR012W, YCR059C, YDL127W, YDR271C, YDR316W, YDR447C, YDR513W, YEL045C, YEL046C, YER152C, YER156C, YER173W, YER174C, YFL019C, YFL050C, YFL053W, YFR007W, YFR042W, YGL205W, YGL237C, YGR101W, YGR104C, YGR261C, YHR072W, YHR072W-A, YHR130C, YHR189W, YHR201C, YIL150C, YJL055W, YJL072C, YJL099W, YKL132C, YKR057W, YLL013C, YLR082C, YLR089C, YLR224W, YLR255C, YLR375W, YOR024W, YOR044W, YOR084W, YOR245C, YOR317W, YOR344C, YOR350C, YPL099C, YPL268W, YPRO24W, YPR138C and/or YPR172W and/or b0021, b0043, b0134, b0186, b0186, b0328, b0677, b0734, b0763, b0895, b0895, b1054, b1183, b1217, b1249, b1292, b1874, b2110, b2696, b2901, b3025, b3091, b3335, b3709, b3825, b3924, b4101, b4113, b4242, b4359, YGL005C and/or YML005W protein(s) or homologs thereof, having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a corresponding nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, or indicated in Table V columns 5 or 7, in a non-human organism or in one or more parts thereof and (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit the production of fine chemicals in defined ratios in said organism resulting in a defined metabolic profile.
 36. A process for the control of the production of fine chemicals comprising expressing in an organism or a part thereof at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule selected from the group consisting of: a) a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide having a sequence as indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, or indicated in Table VI, or selected from the group consisting of b0019, b0050, b0057, b0112, b0124, b0138, b0149, b0161, b0175, b0196, b0251, b0252, b0255, b0376, b0462, b0464, b0486, b0577, b0651, b0695, b0730, b0828, b0847, b0849, b0880, b0970, b0986, b1097, b1284, b1318, b1343, b1360, b1463, b1693, b1708, b1736, b1738, b1829, b1886, b1896, b1926, b1961, b2023, b2078, b2095, b2211, b2239, b2307, b2414, b2426, b2478, b2489, b2491, b2507, b2553, b2576, b2597, b2599, b2664, b2699, b2703, b2710, b2753, b2796, b2822, b3064, b3074, b3116, b3129, b3160, b3166, b3169, b3172, b3231, b3256, b3260, b3430, b3457, b3462, b3578, b3619, b3644, b3684, b3767, b3791, b3919, b3926, b3936, b3938, b3966, b3983, b4004, b4054, b4063, b4074, b4122, b4129, b4139, b4232, b4239, b4327, b4346, b4401, YAL049C, YBL015W, YBR084W, YBR089C-A, YBR184W, YBR204C, YCL038C, YCR012W, YCR059C, YDL127W, YDR271C, YDR316W, YDR447C, YDR513W, YEL045C, YEL046C, YER152C, YER156C, YER173W, YER174C, YFL019C, YFL050C, YFL053W, YFR007W, YFR042W, YGL205W, YGL237C, YGR101W, YGR104C, YGR261C, YHR072W, YHR072W-A, YHR130C, YHR189W, YHR201C, YIL150C, YJL055W, YJL072C, YJL099W, YKL132C, YKR057W, YLL013C, YLR082C, YLR089C, YLR224W, YLR255C, YLR375W, YOR024W, YOR044W, YOR084W, YOR245C, YOR317W, YOR344C, YOR350C, YPL099C, YPL268W, YPRO24W, YPR138C and YPR172W and/or b0021, b0043, b0134, b0186, b0186, b0328, b0677, b0734, b0763, b0895, b0895, b1054, b1183, b1217, b1249, b1292, b1874, b2110, b2696, b2901, b3025, b3091, b3335, b3709, b3825, b3924, b4101, b4113, b4242, b4359, YGL005C and/or YML005W, or a fragment thereof, which confers an increase or a decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical as shown in Table X and/or indicated in Table IX in an organism or a part thereof; b) a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence as indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7, and encoding a polypeptide as defined in (a) and named in Table X and/or IX and/or a sequence as indicated in Table V columns 5 or 7, c) a nucleic acid molecule whose sequence can be deduced from a polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of (a) or (b) as result of the degeneracy of the genetic code and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; d) a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which has at least 90% identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and conferring an increase or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; e) a nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes with a nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) under stringent hybridization conditions and conferring an increase in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; f) a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, the polypeptide being derived by substituting, deleting and/or adding one or more amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d) and conferring an increase or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; g) a nucleic acid molecule encoding a fragment or an epitope of a polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (e) and conferring an increase or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; h) a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid molecule which is obtained by amplifying nucleic acid molecules from a cDNA library or a genomic library using the primers pairs having a sequence as indicated in Table III, columns 7, and corresponding to a polypeptide as defined in (a) and named in Table X and/or IX, and/or primers pairs as indicated in Table VII, and conferring an increase or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; i) a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated with the aid of monoclonal antibodies against a polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to (h) and conferring an increase or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; j) a nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table IV, columns 7, and corresponding to a polypeptide as defined in (a) and named in Table X and/or IX, and/or the consensus sequence having a sequences as indicated in Table VIII, columns 7 and conferring an increase or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; k) a nucleic acid molecule comprising one or more of the nucleic acid molecules encoding the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide comprising a domain of a polypeptide indicated in Table II, columns 5 or 7, and as defined in (a) and named in Table X, and/or as indicated in Table VI columns 5 or 7, and conferring an increase or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; and l) a nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable library under stringent conditions with a probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (k) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (k) and conferring an increase or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemical in an organism or a part thereof; or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.
 37. The process of claim 34, wherein one or more fine chemicals are isolated.
 38. A host cell which exhibits a metabolic profile according to any of the column as depicted in Table X and/or to any line as depicted in Table IX.
 39. A process for the identification of a compound conferring a metabolic profile as shown in Table X or in Table IX in a cell, plant or microorganism, comprising the steps: (a) culturing a plant cell or tissue or microorganism or maintaining a plant expressing a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 36 a) conferring an increase or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemicals in an organism or a part thereof and a readout system capable of interacting with the polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction of the polypeptide with said readout system in the presence of a compound or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response to the binding of a compound to said polypeptide under conditions which permit the expression of said readout system and of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of claim 42 a) conferring an increase or decrease in the amount of the respective fine chemicals in an organism or a part thereof; and (b) identifying if the compound is an effective agonist by detecting the presence or absence or increase of a signal produced by said readout system.
 40. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase or decrease in fine chemical production in a cell according to the metabolic profile disclosed in Table X and/or in Table IX, comprising the following steps: (a) contacting the nucleic acid molecules of a sample, which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase or decrease in one or more fine chemicals according to Table X and/or Table IX after expression with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 36 a); (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of claim 36 a); (c) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells appropriate for producing one or more fine chemicals according to Table X; (d) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (e) assaying the level of one or more fine chemicals according to Table X and/or Table IX in the host cells; and (f) identifying a nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers an increase or decrease in the level of one or more fine chemicals according to Table X and/or Table IX in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.
 41. A method for the identification of a gene product conferring an increase or decrease in fine chemical production in a cell according to the metabolic profile disclosed in Table X and/or Table IX in a cell, comprising the following steps: (a) identifying in a data bank nucleic acid molecules of an organism; which can contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an increase or decrease in the level of one or more fine chemicals according to Table X and/or Table IX in an organism or a part thereof after expression, and which are at least 90% homologous to the nucleic acid molecule of claim 42 a); (b) introducing the candidate nucleic acid molecules in host cells appropriate for producing a metabolic profile according to Table X and/or Table IX; (c) expressing the identified nucleic acid molecules in the host cells; (d) assaying the metabolic profile in the host cells; and (e) identifying a nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which expression confers the desired metabolic profile according to Table X and/or Table IX in the host cell after expression compared to the wild type.
 42. A process for the production of a composition of fine chemicals comprising (a) increasing or generating the activity of one or more b0019, b0050, b0057, b0112, b0124, b0138, b0149, b0161, b0175, b0196, b0251, b0252, b0255, b0376, b0462, b0464, b0486, b0577, b0651, b0695, b0730, b0828, b0847, b0849, b0880, b0970, b0986, b1097, b1284, b1318, b1343, b1360, b1463, b1693, b1708, b1736, b1738, b1829, b1886, b1896, b1926, b1961, b2023, b2078, b2095, b2211, b2239, b2307, b2414, b2426, b2478, b2489, b2491, b2507, b2553, b2576, b2597, b2599, b2664, b2699, b2703, b2710, b2753, b2796, b2822, b3064, b3074, b3116, b3129, b3160, b3166, b3169, b3172, b3231, b3256, b3260, b3430, b3457, b3462, b3578, b3619, b3644, b3684, b3767, b3791, b3919, b3926, b3936, b3938, b3966, b3983, b4004, b4054, b4063, b4074, b4122, b4129, b4139, b4232, b4239, b4327, b4346, b4401, YAL049C, YBL015W, YBR084W, YBR089C-A, YBR184W, YBR204C, YCL038C, YCR012W, YCR059C, YDL127W, YDR271C, YDR316W, YDR447C, YDR513W, YEL045C, YEL046C, YER152C, YER156C, YER173W, YER174C, YFL019C, YFL050C, YFL053W, YFR007W, YFR042W, YGL205W, YGL237C, YGR101W, YGR104C, YGR261C, YHR072W, YHR072W-A, YHR130C, YHR189W, YHR201C, YIL150C, YJL055W, YJL072C, YJL099W, YKL132C, YKR057W, YLL013C, YLR082C, YLR089C, YLR224W, YLR255C, YLR375W, YOR024W, YOR044W, YOR084W, YOR245C, YOR317W, YOR344C, YOR350C, YPL099C, YPL268W, YPRO24W, YPR138C and/or YPR172W and/or b0021, b0043, b0134, b0186, b0186, b0328, b0677, b0734, b0763, b0895, b0895, b1054, b1183, b1217, b1249, b1292, b1874, b2110, b2696, b2901, b3025, b3091, b3335, b3709, b3825, b3924, b4101, b4113, b4242, b4359, YGL005C and/or YML005W protein(s) or homologs thereof, having the sequence of a polypeptide encoded by a corresponding nucleic acid molecule indicated in Table I, columns 5 or 7 or indicated in Table V columns 5 or 7, in a non-human organism or in one or more parts thereof; and (b) growing the organism under conditions which permit production of a composition of fine chemicals in said organism in a relative ratio as indicated in Table X and/or IX, wherein a numerical value greater than “1” stands for an increase of a metabolite content, a numerical value less than “1” stands for a decrease of a metabolite content, compared to the wild type cell, microorganism, plant cell, plant, plant tissue or one or more parts thereof and no number in Table X means a numerical value of “1” concerning the metabolite profile, which is essentially identical to the metabolite profile of the wild type, wherein said composition is a biological composition.
 43. A biological composition of fine chemicals in a defined ratio produced by the process of claim
 42. 44. A method of diagnosis of the level of expression of the nucleic acid molecule of claim 36 a) by (a) measuring the metabolic content in a microorganism, a plant cell, a plant, a plant tissue or in one or more parts thereof; and (b) comparing the metabolic content with the relative metabolic profile as depicted in Table X and/or IX. 